The hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HNS), marketed under the trade name “Inspire therapy,” is a promising treatment option for moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in individuals who are unable to tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
This device works by delivering mild electrical pulses to the hypoglossal nerve during sleep. This nerve controls the movement of the tongue and other muscles in the throat. The device is implanted under the skin of the neck and chest during a surgical procedure done by an otolaryngologist (ENT). During sleep, the device delivers gentle stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, which, in turn, contracts the tongue muscles to keep the airway open. By preventing airway collapse and obstruction, Inspire therapy effectively reduces the frequency of apneas and improves breathing during sleep, leading to enhanced sleep quality and reduced daytime sleepiness for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. Approximately 10-20% of individuals with OSA who cannot adhere to or benefit from CPAP therapy may be candidates for Inspire therapy. While Inspire therapy can effectively reduce the frequency of apneas and improve sleep quality in many patients, it’s important to consider potential adverse effects and complications associated with the procedure. These may include tongue weakness, tongue numbness, dental pain, and device-related discomfort. Additionally, there is a small risk of infection or device malfunction requiring surgical intervention. Despite these risks, studies have shown that approximately 80-85% of patients who undergo Inspire therapy implantation report satisfaction with the treatment and experience significant improvement in sleep apnea symptoms.
