Patients | Procedures

Inspire Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator

Inspire therapy consists of a breathing sensor and a stimulation lead, powered by a small battery. Implanted during a short, outpatient procedure, Inspire therapy continuously monitors your breathing while you sleep. The system delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles, and gently moves the tongue and other soft tissues out of the airway so you can breathe during sleep. Using the small handheld sleep remote, simply turn Inspire therapy on at night before bed and off in the morning when you wake up.

You might be a candidate for Inspire therapy if:

  • you have moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (AHI of 20 to 65)
  • you are unable to use or get consistent benefit from CPAP
  • you are not significantly overweight
  • you are over the age of 22

Post-Operative Expectations:

Recovery time after surgery will vary from patient to patient, but you can expect some pain and swelling at the small incision sites for a few days after the implant. Based on your recovery, you may be able to go home the same day of your procedure, or your Inspire therapy-trained doctor may want to keep you overnight.

​Within a few days following the procedure, you should be able to return to normal non-strenuous activities. You should avoid strenuous activities for about two weeks, or as directed by your Inspire therapy-trained doctor. A week after surgery, your doctor will examine you to make sure you are healing properly. Most patients have a full recovery within a couple of weeks.