Upper Airway Stimulation: What It Is and How It Helps Sleep Apnea

When you have upper airway stimulation, a medical device that sends mild electrical pulses to the hypoglossal nerve to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway during sleep. Also known as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, it’s a solution for people with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who can’t tolerate CPAP machines. Unlike masks and air pressure systems, this therapy works from inside your body—quietly, automatically, and without daily setup.

It’s not for everyone. You need to be a healthy adult with a specific type of airway collapse, usually when the tongue falls back during sleep. Doctors check your anatomy with a sleep endoscopy before approving the device. The implant, about the size of a pacemaker, is placed under the skin in your chest, with a lead running to the nerve that controls tongue movement. When you sleep, a remote triggers the pulse, keeping your airway open so you breathe normally. It’s been used since 2014 and approved by the FDA after studies showed it cuts apnea events by more than half in most users.

People who choose this over CPAP often say they finally sleep through the night without feeling claustrophobic or waking up with a dry mouth. But it’s not a cure—it’s a management tool. You still need to avoid alcohol before bed, maintain a healthy weight, and get regular follow-ups. Some users report tongue soreness or mild discomfort at first, but most adjust within weeks. It’s also expensive and requires surgery, so it’s usually tried after other options fail.

What you’ll find below are real-world insights into how upper airway stimulation fits into the bigger picture of sleep medicine. You’ll see comparisons with other treatments, stories from people who’ve tried it, and what doctors look for when deciding if it’s right for you. This isn’t marketing. It’s what actually happens in clinics, labs, and patient homes when sleep apnea doesn’t respond to the usual fixes.