Stop Snoring With Pillar Implants

Pillar implants are an innovative appliance to help people to stop snoring. Over 30,000 people all over the world have been treated with this procedure, with excellent results for those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by sleep interruptions caused by repeated episodes of cessation in breathing rhythm during sleep. The sufferer has no idea that he/she has been suddenly awakened about 100 times during the night, due to inability to breathe. Approximately one in five adults in the United States suffers from mild obstructive sleep apnea.

OAS Statistics:

About half of people with obstructive sleep apnea develop hypertension, which increases the risk of heart failure and stroke.

People suffering from obstructive sleep apnea are up to 6 times more likely to be involved in a car crash due to drowsiness than those without sleep disorders.

The significant other of an obstructive sleep apnea sufferer loses about an hour of sleep every night due to his or her partner’s snoring
Sleep deprivation has been shown to alter hormones and metabolism involved in weight gain.

Treatments:
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

Surgical treatments:

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)


• Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP)

The Pillar Procedure:

This surgical procedure is for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, and involves the stiffening of the soft palate by inserting pin-like pillars into the soft palate. This is effective in providing support to the soft palate, thereby preventing the vibrations caused by inhaled air meeting resistance against the relaxed structures. It can be used as a stand alone treatment or in conjunction with other stop snoring treatments.

The procedure is a safe and minimally invasive treatment for snoring, and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and can be performed right in the doctors office without problems.

Three tiny polyester implants are inserted into the soft palate. The procedure takes about 20 minutes and you can go back to normal activities immediately. Post-op pain and swelling is minimal, much less than what is experienced with other more invasive surgical procedures.

Patients experience a reduction in snoring within 2 months. There may be some residual snoring, but not to the point where the bed partner is affected by it. There can be an eleven percent recurrence after one year.

Results:

• Reduction in snoring intensity.


• Bed partner satisfaction documented at 80% or higher.


• Results were sustained at one year after the Pillar Procedure


• Less daytime sleepiness and lifestyle improved after the Pillar Procedure

Pillar implants can not be seen or felt, and do not interfere with swallowing or speech. Patients are able to resume normal eating habits the same day the procedure is performed.

by Barb Hicks, RN