Inspire Therapy

What is Inspire Therapy?

In 2014, the FDA approved a new, safe and effective therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea called Inspire Therapy.

As the only FDA-approved therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea that works from inside the body to keep the airways open, Inspire has revolutionized the way we approach OSA treatment.

Inspire Therapy treats Obstructive Sleep Apnea without clunky compressors, cumbersome hoses, or claustrophobic masks. With just a click of a button, those who suffer from sleep apnea can once again enjoy uninterrupted peaceful, restorative sleep.

Here at Wisconsin ENT we are happy to provide our patients with Inspire Therapy for a variety of reasons. For example, studies* show that:

● 96% of Inspire patients prefer it to CPAP & would recommend Inspire to others.
● 94% satisfaction rate
● 90% of bed partners report a drastic decrease in snoring or none at all.
● 79% recorded a reduction in sleep apnea events.

*Otolaryngology Head Neck Surg. 2018 Jul;159(1):194-202; European Respiratory Journal 2019 53:
1801405; DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01405-2018

How does it work?

Inspire Therapy works through a small device that is inserted underneath the skin that gently stimulates the muscles that keep the airways open while you sleep.

By working with your natural breathing process, the Inspire device can safely and effectively treat the source cause of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The effects of Inspire Therapy are barely noticeable and not painful. When you are ready for sleep, simply press the button to activate the Inspire device on the small handheld remote and your body will get the oxygen and restorative rest it needs for overall health and wellbeing.

How is the Inspire Device placed?

Inserting the Inspire device is simple and requires only an outpatient procedure that typically lasts only 1-2 hours. Sedation and anesthesia can be used to make you comfortable and relaxed.

Two small incisions are made in the chest and just below the chin. The Inspire device is then
inserted and secured just under the skin. Once complete, most patients return home within a
few hours and can resume normal daily activities within a few days.

Immediately after the procedure, the Inspire device is ready for work. Simply click the button on the remote and you (and your bed partner) will get the restful sleep you’ve been dreaming of!

Who is a candidate for Inspire Therapy?

Candidates for Inspire Therapy include those:
● who have had a sleep study reveal moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
● who have tried but unable to tolerate or for any other reason cannot use CPAP/biPAP machines.
● who are in overall good health without significant medical problems.
● who are not significantly obese.
● who are more than 22 years of age.

Is Inspire Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Most insurances will cover Inspire Therapy, however, the amount covered depends on the specifics of each individual insurance plan and whether a deductible needs to be met.

In general, it is well covered by Medicare and select Veterans affairs and military programs. We can help you contact your insurance carrier to know if it will be covered and to what degree.

What Should I Expect From My Inspire Consultation?

When preparing for your Inspire consultation, you will need to have a sleep study that documents the presence and severity of your obstructive sleep apnea. To be considered for Inspire therapy, you will need to have tried and not tolerated CPAP and/or other first-line treatments for Sleep Apnea.

At your Inspire consultation, here at Wisconsin ENT, we will review your sleep study results, and discuss any issues you have with sleeping. We will also discuss any symptoms of sleep apnea you may struggle with.

If you’ve had other treatments that haven’t worked, we explore the reasons why they did not work for you whether they were ineffective, or you could not tolerate masks or other aspects of the therapy.

Dr. Meyer & the staff at ENT Specialists in Appleton are wonderful! They eased my daughter's anxiety while having tests done. Very friendly and knowledgeable.

— Kelly F.

Very good experience with a very professional, detailed and caring practice. They took the time to diagnose the issue, and took no time at all to start treatment. I would recommend this practice to everyone!

— Heather S.

Dr. Keller was thorough and listened to my concerns, he did a complete exam and offered options to procced with types of treatment. I was pleased with the appointment. Again he listened to what I was saying, some doctors don't have that skill.

— Warren D.

Great service! The audiologists in Neenah and Oshkosh truly care about a client with hearing loss. They take the time to provide individualized hearing loss education and also provide excellent follow up support after selling hearing aids. Highly recommended!

— Matt B.

Great staff. The location is easy to find. Very accommodating and well organized. Would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Mjaanes and his staff.

— Douglas K.

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