Inspire Sleep Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

For patients struggling with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Inspire Sleep Therapy offers a breakthrough alternative when CPAP has failed or proven intolerable. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on external air pressure, Inspire is an FDA-approved, implantable device that gently stimulates key airway muscles to prevent nighttime collapse—restoring restful sleep without masks or hoses.

Dr. Mostafa Ahmed, MD, FACS, a board-certified ENT surgeon, provides Inspire Sleep Therapy to patients throughout Washington, DC, Silver Spring, and Gaithersburg. With extensive military medical experience and a patient-centered philosophy, Dr. Ahmed delivers expert care from consultation to follow-up, tailoring therapy to your unique needs and lifestyle.

Sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues at the back of the throat relax during sleep, narrowing or blocking the airway. Inspire works by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement, keeping the airway open as you breathe.

The Inspire system includes:

• A small pulse generator implanted in the chest, similar to a pacemaker.
• A breathing sensor lead that monitors your natural breathing patterns.
• A stimulation lead that sends mild pulses to move the tongue forward with each breath.

You control the device with a remote, turning it on before bed and off in the morning. The stimulation is gentle and adjusts to your breathing rhythm throughout the night.

Dr. Ahmed begins with a thorough evaluation, including a sleep study and a drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) to confirm whether Inspire is right for you. If you’re a good candidate, the device is placed during a short outpatient surgery under general anesthesia.

• Incisions: Two small incisions—one beneath the jaw and one in the chest—allow for placement of the device and leads.
• Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, with complete healing expected in about 4–6 weeks.
• Activation: The device is activated at a follow-up visit about a month later, and settings are fine-tuned for comfort and effectiveness.

Inspire is designed to be a long-term solution, offering years of relief with minimal maintenance. Dr. Ahmed provides ongoing care and adjustments to ensure the best possible results.

Inspire may be right for you if:

• You have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
• You are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy.
• You have a BMI under 40.
• You are 18 years or older with no significant neuromuscular or cardiopulmonary conditions.

Dr. Ahmed conducts a detailed screening process, including DISE testing, to determine whether your airway anatomy is compatible with Inspire.

• Mask-free sleep with no hoses, straps, or external devices.
• Improved energy, focus, and quality of life.
• Significant reduction in snoring and nighttime awakenings.
• Discreet and silent therapy, with no disruption to your sleep partner.
• Long-term results with minimal downtime and follow-up required.

Unlike CPAP, which can be disruptive and hard to maintain, Inspire offers a comfortable, consistent treatment option that fits easily into your routine.

Dr. Mostafa Ahmed brings years of surgical experience and a deep understanding of complex sleep-breathing disorders. He is a board-certified ENT surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons who served as Department Chief of Otolaryngology at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and a staff surgeon at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

His training in nerve regeneration and extensive surgical expertise ensure precise device placement and optimal outcomes. Dr. Ahmed takes time to educate patients, explain their options, and deliver care tailored to their long-term health goals.

If CPAP has not worked for you or you're seeking a more comfortable and effective solution for obstructive sleep apnea, Inspire Sleep Therapy may be the answer. Dr. Mostafa Ahmed offers expert evaluation, precision placement, and long-term support to help you breathe freely and sleep soundly.

Contact our Silver Spring or Gaithersburg office today to schedule your consultation and learn whether Inspire is right for you. Dr. Ahmed proudly serves patients throughout the Washington, DC metro area with compassionate, cutting-edge ENT care.