For patients who struggle with CPAP therapy but need effective treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, Inspire offers an innovative alternative. This FDA-approved implantable device works with your body’s natural breathing process, delivering mild stimulation to key airway muscles during sleep to keep the airway open. Dr. Michael Cohen provides expert evaluation and management for Inspire therapy at his Long Island practice, helping patients who cannot tolerate CPAP find a comfortable, effective solution for sleep apnea.
Same day booking and was assisted by a wonderful medical receptionist, Ross. Dr. Cohen really cares about his patients and takes his time. I will be back.
Advanced Alternative to Traditional CPAP Therapy
Dr. Michael Cohen brings over 25 years of specialized experience in diagnosing and treating sleep-related breathing disorders. As a board-certified otolaryngologist recognized as a Top Doctor by NY Top Docs for 25 consecutive years, he offers comprehensive evaluation to determine if Inspire therapy is right for you.
“Many patients find CPAP machines uncomfortable or impractical, leading to low compliance rates despite their effectiveness,” explains Dr. Cohen. “Inspire therapy represents a significant advancement for these patients, offering similar benefits without the mask, hose, or machine. For the right candidates, it can be truly life-changing.” This innovative approach provides effective sleep apnea treatment for patients who have been unable to benefit from traditional therapies.
Understanding Inspire Sleep Apnea Therapy
Inspire is an FDA-approved treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that works from inside the body with your natural breathing process. Unlike CPAP, which uses forced air to keep the airway open, Inspire uses gentle stimulation to maintain airway patency during sleep.
The system consists of three components: a small generator implanted in the upper chest, a breathing sensor lead, and a stimulation lead that delivers mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve controlling tongue movement. When the device detects you’re about to take a breath during sleep, it sends a gentle pulse to the hypoglossal nerve, causing the tongue to move slightly forward and open the airway.
Approved by the FDA in 2014, Inspire has been proven effective in multiple clinical studies. The STAR trial demonstrated a 79% reduction in sleep apnea events and significant improvements in quality of life measures, with consistent results maintained at 5-year follow-up. Over 25,000 patients worldwide have received Inspire therapy, with high satisfaction rates and improved sleep outcomes.
Ideal Candidates for Inspire Therapy
Inspire therapy is specifically designed for patients who:
- Have been diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI between 15 and 65)
- Cannot use or benefit from CPAP therapy despite adequate attempts
- Are not significantly overweight (typically BMI less than 35)
- Are 22 years of age or older
- Have specific airway anatomy compatible with the therapy, as determined by airway examination
Dr. Cohen conducts a thorough evaluation including airway assessment to determine if Inspire is appropriate for each patient’s specific condition and anatomy. This careful screening process helps ensure optimal outcomes for those who proceed with the therapy.
The Inspire Procedure and Experience
Receiving Inspire therapy involves a straightforward process:
Evaluation and Candidacy Assessment
Dr. Cohen performs a comprehensive assessment including:
- Review of sleep study results and previous treatment attempts
- Examination of upper airway anatomy using drug-induced sleep endoscopy
- Discussion of medical history and suitability for a surgical procedure
This detailed evaluation ensures the therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.
Outpatient Procedure
The Inspire system is implanted during a short outpatient procedure:
- Typically performed under general anesthesia
- Takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete
- Involves two or three small incisions
- Patients usually return home the same day
- Recovery period of approximately 1-2 weeks before returning to normal activities
The minimally invasive nature of the procedure means less discomfort and faster recovery compared to traditional sleep apnea surgeries.
Activation and Use
About one month after implantation:
- The device is activated during a brief office visit
- Patients receive a small remote control to turn the therapy on before sleep and off upon waking
- Settings are adjusted to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness
- Regular follow-up ensures continued benefit from the therapy
The simple, non-disruptive nature of the therapy supports high compliance rates and consistent use.
Benefits and Outcomes
Patients who receive Inspire therapy typically experience significant improvements:
- Substantial reduction in sleep apnea events
- Decreased snoring (90% of bed partners report reduction)
- Improved sleep quality and daytime alertness
- Better quality of life and mood
- No mask, hose, or machin
e to manage - The ability to sleep in any position
- High satisfaction rates (94% of patients would recommend the therapy)
Clinical studies have demonstrated that these benefits remain consistent even after years of use, with patients maintaining their improvements long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inspire Therapy
Yes, Inspire therapy is covered by most major insurance providers, including Medicare. Our office staff works closely with patients to navigate the insurance approval process and verify coverage.
Most patients describe the stimulation as a gentle tongue movement that isn’t painful or disruptive to sleep. The therapy is designed to work in harmony with your natural breathing pattern.
The battery in the Inspire system typically lasts 7-10 years. When the battery needs replacement, a simple outpatient procedure is performed to replace the generator component.
Patients with Inspire can undergo MRI examinations under specific conditions. Dr. Cohen can provide detailed information about MRI compatibility based on the latest guidelines.
While you may initially be aware of the device, most patients report they quickly become accustomed to it and don’t notice it during daily activities.
Most patients begin to experience benefits shortly after activation, with continued improvement as settings are optimized during follow-up visits.
Why Choose Dr. Michael Cohen for Inspire Therapy
- Board-certified otolaryngologist with specialized training in sleep-related breathing disorders
- Comprehensive evaluation to determine candidacy for Inspire therapy
- Expertise in the implantation procedure and optimization of settings
- Collaborative approach with sleep medicine specialists
- Long-term follow-up care to ensure continued effectiveness
- Recognition as a Top Doctor by NY Top Docs for 25 consecutive years
Effective CPAP Alternative for Sleep Apnea
If you’ve struggled with CPAP therapy but need effective treatment for your sleep apnea, Inspire may provide the solution you’ve been seeking. Dr. Cohen offers expert evaluation to determine if this innovative therapy is right for you, potentially freeing you from the challenges of CPAP while effectively treating your sleep apnea.
Evaluation for Inspire therapy is available at both our Syosset and Port Jefferson Station locations, making this CPAP alternative accessible throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and explore this advanced treatment option.