Inspire Therapy

Inspire therapy

Get Better Sleep with this Innovative Sleep Apnea Solution

Innovative treatment for more restful sleep

North Shore Ear Nose & Throat offer Inspire therapy, an innovative treatment option for people with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who are unable to get consistent relief from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which an individual's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Heavy snoring, gasping during sleep
  • Observed breathing pauses during sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Feeling unrefreshed in the morning
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Impaired concentration, memory, vigilance and mood

Complications from lack of sleep due to sleep apnea could include:

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • High blood pressure
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Stroke

How Inspire therapy works

The Inspire system works completely inside your body with your natural breathing process to treat obstructive sleep apnea. While you are asleep, Inspire delivers mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, which controls the movement of the tongue and other muscles in the airway. By stimulating the nerve, the tongue and other tissues move out of the airway so you can breathe during sleep.


Inspire therapy is controlled using the small, hand-held Inspire sleep remote with no mask or hose needed. You simply turn the therapy on before bed—you can adjust stimulation strength and pause stimulation during the night if needed—and off when you wake. It’s therapy that can help you take control of your sleep apnea and get the restful sleep you’ve been missing.

Is Inspire therapy right for you?

You may be a candidate for Inspire therapy if you:

  • Have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea
  • Are unable to tolerate or benefit from CPAP
  • Are not significantly overweight
  • Are over the age of 18
  • Not have certain diseases or conditions that disqualify you as a candidate

The first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our Inspire therapy-trained physicians to evaluate your overall health status and perform an examination of your airway anatomy to determine if Inspire therapy might be a suitable alternative for you.

Notable outcomes of Inspire therapy include:


  • 90% of patients’ bed partners reported soft or no snoring.
  • Patients had a 79% reduction in sleep apnea events.
  • 94% of patients prescribed Inspire treatment reported satisfaction.
  • 96% of Inspire patients say Inspire is a better, more comfortable treatment compared to CPAP and would recommend it to others.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Inspire therapy covered by insurance?

    Inspire therapy is reviewed and approved by insurance providers on a case by case basis.

  • Is it painful?

    The stimulation should not be painful or uncomfortable and the level is adjustable. Your doctor will make any adjustments as needed.

  • How long is recovery time after the procedure?

    Recovery time after surgery varies from patient to patient, but you can expect some pain and swelling at the small incision sites for a few days after the implant. Most patients return home the same day and take over-the-counter pain medication if needed.

  • Will Inspire limit any activities?

    Generally, Inspire will not limit normal daily activities. However, you should ask your doctor about any activities that are particularly strenuous.

Congratulations to Dr. James Demetroulakos & the entire NSENT Program for recently becoming a recipient of the Inspire Physician of Excellence Award!

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