Implantable Sleep Apnea Devices Explained

Implanted devices let you treat sleep apnea without a mask. A surgeon places a small device inside your body that helps keep your airway open while you sleep. Inspire is the leading one, and newer devices are being developed.

What are implanted devices?

Implanted devices are some of the newest ways to treat sleep apnea. A surgeon places them inside your body. They are an option if you cannot use outside treatments. Examples of outside treatments are CPAP (a machine that blows air through a mask) or a mouth guard (oral appliance).

What is Inspire?

Inspire is the best-known implanted device. It works by gently stimulating the hypoglossal nerve. This is the nerve that moves your tongue. Moving the tongue forward keeps your airway open.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved it in 2014. It has treated tens of thousands of patients with strong results.

How do implanted devices work?

• Placed under the skin — A small device is placed under the skin, much like a pacemaker.
• Senses breathing — It senses your breathing as it happens.
• Sends a signal — It sends a mild signal to the muscles of your airway.
• Keeps the throat open — This keeps your tongue and soft tissue from falling back and blocking your throat.
• Remote control — You turn it on and off with a small remote.

What new devices are being studied?

• Two-sided stimulation — Stimulates the tongue nerve on both sides (bilateral stimulation).
• Closed-loop systems — Devices that work fully on their own. They respond to changes in your airway.
• Smaller devices — Next devices that are smaller and have a longer battery life.

Who may qualify?

A sleep doctor decides if you are a good fit. You may qualify if you have:

• Moderate to severe OSA — Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that is moderate to severe
• Trouble with CPAP — You cannot use CPAP
• BMI within limits — Your body mass index (BMI, a measure of weight for height) is within the limits
• A good airway shape — Your airway shape is a good fit