Implantable sleep apnea therapies have expanded treatment options for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy. Inspire and Genio are two implantable sleep apnea devices that use nerve stimulation to help maintain airway patency during sleep. Chicago ENT provides evaluation and treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, offering both options so care can be tailored to each patient’s anatomy and clinical needs.
The Challenge of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway collapses during sleep, disrupting breathing and oxygen levels. Untreated OSA is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, cardiovascular disease, and reduced quality of life. Although CPAP therapy remains the first-line treatment for sleep apnea, some patients are unable to tolerate long-term use and may benefit from alternative therapies.
How Inspire Works
Inspire Therapy is an implantable sleep apnea device that treats moderate to severe OSA by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement. When activated during sleep, the device helps prevent the tongue from collapsing backward and blocking the airway. Inspire is controlled with a small handheld remote and works in coordination with the patient’s natural breathing pattern.
Who Qualifies for Inspire
Inspire may be an option for patients who:
- Have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea
- Are unable to tolerate or benefit from CPAP therapy
- Meet specific anatomical and clinical criteria based on sleep testing and airway evaluation
Chicago ENT is a Center of Excellence for Inspire Therapy, providing comprehensive evaluation, implantation, and follow-up care.
How Genio Works
Genio is an implantable therapy for obstructive sleep apnea that uses bilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation to help keep the airway open during sleep. Unlike Inspire, Genio does not contain an implanted battery. Therapy is powered wirelessly by an external activation unit worn at night.
Who Qualifies for Genio
Genio may be appropriate for select patients with obstructive sleep apnea who meet specific anatomical and clinical criteria. As with other implantable sleep apnea treatments, candidacy is determined through a comprehensive evaluation, including sleep studies and airway assessment.
Next Steps
Patients interested in learning more about implantable sleep apnea devices, including Inspire and Genio, may benefit from a consultation with a sleep specialist. An individualized evaluation can help determine whether an implantable therapy or another sleep apnea treatment option is most appropriate.
