Inspire Therapy
for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea treatment without a mask, hose, or machine. Inspire is an FDA-approved implant that keeps your airway open while you sleep — activated by a simple remote control at bedtime. Capital ENT has offered Inspire for over 10 years, with a few hundred patients implanted across Central Texas.
What is Inspire therapy?
Inspire is an FDA-approved implantable neurostimulator that treats moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve to keep the airway open during sleep. The device is placed under the skin of the upper chest during a short outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Unlike CPAP, there is no mask, no hose, and no machine — patients turn it on with a small remote at bedtime. The device monitors your breathing and delivers mild stimulation that gently moves the tongue and airway muscles forward while you sleep.
Inspire is specifically designed for patients who cannot tolerate or do not benefit from CPAP therapy. You simply press a button on a small remote control at bedtime to turn it on and press again in the morning to turn it off. Capital ENT has been offering Inspire therapy for over 10 years and has treated hundreds of patients across Central Texas.
- FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea
- No mask, no hose, no machine — just a small remote at bedtime
- Implanted during a short outpatient procedure
- Over 10 years of Inspire experience at Capital ENT
- Hundreds of patients treated across Central Texas
- Most major insurance plans accepted, including Medicare
Capital ENT Patient Outcomes
Our Inspire patients experience dramatic improvement in sleep apnea severity, measured by the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI).
Based on average AHI scores from Capital ENT Inspire patients. Individual results may vary.
How Inspire Therapy Works
From initial evaluation to long-term results — here is what to expect on the path to better sleep.
Consultation & Sleep Study
Your ENT evaluates your sleep apnea severity and CPAP history. A sleep study confirms moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea and helps determine if Inspire may be right for you.
DISE Evaluation
Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy is a brief sedated procedure that allows your surgeon to view exactly where your airway collapses during sleep and confirm that you are a good candidate for Inspire.
Implant Procedure
A short outpatient surgery, typically 60–90 minutes, to place the Inspire device. Two small incisions are made to position the pulse generator and stimulation lead. Most patients go home the same day.
Activation & Optimization
The device is activated approximately one month after surgery. Settings are fine-tuned over follow-up visits using your sleep data to ensure optimal therapy and maximum benefit.
Inspire vs. CPAP
See how Inspire therapy compares to traditional CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
| Inspire | CPAP | |
|---|---|---|
| Mask Required | ✓ No mask | ✗ Mask required nightly |
| Noise Level | ✓ Silent | ▸ Audible machine noise |
| Portability | ✓ Nothing to carry — implanted | ▸ Machine, hose, mask to transport |
| Compliance | ✓ High — simple remote at bedtime | ▸ Many patients struggle with adherence |
| Maintenance | ✓ No cleaning or supplies needed | ▸ Regular cleaning, filter and mask replacement |
| Setup | ▸ Outpatient surgery required | ✓ No surgery — prescription device |
| Best For | CPAP-intolerant patients with moderate-to-severe OSA | Patients who tolerate mask therapy well |
Not sure which treatment is right for you? Our sleep specialists will evaluate your condition and recommend the best approach during your consultation. See the full CPAP vs Inspire comparison →
Who Benefits from Inspire Therapy?
Inspire is designed for a specific group of sleep apnea patients. Here is how to know if you may qualify.
Good Candidates
You may be a great fit for Inspire if you have:
- Moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI 15–65)
- Cannot tolerate or do not benefit from CPAP therapy
- Not significantly overweight (BMI under 40)
- Over 18 years old
- No complete concentric collapse at the palate (confirmed by DISE)
May Need a Different Approach
Inspire may not be the best fit if you have:
- Mild sleep apnea (AHI under 15)
- BMI over 40
- Central sleep apnea (not obstructive)
- Complete concentric palatal collapse on DISE
The best way to find out if you are a candidate is a consultation with one of our sleep specialists. We will review your sleep study and evaluate your airway to recommend the right treatment for you.
Hear From Our Inspire Patients
Watch how Inspire therapy has transformed the lives of our patients — better sleep, more energy, and freedom from CPAP.
Schedule Your ConsultationWhat to Expect After Inspire Surgery
A clear timeline so you know exactly what to expect from surgery day through long-term use.
Outpatient Procedure & Rest
The implant procedure typically takes 60–90 minutes under general anesthesia. You go home the same day. Plan to rest and avoid strenuous activity. Some soreness at the incision sites is normal.
Initial Healing
Mild soreness at the incision sites gradually improves. Most patients return to desk work and light daily activities within a few days. Avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise during this period.
Device Activation
You return to the office for your activation appointment. Your provider turns on the Inspire device and configures the initial therapy settings. You begin using the device nightly with your handheld remote.
Optimization
Follow-up visits allow your provider to review your sleep data and fine-tune the therapy settings. Most patients notice significant improvement in sleep quality and daytime energy during this period.
Nightly Use & Annual Follow-Ups
Simply use your remote to turn Inspire on at bedtime and off in the morning. Annual follow-up appointments ensure your therapy remains optimized. The battery lasts approximately 11 years.
Insurance & Cost Information
Inspire therapy is a significant investment in your quality of life — and most patients find it well-covered by insurance. Our team handles the authorization process so you can focus on feeling better.
- Most major insurance plans accepted, including Medicare
- Prior authorization managed by our team before surgery is scheduled
- Documented sleep apnea diagnosis and failed CPAP trial typically required for coverage
- HSA and FSA accounts accepted
Find Out If You Qualify
Schedule a consultation to determine if Inspire is right for you. Our team will verify your insurance benefits and walk you through the process.
Schedule a ConsultationInspire Therapy FAQ
Related Patient Guides
What is Sleep Apnea?
Symptoms, risk factors, and why treatment matters for your health.
All About Sleep Apnea
A comprehensive guide to diagnosis, treatment options, and outcomes.
Are Oral Appliances Effective for Sleep Apnea?
Comparing treatment alternatives to CPAP therapy.
How Can I Stop Snoring?
From lifestyle changes to medical treatments for persistent snoring.
More Sleep Health Resources
Snoring Treatment
Snoring and sleep apnea are closely linked. Our ENT specialists evaluate the anatomical causes of snoring and offer minimally invasive in-office treatments.
Learn More →GLP-1 Therapy & Sleep Apnea
Weight loss through GLP-1 medication can significantly reduce OSA severity. We offer in-office GLP-1 therapy integrated with your sleep care at Capital ENT.
Learn More →Mouth Taping & Nasal Breathing
Mouth taping is not safe for patients with untreated sleep apnea. If you're curious, get an evaluation first to rule out OSA before trying any nighttime airway interventions.
Learn More →Ready for Sleep Without a Mask?
Schedule a consultation to find out if Inspire is right for you. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available at our four Central Texas locations.