Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has long been the gold standard treatment for people with obstructive sleep apnea. But for those who can’t (or don’t want to) use CPAP, a newer device, called Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation, may be an effective option. At Henry Ford, our sleep specialists can evaluate your condition to see if Inspire therapy may be the best solution for your sleep apnea.

What is Inspire therapy?

Inspire therapy is a device that is implanted under the skin of the neck and chest. Implanting it requires three small incisions to place the three components: a small generator, a breathing sensor lead and a stimulation lead. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and recovery generally takes a few days to a week. You will use a handheld remote to turn the device on before bed and off when you wake up.

How does Inspire therapy work?

When the device is turned on, it monitors your breathing patterns and delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles. This helps keep the airways open. This will not only treat sleep apnea, but has also been shown to help reduce or eliminate loud snoring associated with sleep apnea.

Who is a candidate for Inspire therapy?

Inspire therapy is designed for people with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. It is not recommended for those who are significantly overweight and it may not be as effective as CPAP for some patients. Your doctor will do a thorough evaluation of your health history as well as a physical examination of your airway. The findings will help determine if you would be a good candidate for this treatment option.