Device to Prevent Airway Collapse During Sleep is Released in the U.K.

An implantable technology described as a “sleep apnea pacemaker” has been introduced in the United Kingdom, offering an alternative treatment for people suffering from moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who cannot tolerate conventional therapies like CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure).

Designed to prevent airway collapse during sleep, the technology developed by Inspire Medical Systems works by gently stimulating the hypoglossal nerve, helping to keep the upper airway open and thus reducing sleep apnea-associated events and providing patients with restorative slumber while also improving sleep-related quality of life.^1-5

OSA is a common and serious condition caused by the repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep, leading to oxygen desaturation, fragmented sleep , and increased long-term health risks. Although CPAP therapy has been the gold standard since the 1980s, adherence remains a major challenge. A recent study indicated that 47.7% of patients discontinued CPAP within three years, leaving many individuals inadequately treated.⁶

“For patients who are unable to tolerate CPAP, this technology offers a fundamentally different approach by targeting the physiological cause of airway collapse,” Inspire Medical Systems Director of Market Access Ed Holyoak said. “With more than 125,000 patients treated worldwide and U.K. access continuing to expand, innovation is playing an increasingly important role in improving long-term outcomes for people living with obstructive sleep apnea.”

Now introduced to the United Kingdom, Inspire Medical’s solution is intended for people with moderate to severe OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy or for whom it has been ineffective. Patients may be eligible for the treatment if they have an Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI) of 15–65, less than 25% central or mixed apnea, are unable to tolerate CPAP, and have a BMI of 35 kg/m² or under.

Inspire Medical’s system uses an implantable device that delivers breath-synchronized stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement. By stimulating the nerve in line with natural breathing patterns, the technology helps keep the airway open during sleep without the need for external masks, consumables, and a nightly routine. Patients activate the therapy before sleep using a handheld remote control.

OSA affects nearly 25% of the U.K. population⁷ and if left untreated, is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, as well as excessive daytime sleepiness—a recognized contributor to road traffic accidents.⁸

“…sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea can affect physical health, mental well-being, and daily functioning,” stated Lisa Artis, deputy CEO from The Sleep Charity. “Many people remain undiagnosed or struggle with existing treatments, so awareness of alternative, clinically proven options is essential to help individuals access appropriate care.”

The technology has been evaluated in multiple scientific studies, demonstrating strong efficacy and safety in reducing sleep apnea events,^1,9 improving sleep-related quality of life,¹ and supporting strong adherence.¹⁰

The therapy is a surgically implanted system intended for adults with moderate-to-severe OSA who are not effectively treated by, or unable to tolerate CPAP therapy, and it is prescribed following a medical assessment from a specialist.

Inspire is a medical technology company developing and commercializing minimally invasive OSA solutions. Inspire’s proprietary Inspire therapy is the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration-, EU MDR, and PDMA- approved neurostimulation technology that provides a safe and effective treatment for moderate to severe OSA. More than 125,000 patients worldwide have chosen the therapy.

References
1 Woodson BT et al. (2018) Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery. 159.1:194-202
2 Strollo PJ Jr, et al (2014) N Engl J Med. 370:139–149.  https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1308659
3 Hofauer B et al (2017) Sleep and Breathing. 21:901–908 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11325-017-1519-0
4 Toshpulatov I et al (2025) Latin American Journal of Education. (7).  https://lajoe.org/index.php/LAJoE/article/view/449
5 Dijk DJ. (2009) Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 5(2 Suppl):S6–S15. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2824213/
6 Pépin J-L et al. (2022) French Nationwide Database Analysis. Chest 161:1657–65
7 Benjafield AV et al. (2019) Lancet Respiratory Medicine. 7 (8): 687-698
8 Patil SP et al. (2024) J Clin Sleep Med. 2024
9 Moroco AE et al. (2024) Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 20,9
10 Suurna, V. Maria et al. (2021) The Laryngoscope. 131.11:2616-2624