Coming Soon: A Good Night's Sleep

On Wednesday, January 7, I am getting the Pillar Procedure. Many people have asked what this is, so I thought I'd post this blog about it.

The Pillar Procedure is a simple, effective treatment for sleep apnea and snoring. It is less invasive and less painful than other surgical procedures and is completed in a single, short office visit.

Most patients soon report a drastic reduction in snoring. In clinical studies, nearly 80% of patients' sleep apnea was reduced. Patients also experienced less daytime sleepiness.

The Pillar Procedure addresses one of the anatomical components of sleep apnea and snoring: the Soft Palate.During the Pillar Procedure, 4-5 tiny woven inserts [see illustration above] 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 and, 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.