Bed partners’ perspectives and sleep quality after hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy for obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Introduction: Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is a treatment option for patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and intolerance or non-acceptance of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. Improvements in respiratory outcomes, sleepiness and quality of life have been demonstrated in treated patients. We aimed at evaluating the bed partner’s perspective on HGNS therapy. Methods: In a cross-sectional exploratory prospective study (Clinical Trial Registration: DRKS00030554), 33 consecutive bed partners of patients treated with a unilateral, respiratory-coupled HGNS device in a tertiary medical center completed a 23-item custom-made questionnaire with questions that addressed the bed partner’s perceptions and their satisfaction with HGNS therapy. Results: Bed partners reported that the patients were more comfortable with HGNS therapy (97.0%) compared to PAP therapy, their own sleep quality was better (90.9%) and their sexual partnership was equivalent in 69.0% and better in 27.3%. Their partners’ snoring was reported as reduced in 87.9%. This trend was especially reported by bed partners of therapy responders. Bed partners did not need to motivate the patients to use HGNS therapy (81.8%), were satisfied with their partners’ HGNS therapy (78.9%) and would recommend HGNS therapy to others (81.8%). Response to HGNS treatment or sex did not influence the reported outcomes. Conclusion: Bed partners of HGNS-implanted OSA patients perceive the HGNS therapy mostly positive and are very often satisfied with this therapy. Nonetheless, single aspects of HGNS therapy for OSA may be experienced differently by the patients’ bed partners.