FAQ's

How does Inspire work?
Inspire works inside your body with your natural breathing process to treat obstructive sleep apnea. While you sleep, Inspire delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles, allowing the airway to remain open. The Inspire system is controlled by a small handheld sleep remote. Simply turn Inspire on before bed and off in the morning when you wake up

Will Inspire help with snoring?
A significant decrease in snoring has been found as a secondary effect of Inspire. 90% of bed partners report no or soft snoring by their partner.

Is Inspire covered by insurance?
If you have medical coverage, you will likely have coverage for Inspire. The Inspire implant is widely covered by a majority of traditional, Medicare and Veterans Affair (VA) insurance plans if you meet coverage policy criteria.

Is Inspire covered by Medicare and VA?
Most major insurance providers, including Medicare, have positive coverage policies for Inspire and allow for prior authorization. Currently, Inspire also is available at select VA and military hospitals across the U.S. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

Is Inspire DOT approved?
Like CPAP, an Inspire doctor can print out a usage record of Inspire to show the medical examiner that you are using your prescribed sleep apnea treatment. By providing compliance, there should be no issues renewing your commercial driver’s license.

What does the stimulation feel like?
The stimulation is very gentle and designed to move the tongue forward without disturbing your sleep. Inspire feels like a mild muscle contraction. It should not be painful or uncomfortable.

How long does the battery last?
The battery in Inspire is designed to last for approximately 11 years. Once it is running low, it is replaced with an outpatient procedure.

How long is the recovery time after the procedure?
Like any outpatient procedure recovery, time will vary. Most patients return home the same day and take over-the-counter pain medication if needed. You may return to regular, non-strenuous activities within a few days or as directed by your doctor. Most patients have a full recovery within a couple of weeks.

How often should my doctor check the Inspire Implant?
Once you and your doctor determine the best settings for you, your doctor will check the status of your device once or twice a year.

Am I still a candidate for Inspire if I have a pacemaker or other implanted devices?
If you have another implanted device, you may still be a candidate for Inspire. An Inspire trained doctor will evaluate the device and determine if Inspire is right for you.

Will Inspire limit my activities?
Inspire should not limit regular daily activities once you are fully healed. You should ask your Inspire trained doctor about any strenuous activities, or those that entail an extensive or unpredictable range of motion in your upper body or arms.

What types of medical imaging are compatible with Inspire?
Inspire patients can undergo most medical imaging across the entire body. Full-body MRIs are allowed with the latest version of Inspire (Generator Model 3028). Depending on the type of MRI scan, imaging results may vary, and specific MRI conditions need to be followed. Please talk to your doctor if you have additional questions.

Is there an opportunity to hear from Inspire patients?
Listen to dozens of Inspire patients share their story at inspiresleep.com/ ambassadors

Will I be able to go through TSA?
It’s safe to travel through airport security
with Inspire. Always make sure to carry your Inspire ID card. It is fine to go through the millimeter wave detection scanner and to walk through the metal detector, but walk directly through without lingering. Consult your Inspire trained doctor or Inspire manual for more information