Somnoplasty™ is a revolutionary new, FDA approved treatment that was originated at the Stanford Medical School’s sleep lab, that uses low power, low temperature radio frequency to gently reduce, lift and stiffen the areas of the soft palate responsible for snoring. 3000 of the procedures have been done since FDA approval. Somnoplasty has a success rate similar to laser assisted palatal uvuloplasty, (85%) but it works without the pain of conventional or laser assisted surgery. The procedure takes place in the office under local anesthesia or sedation, and typically takes less than thirty minutes. Discomfort is as mild as the feeling of an oncoming cold and lasts only a few days. The radiofrequency probe can be used, at the same time, to shrink a chronically enlarged inferior nasal turbinate which can contribute to chronic nasal obstruction. This, I think is the first rational treatment of chronic snoring that I would recommend to a friend.

 What is Chronic Nasal OBSTRUCTION?

Chronic nasal obstruction is typically caused by the enlargement of the lower nasal turbinates. The nasal turbinates are small, bony structures covered by mucous membranes (mucosa) that protrude into the nasal airway. Nasal obstruction caused by enlarged turbinates is commonly associated with allergies and rhinitis, the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose. When this occurs, the blood vessels inside the membranes expand, causing the turbinates to become enlarged and obstruct the flow of air through the nose.

What is obstructive Sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that results from the partial or total obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. When tissue in the back of the mouth, throat, and/or nose obstructs airflow during sleep, patients suffer an apnea (total interruption of the flow of air to the lungs for at least ten seconds) or a hypopnea (partial interruption of airflow). When this occurs, the body responds by interrupting sleep to restart breathing.

 What causes Snoring?

Floppy tissue in the airway relaxes during sleep and vibrates. Most snoring is caused by an enlarged soft palate and uvula at the back of the mouth, though the tongue, tonsils, adenoids and congested nasal passages can also contribute to the sound. The level of snoring can be aggravated by excess weight, alcohol intake, and smoking.