New hope is on the horizon for thousands of Brits living with sleep apnoea who struggle to tolerate traditional treatment. For Catherine Turnbull from Chippenham, a new hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) device has been nothing short of "life-changing". Diagnosed five years ago with the common but serious disorder, Ms Turnbull was one of the first UK patients to receive the revolutionary treatment.
Sleep apnoea affects up to 1 in every 5 adults over the age of 40, according to NHS estimates. The condition sees breathing repeatedly stopping and starting during sleep, leading to symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping, choking, and frequent waking. This can cause extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings during the day – impacting daily life in a significant way.
For many patients, like Ms Turnbull, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are the primary treatment option. However, these devices often prove difficult to tolerate due to the constant wearing of masks or discomfort caused by airflow. According to NHS data, around 10-15% of sleep apnoea patients cannot use CPAP effectively, leaving them with limited options for managing their condition.
The HGNS device offers an alternative solution. It involves implanting a generator into the patient's chest, which stimulates the hypoglossal nerve – gently pushing the tongue forward during each breath to prevent airway collapse. The treatment requires minimal maintenance and can be activated using a small remote control before bed. While it has been used successfully in Europe and the US, with approximately 125,000 procedures worldwide, its introduction in the UK brings new hope for those who have exhausted traditional treatments.
According to Joseph Sinnott, an ear, nose and throat surgeon at Swindon's Great Western Hospital (GWH), which is one of only five trusts currently offering HGNS, CPAP remains the initial treatment choice. However, for patients who genuinely struggle with CPAP, HGNS presents a valuable second option – especially in severe cases where traditional treatments have failed.
Sam Backway, GWH's lead sleep and ventilation nurse, highlighted the importance of early diagnosis to prevent long-term consequences such as poor concentration, 'brain fog', and relationship strain. She also noted that women are often misdiagnosed or under-diagnosed due to symptoms being attributed to other conditions.
NHS England recommends that all patients with suspected sleep apnoea undergo a thorough assessment to determine the best course of treatment. GWH is one of the leading hospitals in the UK offering this cutting-edge technology, and patients from across the region are already benefiting from its life-changing effects.