What causes snoring?
Snoring occurs when floppy tissue in the airway relaxes during sleep and vibrates. Most snoring is caused by a vibration of the 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.

Is snoring common?
An estimated 40 million Americans are afflicted with habitual snoring, which means a sufferer snores every night. This may also affect the ability of their bed partner to sleep.

I snore sometimes-is this procedure for me?
If you snore loudly and frequently and do not have other breathing disorders, the Somnoplasty procedure may be the solution for you. The doctor will be able to evaluate your situation and determine whether you are a candidate for the Somnoplasty procedure.

How do you measure snoring?
Snoring is frequently assessed by asking the bed partner to estimate the disruption caused on a scale of 0-10 (0 means no snoring, 10 means snoring so loudly the bedpartner must leave the bedroom).

How will my physician evaluate my snoring?
If you are considering treatment for your snoring, it is essential to rule out obstructive sleep apnea. The physician will carefully examine your medical history. Your doctor will discuss the diagnostic alternatives available and recommend the best test for you. An overnight sleep test is the accepted method of evaluating your snoring and breathing patterns.

How do I know if my snoring is a problem?
a) Complaints from sleeping partners or family members
b) Snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious disorder in which the snorer stops breathing several times an hour during sleep. Your physician will perform a full examination to determine whether you are a simple snorer or if you have a more significant breathing disorder (i.e. associated with obstructive sleep apnea). Either condition may be treated with Somnoplasty Procedures or a variety of other approaches.

I’ve already been treated for snoring with a laser, but did not complete treatment. Can I be treated with Somnoplasty?
You may be a candidate for Somnoplasty® Treatment. Please schedule an appointment with your physician for evaluation.

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Will this treat my sleep apnea?
The Somnoplasty® Procedure for the palate is primarily indicated for the treatment of snoring. There are other Somnoplasty Procedures that may be appropriate for treating obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Your physician will determine this.

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
The physician will conduct a careful examination of your medical history. Your doctor will discuss the diagnostic alternatives available and recommend the best test for you. An overnight sleep test is the accepted method of evaluating your snoring and breathing patterns.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a debilitating sleep and breathing disorder defined as the cessation of breathing for 10 seconds or more (an apnea) at least five times per hour of sleep. When breathing is interrupted by an obstruction in the airway, the body reacts by waking enough to start breathing again. These arousals may occur hundreds of times each night but do not fully awaken the patient. Repeated apneas and arousals deprive patients of REM and deep-stage sleep, leading to chronic daytime exhaustion and long-term cardiovascular stress.

What are the health implications of obstructive sleep apnea?
Over the long term, obstructive sleep apnea is associated with greater risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease and the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research estimates that 38,000 cardiovascular deaths due to sleep apnea occur each year.

What is a turbinate?
Turbinates are small, shelf-like bony structures covered by mucous membranes, which protrude into the nasal airway and help to warm, humidify, and cleanse inhaled air before it reaches the lungs. The mucous membranes can become chronically enlarged, producing symptoms of nasal obstruction or a stuffy nose.

What causes enlarged turbinates?
Chronic nasal obstruction, or a stuffy nose, is most typically caused by enlargement of the inferior turbinates. Chronic turbinate hypertrophy and nasal obstruction are commonly associated with rhinitis, the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose. When the mucosa becomes inflamed, the blood vessels inside the membrane swell and expand, causing the turbinates to become enlarged and obstruct the flow of air through the nose.

How do I know if my turbinates are a (the) problem?
A physical examination of your nose and sinuses by a physician is required to determine the source of breathing obstruction.

Who is a candidate for the Somnoplasty procedure for obstructive sleep apnea?
All potential candidates should be evaluated by a physician to confirm the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (through an overnight sleep study) and identify the possible sites of airway obstruction.