When all else fails to stop snoring and sleep apnea, the last option pursued is surgery. Although invasive surgeries are often promoted as the most definitive snoring cure, the reality is that many of these procedures do not turn out to be as successful or long-lasting as hoped for. The following is a list of just a few of the most common snoring and sleep apnea surgeries and how effective they are.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

This surgical procedure removes the uvula (the elongated tissue that hangs down from the end of the palate), part of the soft palate and tonsils. Removing and trimming these structures opens the airway and eliminates the tissues that vibrate and cause snoring and obstruction of the airway.

Having tonsils removed when an adult is far more traumatic than when an adolescent and healing times can range from 30-60 days. This results in a very sore throat and difficult speaking and eating for that period of time. But most individuals undergoing this type of surgery do usually report immediate success with stopping snoring. However, follow-up studies show that almost 50% of those undergoing UPPP surgery will start snoring again in several years.

Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP)

LAUP is often performed instead of UPPP when the tonsils have already been removed. This surgery uses lasers to remove part of the soft palate and trim the uvula. It can be performed with a local anesthetic instead of being put under with a general anesthetic.

Similar to UPPP, follow-up research has shown that almost half of the patients who have undergone LAUP started snoring after a few years. Even more discouraging is that more than 12% who had LAUP surgery were found to snore even louder than before surgery.

Genioglossus Advancement Surgery

This surgery advances the tongue muscle and is effective for sleep apnea, especially when performed in conjunction with surgery that advances the entire lower jaw such as maxillomandibular advancement surgery. Genioglossus advancement surgery can involve considerable risk (injury or numbness of the lower front teeth, jaw fracture, altered speech and swallowing problems), but it can be worth pursuing if you have severe sleep apnea.

Mandibular Advancement Surgery

Mandibular advancement surgery (commonly referred to as jaw advancement surgery) is indicated for patients with a severely receded lower jaw which in turn causes the tongue to be in a position that easily obstructs the airway. Cuts are made through the lower jaw bone to allow it to be advanced forward and then wired into position for four to six weeks. This procedure is usually only recommended for sleep apnea and does have a high success rate but does present more risk (numbness and problems with malocclusion and facial esthetics).

Non-Invasive Options

There are over 30 surgical procedures to stop snoring and sleep apnea. Although surgery may end a snoring or sleep apnea problem for good, many of these procedures should be reserved as a last resort when all else fails due to surgical complications and lower long-term success rates.

A stop snoring mouthpiece can serve as one of the most effective ways to stop snoring through comfortable, noninvasive, and pain-free repositioning of the lower jaw while sleeping. Not only is a snoring mouthpiece cost efficient and comfortable, it can stop snoring the first night it is used so that the benefits of the anti snoring device are immediate.

To order customized, adjustable snoring mouthpiece devices guaranteed to stop snoring and control apnea click here.

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