Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the leading therapy for sleep apnea, but not everyone may benefit from it. Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) is an FDA approved treatment for people with moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who are unable to use or get consistent benefit from CPAP.

Inspire therapy works inside the body with a patient's natural breathing process. While you are sleeping, Inspire monitors every breath you take. Based on your unique breathing patterns, the system delivers mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, which controls the movement of your tongue and other key airway muscles. By stimulating these muscles, the airway remains open during sleep.

So, what are the benefits?

You're in control

Inspire therapy is controlled by a small handheld remote. The remote allows you to turn Inspire therapy on before bed and off when you wake up, increase and decrease stimulation strength, and pause during the night if needed.

Little to no snoring

A good night’s sleep is all about getting sleep and staying asleep. It is essential to our health. 82% of bed partners reported a decreased in snoring and 97% of bed partners reported a decreased in leaving the room due to snoring.

You'll get more sleep

Sleep deprivation can have a huge impact on your overall health. Are you getting at least 7 hours every night? After Inspire therapy, an average of 86% of VCU Health patients recorded a decrease in sleep apnea events. That's what we like to call a comfortable and restful night's sleep!

It's covered by insurance

VCU Health will never move forward with this procedure unless it is approved by the insurance company first. Inspire therapy is covered by over 250 insurance companies, this means a better chance for you to get your snoring and sleep schedule under control.

Inspire therapy candidacy requirements

• Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea
• Unable to use or get consistent benefit from CPAP. Our providers do not skip over CPAP and do not offer Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation for patients who are using CPAP and benefiting from it. This is not a surgery of convenience.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) under 32 (up to 35 or even higher possible if medically necessary)
• Age 18+
• Pass airway exam (Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy or DISE)

Learn more on diagnosis and treatment.