Experience the Freedom of Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment
The Inspire procedure offers a proven solution without masks, hoses, or nightly equipment - with 94% patient satisfaction and 79% reduction in sleep events.
60-Minute Outpatient Procedure
Minimally invasive surgery with same-day discharge
- No masks, hoses, or equipment
- Sleep in any position comfortably
- Travel without bulky equipment
- Restore intimacy and relationships
What is the Inspire Procedure?
The Inspire procedure is a revolutionary FDA-approved treatment that works with your body's natural breathing to keep your airway open during sleep—without masks, hoses, or equipment.
How Inspire Addresses the Root Cause
Unlike CPAP, which forces air through your airway, Inspire therapy works by gently stimulating the key airway muscles that keep your breathing passage open. This approach treats the underlying cause of obstructive sleep apnea rather than just managing symptoms.
Advanced Technology: The Inspire system monitors your breathing 24/7 and delivers precisely timed stimulation synchronized with your natural breathing pattern.
Natural Sleep
Sleep in any position without equipment restrictions
Relationship Benefits
Restore intimacy and eliminate equipment barriers
Smart Technology
Automatically adjusts to your breathing patterns
The Three-Component System
All components work together seamlessly
Generator
Controls stimulation timing
Breathing Sensor
Monitors natural breathing
Stimulation Lead
Activates airway muscles
Simple Operation: Just use the small remote control to turn on before sleep. The system handles everything else automatically.
Clinical Results Speak for Themselves
Based on extensive clinical trials and real-world patient outcomes
How the Inspire Procedure Works
Understanding the simple, natural process that restores your sleep and transforms your life
Your Nightly Routine: Simple as 1-2-3
No masks, no hoses, no daily maintenance—just natural sleep
Before Sleep
During Sleep
Upon Waking
The Science Behind Inspire
Root Cause Treatment
Inspire addresses the underlying cause of obstructive sleep apnea—airway muscle collapse during sleep. By providing precisely timed stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, it activates the key muscles that keep your airway open.
Synchronized Breathing
The breathing sensor continuously monitors your natural breathing rhythm. Stimulation occurs only during inspiration, allowing your muscles to relax naturally during exhalation—maintaining your body's normal sleep physiology.
Gentle and Effective
Most patients report no sensation during stimulation. The mild electrical impulses are precisely calibrated to be effective while remaining comfortable—strong enough to keep airways open, gentle enough not to disturb sleep.
Inspire vs. CPAP: A Clear Difference
See How Inspire Changes Lives
Watch real patients share their journey from CPAP struggle to Inspire success
Who Performs Inspire Procedures?
Only specially trained, board-certified surgeons with extensive experience in sleep surgery and airway procedures are qualified to perform Inspire implantation.
Required Qualifications
Board Certification
ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) surgeons certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology with subspecialty training in sleep surgery techniques.
Inspire Certification
Completed comprehensive Inspire training program including hands-on surgical training, device programming, and patient selection criteria.
Sleep Surgery Experience
Minimum 5 years of experience in sleep-related surgeries, including upper airway reconstruction and sleep apnea surgical treatments.
Ongoing Education
Mandatory annual continuing education in Inspire therapy updates, new techniques, and patient care protocols to maintain certification.
Training Requirements
What every Inspire surgeon must complete
Phase 1: Didactic Training
- • Patient selection criteria and contraindications
- • Anatomy and physiology of upper airway stimulation
- • Device components and functionality
- • Pre-operative evaluation techniques (DISE)
Phase 2: Hands-On Surgical Training
- • Live surgical procedures with expert mentorship
- • Proper lead placement techniques
- • Intraoperative testing and troubleshooting
- • Complication prevention and management
Phase 3: Post-Op Management
- • Device activation and programming protocols
- • Patient education and remote control training
- • Follow-up schedules and optimization techniques
- • Long-term maintenance and troubleshooting
Quality Assurance: All Inspire surgeons must maintain minimum case volumes and participate in ongoing outcome reporting to ensure optimal patient results.
Inspire Surgeon Network
Nationwide network of qualified specialists
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
Experience & Volume
"How many Inspire procedures have you performed? What is your success rate?"
Patient Selection
"How do you determine if I'm a good candidate? What testing is required?"
Follow-up Care
"What does post-operative care look like? How often will we meet for optimization?"
Complications
"What complications have you encountered? How do you handle them?"
