No mask. No hose. Just sleep.
ENT Associates is proud to offer Inspire V™, the latest generation of Inspire®, the only FDA-approved implantable treatment for people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who cannot use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. Unlike CPAP, it works from inside the body with the patient’s natural breathing process.
Dr. Mitchell B. Miller, Dr. Faisal Merchant, and Dr. Dipan Desai are three of the only area physicians to offer this innovative, safe, and effective procedure.
What is Inspire & How Does it Work?
Inspire is an upper airway stimulation approach to sleep apnea that works inside the patient’s body. It involves a small implantable pacemaker-like device which stabilizes the throat while sleeping by providing gentle stimulation to throat muscles and allowing the airway to remain open during sleep.
What is the Inspire V System?
The Inspire V implant is the latest iteration of the Inspire technology … reflecting innovative advancements designed for enhanced patient comfort, a shorter, simplified procedure, and more efficient patient management.
While earlier versions of Inspire have already transformed lives across the country, this newest generation brings some significant improvements:
- Integrated Respiratory Sensor – Older models required a separate sensing lead to detect your breathing. The Inspire V integrates that sensor directly into the device, simplifying the sleep apnea implant procedure and reducing surgical steps.
- Updated Neurostimulator – The advanced neurostimulator delivers more precise airway stimulation, helping keep your airway open without over- or under-stimulating the muscles.
- Bluetooth-Enabled Remote & Programmer – Patients receive a small, sleep apnea remote control device to turn the system on at bedtime and off in the morning. Physicians can now adjust settings wirelessly, improving convenience and fine-tuning for each patient’s needs.
How does the implantation work?
The Inspire V device gets implanted along the right side of the neck and chest wall during a two- to three-hour 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. The small sensor in the chest wall monitors the patient’s breathing and sends mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway.
How well does it work?
The device battery lasts approximately ten to eleven years, after which it can be replaced during a brief outpatient surgery.
Who is a candidate?
Inspire therapy was FDA-approved in 2014 and is in use by over 10,000 patients worldwide. The therapy is specifically for patients who are:
- Diagnosed with moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Unable to use or get benefit from CPAP
- Not obese
- Age 18+
The first step is to schedule a consultation with our trained physicians to evaluate your overall health status and perform an examination of your airway anatomy to determine if Inspire therapy might be a suitable alternative for you.
What to Expect
Learn more about the procedure, and what to expect by watching this short video.
TESTIMOMIALS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Inspire therapy covered by insurance?
Inspire therapy is being reviewed and approved by insurance providers on a case-by-case basis. The Insurance Team at Inspire Medical Systems, your Inspire trained doctor and you will work as 
a team to gain insurance approval. 75% of people who submit for insurance approval get it and the procedure is not scheduled until it’s been approved.
Will Inspire therapy help with snoring?
Data from the STAR clinical trial showed that 86% of bed partners reported either no snoring or soft snoring by their partners using Inspire therapy after twelve months.
What does the stimulation feel like?
You should feel a mild sensation from the stimulation. Typically, patients feel a tingling sensation or mild contraction in their tongue muscles. The stimulation should not be painful or uncomfortable and the level is adjustable. Your Inspire therapy-trained doctor will make any adjustments as needed.
How long does the battery in Inspire therapy last?
The battery in Inspire therapy is designed to last for approximately 11 years. The battery cannot be recharged so once the battery runs out, you will need to have it replaced. This is a very common procedure with many implanted devices, including pacemakers.
For more FAQs click here.
Click here to download the Inspire Therapy for Sleep Apnea Patient Guide
