Are you struggling with sleep apnea and finding CPAP therapy uncomfortable or ineffective? Inspire® therapy offers a discreet, implantable solution to help keep your airway open and improve your sleep. At The Sleep Medicine Institute in Tampa, Florida, Lara Wittine, MD, FAASM, provides expert evaluation and personalized treatment to determine if Inspire is right for you. Learn more by booking an appointment by phone or online today.
Inspire® is a groundbreaking, FDA-approved treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), specifically for people who struggle with using a CPAP machine.
Instead of relying on external airflow like CPAP, Inspire is a small device implanted inside your body. It works quietly and discreetly to keep your airway open while you sleep, helping you breathe more easily and enjoy a more restful, uninterrupted night.
Inspire therapy isn’t eligible for everyone. At The Sleep Medicine Institute, Dr. Wittine typically recommends the treatment for adults with moderate to severe OSA who struggle with CPAP compliance.
You should have a body mass index (BMI) within a specific range, generally under 32, and you can’t have central sleep apnea, which is caused by the brain failing to signal the muscles to breathe.
To determine if you qualify, Dr. Wittine reviews your medical history and conducts a sleep study to confirm the severity of your OSA. Additionally, you undergo an airway evaluation to ensure that Inspire can effectively open your airway during sleep. The careful screening helps maximize the success and safety of the therapy.
Inspire functions by stimulating your hypoglossal nerve, which controls the tongue and other airway muscles. Dr. Wittine implants the device under your skin and connects it to a small sensor that monitors your breathing patterns during sleep.
When it detects an obstruction, the device sends mild electrical impulses to your muscles, gently moving your tongue and soft tissues forward to keep your airway open.
After implantation, Dr. Wittine activates and programs Inspire to match your specific sleep patterns. You use a small remote control to turn the device on before bedtime and off in the morning. The therapy works automatically while you sleep, without needing a mask or hose.
Inspire offers several advantages over traditional sleep apnea treatments. It allows for uninterrupted sleep and reduces daytime fatigue.
The device is discreet, minimally invasive, and eliminates the discomfort often associated with CPAP machines. Many patients report significant improvements in energy, mood, and daily functioning, making Inspire a life-changing option if you’re living with sleep apnea.
Find out if you’re a candidate for Inspire. Book an appointment by phone or online to schedule a time that works for you.