Phelps Health is now offering Inspire therapy, an innovative treatment option for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who find continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy challenging. This FDA-approved therapy provides a new approach to managing OSA, a condition affecting an estimated 22 million Americans.
OSA is characterized by the collapse of the airway during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing and reduced oxygen flow to the brain. Untreated OSA can result in serious health consequences, including increased risk of vehicle and workplace accidents, mood and memory impairment, stroke, heart attack, and even death.
How Inspire Therapy Works
Inspire therapy utilizes a small, implanted device that works in conjunction with the patient’s natural breathing process. The system delivers mild stimulation to open the airway during sleep, ensuring consistent oxygen flow. Patients use a handheld remote to activate the device before bed and deactivate it upon waking.
Brian Kriete, MD, Phelps Health Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)/Allergy Physician and Medical Director of Surgical Services, emphasizes the impact of this therapy: "In our practice, we see many patients who have stopped using or are unable to tolerate CPAP. Inspire represents a significant advancement in treating sleep apnea, and we’re excited to offer this promising therapy to our patients."
Clinical Evidence: The STAR Trial
The safety and efficacy of Inspire therapy were rigorously evaluated in the STAR clinical trial. The five-year outcomes of the STAR trial demonstrated that patients using Inspire experienced significant reductions in sleep apnea events and notable improvements in overall quality of life. These findings have been further supported by over 150 peer-reviewed publications, reinforcing the consistent and positive results observed with Inspire therapy.
A CPAP Alternative
For many patients, CPAP therapy can be uncomfortable and difficult to adhere to, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes. Inspire offers a viable alternative, eliminating the need for a mask and hose. This can significantly improve patient compliance and overall treatment effectiveness, leading to better sleep and improved health outcomes.
With Inspire therapy, patients can experience "No mask. No hose. Just sleep."
