The Pillar procedure is a relatively new technique but the working principle is similar to several other surgical techniques. The pillar implants consist of three 18 mm woven inserts that are placed into the soft palate. These firm the soft palate making it less susceptible to vibration due to the moving airflow when breathing. For many snorers, it is the vibration of the soft palate, and uvula that is responsible for the snoring sound.

In October 2004 the Pillar procedure became the first, FDA approved, insert procedure for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea.

The technique is not a cure all for snoring and sleep apnea. It can only help conditions associated with the soft palate, but not obstructive breathing that is associated with other parts of the nose and throat. So snoring that is created at the base of the tongue for instance would not benefit from this pillar implants. You will need to get advice from your ENT whether you are a good candidate for this, on any other snoring surgical procedure.

The manufacturer, Retore Medical reports that the inserts are made from material that has been used in implantable medical devices for over 50 years.

The operation itself and the recovery are relatively pain free. The procedure is less invasive than many other surgical techniques but with comparable results. The side effects of this procedure would appear to be less than compared to some more aggressive surgical procedures and if there are adverse effects they are less serious and painful than can be experience by other more aggresive procedures. The pillar procedure can be completed in one visit.

This technique controls snoring, the vibration of the soft palate, by stiffing the area using the implants. The cause of snoring relies on two components the soft palate to vibrate and the airflow to cause the vibrations. Modifying the way you breathe using breathing techniques and breathing exercises may be an even less invasive approach to cure your snoring.

Return to Snoring Surgery Page