How Does an Implant for Sleep Apnea Work?

A hypoglossal nerve stimulation implant is a new treatment for sleep apnea. It replaces the traditional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine therapy in people who have not had success with CPAP. How It Works A hypoglossal nerve stimulator implant is a device surgically placed inside the body to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Inspire is currently the only brand approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that occurs in people with narrow throats. When sleeping, the muscles in the mouth and throat relax, causing the airways to become blocked. This leads to poor sleep quality and can increase the risk of several health conditions. A hypoglossal nerve stimulator device sends a signal to the nerve under the tongue (hypoglossal nerve), which causes the tongue to move forward. This opens the airway, allowing the user to breathe more easily while sleeping. The device is controlled by a remote and is only used when the person is sleep...