Treatments for Snoring & OSA

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS), also known as hypoglossal nerve stimulator, is a treatment device for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that targets the hypoglossal nerve, which controls the movement of the tongue. This device is implanted surgically under the skin of the chest. It consists of a pulse generator and a stimulation lead that is wrapped around the hypoglossal nerve. The device monitors breathing patterns during sleep and delivers mild electrical stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve during inspiration.

During sleep, when the device senses that breathing is obstructed, it stimulates the hypoglossal nerve. This stimulation causes the tongue muscles to contract, which moves the tongue forward and opens the upper airway. By preventing the collapse of the airway, hypoglossal nerve stimulation helps to reduce episodes of sleep apnoea and improve breathing during sleep.

This is a non-invasive alternative to surgical interventions like genioplasty or maxillomandibular advancement, and individuals with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, who have not responded well to other treatments, are good candidates for HNS.