Snoring and the Pillar Procedure

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.

What causes snoring?
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.
• The average non-snoring partner of a snorer loses about an hour of sleep each night.
• Approximately 45% of adults snore at least occasionally, and 25% are habitual snorers.

The Pillar Procedure
An effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.

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.

(All Pillar Procedure information courtesy of Restore Medical Incorporated)