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[SPIDERMAN]

Just heard about an new surgical procedure for chronic snorers. It's called a Pillar I believe. I'm posting this in hopes someone else has some more info. What I was told is that a device is surgically implanted into the lower jaw/throat that strengthens that area to prevent the drum like resonating effect. This procedure is supposed to cure sleep apnea as well.

Anyone else with any info please post

B B

[Midnight Rider]

Just heard about an new surgical procedure for chronic snorers. It's called a Pillar I believe. I'm posting this in hopes someone else has some more info. What I was told is that a device is surgically implanted into the lower jaw/throat that strengthens that area to prevent the drum like resonating effect. This procedure is supposed to cure sleep apnea as well.

Anyone else with any info please post

B B

B B...I've read some stuff about this and it sounds like a good thing, if you've had a sleep study done to show you have sleep apnea.  Insurance might pay for it in that case.

I had/have sleep apnea and had the surgical precedure that removed my uvula and part of my soft palate.  It was not fun, but beats wearing the stinking mask every night...besides, there's no room in the TP for the compressor and mask 

My surgery worked (for the most part) but there are side effects to removing the uvula that I will not go into, unless this thread degenerates a bit.

If you've still got your tonsils (mine were removed at age 5), that can cause serious problems when we get older.  My problem is I have a small throat and nasal passages...all were "reamed" out...took about 3 weeks to fully recover....the upside is I lost about 10lbs 'cause you can't swallow your own spit without it hurting a bit.  Ate a lot of refried beans, jello, oatmeal, etc for a couple of weeks.

These stints sound like a good alternative...

[erniezap]

Here's a couple of links from a google search.  Like TC, I had the uvula surgery, tonsils removed, and some sinus work.  3 1/2 weeks of no solid food and I lost 1 f'ing pound!  Unfortunately I still snore though not as badly, and still have the apnea.

http://restoremedical.com/

http://sleepdisorders.about.com/od/surgery/a/Pillar.htm

http://www.sleepnet.com/noncpap16/messages/110.html

[RJ749]

B B,

I went to New Zealand last year hunting and stayed with some folks at their boutique lodge.  He's a retired dental surgeon and his son has worked on a snoring aid for years.  It is a device that properly positions your tongue while sleeping.  It takes up to two weeks of use to become effective, although it may not take that long for many users.

Seems simple enough.  You may get a bit dry at night once you are accustomed to the device.  Initially it may cause a bit of drooling while sleeping, like what you get at the dentist when they have a dam in you're mouth.  Nothing major, I never had the issue when I have used it.

They have now marketed it for about 6 years and I got one.  Cindy swears it works when I use it.

Before I did surgery I would sure give it a try.  I lost track of the info on it but I believe I found the website.

The only reason it isn't marketed here as I understand it is some FDA BS or something of the like.

I have emailed them to make sure this link is the correct one, their son is in Australia as was the dad's practice.  Check it out, if you want one I can get it from the mom.  I'm not sure they would ship one from the site to the US.

Here's the link www.aveosleep.com  Cick on the AVEO TSD tab to see the device and how it works.

[LRebel]

I had/have sleep apnea and had the surgical procedure that removed my uvula and part of my soft palate.  It was not fun, but beats wearing the stinking mask every night...besides, there's no room in the TP for the compressor and mask 

I didn't know boys have a uvula?

Ok, sorry...(had to interject some humor).  I know this is a serious problem....I might not have read this thread if I didn't have a snoring problem in my house.

[Midnight Rider]

A lot of things contribute to sleep apnea, and it is more prevelant than most people realize.  In most cases, it is not dangerous, but it certainly can be.  It also causes loss of REM sleep, thus the sleepiness during the day with some who have this problem.  In my sleep study, I was having about 20-30 "episodes" per hour, though it was only for a second or two...some people stop breathing for several seconds or longer, which can be life threatening in some situations.

Being overweight is one factor that contributes...the excess fat around the neck and throat when you are in a prone position and relaxed (sleeping) causes pressure on the airway.  That's why it generally worse when sleeping on your back.  Getting older (loss of muscle tension in the face/neck, and "extra" skin in those areas) is a contributing factor as well.

I still snore, but not nearly as bad as I used to.  It is USUALLY worse in larger people, but not always...and a lot more women have it than will admit to it.

It is not something to take lightly, as it really screws up your normal sleep patterns, and the brain does not get the "down time" which occurs during REM sleep, which can lead to uncontrollable/unexpected falling asleep while driving, etc.  It can also cause depression in some individuals.

[bunt]

My Dr. says it's about 50-50 cure for apnea, $1,800 here in CT plus not covered by insurance, so I passed.
$1,800 buys lots of chrome that's at least got guarantee!

[RJ749]

I never mentioned that Cindy's dozen ear plugs were cheap

[SPIDERMAN]

My Dr. says it's about 50-50 cure for apnea, $1,800 here in CT plus not covered by insurance, so I passed.
$1,800 buys lots of chrome that's at least got guarantee!

The link below quotes an 80% rate of satisfaction.

B B

[Midnight Rider]

The link below quotes an 80% rate of satisfaction.

B B

That was the figure I was given with my surgery, but was also cautioned that it might not totally eliminate the problem, but would definitely help, regardless.

My insurance paid for one sleep study, and the surgery, stay in the hospital, etc.  Because I work at UAB, they even waive the normal $250 deductable, and I got one of the fancy dancy rooms by request for 40 more bucks a night...it was well worth it.

With my surgery, I spent one night in intensive care...it's not because you're so sick, just because it is your airway, so they want to monitor you that first day/night.  Since most of the patients in intensive care are REALLY sick, the nurses seemed to enjoy the fact that I was awake and cutting up with them.  It takes a LOT of morphine to put me down, so I was feelin' good and a little bit frisky...

[BigR55]

So, do you have to trick them to buy one of the Aveo devices? 

[RJ749]

So, do you have to trick them to buy one of the Aveo devices? 

I'll check and see what works best.

[bunt]

i can't use the c-pap either nose runs like a faucet, been taking gabitril an anti seizure medication, really helps me sleep. very weird I finally started to remember dreams, never got to rem so i didn't recall any dreams.

[SPIDERMAN]

I'm told that if you're having a lot of dreams, you're not getting quality sleep. The sleep that is restful and needed is deep and you don't dream. Anyone want to take that train of thought and run with it a bit ?

B B

[cuthbertss]

interesting and timely.......  i have a sleep study scheduled this month.....

any Vets wish to comment on the VA and sleep apnia as regards disability ratings?  I've heard LOTS of rumours.....just wonder if anyof you have been through that?

Thanks