Red Flags to Avoid
Limited Experience
Surgeons with fewer than 10 Inspire procedures may lack experience
Rushed Evaluation
Proper candidacy evaluation takes time and multiple tests
Guaranteed Results
No surgeon can guarantee specific outcomes or success rates
No DISE Required
DISE is mandatory for proper patient selection and safety
Find a Qualified Inspire Specialist
Connect with board-certified, Inspire-trained surgeons in your area who can properly evaluate your candidacy
Search Inspire Surgeons in Your AreaYour Inspire Journey: What to Expect
From initial consultation to life-changing results—a complete timeline of your path to CPAP-free sleep
Phase 1: Consultation & Evaluation
2-6 weeks
- • Comprehensive medical history review
- • Physical examination and airway assessment
- • DISE procedure to evaluate anatomy
- • Insurance pre-authorization
- • Education session about the procedure
Phase 2: The Procedure
1 day
- • 60-90 minute outpatient procedure
- • General anesthesia for comfort
- • Three small incisions (2-3 inches each)
- • System testing and optimization
- • Same-day discharge to home
Phase 3: Healing & Activation
4-6 weeks
- • Device remains off during healing
- • Follow-up appointments at 1 and 4 weeks
- • Gradual return to normal activities
- • Device activation at 4-week appointment
- • Initial programming and training
Phase 4: Optimization & Results
2-6 months
- • Weekly follow-ups to adjust settings
- • Gradual improvement in sleep quality
- • Partner feedback on snoring reduction
- • Energy levels and mood improvements
- • Maximum benefit typically by 6 months
Recovery Timeline Details
What to expect during your healing and optimization process
Week 1
- • Mild discomfort at incision sites
- • Limited arm movement
- • Device remains off
- • Follow-up appointment
Weeks 2-4
- • Gradual activity increase
- • Incisions continue healing
- • Device still inactive
- • Return to desk work
Month 2
- • Device activation
- • Initial programming
- • Learning remote control
- • First sleep improvements
Months 3-6
- • Setting optimization
- • Significant improvements
- • Maximum benefits reached
- • Annual follow-ups begin
Safety & Clinical Results
Extensive clinical trials and real-world data demonstrate Inspire's exceptional safety profile and effectiveness
Exceptional Safety Record
Successful procedure completion rate
Serious complication rate
Procedure-related deaths
Outstanding Clinical Results
Average reduction in sleep apnea events
Patient satisfaction rate
Partners report quiet or soft snoring
Insurance Coverage & Financial Options
Inspire therapy is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare, making this life-changing treatment accessible
Insurance Coverage
Coverage Requirements: Documentation of moderate to severe OSA, CPAP failure or intolerance, BMI ≤35, and appropriate anatomy via DISE.
Financial Assistance
Typical Cost: With insurance, most patients pay only their deductible and copay. Financial counselors available to discuss options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about the Inspire procedure
How painful is the Inspire procedure?
Most patients describe post-operative pain as moderate and manageable with prescribed medications. The discomfort is typically limited to the first few days and can be managed effectively with pain medication.
Will I be able to feel the device in my chest?
Initially, you may be aware of the device, similar to how people with pacemakers adapt. Within a few weeks, most patients report no longer noticing the implant.
How long will I be off work?
Most patients return to desk work within 1-2 days and physical work within 1-2 weeks, depending on the nature of their job and healing progress.
Will the stimulation keep me awake?
The vast majority of patients report that stimulation doesn't interfere with falling asleep or staying asleep. The sensation is described as very mild and rhythmic with breathing.
What if I forget to turn it on?
You'll likely notice the difference in sleep quality. The device needs to be manually activated each night for treatment to be effective.
Can I exercise and participate in sports?
After the initial healing period, there are no restrictions on physical activity. Many patients report improved exercise tolerance due to better sleep quality.
Is Inspire Right for You?
Consider these factors when making your decision about Inspire therapy
Ideal Inspire Candidates Say Yes to Most of These:
Start Your Journey to CPAP-Free Sleep
Don't let another night of poor sleep go by when effective treatment is available. Take the first step toward freedom from CPAP.
Get Started
Complete our 2-minute qualification assessment to understand your candidacy for Inspire therapy.
Find Specialist
Connect with a qualified Inspire-trained surgeon in your area for comprehensive evaluation.
Begin Treatment
Schedule your consultation and start your journey toward better sleep and improved quality of life.
Questions? Call us at 1-800-INSPIRE to speak with our patient support team.