Sleep Therapy

An Alternative to CPAP for People With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Normally, air flows smoothly from the nose through the throat’s flexible structures, such as the soft palate, uvula, and tongue, while the muscles keep the airway open. However, during sleep, these muscles relax but still allow the airway to remain open. 

Sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked, significantly reducing or completely stopping airflow. This blockage causes oxygen levels to drop in both the brain and the blood, leading to periods of shallow breathing or pauses in breathing.

Sleep apnea can lead to numerous health complications if left untreated, including daytime fatigue, cardiovascular issues, and impaired concentration.

What is Inspire Therapy?

Inspire therapy is a mask-free treatment option for people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who have tried and struggled with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).1

With an easy-to-use system, Inspire therapy enables you to control your OSA treatment from the palm of your hand.

How it Works

During sleep, your tongue relaxes. If you have OSA, your tongue relaxes into a position that blocks your airway.

When your airway is blocked you get less oxygen to your brain, triggering you to wake up to take a breath. This cycle happens repeatedly, preventing quality sleep.

The Inspire implant delivers gentle pulses that move your tongue out of the way each time you take a breath, keeping your airway open while you sleep. No mask or hose required.

The Inspire System

Is Inspire Therapy 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

Meet Our Inspire Therapy Physicians

See Our Physicians

Pierre Y. Musy, M.D., PhD

Nicholas W. Pritchard, M.D.

Ryan Thorwarth, M.D.

Trevor W. Getz, M.D.

Adrian Chow, M.D., MS

Jacob Poynter, MD

Patient Testimonials

Dr. Theodore Berlingeri

When referring out my patients to an ENT, I only trust Dr. Shelly Jaquish! She has often found answers to things that other Otolaryngologists seem to miss. Feedback I get often from my patients is that she takes her time to carefully explain everything to them in addition to being caring & compassionate.

David Thornhill

Dr French was A++ helping me understand the ins and outs of my hearing needs. I highly recommend her.

Thomas O’Leary

Dr. Cameron French is an awesome audiologist. She handled my MILs hearing aid problems with professionalism and compassion. I would highly recommend her if you, or a loved one, has hearing difficulties.

Kerrin Axmacher

Wonderfully professional office…runs like a well oiled machine… full of friendly, helpful and lovely people …Doctor Hsu is terrific !!

Lisa Cohen

Florida ENT AND Dr. Musy was great.

Ivan Fuenmayor

Buenas tardes necesito una limpieza de oído, tengo el tímpano perforado y no puede ser con un tratamiento normal, quería saber si uds me pueden ayudar con la limpieza saludos

Judi Beckman

It is a super nice place and location (of which they have many). The staff is super friendly while the doctor is absolutely fabulous. Highly recommend!

Nadia Riback

I have been in and out of hospitals and doctor appointments with myself and my son with Allergies and Questions. I can’t explain how satisfied I’ve felt since I have met and been seen by Dr. Nofsinger!
Extremely informative, her staff and herself is able to answer all of my questions, which are a lot! Very caring and helpful. They call with questions, answers, concerns…I truly appreciate their patience. They have definitely gained my trust. We couldn’t be happier!
Thank you!

Maria Arruda

Dr. Thornwarth and his staff are very professional and extremely thorough. I will continue to come here for my E.N.T. care.

Mike Carta

My experiences with this office and Dr. Hsu have only been excellent. I was seen promptly for every appointment. Dr. Hsu is very thorough and generous with his time. He happily discusses my case and answers all questions clearly. I wish all of my docs were sop good!

See if You Qualify for Inspire Sleep Therapy!

Schedule an appointment with one of our providers today to see if Inspire therapy may be right for you. We will discuss your current therapy, examine your airways and answer any questions you have on Inspire.

About Inspire

How does Inspire therapy work?

The small Inspire® implant delivers gentle pulses to your airway muscles to keep your airway open while you sleep so you can breathe regularly and sleep soundly. Inspire therapy is turned on and controlled by the small handheld Inspire remote.

Does insurance cover Inspire therapy?

Inspire therapy is covered by most commercial insurers, Medicare and Veterans Affairs (VA) for those who have tried and struggled with CPAP. Most insurance policies include the pre-screening airway exam, procedure and any follow-up appointments. However, different plans can result in varying out-of-pocket expenses.

Our team is happy to verify your insurance benefits before your appointment.

Inspire Therapy Treatment Process

What is an airway exam?

An airway exam is a simple test to check if the Inspire implant will work for you. Your doctor will use a tiny camera to look inside your airway. It usually takes about 20 minutes, and people feel little to no discomfort. When you’re done, we will know if Inspire therapy is right for you.

What is the procedure and recovery like?

During a 90-minute outpatient procedure, one of our Inspire-trained physicians will make two small incisions to insert the Inspire implant and connect the implant to the nerve in the neck that controls the tongue.

After the procedure, most people take over-the-counter pain medication and, within a few days, can resume non-strenuous activities.

Life With Inspire Therapy

What does Inspire therapy feel like?

Inspire therapy feels like a mild muscle contraction. It should not be painful or uncomfortable. The stimulation is very gentle and designed to move the tongue forward without disturbing your sleep.

Will Inspire therapy stop my snoring?

79% of patients experience a reduction in sleep apnea events after Inspire¹

90% of bed partners report no snoring or soft snoring after Inspire¹

91% of patients say Inspire therapy is better than CPAP³

References
  1. ADHERE Registry: Data on File
  2. Suurna MV, Steffen A, Boon M, et al. Impact of Body Mass Index and Discomfort on Upper Airway Stimulation: ADHERE Registry 2020 Update. Laryngoscope 2021; 131(11): 2616-2624
  3. Bosschieter et al. Similar effect of hypoglossal nerve stimulation for OSA in five disease categories. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022 Jun 1;18(6):1657-166.