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In addition to interrupted sleep and daytime fatigue, sleep apnea can lead to major health problem like heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. And disruptive snoring can contribute to conflict and stress for both sleep partners. Now there's a simple, minimally invasive option for treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and disruptive snoring. The Pillar Procedure is:
| - | Less invasive and less painful than other surgical procedures | | - | Completed in a single, short office visit | | - | FDA-cleared and clinically proven, with results comparable to more aggressive surgical procedures |
Most patients soon report a noticeable, lasting reduction in snoring. In a clinical study, nearly 80% of patients' sleep apnea was reduced. Patients also experienced less daytime sleepiness. How the Pillar Procedure works
The Pillar Procedure addresses one of the anatomical components of sleep apnea and snoring: the soft palate. During the Pillar Procedure, three tiny woven inserts are placed in the soft palate to help reduce the vibration that causes snoring and the ability of the soft palate to obstruct the airway. Once in place, the inserts add structural support to the soft palate. Over time, the body's natural tissue response to the inserts increases the structural integrity of the soft palate. Pillar inserts are made of material used in implantable medical devices for more than 50 years. They are designed to be invisible, and should not be felt or interfere with swallowing or speech. Many patients resume normal diet and activities the same day. Frustrated with CPAP and other surgical options? If you've been diagnosed with OSA, or are frustrated with CPAP treatment, ask your physician about the Pillar Procedure. Success with the Pillar Procedure can be influenced by tongue position, tonsil size and other factors. Your physician can give you more information and determine whether the Pillar Procedure is right for you.
What causes snoring?
The noisy sounds of snoring occur when the airflow through the passages at the back of the mouth and throat causes instability in the soft palate tissue. The instability causes these tissues to vibrate, which results in snoring sounds. Several parts of the airway may contribute to snoring: nasal passages, uvula, tongue and soft palate. If you snore, it is likely that the palate is a contributor. It is believed that in 70% of cases the palate is a primary contributor to snoring. Snoring can also affect bedroom harmony and may cause daytime sleepiness and irritability. And it is a common problem. Consider these statistics:
| - | 80% of snoring couples sleep apart. 1 | | - | The average non-snoring partner of a snorer loses about an hour of
sleep each night. 2 | | - | Approximately 45% of adults snore at least occasionally, and 25% are habitual snorers. 3 |
Comparing snoring treatments for the soft palate
Treatment options for snoring have traditionally involved surgical tissue removal. A newer, less invasive option is the Pillar Procedure from Restore Medical.
| Soft Palate Procedure | Patient Visits | Pain | Reversible | | The Pillar Procedure: Using local anesthetic, the physician uses a specially designed delivery tool to place three tiny inserts into the soft palate to stiffen and support the palate. Procedure takes one brief visit to the physician's office. | One | Low | Yes | | Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP): The surgeon uses a laser to cut away the uvula, the tissue that hangs from the middle of the back of the roof of the mouth. Patient may be under local or general anesthesia. | Multiple | Very High | No | | Radiofrequency (RF) ablation. Relatively low-level heat, generated by radiofrequency, is used to destroy soft palate tissue. Local anesthesia is used. | One or More | Low | No | | Sclerotherapy. A small amount of a caustic chemical (called a sclerosant) is injected into the soft palate, which produces a burn. The damaged tissue is destroyed and subsequently replaced by scar tissue which stiffens the palate. Local anesthetic is used. | Multiple | Medium | No |
As the comparison shows, the Pillar Procedure is less invasive and less painful than surgical tissue-removal procedures. Success with the Pillar Procedure can be influenced by tongue position, tonsil size and other factors. Your physician can give you more information and determine whether the Pillar Procedure is right for you.
1. 3. Beninati W. et al. The Effect of Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea on the Sleep Quality of Bed Partners, Mayo Clin Proc. 1999 Oct; 74(10):955-8.
2. Ibid.
3. American Academy of Otolaryngology, cited here. This information is adapted from data available at www.restoreasia.com
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