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research on the effects of the surgery (long term being defined as 10 years or more). At the point of writing this article, the Pillar procedure has only been around for a couple of years. This is insufficient to determine the long term side effects of such a procedure.

3. It is uncertain what the effects of implants in the palate are on eating and speech. The mouth and throat is a very dynamic environment, constantly undergoing change and it is uncertain how implants can impact that in different individuals.

4. The Pillar Procedure only addresses the soft palate. Obstructive Sleep Apnea involves other soft tissues as well (e.g. the tongue).

Before Deciding on a CPAP Machine

It is advisable to get a thorough check up with an ENT specialist before using a CPAP machine to ensure that blockage of the airway is not due to other physical obstructions, e.g. nasopharyngeal carcinoma (cancerous growth blocking the airway), enlarged adenoids/tongue, etc. In such cases, a CPAP Machine will be an ineffective treatment.

CPAP machine are also not advised for people who have suffered a pneumothorax previously. Encasing your lungs is a sack containing fluid. A pneumothorax is a condition where there is a communication between the lungs and the sack, and air becomes trapped inside that sack.

Conclusions

There are alternative methods of surgery to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea, however, the author believes that the CPAP Machines presents a safer, non-invasive treatment option.

Learn more about this author, Shen-Li Lee.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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