Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation for OSA
An FDA-approved, mask-free surgical solution for obstructive sleep apnea that works from inside your body with the click of a remote.
Overview
Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation is the only FDA-approved implantable treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) designed specifically for patients who struggle with or cannot tolerate CPAP. Rather than forcing pressurized air through a bulky mask and hose, Inspire works entirely within your body. The system consists of a small neurostimulator generator placed beneath the skin of the upper chest and a gentle stimulation lead along the hypoglossal nerve. In sync with your natural breathing pattern, Inspire delivers subtle, mild stimulation to keep the tongue and soft airway tissues from collapsing backwards, allowing uninterrupted restful sleep. Patients simply turn the therapy on before sleep and off upon waking with a handheld remote or smartphone app.
Who It Is For
Adults (and qualifying adolescents) diagnosed with moderate-to-severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (AHI 15 to 65), with a body mass index (BMI) typically under 40, who have tried and struggled with or cannot benefit from CPAP therapy, and do not have complete concentric airway collapse on drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).
Dr. Ni’s Approach
As a fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with rigorous 5-year Head & Neck / Otolaryngology residency training (Chief Resident at Temple University Hospital) and complex microvascular reconstruction experience at UCLA, Dr. Garrett Ni possesses profound anatomical mastery of the neck and the hypoglossal nerve branch pathways. His dual foundation in delicate microsurgical nerve dissection and aesthetic closure ensures both optimal functional airway opening and discreet, beautifully concealed incisions that heal with minimal aesthetic footprint.
The Experience
A comprehensive upper airway evaluation including medical history review, previous sleep study (PSG) assessment, and an office airway examination. If qualified, a brief diagnostic drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) is scheduled to verify airway collapse anatomy prior to implantation.
The outpatient procedure takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes under general anesthesia through two small, meticulously concealed incisions—one under the jawline along a natural skin crease to place the cuff around the hypoglossal nerve, and one below the collarbone for the pulse generator. Most patients return home the very same day.
Recovery Timeline
Most patients resume non-strenuous daily activities within 2 to 3 days. The system is allowed to heal undisturbed for approximately 30 days, after which Dr. Ni activates and custom-programs the device in the office. You then simply click the remote at bedtime to enjoy quiet, restorative sleep.
What It Treats
- Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Chronic loud snoring and airway obstruction during sleep
- CPAP intolerance, mask leakage, claustrophobia, and discomfort
- Frequent nighttime awakenings, oxygen desaturations, and gasping
- Excessive daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and brain fog
- Cardiovascular stress associated with untreated sleep apnea
Key Benefits
- 100% mask-free, hose-free, and bedside-machine-free sleep apnea relief
- Clinically proven: 79% reduction in sleep apnea events (AHI) in long-term studies
- 90% of bed partners report no snoring or only soft, natural breathing
- 91% of patients prefer Inspire therapy over traditional CPAP
- Over 93% of patients recommend Inspire to friends and family
- Convenient handheld remote and connected smartphone app track your sleep progress
- Widely covered by Medicare, VA, and major commercial insurance carriers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation for OSA.
Schedule Your Private Consultation
Consult personally with Dr. Garrett Ni at our Mount Carmel practice to discuss your aesthetic goals and receive an individualized surgical plan.