Inspire Sleep Therapy in Houston, TX

No mask. No hose. Just sleep.

Inspire for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the first and only FDA-approved implantable device for treating OSA. It works from inside the patient’s body with their natural breathing. Dr. Cilento is proud to be the first surgeon to offer this innovative, life-changing technology in Spring, Houston, and the Woodlands. He has also been recognized as a Physician of Excellence by the Inspire Institute.

The patient turns on and operates the Inspire sleep apnea device via a handheld remote. It allows the device to deliver mild stimulation to key airway muscles. This helps keep the airway open while they sleep.

How Inspire V™ Works

Inspire V works inside your body while you sleep. Your surgeon performs a simple outpatient procedure to implant the device. When you’re ready for bed, click the remote and turn Inspire on. A gentle pulse opens your airway while you are asleep. This allows you to breathe normally.

Table of Contents

Inspire Consultation

You will meet with Dr. Cilento in our Spring office for your consultation. During this meeting, your surgeon will:

Inspire Implantation Procedure

Anesthesia

The Inspire V implantation procedure begins with general anesthesia to ensure the patient is entirely unconscious and does not experience any discomfort during the operation. An anesthesiologist monitors vital signs throughout the surgery to maintain a stable condition and appropriate sedation level.

Incisions and Device Placement

Small incisions are made in the upper chest and under the chin. Through these incisions, the surgeon carefully places the pulse generator beneath the skin of the chest wall and routes a stimulation lead to the neck. The device is positioned to deliver gentle stimulation to maintain an open airway during sleep.

Locating the Hypoglossal Nerve

A critical step in the procedure involves locating and isolating the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement. The stimulation lead is wrapped around this nerve to deliver precisely timed impulses that prevent airway obstruction without disturbing normal breathing patterns. This step is guided by real-time intraoperative nerve monitoring to ensure accuracy.

Respiratory Sensing Lead Insertion

Another lead is positioned near the intercostal muscles to detect breathing patterns. This respiratory sensing lead communicates with the pulse generator, allowing the device to deliver stimulation in sync with the patient’s natural breathing. Synchronization is essential for reducing sleep apnea events without disrupting the sleep cycle.

Final System Check and Closure

Once all components are secured, the surgical team performs a system check to confirm that the Inspire device responds appropriately to breathing cues. The incisions are then closed with sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied. The procedure typically takes a few hours and is completed in a controlled, sterile environment. This minimally invasive surgery offers an effective solution for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP.

Recovery & Aftercare

We will guide you through any restrictions after the procedure. After healing for one month, your Inspire is turned on. We work with you to ensure all settings are correct and you feel comfortable using the device.

Here is an overview of the recovery timeline:

Days 1–3: Mild swelling, bruising, and soreness near the incision sites; rest and limited activity are recommended.
Week 1: Most patients can resume light daily activities; avoid strenuous movement or lifting.
Weeks 2–3: Sutures typically dissolve or are removed; discomfort continues to improve.
Week 4: Full healing of incisions is expected; the Inspire device is activated during a follow-up visit.
Ongoing: Device settings are fine-tuned over several weeks to optimize comfort and effectiveness.

Am I a Candidate?

To be a candidate for Inspire for obstructive sleep apnea, you must meet the following requirements:

Benefits of Using an
Inspire Device

Benefits of Using an Inspire Device

Improves Sleep Quality

The Inspire device offers an effective treatment for individuals struggling with sleep apnea symptoms. By working in harmony with the patient’s natural breathing process, it gently stimulates key airway muscles to prevent obstruction during sleep. This consistent, responsive approach helps restore uninterrupted rest and significantly improves overall sleep quality.

Reduces Health Risks

When sleep apnea is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, or even death. The Inspire device targets the root causes of obstructive breathing by preventing airway collapse during sleep. It helps reduce the long-term health risks commonly associated with chronic sleep apnea.

FDA-Approved

Inspire therapy received FDA approval as a proven and safe obstructive sleep apnea treatment. The device is developed by Inspire Medical Systems and meets rigorous quality standards. Its approval reflects years of clinical research supporting its benefits and outcomes.

Outpatient Procedure

The Inspire implant is a minimally invasive procedure performed on an outpatient basis. A small device is placed under the skin and connected to the airway-controlling nerve, allowing it to treat obstructive sleep apnea without requiring major surgery. Most patients return home the same day and resume normal activities soon after.

More Convenient Than CPAP Therapy

As a treatment option, Inspire offers a more convenient and comfortable alternative to traditional CPAP machines. Instead of dealing with masks and hoses, patients control their device with just the click of a remote. The result is improved adherence, better outcomes, and a significant enhancement in the patient’s quality of life as the cycle repeats nightly with minimal disruption.

Cost of Inspire Implants for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Houston

Cost of Inspire Implants for Obstructive
Sleep Apnea in Houston

The cost of Inspire V in Houston ranges from $30,000 to $40,000. This price typically includes the device itself, the surgical procedure to implant it, and follow-up programming appointments to ensure optimal performance. As a specialized treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, the total expense reflects the advanced technology and expertise required to perform the minimally invasive operation.
We get asked often, “Will insurance cover Inspire for sleep apnea?” The answer is that most major insurance companies cover the procedure. However, they will only approve the therapy based on medical necessity. Patients can typically expect to pay the cost of any unmet deductible for the year and any required copay/coinsurance fee for the procedure.
Our patient care coordinator will work with you to determine what costs will be covered by your insurance.

Texas Sinus & Snoring on Great Day Houston with Deborah Duncan

Hear from Dr. Cilento and one of our Inspire patients on this segment with Deborah Duncan of Great Day Houston.

Texas Sinus & Snoring on KPRC 2 Houston

Haley Hernandez, Health Reporter for KPRC Channel 2, Houston, came by our office to talk to us about Inspire. Hear from Dr. Cilento and one of our patients about how Inspire is helping patients say goodbye to CPAP.

Dr. Cilento Recognized as Inspire Physician of Excellence

In 2022, Dr. Cilento was recognized as an Inspire Physician of Excellence by the Inspire Institute Excellence Committee! You can learn more about what this designation means by clicking the button below.

Schedule a Consultation Today!

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Cilento to receive detailed information about the procedure. Take the first step toward improved sleep and a healthier life.

Inspire Patient Reviews

Inspire V has been clinically proven to help reduce sleep apnea events. Our patients repeatedly report how the device has changed their and their partners’ lives. Here’s one of our patients, Mr. Snow, talking about his experience.