NightLase

Snoring Treatment

Snoring occurs when air cannot move freely through your nose and mouth during sleep. This is due to a narrowing in your airway, which causes the tissues to vibrate and make an audible sound. Many factors can contribute to snoring, such as age, nasal and sinus problems, being overweight, alcohol, smoking, medications, and sleep posture. Importantly, snoring can also be a sign of a more serious condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing frequent interruptions in breathing and leading to fragmented sleep.

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NightLase therapy uses Fotona’s patented Er: YAG laser, which allows a safe penetration of heat into the oral mucosa tissue. It is gentle enough to be used on the sensitive tissue inside the mouth but strong enough to provide clinically efficacious heating. This non-invasive treatment increases the quality of a patient’s sleep, reduces the effects of sleep apnea, and decreases the amplitude of snoring.

The laser energy heats the airway tissues, promoting collagen production and causing tissue tightening. This process strengthens the tissues by boosting collagen, helping to keep the airways open during sleep. Unlike some treatments, NightLase doesn’t require you to use an oral appliance while sleeping and involves no chemical treatments. Each session lasts about 15 minutes and requires no anesthesia, allowing you to resume your daily routine immediately. Most patients notice results after just one session.

Snoring Reduction

What to Expect During Your Session

Step 1

Personalized Assessment

During your personalized assessment, you will meet with an expert physician to review your treatment goals and health history.

Step 2

Review & Consent

Before we begin treatment, we’ll review our consent forms with you and answer any questions you may have.

Step 3

Begin Treatment

Your physician will use a laser at the back of your mouth to promote collagen restructuring in the appropriate area. You may feel a heating sensation, but the procedure is often painless.

Step 4

After Treatment

NightLase treatments last approximately 15 minutes and require no downtime, allowing you to return to your normal routine following your appointment.

Follow-Up & Maintenance

NightLase requires three separate treatment sessions, spread over a six-week period. The final results can last up to a year, and the treatment can be repeated as needed.

Contraindications

We do not offer this treatment to those who are pregnant, have a disease of the throat or vocal cords, or have an acute throat infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does NightLase treatment last?

NightLase involves three sessions spaced over six weeks, with each session taking 15 to 30 minutes. Many find it a satisfying solution for snoring and sleep apnea, with results lasting up to a year. The treatment can be repeated as needed and doesn’t interfere with your daily activities.

What is the success rate of NightLase?

The success rate of NightLase treatment varies, but studies and clinical experience suggest that it can be an effective treatment for many patients. Typically, about 70-80% of individuals experience significant improvement in symptoms related to sleep apnea and snoring. Success is often measured by reductions in snoring, improved sleep quality, and a decrease in the frequency of apneic events. However, individual results can vary, so it's important to discuss expectations and potential outcomes with a healthcare provider.

What are the side effects of NightLase?

NightLase treatment is generally safe with no long-term complications. Most patients experience no significant effects. However, some individuals might encounter minor issues such as a mild sore throat, which typically resolves quickly.

Does it hurt?

NightLase treatment is designed to be minimally uncomfortable. Most patients describe the procedure as tolerable with only slight discomfort. The laser is applied to the tissues of the throat and palate, which may cause a mild warm sensation or tingling. Any discomfort experienced is generally brief and subsides shortly after the treatment. Local anesthesia is not required, as the procedure is non-invasive and well-tolerated by most individuals.

How NightLase Improves Sleep Patterns

NightLase helps improve sleep patterns by specifically targeting issues related to sleep apnea. Here’s how it can influence sleep patterns:

Reduction of Obstructions: NightLase uses lasers to treat soft tissues in the throat and palate, reducing obstructions that can cause breathing pauses and frequent awakenings during the night.
Improvement of Sleep Quality: By decreasing airway obstructions, the treatment helps reduce sleep apnea episodes, allowing for deeper and uninterrupted sleep.
Reduction of Snoring: By addressing the causes of snoring, NightLase can reduce sleep disruptions caused by noise, thus improving overall sleep quality.
Promoting Restorative Sleep: With fewer respiratory interruptions and less snoring, sleep cycles become less disturbed, leading to better recovery throughout the night.

What are the possible treatments for snoring?

Several treatments are available for snoring. NightLase, for example, uses a laser to tighten throat tissues and boost collagen production. Dental appliances can also advance the jaw to keep the airways open. CPAP is commonly used for snoring related to sleep apnea, though it can be uncomfortable for some. If these methods aren’t effective, surgical options like hypoglossal nerve stimulation or procedures to remove or tighten throat tissues may be considered. It’s best to consult a specialist to find the most suitable treatment option for your needs.