Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more than just loud snoring. It’s a chronic condition that can disrupt your sleep, strain your heart and lungs, and increase the risk of serious health issues over time. For years, treatment options were limited, with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy being the go-to recommendation. However, for many patients, CPAP simply isn’t sustainable.
At Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, we understand how difficult it can be to live with sleep apnea and how frustrating it can be when traditional treatments don’t work for you. That’s why we’re proud to offer Inspire® for sleep apnea, a modern, implantable treatment that supports breathing without the need for a face mask.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to collapse and interrupting normal breathing. These pauses in breathing can last several seconds and may happen dozens or even hundreds of times each night. For many people, this leads to:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Restless sleep or waking up frequently
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Daytime fatigue, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating
Left untreated, OSA is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and metabolic issues. While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, persistent snoring, especially when paired with other symptoms, should be evaluated by a sleep specialist or ENT.
Why CPAP Isn’t Always the Right Fit
CPAP machines work by delivering continuous air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. When used consistently, they are highly effective. However, long-term use can be difficult. Some of the most common challenges patients face include:
- Difficulty tolerating the mask
- Feeling claustrophobic
- Skin irritation or facial pressure sores
- Mask leaks or machine noise
- Disrupted sleep due to discomfort
If you’ve tried CPAP and found it hard to use consistently, you’re not alone. Studies show that almost 50% of patients stop using it or never begin treatment with it at all.
What Is Inspire for Sleep Apnea?
Inspire is an FDA-approved treatment for people with obstructive sleep apnea who have tried and struggled with CPAP. Unlike CPAP, Inspire doesn’t rely on external equipment or a mask.
Instead, Inspire is a small implanted device that delivers gentle pulses to move your tongue out of the way each time you take a breath, keeping your airway open while you sleep.
Here’s how it works:
The implant includes a small pulse generator, a breathing sensor, and a stimulation lead.
The device is controlled by a handheld remote. You turn it on before bed and off when you wake up.
As you sleep, the system monitors your breathing and delivers mild stimulation to keep your airway open.
Plus, the Inspire app tracks your sleep goals and allows you to share data directly with your doctor.
There’s no mask, no tubing, and no noisy machine. Patients typically don’t feel the stimulation during the night. It simply helps the body breathe naturally without interruption.
Is Inspire for Sleep Apnea Right for You?
You may be a candidate for Inspire therapy if you:
- Are 18 or older
- Have been diagnosed with moderate to severe OSA
- Have tried and struggled with CPAP
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, our team can help. At Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, we begin with a full medical evaluation, including a review of your sleep study, airway assessment, and imaging if needed. If you’re a good candidate for Inspire, we’ll walk you through the next steps, from procedure to activation and follow-up care.
A Personalized Approach to Sleep Health
At Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, we take a personalized approach to treatment, starting with a conversation about your symptoms, sleep history, and treatment experience. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or searching for an alternative after years of struggling with CPAP, Inspire may be the right next step.
We’re proud to offer Inspire therapy in Tampa Bay and surrounding areas, with a dedicated team of physicians trained in its evaluation, implantation, and long-term management.
Meet Our Inspire Therapy Physicians
- Pierre Y. Musy, MD, PhD
- Nicholas W. Pritchard, MD
- Ryan Thorwarth, MD
- Trevor W. Getz, MD
- Adrian Chow, MD, MS
- Jacob Poynter, MD
Let’s Talk About Your Next Step
If sleep apnea is interfering with your health, your energy, or your quality of life, Inspire for sleep apnea may offer the relief you’ve been waiting for.
Click here to schedule a consultation with Florida E.N.T. & Allergy today and find out whether Inspire is right for you. We’re here to help you breathe and sleep better.