Obstructive Sleep Apnea / Snoring Procedures

Understanding the Difference Between Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are both caused by airflow obstruction during sleep, but they differ greatly in how severely they impact your health.

• Snoring occurs when relaxed tissues in the soft palate or throat vibrate as air passes through a partially narrowed airway. It’s often loud and disruptive but not always dangerous.
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a more serious condition in which the airway repeatedly becomes completely blocked, which causes pauses in breathing that can last a few seconds to over a minute. Each episode lowers oxygen levels and forces the body to wake briefly, disrupting sleep patterns dozens or even hundreds of times per night.

While snoring may seem like a harmless annoyance, it’s often the first sign of something more serious. Chronic snorers should always be evaluated by an ENT doctor for snoring to rule out OSA or other causes of airway obstruction.

What treatment options are available for obstructive sleep apnea?

Dr. DuMornay is one of the leading sleep doctors in the Fort Lauderdale area. He provides the following revolutionary services to correct obstructive sleep apnea:

Somnoguard Oral Appliance

This custom-fitted mouthpiece moves your lower jaw forward, keeping the airway open and preventing collapse. It’s ideal for patients with mild to moderate OSA or those seeking to stop snoring without CPAP.

Snoreplasty

This treatment involves an injection that hardens the palate (the roof of your mouth) and pulls the uvula forward to minimize vibration.

Radiofrequency Ablation

This procedure uses radiofrequency waves to reduce the size of your tongue base or soft palate, which improves airflow.

Nasal Surgery (Septoplasty & Turbinate Reduction)

When nasal blockages restrict breathing, septoplasty straightens a deviated septum, and turbinate reduction shrinks swollen tissues to restore clear nasal airflow. These outpatient procedures often improve sleep quality and reduce mouth breathing.

Surgical Solutions (UPPP & Uvulectomy)

For patients with significant tissue obstruction, Dr. DuMornay performs uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) to remove excess soft palate and throat tissue. Alternatively, he may perform a uvulectomy to reshape the uvula (tissue at the back of the soft palate). These procedures expand the airway and provide long-lasting relief from moderate to severe OSA.

Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation

For qualifying patients unable to tolerate CPAP, Inspire Therapy offers a mask-free alternative. This implant sends gentle pulses to the throat muscles during sleep to keep the airway open naturally, controlled via a handheld remote.

NightLase™ Laser Therapy

This nonsurgical laser treatment tightens collagen in the soft palate and throat. Over two to three sessions, NightLase reduces snoring intensity and improves sleep quality without downtime or anesthesia.

What to Expect During Sleep Apnea or Snoring Treatment

Here’s what you can expect at your appointment:

Preparation

Your visit begins with a comprehensive review of your sleep study results, airway anatomy, and medical history. Dr. DuMornay will discuss your specific diagnosis and the treatment approach best suited for your level of sleep apnea or snoring.

Depending on the procedure, you may receive pre-operative instructions such as fasting, adjusting medications, or arranging transportation home if anesthesia will be used.

Treatment

Most procedures are performed in-office or at an accredited surgical center. Local anesthesia is used for minimally invasive options like snoreplasty, radiofrequency ablation, or NightLase, while surgical treatments such as septoplasty or UPPP may require light sedation or general anesthesia.

Procedures typically last 30 to 60 minutes. You may hear or feel minor pressure or vibrations depending on the technique, but discomfort is generally minimal.

Post-Treatment Care

Mild throat soreness, nasal congestion, and temporary swelling are common after treatment and usually resolve within a few days. Dr. DuMornay will provide detailed after-care instructions, including pain management, hydration, and how soon you can resume normal activities. You’ll also be given breathing or saline spray recommendations to keep your airway comfortable as it heals.

Follow-up visits are scheduled to assess your recovery, confirm airway improvement, and adjust your ongoing care plan as needed.

Is There Downtime After Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Downtime varies based on the type of sleep apnea treatment performed and the level of airway correction needed.

• Minimally invasive options (such as oral appliance therapy, radiofrequency ablation, and NightLase laser treatments) require little to no downtime. Most patients resume work and regular activities within 24 hours.
• Nasal surgeries like septoplasty or turbinate reduction may involve mild congestion or tenderness for several days, but recovery is typically smooth with minimal disruption to daily life.
• Surgical procedures, including uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or uvulectomy, can require one to two weeks of rest for optimal healing, depending on the patient’s health and the extent of tissue adjustment.

Throughout recovery, Dr. DuMornay and his team provide detailed post-procedure instructions, including guidance on sleeping position, diet, and gentle activity to promote healing and minimize swelling.

What Results Can I Expect From Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment?

Patients treated at Broward ENT Services often notice improvements quickly, with results becoming more pronounced as tissues heal and adapt over several weeks.

Expected results include:

• Reduced or eliminated snoring — a quieter, more restful night for both you and your partner
• Better quality of sleep and increased energy during the day
• Relief from morning headaches and dry mouth
• Sharper focus, mood stability, and productivity
• Improved oxygen flow and reduced nighttime awakenings
• Improved heart and metabolic health due to consistent oxygenation

While every patient’s healing timeline varies, many report noticeable improvements within the first week following minimally invasive treatment and significant long-term benefits after surgical procedures.

Dr. DuMornay’s goal is to help you breathe better and to ensure your results are stable, sustainable, and matched to your anatomy so you can enjoy lasting relief from sleep-disordered breathing.

Following treatment, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and practicing good sleep hygiene further support lasting results.