Palatal implants are intended to stiffen the soft palate and alter its airflow characteristics (e.g., Pillar® Palatal Implant System). These changes have been proposed to reduce the severity of snoring and the incidence of airway obstructions for individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The devices consist of cylindrical segments of braided polyester filaments that are permanently implanted in the soft palate. A delivery tool with a handle and needle assembly is used to position and place three implants. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.

CPAP is the preferred first-line treatment of obstructive sleep apnea for most individuals. A smaller number of individuals may use oral appliances as a first-line treatment.

POLICY

Palatal implants for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea or snoring is considered investigational.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Any specific products referenced in this policy are just examples and are intended for illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to be a recommendation of one product over another, and is not intended to represent a complete listing of all products available. These examples are contained in the parenthetical e.g. statement.
We develop Medical Policies to provide guidance to Members and Providers. This Medical Policy relates only to the services or supplies described in it. The existence of a Medical Policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits or a contract for the service (or supply) that is referenced in the Medical Policy. For a determination of the benefits that a Member is entitled to receive under his or her health plan, the Member's health plan must be reviewed. If there is a conflict between the medical policy and a health plan or government program (e.g., TennCare), the express terms of the health plan or government program will govern.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There remains a lack of high-quality evidence to determine if palatal implants for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea or snoring results in improved health outcomes.

SOURCES

American Academy of Otolaryngology. (2021). Position Statement: Surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea. Retrieved November 3, 2022 from http://www.entnet.org/content/practice-management-resources.

American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2010). Practice parameters for the surgical modifications of the upper airway for obstructive sleep apnea in adults. Retrieved January 8, 2019 from https://aasm.org/clinical-resources/practice-standards/practice-guidelines/.

BlueCross BlueShield Association. Evidence Positioning System. (1:2026). Surgical treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (7.01.101). Retrieved February 18, 2026 from https://www.bcbsaoca.com/eps/. (52 articles and/or guidelines reviewed)

Choi, J .H. Kim, S. N., and Cho, J. H. (2013). Efficacy of the Pillar implant in the treatment of snoring and mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis. Laryngoscope, 123 (1), 269-276. Abstract retrieved June 8, 2015 from PubMed database.

Lee, L., Yu, J., 4, Lo, Y., Chen, N., Fang, T., Huang, C., et al. (2014). Comparative effects of snoring sound between two minimally invasive surgeries in the treatment of snoring: A randomized controlled trial. PLOS One, 9 (5), e97186. (Level 2 evidence)

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2007; last updated January 2012). Soft-palate implants for obstructive sleep apnea. Retrieved March 21, 2017 from www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg241.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2007; last updated January 2012). Soft-palate implants for simple snoring. Retrieved March 21, 2017 from www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg240.

Tschopp, K., Mullis, A., Knaus, C., & Tschopp, S. (2025). A novel palato-pharyngeal implant system for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. European Archives of Oto-rhino-laryngology, 282 (9), 4877-4885. Abstract retrieved February 19, 2026 from PubMed database.

U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2004, July). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K040417. Retrieved July 21, 2010 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov.

U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2002, December). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K011723. Retrieved July 21, 2010 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov.=

ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 9/11/2005

MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 4/9/2026

ID_BA

Policies included in the Medical Policy Manual are not intended to certify coverage availability. They are medical determinations about a particular technology, service, drug, etc. While a policy or technology may be medically necessary, it could be excluded in a member's benefit plan. Please check with the appropriate claims department to determine if the service in question is a covered service under a particular benefit plan. Use of the Medical Policy Manual is not intended to replace independent medical judgment for treatment of individuals. The content on this Web site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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