Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These interruptions happen when the muscles in your throat relax and temporarily block airflow. Although you might not fully wake up each time, your body is repeatedly pulled out of deep sleep, leaving you tired, irritable and unable to focus during the day.
Common signs of OSA include chronic fatigue, morning headaches, snoring, mood changes and difficulty concentrating. Leaving sleep apnea untreated can impact your heart health, mental wellness and overall quality of life.
For people who haven’t found success with CPAP therapy, Inspire therapy offers an advanced alternative that doesn’t involve wearing a mask or using external equipment.
How Inspire Therapy Works
Inspire therapy is an implantable device designed to help your body breathe naturally through the night. Rather than forcing air through the airway, Inspire gently stimulates the nerves that control key muscles in your throat. This stimulation keeps the airway open during sleep, allowing for steady, uninterrupted breathing and improved rest.
What To Expect During the Procedure
Implanting the Inspire system is a straightforward, outpatient procedure that usually takes under two hours. Your surgeon makes two small incisions, one near the collarbone and another under the jawline, to place the device and connect it to the breathing muscles. After implanting the devices, they close the incisions. Most patients return home the same day.
Recovery and Adjustment Period
Healing from Inspire implantation is typically quick and comfortable. You may notice mild tenderness or swelling near the incision sites for a few days, but you can easily manage it with medication. The device remains inactive for about a month while your body recovers. At your follow-up visit, your sleep specialist will turn the device on and fine-tune the settings to match your breathing patterns.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Sleep
If you’re looking for a comfortable, mask-free solution to sleep apnea, Inspire therapy may be the right fit. Our experienced team will review your medical history, perform an evaluation and determine whether you’re a candidate for this innovative treatment. Contact Collin County ENT today to schedule a consultation.