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    Mrs. Sabrina Parker 
    (Inspire specialist)

    Your contact to Inspire: Burcu Avci

    Mrs. Sabrina Parker 
    (Inspire specialist)

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The latest UK prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is estimated at 8 million people1. Whilst continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is first-line treatment, data has found that 47.7% of patients treated with CPAP stop use after three years2.

Considering these statistics, and the increased availability of Inspire hypoglossal nerve stimulation, the Health Service Journal recently published a feature asking - what’s stopping the NHS from using alternatives to CPAP to treat sleep apnoea? 

 

This thought-provoking piece can be read in full here

So, what is stopping the NHS?

To answer what’s holding the NHS back, we must consider cost. In a publicly funded healthcare system this is challenging, especially when CPAP is cost effective.

Patients who cannot benefit from CPAP may be eligible for Inspire. We must consider the costs of leaving a patient with moderate to severe OSA untreated – not only the long-term health consequences, but the significant economic impact.
Historically, alternatives have been limited. That’s changing, as several hospitals in England offer Inspire upper airway stimulation – a proven therapy for people with moderate to severe OSA who can’t tolerate CPAP3.

After surgery and a titration phase, Inspire is for most patients low-maintenance, discreet, and easy to use – no masks, straps, or bedtime routine of charging and cleaning. These design elements are well received by patients - evident through high patient satisfaction rates of 91%4, and 94% of patients likely to recommended Inspire to a friend or family member4. Adherence reflects this satisfaction, with average nightly use of 5.6 hours at 12 months4.

By offering another CPAP alternative, the NHS is transforming how OSA is treated. This is very much about a more responsive, patient-centred model of care, aligned with the NHS Long Term Plan’s focus on prevention and choice. 

What’s most encouraging is how ENT and sleep medicine teams are listening to patients who are frustrated with the lack of choice. As more centres offer alternatives, the NHS is not just treating OSA; it’s preventing incidents of untreated OSA, helping patients stay well, independent, and in control.

Let’s keep that momentum moving. For patients who can’t use CPAP, access to proven alternatives like Inspire isn’t optional - it’s essential.

"Access to proven alternatives like Inspire isn’t optional - it’s essential."

Ed Holyoak, Regional Director UK and Nordics 

Digest the wealth of clinical data through the latest Patient Experience Report:

Patient Experience Report 2024
Inspire Patient Experience Report – read the latest insights and outcomes from real world data including the ADHERE registry of 5000 Inspire patients.
Download

References

1 Benjafield, A-V et al. Lancet Respiratory Medicine. 2020
2 Pépin, J.-L et al, J. Clin. Med. 2021
3 Inspire Medical Systems (2024). System Implant Manual. 200-276-010_EN Rev E.
4 Suurna, V. Maria et al. The Laryngoscope 131.11 (2021) 2616-2624

Inspire is not for everyone. Talk to your patients about risks, benefits and expectations associated with Inspire. Risks associated with the surgical implant procedure may include infection and temporary tongue weakness. In rare cases tongue paresis and atrophy may occur. Some patients may require post implant adjustments to the system’s settings in order to improve effectiveness and ease any initial discomfort they may experience. Important safety information and product manuals can be found at www.inspiresleep.co.uk/important-safety-information