Can’t Tolerate CPAP? Inspire Sleep Apnea Therapy May Be the Answer.

Sleep apnea is a disorder you shouldn’t ignore. However, many people find traditional CPAP machines uncomfortable, cumbersome, claustrophobic, and even embarrassing. 

Unfortunately, this response also keeps them from getting the treatment they need to avoid health complications. 

But there’s another option — Inspire® therapy.

At Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine in Algonquin, Illinois, our team understands that any sleep apnea treatment is only effective when used. That’s why we partner with The ENT Care Center in nearby Barrington to offer Inspire therapy.

In this blog, learn what sets Inspire apart from traditional CPAP treatment for sleep apnea.

The dangers of sleep apnea

Before exploring the Inspire advantage, it’s essential to understand why it’s crucial to treat sleep apnea.

When you have this condition, you repeatedly stop breathing while sleeping. Without enough oxygen, your system has to work harder than necessary. That increases your risk of numerous complications, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Stroke
• Cognitive impairment

It can even shorten your lifespan.

Fortunately, sleep apnea treatments can help you avoid these risks. However, you have to use them for them to be effective.

That’s where Inspire comes in.

How Inspire works

In the past, the best option for sleep apnea was a CPAP machine. It delivers continuous airflow through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep.

But Inspire has changed the game. It doesn’t use masks, cords, hoses, or air, for that matter. Instead, it’s a small, FDA-approved, implantable device that delivers gentle electrical pulses to keep your airway open. You simply turn on Inspire with a remote — and then go to sleep.

What to expect from Inspire

The process starts with an airway exam. Your provider uses a tiny camera to confirm you’re a good candidate. It usually takes about 20 minutes and involves little to no discomfort.

You might be a good candidate for Inspire if you:

• Are over 22 years of age
• Aren’t significantly overweight
• Can’t tolerate or benefit from CPAP therapy
• Live with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea

Once approved for Inspire, you can move forward with implantation.

Implanting the generator and electrodes takes about 90 minutes, and you go home the same day. The Inspire implant gets placed near your collarbone, and you can often resume non-strenuous activity within a few days.

When you return for your follow-up appointment, your provider activates your device and shows you how to use the remote. They also guide you through your step-by-step plan so you can incorporate Inspire therapy into your daily life.

Then, you’re ready to go — and you can track your results on the Inspire app to ensure you meet your sleep goals. This system even makes it easy to share data with your doctor at the push of a button.

Best of all? About 94% of patients say they’d recommend Inspire and that it’s better than their CPAP machine.

Do you struggle with CPAP treatment? Contact Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine by phone or online today to see if Inspire therapy could be a better option.