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Treatment of Snoring
Background
Snoring is caused by vibration of floppy excessive tissue in the throat. The most frequent cause is vibration of the soft palate and uvula (flap that hangs down). It may also be caused by narrowing in the space behind the tongue with vibration of this tissue against the back wall of the throat.
Injection snoreplasty and radiofrequency (aka somnoplasty) of the palate are procedures we offer for the treatment of snoring. Both of these procedures are designed to reduce or eliminate snoring by stiffening the palate so that it cannot vibrate. These procedures are performed in the office under local anesthetic. They typically take about 15 minutes. Most patients have a mild sore throat lasting for a few days to two weeks after treatment. The result on snoring will be noticeable by 6-8 weeks after treatment. Treatment is often staged, meaning that 1-3 treatments (average of 2) may be necessary to achieve the desired effect.
These procedures treat only snoring caused by palate and uvula vibration. If there is blockage of your nasal breathing, correction of this problem may eliminate snoring. In addition, if sleep apnea rather than simple snoring is suspected, a sleep study would be necessary. Your physician will individualize his recommendations for your specific case based on your history and exam.
How successful are these procedures?
The success rate for these two procedures is similar, with snoring significantly improved in approximately 80% of patients. Most studies show reduction in snoring intensity level from 8-9/10 before treatment to 3-4/10 after treatment. Most patients are satisfied with the result and would recommend the procedure to a friend or family member with similar snoring difficulties.
How do injection snoreplasty and radiofrequency compare?
Again, success rates of snoreplasty and somnoplasty are equivalent. Snoreplasty tends to be more painful, but costs less because it does not require expensive equipment.
What is the cost of these procedures?
These procedures are reasonably priced, and a small price to pay for the benefit of a good night of sleep for the patient and the bed partner. Snoring treatment is not covered by most insurance plans. Payment is expected at the time of the procedure; payment plans are available.
What other treatments for snoring are available?
In general, treatments can be divided into three categories: modification of behavior, devices, and surgical or procedural treatments.
Behavioral treatments include weight loss (if the patient is overweight), sleeping on the side rather than the back, avoiding alcohol or sedating medications prior to sleep.
Device treatments include an oral appliance to fit over your teeth and pull your lower jaw and tongue forward while sleeping. This can be acquired from a dentist. It is typically not covered by insurance. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the standard treatment for sleep apnea, and is also effective for snoring as a side benefit. However unless sleep apnea is demonstrated by a sleep study, insurance companies will not cover this device.
Other procedures include laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), in which excess tissue in the throat is trimmed out and removed in the office with a laser. This procedure has fallen out of favor somewhat because of intense postoperative pain.
A procedure known as the “pillar implant procedure” has recently appeared on the market amid much fanfare. In this treatment, three small permanent implants are placed into the palate to provide a stiffening effect. This procedure is considerably more expensive due to the equipment costs, and the possibility of extrusion (falling out) of the implant exists. Its effectiveness is roughly the same as injection snoreplasty or somnoplasty. If you are interested in this procedure, discuss it with your physician.
How do I schedule these procedures?
To schedule an evaluation for a snoring procedure, please contact our appointment desk at 777-1320.
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