Anyone do the Pillar Procedure?

meister · Post by **meister** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 2:30 pm

My dentist has only done 6 so far, so I am still sitting on the fence.
It costs $1500, takes 30 minutes, and is "reversible".

http://www.restoremedical.com/

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 3:30 pm

Most of the actual user posts I've seen about the Pillar have been on TAS - both in their snoring/sleep apnea forum and their "dental sleep medicine" forum.

Zees Pleez · Post by **Zees Pleez** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 6:30 pm

The verbiage on their site isn't all that promising if you read it carefully.

Most patients soon report a noticeable, lasting reduction in snoring. In a clinical study, nearly 80% of patients' sleep apnea was reduced.

Reduction of snoring - apnea reduced. Nothing about elimination of either. It may well be their lawyers making them do the CYA, but "reduction" is not much of a promise. They are saying it will probably have some effect. Elsewhere they say you have to be examined first to make sure you are a candidate for it and it doesn't say how many are or aren't.

Might be worth looking into with eyes wide open...

butterfly · Post by **butterfly** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 6:32 pm

Hi there.

I wanted the Pillar Procedure, but after being examined and having read my sleep study results, my ENT specialist told me I was not a "candidate" for the Pillar, as it is only recommended for patients at 30 or less "episodes" per hour. I was at 34. I was in total despair because I in no way wanted to go on CPAP, and after his telling me about other surgical options, and researching and all the comments from people here on this board I decided not to go the surgical route. And here I am!

So I don't know how severe your apnea, how many episodes .. but that is what the one guy in my area that does this procedure told me. Oh, and one other thing .. yes I was told it was about $1500, and that many insurance companies won't cover it, and I checked with mine, and they would not. I would have done it anyway out of my own pocket if I had been a candidate.

But by all means talk to a doctor who does the procedure because I have heard more positive things then negative, IF it is an option for you.

Good luck!

Butterfly