The Vancouver Sleep and Breathing Centre

 

KINDS OF SNORERS

 
A One - Stage LAUP removes the uvula and a small portion of the soft palate. This is possible without adverse effect in only a small percentage of snorers.

These snorers (Type R(are)):

  1. Show a Grade I or II hypopharynx
  2. Show no more than mild lateral collapse on Muller's maneuver
  3. Do not have a low - hanging soft palate

LAUP may reduce snoring for a few years. It is not a cure.

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Figure 1 - Preop

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Figure 2 - Postop
Type N(arrow) snorers have a small velopharyngeal aperture. They also usually have a low - hanging soft palate.

These snorers often:

  1. Have a Grade III or IV hypopharynx
  2. Show excessive lateral collapse on Muller's maneuver.

These snorers develop velo - pharyngeal stenosis after a LAUP.

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Figure 3 - Preop

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Figure 4 - Postop
Type W(ide) snorers have a wide velopharyngeal aperture that is quite shallow.

These snorers often:

  1. Have a Grade III or IV hypopharynx
  2. Show minimal lateral collapse on Muller's maneuver
  3. Show marked AP collapse of the soft palate and tongue when opening the mouth to breathe.

These snorers obstruct the airway with their tongue after a LAUP.

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Figure 5 - Preop

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Figure 6 - Postop

 

 

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