The Pillar Procedure
An Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment Option

The CPAP machine while effective for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring has a few drawbacks. Specifically it can be uncomfortable and cumbersome to its users. There is an alternative to the CPAP machine or invasive surgery if your health care professional has determined that your sleep apnea is a mild form. It is called the pillar procedure and is effective if the individuals apnea and snoring is caused by the soft palate blocking the airway.

The pillar procedure treatment option is a 30 minute procedure that involves placing three small implants into the individuals soft palate. The implants stiffen the palate which stops the obstruction in the upper airway. This alone has the benefit of reducing the individuals snoring and when scar tissue forms around the implant it further stiffens the palate and can eliminate the obstructive sleep apnea. It is usually done on an outpatient basis and is FDA approved.

Some words of caution are always in order when you are considering any surgical procedure. The procedure has only been performed for the last four years so long term effectiveness is still unproven. However you should remenber that the documented risk of the procedure is low and it is reversible.

See Also: Sleep Apnea Equipment

About The Author:
Kerri Iamele is a successful author and regular contributor to sleep-disorders-help.com.