Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by soft tissues in the airway that collapse during sleep and block the flow of oxygen to the brain. When the brain senses a lack of oxygen, it wakes up the body so it can take a breath. This happens many times throughout the night resulting in poor sleep. If left untreated, OSA can cause worsening mood and memory, stroke, heart attack, and even death.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most commonly used treatment for OSA, but this involves the use of a mask and hose, which can be intrusive. Many patients either don't use the CPAP machine or simply stop using it after a period of time.

Inspire Therapy Is Different

The Sleep Disorders Center at Northwest Texas Healthcare System offers the Inspire system as an alternative to CPAP to treat OSA. Inspire is the only FDA approved obstructive sleep apnea treatment that works inside your body to treat the root cause of sleep apnea with just the click of a button.

The system is made of a small battery and two small wires placed under the skin of the neck and chest through two or three small incisions during an outpatient procedure. It delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles, allowing the airway to open during sleep. The patient uses a small handheld remote to turn Inspire on before bed and off when they wake up. No mask, no hose, just sleep.

Watch this video to learn more about how Inspire works.

Are You a Candidate for Inspire?

Inspire may be right for you if you:

• Have moderate or severe OSA
• Can't use a CPAP machine or don't get good results from it
• Are over the age of 18
• Are not significantly obese