This clinical trial will evaluate the effect of treatment with hypoglossal nerve stimulation on the underlying mechanisms of obstructive sleep apnea. Several disease mechanism parameters are known to be associated with obstructive sleep apnea. However, currently, only the location of upper airway collapse is routinely examined in clinical practice using sleep endoscopy. Among other parameters, airway collapsibility is a widely studied mechanism. This parameter indicates how easily a patient's upper airway tends to collapse and can be assessed with additional measurements during sleep endoscopy.
The aim of this trial is to investigate the effect of hypoglossal nerve stimulation on collapsibility during sleep endoscopy. This information will provide a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms of hypoglossal nerve stimulation. In the long term, the investigators hope this knowledge will allow for more personalized care by tailoring treatment to the specific needs of each patient.
18 years or older.
Treated with HNS-therapy for OSA (AHI ≥15/hour sleep)
Capable of giving informed consent
Baseline polysomnography performed at Antwerp University Hospital
Patients did not receive HNS-therapy at the Antwerp University Hospital
Central apneas accounting for ≥25% of total apneas during baseline polysomnography
Known medical history of intellectual disability, memory disorders or current psychiatric disorders (psychotic illness, major depression, or acute anxiety attacks as mentioned by the participant).
Simultaneous use of other treatment modalities to treat OSA (outside of HNS-therapy)