Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans. Among many, the traditional CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is either uncomfortable, ineffective, or simply not sustainable long-term. For those patients, a newer option called Inspire® upper airway stimulation therapy is offering real, lasting relief. At Stillwater Medical Center, this technology is now available close to home. And here, one member of the Stillwater Medical team is sharing her firsthand experience with it.
Key Takeaways in This Article
- Obstructive sleep apnea raises the risk of heart disease and stroke when left untreated.
- Inspire therapy uses a small, implanted device to stimulate the nerve that controls tongue movement, keeping the airway open during sleep.
- Candidates must undergo a short sleep endoscopy to confirm eligibility.
- The device is activated approximately four weeks after implantation and adjusted gradually over several weeks.
- Stillwater Medical Center offers the full Inspire evaluation and procedure process locally.
What Is Sleep Apnea and Why Does It Matter?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the throat and palate relax during sleep, causing the tongue to fall back and block the airway. The result is repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night. This sometimes happens dozens of times per hour and prevents deep, restorative sleep.
Left untreated, sleep apnea is not just exhausting. It significantly raises the risk of serious health conditions including heart disease and stroke. “I know that having sleep apnea and undiagnosed sleep apnea leads to many, many other health conditions,” says Shyla Eggers, a longtime Stillwater Medical team member who recently underwent the Inspire procedure. “There’s a lot of things that can go wrong if you continue to go undiagnosed or untreated.”
For Eggers, the symptoms built gradually over more than a decade. She experienced persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a sense that she simply could not get enough rest no matter how long she slept. Even after returning to a CPAP machine and giving it a genuine effort, she was still experiencing 14 episodes per hour where she stopped breathing.
What Is Inspire Therapy and How Does It Work?
Inspire is an FDA-approved implantable device that treats obstructive sleep apnea without the need for a mask or forced air. It works by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve, which is the nerve that controls tongue movement, each time the patient breathes during sleep. This gentle stimulation keeps the airway open by preventing the tongue from falling back and blocking it.
The device is implanted during a minimally invasive outpatient procedure through two small incisions. One incision occurs in the neck and another in the upper chest. This device sits just beneath the skin and is controlled by a small handheld remote that patients use to turn it on before sleep and off when they wake up.
“I call it my garage door opener, because that’s exactly what it looks like,” Eggers shares.
Who Qualifies for Inspire?
Not every sleep apnea patient is a candidate for Inspire. Before proceeding, patients undergo a sleep endoscopy. This is a short, 15-minute procedure performed under light sedation. A physician uses a scope to observe how the tongue falls during sleep and assesses whether the airway collapse pattern is compatible with the device.
Eggers was told immediately after her endoscopy that she was a strong candidate. “He came right at me and said, ‘You’re a great candidate. Let’s get this on the books,’” she recalls. Ideal candidates are typically adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who have tried CPAP therapy and found it ineffective or intolerable.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After implantation, the device is not activated right away. The first four weeks are dedicated to healing. At around the four-week mark, a team of specialists from Inspire activates the device and sets it to the patient’s individual parameters. Such an approach includes a delay that allows time to fall asleep before stimulation begins. And, a programmed duration based on the patient’s target sleep hours. Patients also download a smartphone app that tracks usage and provides resources for questions along the way.
Eggers noticed meaningful improvement approximately two weeks after activation. Each week, the stimulation level is gradually increased over several weeks. A follow-up in-lab sleep study occurs to confirm that the device is working as intended. “It’s a lot easier to get out of bed in the morning,” she offers. “It’s a lot easier to focus. There are just so many things to benefit from.”
Inspire vs. CPAP: What Is the Difference?
CPAP remains an effective treatment for many people with sleep apnea, and for those it works well, it is an excellent option. But, for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP—whether due to discomfort, claustrophobia, or simply inadequate results—Inspire offers an alternative that requires no mask, no hose, and no machine.
“It avoids carrying around a little remote control that turns it on and off, versus traveling with a CPAP machine and trying to wear that every night,” Eggers emphasizes. For frequent travelers and active individuals, that distinction matters enormously.
Take the Next Step
If you or someone you love is struggling with sleep apnea and has not found adequate relief with CPAP, Inspire therapy may be worth exploring. The process begins with a conversation with a primary care provider or a referral to a sleep medicine physician.
Stillwater Medical Center offers both sleep studies and the full Inspire evaluation and implantation process… all close to home. To learn more, visit stillwater-medical.org or speak with your primary care provider about a referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Inspire covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover Inspire therapy for qualifying patients. Talk to your provider or contact Stillwater Medical Center for information specific to your plan.
How long does the Inspire implant procedure take?
The procedure is minimally invasive and typically performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients go home the same day.
What happens if Inspire does not work for me?
The device settings can be adjusted over time by your care team to optimize effectiveness. A follow-up in-lab sleep study is used to confirm that the device is performing as expected.
Can I have an MRI with an Inspire implant?
Inspire is MRI-compatible under specific conditions. Your care team will provide guidance on imaging considerations after implantation.
How do I find out if I qualify for Inspire at Stillwater Medical Center?
Start by talking to your primary care provider about your sleep apnea symptoms and treatment history. A referral to a sleep medicine physician or to Dr. Christopher Goff at Stillwater Medical Center can begin the evaluation process.