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Inspire Sleep Apnea Therapy: Is it worth it?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on May 28, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the frontline treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but it isn’t the right fit for everyone. Many people struggle with the discomfort of masks, hoses, or simply cannot tolerate CPAP long-term. For those patients, Inspire sleep apnea therapy offers a surgical, FDA-approved alternative.

Inspire is an implantable device designed specifically for moderate to severe OSA patients who cannot use CPAP effectively. This article will explain how Inspire works, who qualifies, its success rates, and key considerations—including costs—so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s worth it.

What Is Inspire Sleep Apnea Therapy?

Inspire sleep apnea therapy is a surgically implanted device that treats OSA by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement and other airway muscles. By delivering mild electrical pulses in sync with your breathing, Inspire keeps the airway open during sleep, preventing the collapse that causes apneas. The device is FDA approved for certain adults with moderate to severe OSA and teens with Down syndrome with severe OSA who can’t tolerate CPAP.

The Inspire device is implanted under the skin in the chest with leads connecting to the hypoglossal nerve and near the diaphragm. Patients activate the device each night with a handheld remote, and can adjust the stimulation strength as needed.

How Effective Is Inspire Therapy?

Clinical studies and real-world data show that Inspire is highly effective for its intended population.

While Inspire improves symptoms, it may not completely eliminate OSA for all patients.
Additionally, outcomes have been shown to be better in patients who meet certain criteria (e.g., lower BMI, female sex, no complex comorbidities).

What Are the Pros and Cons of Inspire Therapy?

Like most treatment options, there are several pros and cons to consider before starting Inspire therapy for sleep apnea.

Pros

Related questions

Cons

What Does Inspire Sleep Apnea Therapy Cost?

The total cost of Inspire therapy—including the device, surgical implantation, and follow-up care—can range from $30,000 to $40,000 or more without insurance coverage. Most major insurance companies, including Medicare, cover Inspire for eligible patients, but out-of-pocket costs will depend on your specific plan and deductible. Pre-authorization may be required before your insurance plan will cover Inspire. Ongoing device management costs include battery replacement and follow-up appointments.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Inspire Therapy?

Not everyone is a good fit for Inspire therapy. Ideal candidates for Inspire therapy must meet certain criteria.

Adults

Teens with Down syndrome

A thorough evaluation by a sleep specialist is required to determine eligibility.

Conclusion

Inspire sleep apnea therapy is a breakthrough for adults with moderate to severe OSA and teens with Down syndrome and severe OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP. It offers a mask-free, highly effective alternative with sustained benefits and high patient satisfaction. However, it is only suitable for a specific subset of patients and involves surgical risks and significant costs. For those who qualify, Inspire can dramatically improve sleep quality and overall health, making it a worthwhile option to consider after other treatments have failed. Talk to your doctor to find out if Inspire therapy is right for you.

References
  1. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. 2024. FDA approves next-generation Inspire V therapy system. Accessed on May 28, 2025 at https://aasm.org/fda-approves-next-generation-inspire-v-therapy-system/
  2. Bestourous, D. E., et. al. 2020. Adverse events associated with the Inspire implantable hypoglossal nerve stimulator: A MAUDE database review. American journal of otolaryngology, 41(6), 102616. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102616
  3. Costantino, A., et. al. 2020. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation long-term clinical outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 24(2), 399–411. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-019-01923-2
  4. Epstein, L. J., et. al. 2009. Clinical Guideline for the Evaluation, Management and Long-term Care of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults. In: Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Accessed on May 28, 2025 at https://aasm.org/resources/clinicalguidelines/osa_adults.pdf
  5. Inspire. Accessed on May 28, 2025 at https://www.inspiresleep.com/en-us/
  6. National Council on Aging. 2024. Inspire Sleep Apnea Device Review 2025. Accessed on May 28, 2025 at https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/sleep/inspire-sleep-apnea-device-review/
  7. Thaler, E., et. al. 2020. Results of the ADHERE upper airway stimulation registry and predictors of therapy efficacy. The Laryngoscope, 130(5), 1333–1338. https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.28286
  8. United States Food and Drug Administration. 2023. Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation – P130008/S090. Accessed on May 28, 2025 at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/recently-approved-devices/inspire-upper-airway-stimulation-p130008s090

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