No mask. No hose. Just sleep.™

Inspire® Therapy for Children with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Each year, about 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome.¹ Of those children, about 60% will be affected by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to smaller breathing pathways, lower muscle tone, and larger tongue anatomy common in those with Down syndrome.^1-3

Children with OSA struggle with a number of daily issues due to continuous poor sleep including challenges with behavior, difficulties at school, and issues with spoken language.

While some children with Down syndrome do well with treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy to help treat their OSA, many are unable to find a mask that properly fits their unique facial anatomy, or they cannot tolerate wearing a mask due to sensory disorders. Both, or either, of these concerns can make wearing a CPAP mask a difficult long-term sleep apnea solution for those with Down syndrome.^4-5

Meet Auden G.

Before Inspiretherapy, Auden struggled with loud snoring, restless nights, and sleep deprivation that left her feeling tired throughout the day. After getting her Inspire^® implant, she began sleeping better immediately, bringing back her energy, focus, and the joyful spirit her family had missed, while giving her parents long-awaited peace of mind and rest.

Watch Auden’s video series to learn more about her life with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea and how Inspire therapy not only helps her thrive, but also supports her growing independence.

A transformed life

Managing sensory sensitivities

Auden’s parents share how Inspire therapy has been a game-changer for managing obstructive sleep apnea in a child with Down syndrome and sensory sensitivities.

Why is there a higher risk?

Auden’s parents explain the anatomical and physiological reasons why children with Down syndrome, like their daughter, have an increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea.

Completing an airway exam

The airway exam assessed Auden's airway anatomy to determine the type of blockage she was experiencing to confirm if Inspire therapy was right for her.

Navigating Inspire therapy as a parent

Auden’s mom shares a deeply personal reflection on the complexities of informed consent when choosing Inspire therapy for a child with Down syndrome.

Life with Inspire therapy

Auden’s family shares how Inspire therapy dramatically improved her sleep and her life.

Auden's independence

As a pediatric patient with Down syndrome, it was important that Auden could manage her Inspire therapy independently – without nightly assistance.

Qualifications for Inspire therapy

Children with Down syndrome who meet the below criteria may be candidates for Inspire therapy.

Age 13 or older
Diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea (between 10 and 50 events per hour)
Not effectively treated by adenotonsillectomy
Unable to benefit from CPAP

Why choose Inspire therapy?

Here are some reasons people have chosen Inspire therapy to treat sleep apnea.

Breathe better

Inspire therapy is the first FDA approved obstructive sleep apnea treatment that works inside the body to treat the root cause of sleep apnea. Through a small device implanted during a minimally invasive procedure, Inspire therapy uses gentle stimulation to keep the airway open during sleep.

Sleep better

Because Inspire therapy is a simple, low- maintenance therapy that works without the use of a mask or hose, children are able to sleep more peacefully at night, allowing for more restful sleep.

When they’re ready for bed, they can simply click the button on their remote to turn Inspire therapy on. In the morning, they click the remote once more to turn the therapy off.

Inspire therapy also has automatic “shut-off” and delayed “turn-on” features. These allow time for children to fall asleep before the therapy turns on, and automatically turns the therapy off after a certain amount of run-time.

Feel better

Caregivers report that their children with Down syndrome have less daily tiredness and show increased alertness and energy after consistent use of Inspire therapy.

Patient outcomes

Inspire therapy is a safe and effective alternative to treat OSA for those who are not effectively treated by current therapies like CPAP.

53%

Reduction in sleep apnea events in children with Down syndrome using Inspire therapy consistently.⁶

Insurance coverage for Inspire therapy

If FDA indications are met you can work with your insurance company to discuss coverage options for Inspire therapy. You can also reach out to an Inspire therapy insurance specialist at [email protected] for assistance with insurance approval.

Inspire is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor 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 InspireSleep.com, or call 1-844-OSA-HELP.

1. CDC. (2020, October 23). Data and Statistics on Down Syndrome. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/downsyndrome/data.html

2. C. Hartnick, MD et al, Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation in Adolescents with Downs syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea, JAMA Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, November 2, 2017

3. “Sleep & down Syndrome.” Ndss.org, ndss.org/resources/sleep-down-syndrome.

4. Gastelum et al; Treatment Considerations for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pediatric Down Syndrome; Children 2021, 8, 1074

5. Hudson, Summer et al. “Long-Term Non-invasive Ventilation in Children With Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review.” Frontiers in pediatrics vol. 10 886727. 23 May. 2022, doi:10.3389/fped.2022.886727)

6. Yu P, et al. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022; 148(6): 522-528.(Funded by Inspire; IDE held and managed by MEEI)