After a successful trial, a high-tech anti-snoring device could soon be available for free on the NHS.
The 500-pound device, called the eXciteOSA, presses the tongue and upper airway with a weak electrical current. Repeated use strengthens tongue muscles, reducing the likelihood of collapse during sleep – which causes snoring sounds.
Experts say the device, which is worn in the mouth for 20 minutes a day, will be offered to some NHS patients after a successful pilot study.
It is designed to combat a condition called obstructive sleep apnea, in which the muscles in your throat relax and block your airways. As a result, patients cannot breathe and wake up for a while. They can also snore very loudly.
Over time, the repeated interruptions in oxygen supply and sleep disturbances can have life-threatening consequences and increase levels of stress hormones in the body. Untreated sleep apnea is closely linked to serious health problems such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease.
The high-tech anti-snoring device eXciteOSA (pictured in use) could soon be available for free on the NHS after successful trials.
The eXciteOSA (pictured) clips the tongue and upper airway with a low-level electrical current. Repeated use strengthens the muscles in the tongue, reducing the chances of it collapsing during sleep and causing snoring sounds
NHS patients are currently offered a treatment called Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP), which involves wearing a face mask that blows air down your throat to keep it open while you sleep.
It can be uncomfortable and the treatment will not cure sleep apnea, only reduce symptoms.
Some patients with the most aggressive forms of sleep apnea may be offered surgery to remove their tonsils to improve breathing, but this is rarely offered by the NHS.
The electrical currents of the eXciteOSA are imperceptible to the user, but studies show that within six weeks it can strengthen the tongue and reduce the risk of sleep relapses.
The gadget, which is controlled via a mobile application, is then only needed once a week to ensure that the effect is maintained.
Mr Yousuf Saleem, an ear, nose and throat surgeon at St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust who led the study, said: “There is a gap in the NHS treatment of sleep apnea patients who do not have surgery don’t, can’t, and don’t want to try CPAP. And using such devices to treat patients at home can free up a lot of resources.”
An estimated 1.5 million Britons live with sleep apnea. The biggest risk factor is weight, as excess weight reduces the space in the airways. Around 70 per cent of all patients are classed as obese and are usually asked to lose weight before being offered NHS treatment.
The gadget, which is controlled via a mobile application, is then only required once a week to ensure that the effect is maintained
The NHS study of the eXciteOSA device recruited 20 Britons with sleep apnea. Mr. Saleem noted that 18 of them saw a significant reduction in symptoms, slept better and had less breathing problems. The study also found that participants’ partners also slept significantly better due to less snoring.
One patient who has benefited from the device is Richard Ballantine, 61, from Dorset, who has suffered from sleep apnea for more than 26 years. He spent more than £8,000 on equipment to fight the disease, but none of it was effective.
He says: “I often fell asleep at work. I would have days where I wouldn’t think straight. This is not a good way to live your life.
He even started napping before getting into the car to drive long distances for fear of falling asleep behind the wheel.
Despite the seriousness of his condition, Richard was told by his local NHS hospital that due to the long waiting list he could not get an appointment to see if a CPAP mask could help.
In 2021, Richard’s partner saw an ad online for the eXciteOSA and suggested he try it.
He says he saw a huge improvement in how much sleep he got within six weeks.
“I have a more active brain. I am full of energy. Life is much clearer and I am much happier.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
