Laser beams are an artificial light source widely used in everyday life. We can see lasers in everyday objects such as CD/DVD players, laser printers, barcode scanners, and more.
In medicine, laser beams are used as surgical tools in operations, as well as for restoring vision in cases of myopia, treating retinal diseases, and diagnosing cancer.
Lasers are even integrated extensively for military purposes, being used for target marking, distance measurements, and speed calculations. In entertainment, lasers are utilized in light shows. Hard materials like quartz and glass can also be cut using laser technology.
Recently, experts have researched a unique application of laser beams for treating snoring.
Experts have researched a method of using laser beams to treat snoring.
The Struggles of Snoring
You might chuckle when you hear someone snoring loudly in a quiet public place, likening it to “the roar of an airplane taking off.”
However, the humor fades when this occurs during your own sleep night after night. Snoring may seem like a harmless condition, but it becomes a serious issue when it affects personal health and disturbs those sleeping nearby.
The condition of snoring is quite common and can be a persistent annoyance that prevents both you and your loved ones from getting a good night’s sleep.
Traditional treatments for snoring have mainly involved using supportive devices or changing lifestyle habits, such as employing anti-snoring pillows, using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, sleeping on one’s side, losing weight, and avoiding stimulants, in addition to specialized surgical methods.
However, these methods sometimes fail to provide a permanent solution, causing ongoing issues for the patient.
Now, scientists have developed a laser technology that promises a highly effective treatment for snoring without requiring patients to use supportive devices or experience pain.
According to Helpguide, snoring occurs when the tissues in the soft palate become overly relaxed and obstruct part of the airway. Airflow is hindered through the nose and throat while sleeping, causing the surrounding tissues to vibrate and produce snoring sounds.
Almost everyone experiences snoring occasionally, which is generally not a concern. However, frequent snoring at night can disrupt sleep quality, leading to daytime drowsiness, fatigue, high blood pressure, and increased health issues.
Snoring can stem from various causes. First is age; as people reach middle age, their throats tend to narrow, and muscle tone in the throat decreases.
Being overweight is also a common cause. Even if you are not generally overweight, excess fat around the neck or throat can contribute to snoring. Men often have narrower airways than women, making them more prone to this condition.
Narrow throats, cleft palates, enlarged uvula, and other physical characteristics can also play a role. Additional factors include nasal congestion, sinus infections, sedative use, alcohol consumption, smoking, and sleeping on one’s back.
The laser technology to treat snoring most recognized worldwide is from Fotona.
Laser Technology for Snoring Treatment
Snoring treatments such as using supportive devices or changing lifestyle habits may not always be effective and carry a risk of recurrence, while surgical methods can be painful and daunting for many.
Thus, non-invasive laser treatment for snoring is becoming increasingly popular as it is seen as an effective and safe method that avoids discomfort.
The most recognized laser technology for treating snoring globally is from Fotona, which has been certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Fotona uses Er: YAG laser beams with a wavelength of 2940nm, optimizing the pulse length of the laser, allowing heat to safely penetrate the mucous membranes of the mouth. It is gentle enough to be used on sensitive tissue but strong enough to provide effective heating.
The laser works by shrinking and tightening the soft palate. The heat generated by the laser causes minor damage to the tissues. As they heal, the tissues contract and firm up, reducing or eliminating snoring.
In a study conducted by the Laser and Health Academy in 2015 involving 10 patients using the laser method, after three treatments, patients reported an 85% reduction in snoring symptoms.
A second study from 2016 cited by the National Library of Medicine, involving 33 patients treated with lasers, found that about 65% of patients were satisfied with the results.
According to Dr. Jernej Kukovich from Belo Health Group, laser treatment was initially utilized by dental professionals. Since 2014, it has been regarded as a “safe and effective” method for reducing snoring.
The advantage of this method is that it is painless, with some patients only reporting a sore throat after treatment.
Patients will only feel warmth from the laser, but the treatment process is not painful. This treatment method is non-invasive, meaning there are no cuts or bleeding involved, and no recovery time is needed.
However, no technology is perfect. Like any medical condition, to ensure a high success rate, patients need to improve their lifestyle habits, such as losing weight and limiting the use of stimulants.
