Has snoring been a lifelong problem for you, keeping you or others nearby awake? You might have tried multiple remedies to fix this externally, but have you considered the Pillar Procedure? This particular method may turn patients off by seeming invasive, but it is actually a safe and effective treatment that can help you stop snoring fast. It can even remedy mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a problem for many people who snore. Today we’ll discuss the pillar procedure for snoring.
According to Yale Medicine, 90 million Americans report snoring at one time or another, while 37 million say they snore regularly. This is a pretty alarming number considering it could be a big problem if it makes you wake up throughout the night and, as a result, you feel exhausted all day. In the worst scenario, you could be suffering from a serious condition named Sleep Apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
- Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder characterized by brief episodes of either stopped breathing or shallow breathing for periods of time while asleep.
- The brain must have oxygen in the bloodstream to survive, so it constantly monitors oxygen levels.
- In patients with sleep apnea, oxygen saturation drops too low, forcing the brain to wake up in order to breathe more deeply. The awakening may not rise to the level of consciousness.
- Once oxygenation is restored, the brain returns to sleep but will continue to repeat the cycle over and over again.
- As a result, the amount of true restful sleep is greatly diminished. We need an average of six hours of sleep per night. Many studies show that patients sleeping less than six hours per night over many years have greatly increased medical problems and higher death rates.
How Pillar Procedure For Snoring Works
Well, of the people who can’t stop snoring, over 80% appear to suffer from this problem due to their soft palate, so The Pillar Procedure simply stiffens it. The best part is, Pillar only takes 20 minutes, using nothing but local anesthetic—so you will be back to sleeping soundlessly before you know it.
During this procedure, the doctor inserts little implants into the soft palate, which will reduce the snoring caused from the tissue vibrations. Just like that your snoring and/or sleep apnea could be history, if you’re up for it. It’s like a dream come true!
Pillar vs. CPAP Mask
Why should you choose pillar over wearing a mask to bed? Because many other sufferers report a noticeable decrease in snoring, their apnea-hypopnea index, and daytime sleepiness after the procedure. They also describe an increase in bed partner satisfaction and lifestyle improvements post-Pillar. So overall, it gives you the opportunity for greater intimacy, decreased embarrassment, increased energy, and no mask at night. Who wouldn’t want all of that?
Here’s something to help you make up your mind. Michael Friedman, a Head Neck Surgeon within the Otolaryngology and Bronchoesophagology department at Rush University Medical Center, ran a study with 62 non-obese adults (31 in the placebo group and 31 with palatal implants) and the results showed significant improvement among the group with the implants. Friedman states in his article published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health “The US Patent Office lists more than 300 devices designed to stop snoring. But studies consistently show they just don’t work.” Breaking it down, he explains Pillar fixes the root of the problem, rather than simply covering it up with a device, like removing a bulging disk from the spine instead of taking medication to treat the pain.
If you are considering getting the pillar procedure for snoring, just make sure to do your research and weigh all options to ensure this is the best one for you. Everyone is different and has their own personal preferences, but the Pillar Treatment has worked wonders for many people and could possibly work wonders for you, too.
Looking for snoring alternatives? Make an appointment today.