Inspire® Sleep Therapy

West Shore ENT & Allergy

Otolaryngology & Allergy Specialists located in Norton Shores, MI & Grand Haven, MI

At West Shore ENT & Allergy, which has locations in Norton Shores, Grand Haven, and Fremont, Michigan, board-certified ENT physicians and sleep medicine experts provide advanced evaluation and leading-edge treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). One of the most innovative and effective therapies available is Inspire® sleep therapy, an implantable, mask-free solution designed for adults with moderate to severe OSA who struggle with or cannot tolerate CPAP. To learn more about Inspire sleep therapy, call the office or request a consultation online today.

What causes obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax excessively during sleep, allowing the tongue or soft tissues to fall backward and partially or completely block the airway. This repeated airway collapse causes breathing pauses (apneas) or shallow breathing (hypopneas), which can lead to drops in blood oxygen levels, fragmented sleep, and frequent nighttime arousals.

Over time, untreated OSA can contribute to serious health risks, including hypertension, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and daytime fatigue.

What is Inspire sleep therapy?

Inspire® therapy (also called Inspire upper airway stimulation) is a clinically proven, FDA-approved treatment for moderate to severe OSA.

Unlike CPAP, which uses external air pressure to force the airway open, Inspire works from inside the body: a small implant delivers gentle electrical pulses to key airway muscles, helping maintain airflow during sleep.

The system consists of three internal components—a pulse generator, a breathing sensor, and a stimulation lead—as well as an external remote control and optional smartphone app to personalize therapy.

Am I a candidate for Inspire therapy?

Not every patient with OSA is automatically a candidate for Inspire therapy, but many are. Typical candidacy criteria include:

Moderate to severe OSA
Prior CPAP attempt
Body mass index (BMI), candidates are not significantly overweight
Patients are at least 18 years old

During your evaluation at West Shore ENT & Allergy, the team will carefully review your sleep study data, medical history, anatomy, and overall health to determine whether Inspire therapy is the right fit.

What can I expect from Inspire therapy?

The Inspire implant is placed during a minimally invasive procedure, typically lasting around 60–90 minutes. Most patients go home the same day or within a day, using over-the-counter pain medications to treat any discomfort.

Approximately 4–6 weeks after implantation, the device is activated, and initial stimulation settings are programmed. Over subsequent visits, the stimulation can be fine-tuned to optimize your comfort and effectiveness.

The internal battery typically lasts many years; your provider will monitor device function and make adjustments as needed.

If you or a loved one struggles with sleep apnea and CPAP has not worked or feels untenable, Inspire therapy can be a transformative treatment option.

To schedule a consultation with the team at West Shore ENT & Allergy, call the office or request an appointment online today.

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