Upper Airway Stimulation for Sleep Apnea: Breakthrough Alternative to CPAP
How Effective Is Upper Airway Stimulation as an Alternative to CPAP?
Upper airway stimulation (UAS) therapy provides a highly effective alternative to CPAP for treating obstructive sleep apnea, this landmark clinical trial demonstrates. The therapy, which uses an implanted device to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve and prevent airway collapse during sleep, reduced the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) by 68% and significantly improved quality of life measures in patients who could not tolerate CPAP therapy. At 12 months, 66% of patients achieved treatment success (AHI reduction ≥50% and AHI <20 events/hour), with sustained benefits maintained over long-term follow-up. The therapy represents a breakthrough for the estimated 30-50% of sleep apnea patients who cannot use CPAP effectively.