pillar regression

waker · Guest

I had a pillar done on June 3rd and know that it's supposed to work better after 90 days. It seems to be working less, anybody have any experience with this. I know it isn't a cure but planned on having a dental device asap and wouldn't think it would go in opposite direction.

sleepy bear · Guest

That is very interesting. I also had the pillar done on July 14 and for the next 3 weeks my sleep significantly improved. My wife told me that my snoring was almost gone and she did not hear me doing sleep apnea.

However, my situation had also somewhat regressed for about 1 week now. I woke up more tired this week than in the past 3 previous, and my wife noticed than my snoring and apnea is back, albeit a lower level than preop.

Someone in the forum also reported similar sequences of events; i.e. first 3 weeks were great, followed by 3 weeks of regression, then to improve again for another 3 weeks. His final results were better than pre-op but never reach what is was in the first 3 weeks postop.

Good luck

Sleepy Stoboy · Joined: 23 Jan 2005 Posts: 449

I'm probably the guy...

First 3 weeks were great. Next several weeks were lousy. At the end of 90 days, I noticed an improvement overall, but not great sleep. The 90 day sleep study confirmed a significant reduction in apnea due to the implants (from 36 RDI to 1 Cool

, but I still needed further treatment. I'm currently using a TAP2 as well, and after 90 days, sleeping better but still not adjusted to where I can sleep through the night. It's a process, but I'm getting there. I feel worlds better than before, but my next step is to have a titration sleep study conducted with the TAP to see where I am at currently.

Best of luck, and be aware that a VERY small percentage of people reduce their apnea below 5 RDI using pillar alone. Looking at Restore's own data, I believe only 9% of those with an RDI over 20 to begin with effectively brought their apnea under control (less than 5 RDI) after the implants. Most should consider it a very good first step in a two step process (first the palate, then the tongue). You should also be able to breathe through your nose comfortably to begin. This "combo" treatment is a very good alternative to CPAP, but widely unreported. You'll find some good testimonials on the dental forum here in TAS.