Implantable Sleep Apnea Treatments: Advanced Alternatives to CPAP
When CPAP therapy isn’t the right fit, advanced implantable neurostimulation therapies may provide another option. Dallas Sleep Health evaluates patients with obstructive and central sleep apnea to determine whether treatments such as Inspire®, Genio®, or the remedē® System may be appropriate.
These innovative therapies are designed to improve breathing during sleep by stimulating the nerves involved in maintaining healthy airflow or breathing patterns.
What Are Implantable Sleep Apnea Treatments?
Implantable sleep apnea treatments are advanced medical devices placed beneath the skin that help restore normal breathing during sleep.
Unlike CPAP machines, these therapies work inside the body by stimulating specific nerves responsible for breathing or keeping the airway open.
Depending on your diagnosis, implantable therapies may:
- Keep the airway from collapsing
- Stimulate muscles that support normal breathing
- Reduce breathing interruptions
- Improve oxygen levels during sleep
- Decrease daytime fatigue
- Improve sleep quality
These treatments are typically recommended for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy or who continue experiencing symptoms despite treatment.
Types of Implantable Sleep Apnea Therapies:
Inspire® Therapy : Inspire Therapy is an FDA-approved implant that monitors your breathing while you sleep and delivers gentle stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve. This stimulation helps keep the tongue from blocking the airway, allowing for more natural breathing throughout the night.
Patients activate the device before bedtime using a handheld remote and turn it off when they wake.
Potential benefits include:
- No CPAP mask
- Quiet treatment
- Works automatically during sleep
- Clinically proven
- Improved sleep quality for many eligible patients
Genio® Therapy : Genio Therapy is an innovative implantable neurostimulation system designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea without an implanted chest battery.
The implant is positioned beneath the chin and works with an external activation device worn while sleeping. Gentle stimulation helps maintain an open airway throughout the night.
Potential benefits include:
- Less invasive design
- No chest battery
- Comfortable overnight therapy
- Improved breathing during sleep
remedē® System :Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea occurs when the brain temporarily stops sending signals to breathe.
The remedē System stimulates the phrenic nerve, which activates the diaphragm and helps restore a more natural breathing rhythm during sleep.
This therapy may be recommended for patients with:
- Central Sleep Apnea
- Heart failure-related CSA
- Persistent breathing interruptions
Which Therapy Is Right for You?
| Treatment | Sleep Apnea Type | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Inspire® | Obstructive Sleep Apnea | Stimulates the hypoglossal nerve to keep the airway open |
| Genio® | Obstructive Sleep Apnea | Stimulates tongue muscles through an implant beneath the chin |
| remedē® System | Central Sleep Apnea | Stimulates the phrenic nerve to restore normal breathing |
Frequently Asked Questions
They are medical devices implanted beneath the skin that help improve breathing during sleep by stimulating nerves involved in airway support or breathing control.
For some eligible patients, implantable therapies may serve as an alternative when CPAP is not tolerated or has not been effective. Your sleep specialist will determine the most appropriate treatment.
No. Eligibility depends on factors such as the type and severity of sleep apnea, overall health, body mass index (BMI), and airway anatomy. A comprehensive evaluation is required.
Yes. Implantable therapies involve a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed by qualified surgeons. Dallas Sleep evaluates candidates and coordinates appropriate care.
The remedē System is specifically designed to treat Central Sleep Apnea by stimulating the phrenic nerve to support normal breathing.
Inspire Therapy and Genio Therapy are designed for eligible patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan, diagnosis, and medical eligibility. Our team can help review your benefits and discuss next steps.
