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Surgical Care

Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation Therapy

Control sleep apnea without a CPAP machine.

Inspire – a Mask-Free Way to Treat Sleep Apnea

Are you tired of restless nights, snoring, and daytime fatigue caused by sleep apnea? Millions of Americans struggle with this disruptive condition, and traditional treatments like CPAP machines can be uncomfortable and ineffective.

Discover effective alternatives to CPAP with Inspire. This revolutionary, implantable device treats sleep apnea at its source. Unlike CPAP, Inspire is a discreet and comfortable solution that helps you breathe freely and wake up refreshed.

ChristianaCare offers Inspire, a groundbreaking treatment option, implanted by our expert team of sleep doctors. This minimally invasive procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day.

Could Upper Airway Stimulation Therapy Be Right for You?

You may be a good candidate for Inspire if you:

  • Have moderate to severe sleep apnea
  • Haven’t found relief with CPAP therapy
  • Are at a healthy weight
  • Are over 22 years old
Upper airway stimulation diagram

How to Get Started

You might be a candidate if you:

  • Step 1: Consultation — Your journey begins with a consultation with one of our sleep specialists. They’ll determine if you’re a suitable candidate for Inspire.
  • Step 2: Implantation — If Inspire is right for you, during a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, the device will be implanted.
  • Step 3: Activation — After a brief healing period, your doctor will activate the Inspire device. You’ll then use a handheld remote to control it.
  • Step 4: Ongoing Care — Regular follow-ups will monitor your progress and ensure optimal results. The Inspire device’s battery typically lasts 7-10 years.

Why Choose ChristianaCare?

  • Experience Expert Sleep Medicine Care: At ChristianaCare, we offer advanced treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), including innovative alternatives to traditional CPAP devices. Our team of highly skilled sleep medicine specialists is dedicated to helping you reclaim restful sleep and improve your overall well-being.
  • Leading-Edge Treatment Options: Discover the life-changing benefits of upper airway stimulation therapy. Our board-certified surgeons possess extensive experience in implanting the Inspire device, a minimally invasive solution for OSA treatment.
  • Personalized Care and Support: We understand that dealing with a sleep disorder can be challenging. That’s why we provide compassionate care and support throughout your treatment journey. From initial medical testing to postoperative follow-up, our team is committed to partnering with you to achieve optimal results.
  • Reclaim Your Nights: Don’t let sleep apnea disrupt your life. Choose ChristianaCare for expert care, innovative treatments, and a path to restful sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You should feel a mild sensation from the stimulation. Typically, patients feel a tingling sensation or mild contraction in their tongue muscles. The stimulation should not be painful or uncomfortable and the level is adjustable. Your doctor will make adjustments as needed.

Having a pacemaker or other implantable device does not disqualify you from becoming a candidate for upper airway stimulation therapy. Your doctor will evaluate your sleep apnea history and overall health, including heart health, before deciding if this therapy is right for you.

Data from clinical trial showed that 85% of bed partners reported either no snoring or soft snoring by their partners.

Recovery time after surgery will vary from patient to patient, most patients experience minimal pain and swelling at the small incision sites for a few days after the implant. Although up to your physicians, most patients are able to go home the same day of your procedure.

Within a few days following the procedure, you should be able to return to normal non-strenuous activities. You should avoid strenuous activities for about two weeks or as directed by your doctor. A week after surgery, your doctor will examine you to make sure you are healing properly. Most patients have a full recovery within a couple of weeks.

Additional questions? Please call one of our providers using their contact information above.

Additional questions? Please call one of our providers using their contact information above.

What are My Next Steps?

For questions about Inspire or to make an appointment, please call the following providers:

ChristianaCare Oral & Facial Surgery Center
Daniel J. Meara, MD
Etern S. Park, MD
302-320-5730

ENT & Allergy of Delaware
Lauren G. Bogdan, MD
Kieran M. Connolly, MD
Jagdeep S. Hundal, MD
302-998-0300

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M.D., FACS

Chief and Surgical Director
Dreaming of better sleep? Get expert diagnosis and treatment here