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Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation (HGNS) therapy for sleep apnea

740-779-8700

How HGNS therapy works

Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the muscles and tongue relax during sleep and block the airway. When your airway is blocked, your brain gets less oxygen and wakes you up to take a breath. This cycle repeats throughout the night, preventing deep, restful sleep and leaving you exhausted during the day.

HGNS therapy addresses this at the source. A small implant is placed near the collarbone and works fully inside your body while you sleep. It senses your breathing pattern and delivers gentle pulses to the airway muscles, moving the tongue forward and out of the way each time you take a breath. Your airway stays open, your breathing stays regular, and you stay asleep.

There is no mask to wear, no hose to deal with, and no noise. You simply turn the therapy on with a small remote before bed and turn it off in the morning.

Equipment overview

View a basic overview of what the HGNS setup involves.

The HGNS implant

A small device placed near your collarbone that senses breathing and delivers gentle pulses to keep your airway open while you sleep.

The HGNS remote

A simple handheld remote you use to turn therapy on before bed and off in the morning. No complicated settings.

The HGNS app

Tracks your sleep goals and allows you to share data directly with your Adena provider so your care team can monitor your progress.
 Only a trained physician can determine whether HGNS therapy is right for you. Contact Adena Sleep Medicine to schedule a consultation and find out if you are a candidate.

The implant procedure

The HGNS implant is placed during a short outpatient procedure, typically lasting one to two hours. Most patients go home the same day.

1
Before your procedure

Your care team will review your sleep study results and health history to confirm you are a good candidate. You will receive instructions on how to prepare, including any medications to pause before surgery.

2
During your procedure

The implant is placed near your collarbone under general or local anesthesia. Your surgeon makes a small incision to position the device. The entire procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery.

3
After your procedure

Most patients go home the same day and need nothing more than over-the-counter pain medication in the days following the procedure. You can typically resume light, non-strenuous activities within a few days. Your care team will schedule a follow-up to activate the device and adjust your therapy settings.

Proven results

HGNS therapy is backed by years of clinical research and real-world patient data. Over 100,000 people have been treated with HGNS therapy worldwide.

79%
reduction in sleep apnea events
90%
of bed partners report no snoring or soft snoring
91%
of patients say HGNS is better than CPAP
93%
of patients would recommend HGNS to a friend or family member

Who is HGNS therapy for?

HGNS therapy is FDA-approved for adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who have tried CPAP and found it did not work for them or they could not tolerate it. Your doctor will review your sleep study results and health history to confirm you meet the criteria.

You may qualify if you:
  • Have been diagnosed with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea with an AHI between 15 and 100.
  • Have tried CPAP and it did not work, or you could not tolerate it
  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Have a BMI under 40 (studies have not been conducted above this threshold)
HGNS may not be right for you if:
  • Your sleep apnea is caused primarily by central or mixed apneas (25% or more of your AHI)
  • You have a complete concentric collapse at the level of the soft palate
  • You are under 18 years old (with some exceptions for Down syndrome patients)
  • You need MRI procedures regularly (requires discussion with your doctor)
Only a trained physician can determine whether HGNS therapy is right for you. Contact Adena Sleep Medicine to schedule a consultation and find out if you are a candidate.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to sleep without a mask?

If CPAP has not been the right fit for you, HGNS therapy might be right for you. Call us to schedule a consultation with the Adena sleep medicine team and find out if you are a candidate.

Call Adena Sleep Medicine: 740-779-8700