ENT & Sleep
Inspire Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation
Inspire is an implantable therapy for obstructive sleep apnea in patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. A small device placed under the skin gently stimulates the airway nerve during sleep, keeping the airway open breath by breath.
AVERAGE PROCEDURE TIME
90 to 120 minutes
Anesthesia
General anesthesia
Recovery
Same day discharge
Ride home
Required if you receive sedation
Overview
Inspire therapy treats obstructive sleep apnea for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. A small implant senses your breathing and gently stimulates the hypoglossal nerve, moving the tongue forward with each breath to keep the airway open.
You control it with a handheld remote: turn it on at bedtime, off in the morning. There is no mask, hose, or machine noise.
Is this right for me?
Candidacy is confirmed after a review of your history, imaging, and medications. Patients we most often treat include those with:
- Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea
- Unable to use or benefit from CPAP
- Body mass index within program guidelines
- A favorable airway collapse pattern confirmed on drug-induced sleep endoscopy
What to expect, step by step
Arrival and preparation
You check in with a coordinator, change into a gown, and meet your nurse. Vitals are taken, an IV is started if needed, and your care team reviews the plan and answers questions with your caregiver present.
Drug-induced sleep endoscopy
Before implant, DISE is performed under sedation to observe how your airway collapses and confirm you are a candidate.
Implanting the system
Two small incisions place the stimulation lead at the hypoglossal nerve and the generator below the collarbone.
Testing
The system is tested during surgery to confirm the tongue moves forward with stimulation.
Recovery suite
You rest in a private recovery bay while your nurse monitors vitals and comfort. Written instructions are reviewed with you and your caregiver before discharge.
Home the same day
A caregiver drives you home. A member of our team calls the next business day to check on you and confirm your follow-up appointment.
Recovery
Healing takes about a month before the device is activated at a follow-up visit.
Settings are then tuned over several visits, including a sleep study, to find your optimal therapy level.
Risks and what we watch for
Every procedure carries risk. These are the ones we discuss most often for this procedure.
- Bleeding, bruising, or soreness at the access site or incision
- Infection, which is why sterile technique and, when indicated, antibiotics are used
- Reaction to sedation, anesthesia, or contrast dye, monitored continuously by your anesthesia provider
- Incomplete relief of symptoms, or symptoms that return over time
- The need for additional treatment, imaging, or a different procedure
- Rarely, a complication serious enough to require a higher level of care than an outpatient setting provides
We review these with you in detail before you consent, and you can change your mind at any point.
Coverage note
We verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before scheduling.
Prepare for this procedure
- Before your surgery
- The day of your procedure
- Anesthesia and sedation
- Recovery at home and when to call
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need a mask?
No. Inspire replaces CPAP for appropriate candidates.
Can I feel the stimulation?
Most people describe a mild tongue movement or tingling that becomes unnoticeable within a few weeks.
Is Inspire therapy implantation done as an outpatient procedure?
Yes. It is performed at our ACHC-accredited ambulatory surgery center in The Woodlands, minutes from Tomball and Spring, and patients go home the same day with a caregiver.
Will my insurance cover it?
Coverage depends on your specific plan and benefits. Our team verifies your benefits and gives you a written estimate before anything is scheduled.
Do you offer Spanish-speaking support?
Yes. Bilingual English and Spanish coordination is available from your first call through recovery instructions and follow-up.
