Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more by reading the Frequently Asked Questions below:
Learning about Inspire
Will Inspire work for me?mariorusso2023-04-27T02:22:56+00:00
You may qualify for Inspire if you:
- Have been diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea
- Struggle with or can’t get consistent benefit from CPAP
- Are not significantly obese
- Over the age of 18
Our team will also examine your airway and review your most recent sleep study.
How does Inspire work?mariorusso2023-04-27T02:28:20+00:00
- Inspire works inside your body with your natural breathing process
- It delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles, allowing the airway to remain open during sleep
- Inspire is controlled by a small handheld sleep remote
Health Insurance
Veteransmariorusso2023-04-27T00:36:39+00:00
- Inspire is available for veterans at select VA and military hospitals across the US
- Visit the Find a Doctor page or chat with an Inspire Advisor to see if there is an VA or military hospital near you that offers Inspire
- If there is not a center near you, you can possibly utilize a program called the Community Care Program. For more information, please visit va.gov/communitycare/
Medicaremariorusso2023-04-27T00:34:59+00:00
- Medicare is covering Inspire for those who qualify.
- A doctor trained on the Inspire procedure can discuss the qualifications with you during an office visit.
Traditional Health Insurancemariorusso2023-04-27T00:14:14+00:00
- Most major US insurance companies cover Inspire
- An Inspire trained doctor can discuss insurance coverage requirements during an initial consultation
- Typically, you can expect to pay any unmet deductible for the year, along with any copay or coinsurance fee for a surgery
Life with Inspire
Can I get an MRI with Inspire?mariorusso2023-04-27T01:42:11+00:00
- The current version of Inspire (Model 3028) is eligible for MRI scans provided specific conditions are followed. Inspire Model 3024 is not eligible for MRI scans. For more information on MRI Guidelines, please click here.
- To find out what Inspire Model you have, please contact your doctor or refer to your Patient ID card. Learn more at Patients.InspireSleep.com.
- All Inspire patients are eligible to have CT scans and X-Rays anywhere in the body.
What will the scars look like after I have healed from the Inspire procedure?mariorusso2023-04-27T01:41:06+00:00
The visibility of the scars will depend on your skin tone and individual healing process. There are two or three incisions made to place the device. Each patient will have one incision under the chin and one below the collarbone. Some patients will also have one on the side of the rib cage.
James Morales
Inspire Date: June 15, 2017
Karen Wolk
Inspire Date: July 25, 2018
Lottie Davis
Inspire Date: March 26, 2019
Will Inspire limit my activities?mariorusso2023-04-27T02:30:20+00:00
- Inspire should not limit your normal activities
- The current version of Inspire can undergo MRI scans provided specific conditions are followed
- Having a pacemaker should not disqualify you from becoming a candidate for Inspire
What does Inspire feel like?mariorusso2023-04-27T02:26:40+00:00
- Inspire sends mild stimulation to the motor nerve that controls your tongue, moving it out of the way
- The stimulation is very gentle and designed to move the tongue forward without disturbing your sleep. It should not be painful or uncomfortable.
Other FAQs
What sleep apnea treatment options exist?mariorusso2023-04-27T02:16:21+00:00
Treatment options for sleep apnea include:
- Lifestyle Changes
- Exercise
- Not drinking alcohol before bedtime
- Sleeping on your side
- CPAP
- Oral Appliance
- Inspire
- Surgery to remove blockages
What are the risks of untreated sleep apnea?mariorusso2023-04-27T02:18:06+00:00
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious risk of:
- Stroke
- Heart Attack
- Diabetes
- Workplace or automobile accidents
How often should my doctor check the Inspire system?mariorusso2023-04-27T02:20:16+00:00
- Generally, the Inspire system should be checked 1 to 2 times a year
How long does the Inspire battery last?mariorusso2023-04-27T01:45:02+00:00
- The battery in Inspire is designed to last for approximately 11 years
- Once it is running low, it is replaced during a simple outpatient procedure
Will Inspire help with snoring?mariorusso2023-04-27T01:44:06+00:00
- 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 DOT approved?mariorusso2023-04-27T01:42:59+00:00
- 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 proving compliance, there should be no issues renewing your commercial driver’s license
