Sleep Apnea | 20-Minute Daily Use Improves Snoring - US FDA-Approved Sleep Apnea Device Updated (HKT): 2021.03.11 00:03

Many people suffer from sleep apnea or severe snoring. It's not just the patients themselves who are bothered, but also their bed partners who lose sleep due to the loud snoring. According to Hospital Authority data, over 100,000 people in Hong Kong suffer from sleep apnea. In recent years, more people have become aware that sleep apnea affects quality of life and health, and are actively seeking medical assessment and assistance. They also use devices such as CPAP machines and dental splints to improve sleep quality. A new device called eXciteOSA recently received FDA approval. This device is not only compact, but its most unique feature is that it can be used by affected individuals while they are awake during the day.

The eXciteOSA, with its compact appearance resembling an electric shaver, works by delivering electrical stimulation to the tongue to improve tongue muscle function. The device's mouthpiece has four electrodes, two above the tongue and two below, which provide electrical muscle stimulation through a series of electrical pulses. Used while awake for 20 minutes daily for 6 consecutive weeks, and then once a week thereafter, the device can improve tongue muscle function, helping to reduce snoring and improve mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Compared to bulky CPAP machines used for assisted breathing, this small device is indeed much lighter. (Image source: exciteosa.com)

Tongue Muscle Training

Why is it necessary to improve tongue muscle function? Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues near the throat relax and collapse backward during sleep, obstructing the upper airway and narrowing the respiratory tract. Therefore, the device addresses the problem by "training" the tongue muscles. Obstructive sleep apnea is also the most common type of sleep apnea.

In the FDA's evaluation report for the device, 115 individuals with snoring problems participated in the test, 48 of whom also had mild sleep apnea. The evaluation results showed that 87 of the 115 individuals, over 20%, experienced an improvement in their snoring problem.

Another advantage of this device is that it is easier to use and causes less discomfort compared to common tools for improving sleep apnea, such as anti-snoring mouthguards and noisy CPAP machines. Although a product spokesperson indicated that eXciteOSA also has some side effects, such as tongue discomfort, slight tingling, and jaw tightness, these are limited to during use.

Dr. Malvina Eydelman, Director of the Office of Ophthalmic, Respiratory, ENT, and Dental Devices at the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, stated: "Sleep apnea not only affects sleep quality but, if left untreated, can also lead to other serious health problems." Sleep apnea can cause severe complications such as glaucoma, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive behavioral disorders. Therefore, individuals suffering from this problem must address the issue. It is worth noting that this device is currently only suitable for individuals with severe snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Data sources: exciteosa; FDA

Written by: Li Fei

Edited by: Zou Zhong-an