A new medical implant is helping some people with obstructive sleep apnoea, a problem where breathing often stops and starts during sleep. Doctors in Australia and the UK have started using this small device, which is placed under the skin in the chest during surgery. The device sends gentle signals to a nerve in the tongue, helping keep the airway open without a mask.

This device is for people who cannot use the usual treatment, known as CPAP, because they find the mask uncomfortable or difficult to sleep with. CPAP uses a machine and mask to keep airways open, but not everyone can tolerate it.

Many patients with the implant report fewer breathing problems at night and feel less tired during the day. In a recent study, about 78% of patients had good results with the new device.