Sleep Apnea Pillar Procedure

The sleep apnea pillar procedure is used to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea, as well as snoring.

The treatment involves positioning three small rods in the soft palate of the throat. These work by hardening the normally soft tissue of the palate so that it does not relax into the throat causing the airway obstructions typical of snoring and sleep apnea. The procedure is normally done under local anaesthetic in a doctor's clinic.

The procedure may not work for everyone, particularly people who are obese or those with severe sleep apnea. If this is the case, weight loss and the use of a sleep apnea device (CPAP machine) (link) may be necessary.

The procedure involves few complications, the worst being possible protrusion of the implant’s tip through the soft palate. This can be easily corrected. Other temporary effects include:

1. sore throat
2. discomfort
3. metallic taste in the mouth
4. swelling

Being a surgical procedure, the usual risk of infection exists.

The procedure is normally performed in a surgeon’s office and should take around half an hour. You may need to sit for a brief time after the procedure and can return to normal activities, including eating, the same day. You may need anti-inflammatory or pain medications to reduce swelling or to cope with transient pain from the procedure. You may also need to use an antiseptic mouthwash for a few days.