Snoring Treatment
About Snoring Treatment
Snoring Treatment
The main cause of snoring is the relaxation of muscles throughout the body, including those around the throat and neck, during sleep — particularly during deep sleep and REM sleep — which causes the airway to narrow.
When the airway narrows, air passing through causes the surrounding tissue to vibrate, producing the sound of snoring.
In severe cases of snoring, the airway can become completely blocked, causing breathing to temporarily stop — a condition known as "Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS)."
In this case, snoring can have serious health consequences beyond just the noise, so early treatment is strongly recommended.
Types of Snoring Treatment
There are mainly
6 types of snoring treatments.
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01Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is a relatively new procedure performed to reduce snoring, and is characterized by its low burden on the body.
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02CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Therapy
A machine designed to keep the airway open is used, and by wearing a mask that delivers air into the airway, it helps prevent snoring and apnea.
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03Mouthpiece Therapy
A custom mouthpiece made at a dental clinic holds the lower jaw forward, widening the airway to reduce snoring and apnea.
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04Surgical Treatment
Excess tissue at the back of the throat is removed to widen the airway, thereby improving snoring.
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05Pharmacotherapy
A cold or allergies can cause congestion in the nose or throat, narrowing the airway and temporarily causing snoring.
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06Lifestyle Improvement
For mild snoring, improving lifestyle habits as described below may help alleviate the condition.
- Lose weight
- Reduce alcohol consumption and smoking
- Adjust sleeping position (sleep on your side)
- Improving nasal breathing with nasal dilator strips
Snoring Laser Treatment
"Snoralase"
Our clinic's snoring laser treatment "Snoralase" is the latest laser device specifically designed to treat snoring without putting any burden on the body.
Snoralase uses two types of YAG lasers, irradiating deep into the tissue for highly effective results.
It has also received certification from the U.S. FDA (a regulatory body similar to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare), making it a highly trusted device.
Treatment Costs
| Treatment Name | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Snoralase | ||
Regarding Insurance Coverage for Snoring Treatment
Snoring treatment at our clinic is provided as private (out-of-pocket) medical care. However, as it is eligible for medical expense deductions when filing your annual tax return, the actual amount you pay can be reduced.
Comparison Table of Private and Insurance-Covered Snoring Treatments
| Our Clinic's Snoralase ※Private Treatment |
Conventional Laser Treatment ※Private Treatment |
Surgical Excision with Scalpel ※Insurance-Covered Treatment |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment Details |
By warming the throat before irradiating the deeper layers with a laser, the pharynx is tightened with minimal pain, widening the airway. |
Laser is applied to the tissue of the soft palate and uvula to tighten the pharynx and widen the airway. |
Excess tissue at the back of the throat is removed using a laser to widen the airway. |
| Effectiveness |
As it tightens the tissue deep within the throat, results comparable to surgical excision can be expected. |
As only the superficial layers of the throat are treated, the effect is weaker compared to Snoralase. |
Since the throat tissue is surgically removed, there is no regression, and long-lasting results can be expected. |
| Advantages |
Snoring can be improved with minimal pain and virtually no downtime. |
Compared to surgical treatment, there is less pain and a shorter downtime. |
While there is no guarantee that snoring will be completely cured, the procedure is generally completed in a single session. |
| Pain |
With our original irradiation settings that minimize heat temperature, patients feel little to no pain — only a mild warmth. |
Some pain may be felt during the procedure. Additionally, swelling, pain, and throat discomfort may be experienced for approximately 3 days afterward. |
Intense pain is felt during the procedure. Additionally, throat pain and discomfort may be experienced for approximately 2 weeks following the procedure. |
| Disadvantages |
Rarely, a stinging sensation may be felt during the procedure. |
Swelling may occur on the surface of the treated area. |
A side effect where food enters the nasal cavity may occur. |
| Cost |
First session: ¥21,780 |
Approximately ¥80,000–¥100,000 / per session |
Approximately ¥35,000 / per session |
Treatment Flow
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01Consultation & Counseling
First, make a reservation online or by phone to schedule your counseling appointment. On the day of your visit, we will discuss your concerns and symptoms during the counseling session, and explain the treatment options available.
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02Payment
If you are satisfied with the proposed treatment, you will sign a contract and proceed with payment. At Sleep Medical Clinic, no additional fees beyond the treatment cost will be charged.
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03Treatment
Your treatment begins. Snoring treatment is performed using Snoralase, Sleep Medical Clinic's latest laser treatment device.
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04Issuance of My Page on the Web
After your treatment, you can make appointments at any time through your personal page. Appointment changes and cancellations are also available.
