Sleep/Neuro Study: Inspire® Implant

Breathe Better, Sleep Deeper with the Inspire® Implant

Tired of struggling with CPAP? The Inspire® implant is a proven, mask-free treatment for adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who can’t tolerate or benefit from CPAP. Our Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics Inspire therapy program is led by Daniel Lee, MD (ENT).

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

OSA happens when the tongue and soft tissues collapse into the airway during sleep, blocking breathing. Signs include loud snoring, gasping, poor sleep, morning headaches, trouble focusing, and daytime sleepiness. Untreated OSA increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, and accidents.

Inspire Therapy: How It Works (Inside Your Body, Not on Your Face)

Inspire is upper airway (hypoglossal nerve) stimulation that gently moves your tongue forward with each breath to keep your airway open.

Three small components (outpatient surgery):

• Pulse generator: under the skin, upper chest
• Breathing sensor lead: between the rib muscles to track your natural breathing
• Stimulation lead: to the hypoglossal nerve (controls tongue muscles)

How you use it: At bedtime, you turn it on with a handheld remote. While you sleep, the system delivers mild, timed pulses. Most people don’t feel it once asleep.

What patients report:

• Big drops in apnea events and less daytime sleepiness
• Quieter nights (90% of bed partners report soft/no snoring)
• High satisfaction; many prefer Inspire over CPAP

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may qualify if you:

• Are 18+ with moderate–severe OSA confirmed by a sleep study
• Tried a CPAP machine, but can’t tolerate it, or you don’t get consistent benefit
• Meet BMI and anatomy requirements (our team will review current criteria)
• Have a drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) showing that your airway pattern is suitable

Not everyone is a candidate. People with primarily central sleep apnea, certain neuromuscular disorders, or an inability to undergo surgery may not qualify. We’ll guide you to the safest, most effective option.

Your Care Pathway at Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics

1. Screening & Sleep Study
   Review symptoms, risks, and prior treatments. If needed, we’ll arrange a home or in-lab sleep study (ACHC-accredited, like the one at Iowa Specialty Hospital sleep clinic).
2. CPAP Intolerance Review
   Document why CPAP failed or isn’t effective for you.
3. DISE Airway Check
   Our ENT specialist performs a drug-induced sleep endoscopy to confirm Inspire suitability.
4. Outpatient Implant
   Dr. Daniel Lee (ENT) places the device in a 60–120 minute procedure. Most go home the same day.
5. Activation & Titration
   About 1 month later, we turn the device on and fine-tune settings over several weeks for the best results.
6. Follow-Up & Support
   Ongoing visits optimize comfort and outcomes. You’ll use a remote and optional app to control therapy and share data.

Benefits You Can Feel

• Mask-free: No straps, hoses, or facial pressure
• Natural sleep: Works with your own breathing
• Strong outcomes: Large reductions in apnea events, better alertness, improved quality of life
• Quiet nights: Snoring typically drops significantly
• Durability: Battery life is approximately 10–11 years; replacement is a simple outpatient swap

Risks & Considerations (We’ll Review These Together)

• Temporary soreness, swelling, or mild discomfort after surgery
• Tongue tenderness or stimulation sensations during early adjustments
• Need for periodic follow-up to optimize settings
• As with any implant, a small risk of infection or lead revision exists

Inspire vs. Other OSA Treatments

Real-Life Examples

• “Mask fatigue” patient: Couldn’t keep CPAP on more than 2 hours/night; after Inspire, now sleeps 7 hours with minimal snoring and better daytime focus.
• Shift worker: CPAP leaks and pressure changes disrupted sleep; Inspire provided consistent night-to-night control via remote.
• Mild jaw crowding: Oral appliance helped with snoring but not apnea. Inspire reduced apnea events significantly and improved morning energy.

(Examples illustrate typical situations; results vary.)

FAQs

Will I feel the stimulation?
Most people notice a gentle sensation only while falling asleep. We tailor settings to comfort.

Can I travel with Inspire?
Yes. Bring your remote. Airport security cards are provided.

What about MRIs?
MRI compatibility depends on the specific device model and body area. We’ll review your device ID and coordinate safe imaging.

Is it covered by insurance?
Many plans, including Medicare, provide coverage for eligible patients. Our team will help with benefit checks and pre-authorization.

How long until I feel better?
Many notice improvements within weeks of activation; full benefits often follow after therapeutic adjustment and a repeat sleep study.

Our Sleep Program Advantage

• ACHC-accredited sleep testing and follow-up
• Comprehensive team: Sleep Medicine + ENT (Dr. Daniel Lee)
• Coordinated evaluation, surgery, activation, and long-term care
• Local support, education, and device management

Sleep Better. Live Better.

If you snore loudly, feel tired most days, or can’t tolerate CPAP, Inspire might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

To learn more about sleep apnea, please visit our Sleep Apnea page.

Call 641-444-5671 or 515-532-9351 or contact us online to schedule a sleep apnea and Inspire evaluation with Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics.