The implant for sleep apnea is a small device that can change the way you breathe during your sleep. This article discusses how the device works, and whether it is an option for you if you have tried CPAP and didn’t find relief.

The device, marketed under the name Inspire, stimulates the hypoglossal nerve, which can move the tongue forward during sleep. The device can reduce snoring and improve breathing during sleep. It may also improve quality of life for people with obstructive sleep apnea, and is more comfortable than traditional CPAP machines.

Implant for Sleep Apnea: An Effective Treatment Option

Unlike the CPAP machine, the Inspire device doesn’t use air pressure to keep your upper airway open. Instead, it relies on a small implanted device that uses electrical pulses to move your tongue. A long-term study of 126 patients found that the device reduced the severity of their OSA, as measured by overnight sleep studies, self-reported snoring and daytime sleepiness, and a scale used to measure sleep impairment.

Inspire is only available for adults who are at least 18 years old and have moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea. The device isn’t recommended for people who have a body mass index (BMI) higher than 35.

If you are interested in the Inspire device, a CU Anschutz expert who performs the surgery can help you decide if it’s right for you. They will review your history with obstructive sleep apnea and conduct an exam, including a drug-induced sleep endoscopy, to see how well your upper airway opens and closes while you are asleep.