What is a Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator?

Hypoglossal nerve stimulator is an implanted treatment device to help with obstructive sleep apnea when continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is not well tolerated.

How the Implant Works:

The device is placed under the skin during surgery. There are two wires from the device. One is attached to the nerve that moves the tongue and the other is in the chest to detect breathing. The stimulator will help keep your airway open when you sleep.

• You turn the hypoglossal nerve stimulator device on at bedtime with the remote control.
• There are also two wires from the device. One is attached to the nerve that moves the tongue and the other is in the lower chest to detect breathing.

After surgery, the stimulator will help keep your airway open as you sleep. Here’s how it works:

• You turn the hypoglossal nerve stimulator device on at bedtime with the remote control.
• There is a delay period before the implant starts working so you can fall asleep. This delay is based on the amount of time you need to fall asleep.
• Once the delay period is over, the device starts working. It triggers the nerve to make your tongue and other muscles move.
• The device has a set time to turn off in the morning or you can turn it off with the remote.
• To view videos about the device by Inspire Medical Systems, Inc., visit: https://www.inspiresleep.com/en-us/inspire-therapy-patients/
• For patient questions, call 844-OSA-Help option three (3).

All surgeries have risks. The risks linked to having a hypoglossal nerve stimulator placed include:

• Your obstructive sleep apnea does not improve.
• Injury to the nerve in the tongue or lower lip.
• Pneumothorax (air builds up in the chest, outside of the lung).
• Infection at the incision site.

After Surgery

Activity:

• Return to school, daycare or work in five to seven (5-7) days after surgery.
• Weight and activity restrictions will be required.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) precautions:

• Refer to your patient information or Inspire website regarding MRI restrictions.
• CT scans, ultrasounds and X-rays may be done without restrictions.