The Pillar Procedure compares favorable with more invasive surgical procedures LAUP (laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty) and UPPP (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.) People may well prefer it to the use of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure,) especially those who find it difficult to sleep wearing the prescribed mask.
In short, this treatment is less invasive, tales only one short visit to the doctor's office and has FDA approval for the treatment of both sleep apnea and snoring. Nearly 80% of patients treated with the Pillar Procedure reported their sleep apnea was reduced.
One cause of sleep apnea is the soft palate that vibrates during snoring and can block the airway. In the Pillar Procedure, inserts are injected into the soft palate to offer support. These three tiny inserts are invisible, and should not be felt or cause any difficulty in swallowing or in talking.
Untreated sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, extreme daytime sleepiness and many other health problems. It can also cause problems for the bed or room mate who cannot sleep because of the loud snoring and gasping for breath.
In fact, 80% of snoring couples sleep apart and many in separate bedrooms to avoid loss of sleep. Almost 50% snore occasionally, and 25% are habitual snorers. Many habitual snorers have or develop sleep apnea.
Patient testimonials supply a growing body of evidence that the Pillar Procedure does work and is preferable to both CPAP and more invasive surgical procedures. To read some of these testimonials, click here.
During the Pillar Procedure, the palate is numbed using a local anesthetic. Then three small inserts are injected into the palate using a specially designed tool, and that's it. A mild pain killer may be prescribed for when the anesthetic wears off, but normal activities should be possible the same day or the next morning. For a short video of the entire procedure, click here.
Risk is minimal and only a few (approximately 1%) of those treated reported any adverse reactions. the good thing is that the procedure is completely reversible.
Will the Pillar Procedure work for you? Other factors that influence how successful this procedure would be for you, including tongue position and tonsil size. So discuss it with your doctor. The Pillar Procedure may be the answer for your sleep apnea or snoring.
