October 2015

Recently a new method (NightLase) for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea that uses the benefits of Er:YAG laser light was presented. To test the method, the results of treatments on 75 patients with different degrees of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea were analyzed. The outcome of the treatment was very beneficial for the patients and the success rate after three treatments was 90%. More than 80% of the patients also reported that they breathed much easier, being more alert and focused. Our clinical study confirms that NightLase treatment is an efficient method for significant snoring reduction. The treatment is quick and easy to perform, minimally invasive, doesn’t require any anesthesia or post-operative therapy and has an extremely high success rate in producing a positive change in sleep patterns.

Download the full case study here >

Er:YAG lasers are very popular in dentistry and aesthetics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of an Er:YAG laser to perform tightening of the uvula, soft palate and surrounding tissues with a patterned laser beam using non-ablative parameters to reduce snoring and sleep apnea.

A novel method for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea was recently proposed that utilizes laser beam photothermal effects on the mucosa tissue in the oropharynx.
The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of this method using both subjective patients’ assessments and objective polysomnographic measurements of snoring and apnea levels.

Conventional treatments for snoring and sleep apnea have included everything from oral appliances to uvuloplastic operations, radiofrequency tissue ablation, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) masks and alternative medicine. Minimally invasive dentistry, with the use of a laser, now gives us the option for performing non-ablative Er:YAG tightening of the uvula, soft palate and surrounding tissues with a fractional laser handpiece. This treatment, called NightLase®, is provided by Fotona.

This case report describes the treatment of patients with sleep apnea using an Er:YAG laser, with a longterm follow-up from 28-36 months. These clinical cases are part of an uncontrolled study to evaluate the usefulness of the laser in snoring and sleep apnea treatment. Representative case examples following Mallampati classification are included and the benefits of NightLase® therapy over conventional methods will be explained.

Download the case study here >