Consequences of Increased Rigidity in Palatal Implants for Snoring: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objective

Palatal implants have seen an increased role in the treatment of snoring. In this study, we evaluate the safety and possible treatment effect of adding further stiffness to the palate through the use of a more rigid implant.

Study design

Randomized double-blind study of 20 patients with primary snoring. Three polyethylene teralphate implants were placed in the soft palate with the patient under local anesthesia. Ten patients received regular implants (rigidity 1.0) and 10 patients received stiffer implants (rigidity 1.8). The patients and their bed partners were followed for 6 months with questionnaires and office visits. A sleep study was performed preoperatively and at the last follow-up.

Results

Four of the 10 patients with stiffer implants had 5 partial extrusions in the observation period. There was a nonsignificant reduction in snoring intensity from 8.1 to 6.1 evaluated by the bed partner on a visual analogue scale in this group. No extrusions were seen in the group with regular implants. This group showed a significant reduction in snoring intensity from 7.7 to 4.7. No other major adverse events were observed.

Conclusions and significance

Rigid implants cause short time extrusions with loss of treatment effect. Regular implants reduce palatal snoring intensity with high patient and bed partner satisfaction.

EBM rating: A-1b