Inspire® Therapy
An implantable hypoglossal nerve stimulation option for eligible patients with OSA who cannot tolerate or benefit from PAP therapy.
Explore Inspire® TherapyPlease fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
An implantable, mask-free treatment option for carefully selected adults with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea who cannot use or tolerate PAP therapy.
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is an implantable treatment for selected adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who are unable to use or tolerate positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy.
It stimulates the nerve involved in tongue movement to help keep the airway open during sleep. For appropriate candidates, this offers an alternative to nightly CPAP or other PAP treatment.
Houston Sleep Health provides comprehensive evaluations to help determine whether an implantable treatment could fit your diagnosis and individual needs.
Explore your optionsThis treatment is not suitable for everyone with sleep apnea. In general, evaluation considers the factors listed here.
Eligibility depends on your diagnosis, OSA severity, medical history, upper-airway anatomy, previous treatment experience, and the requirements for the specific device.
A comprehensive assessment is needed before a recommendation can be made.
Request an evaluationOur sleep specialists evaluate whether an implantable approach may be appropriate. Inspire and Genio are options for selected patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea requires a different assessment.
For appropriately selected patients, hypoglossal nerve stimulation may offer the following benefits. Results vary, and careful selection and follow-up remain important.
An option that does not require wearing a CPAP mask while you sleep.
Treatment uses nerve stimulation instead of pressurized air from a PAP device.
Sleep without the tubing used to connect a CPAP machine to its mask.
For suitable patients, treatment may reduce obstructive breathing events during sleep.
Some patients experience less daytime sleepiness and improved quality of life.
A possible path for eligible patients who cannot use or tolerate PAP therapy.
An evaluation may be worth discussing if you have moderate-to-severe OSA and PAP has been difficult to tolerate or has not adequately controlled your condition.
Your medical history and other characteristics must also meet treatment criteria. Being interested in a mask-free alternative is a starting point for a conversation, rather than confirmation that you qualify.
Ask our team about hypoglossal nerve stimulation and other implantable sleep apnea options.
Talk with our teamWe start with a thorough review of your sleep health, then help you understand the treatment approaches that fit your needs.
Schedule an evaluationWe review your sleep study, symptoms, medical history, and previous sleep apnea treatments.
We consider whether PAP therapy or an alternative approach is appropriate for your individual needs.
When appropriate, we evaluate whether you may be a candidate for an implantable treatment option.
We discuss options that fit your diagnosis, health, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
Learn more about candidacy, implantable options, and what your evaluation involves.
Ask our teamIt is an implantable therapy for selected people with obstructive sleep apnea. Stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve helps support tongue movement and keep the airway open during sleep.
Evaluation generally considers moderate-to-severe OSA, difficulty with PAP, upper-airway anatomy, medical history, and device-specific criteria. Insurance requirements also vary. A comprehensive assessment is needed.
For appropriately selected patients who cannot use or tolerate PAP, it may be an alternative. Your sleep specialist can assess whether it is suitable or whether another approach better meets your needs.
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is intended for obstructive sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is different. The remedē system is a separate implantable nerve-stimulation treatment that may be considered for appropriate patients with central sleep apnea.
Both are hypoglossal nerve stimulation options for selected patients with OSA, but their systems and eligibility requirements differ. Your specialist can explain each option and assess which, if either, is appropriate.
Yes. These treatments involve placement of an implanted device. Your treating team will explain the procedure, potential risks, recovery, device use, and follow-up for the specific option being considered.
We review your sleep testing, symptoms, medical history, and previous treatment experience. We then assess treatment options and discuss individualized recommendations.
It is a treatment for OSA, rather than a guaranteed cure. It may improve severity and symptoms in selected patients, but individual results vary and ongoing follow-up is important.
You don’t have to leave sleep apnea untreated because PAP is difficult to use. Houston Sleep Health can evaluate your condition and help you understand whether hypoglossal nerve stimulation or another treatment may be appropriate.