
What are the dangers of Inspire?
Possible adverse effects include, but are not limited to, the following patient related conditions:Damage to blood vessels in the vicinity of implant.Excessive bleeding.Nerve trauma or damage.Allergic and/or rejection response to the implanted materials.Infection.Local irritation, seroma, hematoma, erosion, or swelling.More items...
How much does inspire implant cost?
Satisfactory. We learn: “The price tag for the Inspire device is $20,000, with surgery costing extra. Insurance companies are reviewing requests on a case-by-case basis.”May 18, 2017
Who is eligible for Inspire sleep?
You are eligible for Inspire Sleep Surgery if: You have moderate to severe OSA with a diagnostic sleep study in the past 2 years. You tried CPAP therapy and it didn't work. You do not have significant trouble falling asleep. You have a body mass index (BMI) of 32-35 or less.
Is inspire as effective as CPAP?
Inspire is indicated for patients age 18 and older who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe OSA, are unable to use or derive benefit from CPAP, and are not considered obese. Studies show the Inspire therapy is 75 to 80 percent effective in eliminating OSA.Jun 18, 2021
Who Cannot use inspire?
The Inspire® UAS system should not be used for the following: Types of apnea (central and mixed) other than obstructive are more than 25% of the total AHI. Any physical finding that would compromise the performance of upper airway stimulation, such as the presence of complete blockage of the upper airway.Jun 29, 2020
How long does inspire surgery take?
- The procedure to implant Inspire is typically an outpatient procedure lasting about 3 hours. For some special circumstances, your physician may recommend a single night stay in the hospital. - Pain after the procedure varies but for most patients is not severe.
Can Inspire be removed?
Inspire 002 Inspire therapy may not work for everyone. Your doctor may need to take additional steps to address your sleep apnea. There are additional risks associated with removing your system. If you and your doctor decide to remove the system, another surgery will be required.
Where is inspire implanted?
The device gets implanted along the right side of the neck and chest wall during a two or three hour long procedure under general anesthesia. After four weeks the device gets turned by the physician and patients use a small remote control to turn the device on at night and off in the morning when they wake up.
What is the success rate of Inspire?
Inspire boasts a high success rate. According to research from the STAR clinical trial, 86 percent of those living with someone diagnosed with sleep apnea reported either no snoring or only soft snoring after using Inspire for just 12 months.
How long does the Inspire battery last?
How long will the battery in Inspire last? The battery in Inspire is designed to last for approximately 11 years. Once it is running low, it is replaced during a simple outpatient procedure.Oct 14, 2020
What is the recovery time for Inspire?
Most patients will return to normal, non-strenuous activity in 1-2 weeks. However, strenuous physical activity increases heart rate and blood pressure, raising the risk of bleeding. In addition, it is important that all components of the Upper Airway Stimulation system heal in place.
How is the Inspire device implanted?
The implantation is done under general anesthesia using three small incisions under the chin, below the collar bone and along the side of the chest below the ribs. About four weeks after the implantation, the device will be activated followed by a post-operative sleep study to assure proper stimulation.
How Does Inspire Therapy Work?
This FDA-approved implantable upper airway stimulation device functions like a pacemaker and stabilizes a patient's throat during sleep in order to prevent obstruction.
Make an Appointment
To schedule an appointment with a University Hospitals sleep specialist, call 216-844-7378.
Am I eligible for Inspire Sleep?
Patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea may be eligible for Inspire Sleep Therapy.
What is Inspire for sleep apnea?
To start, let's talk about what sleep apnea is. It's a sleep disorder marked by frequent breathing interruptions that can last between 10 to 30 seconds. It's also often accompanied by loud snoring .
How much does the Inspire implant cost?
"A patient's financial responsibility varies based on the specifics of their individual insurance plan," Inspire told CNET. "In general, most patients will only be required to pay the applicable deductibles and copayments that exist for their insurance plan."
Should you get the Inspire implant?
For some people, Inspire may be the only real option for relief from OSA. Because of the need for surgery to place the Inspire implant, it likely isn't most people's first choice. Not to mention that battery replacements are needed every 11 years.
What is an inspire stimulator?
The Inspire stimulator is a surgically implanted device that activates the hypoglossal nerve to tighten the muscles of the tongue and upper airway during sleep, improving airflow and reducing sleep apnea. It is approved for use by those with:
Where is Inspire placed?
Inspire must be placed during surgery with general anesthesia in an operating room. Once you are determined to be a candidate, a specially trained ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist performs the surgery as an outpatient procedure.
How long does it take for the Inspire to work?
The device is turned on at one month. It is recommended to have an in-center sleep study at two months to assess its effectiveness and adjust the settings. Once placed, the Inspire stimulator can be activated before going to sleep. There is usually a delay of 30 minutes before the stimulation begins.
What is the best treatment for sleep apnea?
The first choice for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Success with this treatment requires proper mask fitting and optimal device settings.
Why is sleep apnea ineffective?
If the obstruction contributing to sleep apnea is occurring within the nose, due to allergies or a deviated nasal septum, it will be ineffective. Similarly, certain skeletal anatomy (such as a small or recessed lower jaw) may be a reason to not pursue the treatment.
Where is the stimulation wire placed?
