In a somnoplasty, the doctor inserts a radio frequency probe into swollen tissue at the back of the throat and in the nasal cavity. When the probe vibrates, water in the cells evaporate and the tissue shrinks. The tissue then pulls together and heals like a cut in four to six weeks. Somnoplasty can be performed in 30 minutes under local anesthesia in a physician's office. Two or more treatments might be necessary to eliminate snoring.
Many patients stop wearing the device, however, because it's uncomfortable, inconvenient and noisy.
A surprising side effect for those who wear the mask, though, is an improved sex life, attributed to an increase in oxygen. Avoid antihistamines, tranquilizers and sleeping pills at bedtime. Sleep on your side. Sew a tennis ball to your pajama top near the small of the back to make sleeping on your back uncomfortable. Use extra pillows to raise your head.