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Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
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Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery

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Snoring and sleep apnea treatments

We offer various treatment options for patients with sleep apnea syndrome and intolerance to the CPAP mask. We also treat patients with habitual and loud snoring.

For sleep apnea syndrome and intolerance to the CPAP mask

We offer a broad surgical spectrum including modern procedures such as robot-assisted surgery of the base of the tongue. In certain cases, the implantation of a system for nerve stimulation of the tongue movement (so-called hypoglossal stimulation) can also be used. Of course, an individually adapted, patient-oriented therapeutic approach is sought and in this context conservative therapeutic approaches are initially evaluated (e.g. mandibular advancement splints). If necessary, referrals are made to other specialist clinics.

Nerve stimulation of the tongue movement

The so-called tongue pacemaker is inserted under the skin below the collarbone in an operation lasting around two hours. The device contains a stimulation electrode and a cable that is attached to a nerve under the jaw. This nerve leads to the tongue and emits a weak electrical impulse when you inhale. This stimulation causes the tongue to move slightly forward and creates more space at the back of the mouth. This normalizes breathing during sleep. As the tongue relaxes again when you exhale, this process is repeated each time you inhale.

To avoid being disturbed by the impulses during the day, the pacemaker can be easily activated with a remote control before going to sleep and deactivated again after waking up. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and requires a short inpatient stay.

For habitual snoring

As habitual snoring, i.e. snoring without apnea episodes, does not represent a health risk, treatment is not usually covered by health insurance. Treatment options here include surgery under local anesthesia on the soft palate, removal of the palatine tonsils with tissue tightening in the palate area or conservative systems (mandibular advancement splints, snoring braces, etc.). If you opt for such a therapy option, you can expect costs starting at 700 francs.

In case of loud snoring, whereby it is unclear whether breathing stops exist

It is often not clear whether it is just snoring or sleep apnea syndrome. In this case, we carry out a screening examination which measures the oxygen saturation in the blood overnight in a home environment. If sleep apnea syndrome cannot be ruled out with sufficient certainty, the patient will be referred to the Clinic for Pneumology for a more detailed sleep assessment. Further care in our consultation can then take place if the CPAP mask is not tolerated, or if no CPAP mask is required and the patient wishes to be treated for snoring.

Responsible professionals

Portrait Daniel Runggaldier

Daniel Runggaldier, Dr. med.

Attending Physician, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery

Tel. +41 44 255 58 50

For patients

As a patient, you cannot register directly for a consultation. Please get a referral from your primary care physician, specialist, or outpatient clinic.

For referrering physicians

University Hospital Zurich
ORL clinic
Frauenklinikstrasse 24
8091 Zurich

Tel. +41 44 255 58 50
Mail orl@usz.ch
Patient registration form

Responsible Department

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery

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