From the Research
The Inspire sleep apnea device works by delivering mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement, during sleep, and is a highly effective treatment option for patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Key Components of the Device
- A small generator placed under the skin in the upper chest
- A breathing sensor lead that detects breathing patterns
- A stimulation lead connected to the hypoglossal nerve
How the Device Works
When the device detects that the patient is about to take a breath during sleep, it sends an electrical impulse to the nerve, causing the tongue to move forward and open the airway, preventing obstruction that causes sleep apnea.
Patient Control and Procedure
Patients control the device with a small handheld remote, turning it on before sleep and off upon waking. The implantation procedure is performed as outpatient surgery under general anesthesia, and most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, though the device is usually activated about a month after surgery to allow for healing, as noted in earlier studies 2, 3, 4, 5.
Effectiveness and Recommendations
The device has been shown to be effective in reducing sleep apnea severity and improving quality of life, with significant reductions in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and improvements in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores, as demonstrated in the latest systematic review and meta-analysis 1. Inspire therapy is typically recommended for patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy, and is considered a highly effective alternative treatment option.