Traditional CPAP Machine VS Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation

Obstructive sleep apnea affects millions of adults, significantly impacting their health, energy levels and quality of life. Left untreated, sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and excessive daytime fatigue.

For many years, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy has been considered the gold standard for treating obstructive sleep apnea. While CPAP remains highly effective for many, it isn’t the right solution for everyone. Fortunately, newer treatments like Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation offer an alternative for certain patients who struggle with CPAP therapy.

Traditional CPAP Therapy

A CPAP machine works by delivering a continuous stream of air through a mask worn over the nose or nose & mouth while you sleep. The steady air pressure keeps the airway open, preventing breathing interruptions throughout the night.

CPAP therapy has many benefits:

• Highly effective for treating most cases of obstructive sleep apnea
• It’s a non-surgical treatment option
• Can improve sleep quality, reduce snoring and decrease daytime fatigue
• Often covered by insurance when medically necessary

Although CPAP is effective, many patients find it difficult to use consistently. Common complaints include difficulty tolerating the mask, dry mouth, nasal irritation, machines that are too loud and impaired ability to travel with bulky equipment. Because CPAP only works when it is worn correctly, inconsistent use can limit its effectiveness.

Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation

Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation is an FDA-approved implantable device designed for certain adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate or don’t benefit from CPAP therapy.

Unlike CPAP, Inspire works from inside the body. A small device is implanted during an outpatient surgical procedure. While you sleep, the system monitors your breathing and delivers gentle stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement. This stimulation helps keep the airway open, reducing airway obstruction without the need for a mask or hose. Before going to bed, patients simply activate the device using a handheld remote and turn it off upon waking.

Many patients appreciate Inspire because it offers:

• No mask or external tubing
• Quiet operation
• Freedom to sleep in different positions
• No large equipment to travel with
• Improved comfort and treatment adherence

Clinical studies have demonstrated significant improvements in sleep apnea severity, snoring and overall quality of life for approved patients. Candidates for Inspire have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, difficulty tolerating or consistently using CPAP, and must meet certain body mass index (BMI) requirements.

An ENT physician can determine whether Inspire is an appropriate treatment option based on your individual health and anatomy. CPAP remains the first-line treatment for many patients because of its proven effectiveness. However, if you’ve tried CPAP and simply can’t tolerate wearing the mask, Inspire may provide an effective alternative that better fits your lifestyle.

If you are interested in learning more about the Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation, Dr. Richard Pearlstein, of Biltmore ENT, is an Inspire Sleep Apnea Specialist recognized as an Inspire Excellence Program Member. Click HERE to request an appointment today.