Inspire™ Procedure

Inspire is an exciting technological development for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. This FDA-approved medical device can provide the relief you so badly need without struggling to deal with a bulky and uncomfortable CPAP machine.

Find your ENT Request Appointment

At South Florida ENT Associates, we are committed to helping you achieve relief from sleep apnea. We offer the option of the Inspire system as an alternative to CPAP, surgery, or other treatment for sleep apnea.

smiling man with glasses and a white beard being assisted by a nurse

How does Inspire Work?

This innovative system works with your natural body processes by delivering mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, which has the function of controlling tongue and muscle motion in the airways of the body. The mild stimulation that is delivered by the Inspire device to the hypoglossal nerve leads to healthy night breathing.

Why Treating Sleep Apnea is Important

Inspire can help treat obstructive sleep apnea. While most know that sleep apnea can interfere with peaceful sleeping, they may not always realize it’s also associated with other health risks.

Sleep apnea has been identified as a possible precursor to severe health conditions, including heart disease, heart attack, stroke, or memory loss. Treating the condition quickly and correctly can go a long way in protecting your health.

At South Florida ENT Associates, our team of board-certified ear, nose, and throat specialists are happy to discuss this innovative treatment with you in an initial consultation to evaluate your case of sleep apnea.

Benefits of Inspire

Inspire makes treating sleep apnea more effortless than ever. Some of the most significant benefits include:

No large machines, masks, or hoses
No nighttime noise
A safe, FDA-approved treatment

In addition, 90% of bed partners report their partners are no longer snoring after Inspire, and 96% of patients say Inspire is better than CPAP and would recommend it to others.

About SFENTA

SFENTA has worked hard over the last 30 years to make ENT care easier and more accessible. Today, with over 50 highly-trained ENT providers and more than 30 locations, SFENTA is prepared to address a wide range of ENT concerns and provide state-of-the-art treatments.

Our office provides each patient with:

Patient-Centered Care

We take the time to understand our patient's symptoms and needs, and we ensure a treatment plan designed to fit your unique lifestyle.

Continuity of Care

We believe that comprehensive care should always be the goal. We address each of your symptoms to make sure you find lasting relief.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

Our provider network was created with collaboration in mind. When our providers work together — sharing knowledge and clinical expertise — we create better patient outcomes.

The Security of a Community Staple

With over 30 locations across Southern Florida, you can be certain that we’re always here for you.

You Might be a Candidate for Inspire Therapy If:

You have moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea
You are unable to use or get consistent benefit from CPAP
You are not significantly overweight
You are over the age of 22

An Inspire therapy-trained doctor will also evaluate your overall health status and perform a physical examination of your airway to determine if Inspire therapy might be a suitable CPAP alternative for you.

About Inspire Surgery

The Inspire surgery is minor and is performed on an outpatient basis. The Inspire system is placed beneath the skin of the neck and chest, and involves only two small incisions. As the incisions are small, recovery time is typically very short. It’s normal to experience pain and swelling for a few days. This can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. In only a few days, patients can resume normal activities and full recovery is expected within one or two weeks, based upon the individual’s rate of healing.

FAQ

What does Inspire therapy feel like?

Inspire therapy nerve stimulation is not uncomfortable. Patients report a mild tingling sensation or a mild contraction of the tongue. The stimulation level is adjustable and will be customized to suit you and your response to the treatment. The stimulation provided by the system is controlled with a remote, and can be turned on and off as needed. The treatment involves simply activating the device before sleep and then turning it off when you awaken.

Will my health insurance pay for Inspire?

The first step in determining if your insurance will pay for this treatment is to meet with us so that we can evaluate your condition. If you have tried other treatments without success, your health insurance may pay for some or all the procedure depending upon your plan. We help our patients get insurance questions answered, and we can work with you to seek approval from your provider for this advanced treatment.