The stimulation wire is placed leading to the hypoglossal nerve and wraps one of its distal branches. A second sensing lead is placed along the rib cage to detect breathing so the tongue muscle and airway can be stimulated at the proper time as breath is drawn in.
How long after a syringe surgery can you go home?
Most do not require the use of narcotic pain medications. It is recommended that strenuous activity be avoided for two to three weeks following the surgery. A regular diet can be consumed without any necessary modifications.
Patient Information
Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) is the only FDA-approved implantable treatment for people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a sleep disorder that affects more than 22 million Americans.
Meet Dr. Sveta Karelsky
Dr. Karelsky is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Rochester, specializing in surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
In the News
News 8: Inspire Device designed to stop sleep apnea and improve your sleep
Where is the Inspire Sleep device?
Inspire Sleep is a small device that is placed inside the throat and used during sleep to open your airway, helping you to inhale. The device is placed under the skin of your neck and chest during a short, minimally invasive procedure in an outpatient setting.
How long does the Inspire Sleep battery last?
The battery of the Inspire Sleep device will last around 10 years, after which your remote control will show you signals that the battery is low. You will need to see your physician in order to replace the battery, which is a short and easy procedure.
What is the difference between central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea?
Central sleep apnea – less common, this type of sleep apnea is attributed to the brain not sending adequate breathing signals to the muscles that control your breathing. Complex sleep apnea syndrome – occurs when both the obstructive and central sleep apnea exist at the same time and is also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea.
What causes sleep apnea in adults?
There are several factors that can cause sleep apnea in adults. The primary risk factor is obesity since fat deposits around the throat can press down on your upper airways and constrict normal breathing. The use of alcohol, smoking, and nasal congestion can all constrict your breathing as well.
What are the different types of sleep apnea?
What are the types of sleep apnea? 1 Obstructive sleep apnea – this is the most common type of sleep apnea, which occurs when the muscle tissue supporting your tongue and throat relax, obstructing your airway. 2 Central sleep apnea – less common, this type of sleep apnea is attributed to the brain not sending adequate breathing signals to the muscles that control your breathing. 3 Complex sleep apnea syndrome – occurs when both the obstructive and central sleep apnea exist at the same time and is also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea.
How many volts does an Inspire remote have?
The battery on your remote is a standard, 9-Volt battery which can be easily replaced. Simple to Use. The Inspire device can be used effortlessly at night and before sleep as it is activated with just the click of a button on your remote control.
Which side of the bed is best for sleep apnea?
Many sleep apnea patients are curious to know what sleep position is best for sleep apnea. Left side – sleeping on your left side is proven to be more effective at alleviating sleep apnea symptoms than sleeping on the right side. It also helps reduce acid reflux, which also triggers sleep apnea in some cases.

Treatment
- If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you may be interested in exploring surgical treatment options. One such option is the hypoglossal nerve stimulator called Inspire. What is Inspire? Who should consider using it and what are the side effects? Learn about the Inspire upper airway stimulator and whether it might be the right therapy for you. It is important to have a comprehen…
Overview
- The Inspire stimulator is a surgically implanted device that activates the hypoglossal nerve to tighten the muscles of the tongue and upper airway during sleep, improving airflow and reducing sleep apnea. It is approved for use by those with:
Contraindications
- There are also a few relative contraindications to the use of Inspire therapy. If the obstruction contributing to sleep apnea is occurring within the nose, due to allergies or a deviated nasal septum, it will be ineffective. Similarly, certain skeletal anatomy (such as a small or recessed lower jaw) may be a reason to not pursue the treatment. If tonsils are enlarged, surgery targetin…
Prognosis
- Most people who undergo Inspire surgery have moderate to severe sleep apnea and have failed CPAP therapy, despite their best efforts. They continue to have symptoms and may be desperate for an effective solution. Surgery may be appealing as a more permanent fix to a problem that may not otherwise go away. When the device is turned off, sleep apnea mostly returns. There ar…
Results
- After a consultation with the sleep surgeon, you will likely have a procedure called a drug-induced sleep endoscopy to assess your anatomy. In a controlled environment, a medication will be administered that causes unconsciousness and muscle relaxation. This helps to determine whether your airway collapses completely from all sides. If it does, surgery may not be effective …
Management
- Inspire airway stimulation is a relatively effective treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea when CPAP is not tolerated.
Cause
- About 1% developed skin infection or irritation (cellulitis) from the surgery and another 1% had to have another surgery to correct the device placement.
Side effects
- The treatment is generally well-tolerated once healing from surgery has occurred. Some people find the sensation within the tongue is uncomfortable when the device is activated during sleep. This rarely requires intervention. Additional side effects include:
Diagnosis
- If these symptoms persist, it may be important to discuss the severity and impacts with the surgeon.
Usage
- Once placed, the Inspire stimulator can be activated before going to sleep. There is usually a delay of 30 minutes before the stimulation begins. If you wake at night, the device can be paused. It is often set to turn off after 8 hours.
Cost
- How much does the treatment cost? The Inspire device presently costs about $30,000 to $40,000 to place, including the expenses associated with surgery, and the replacement of the battery can cost another $17,000. These costs may be covered by insurance.