Can a Laser Really Stop Snoring? Here’s What the Science Says About NightLase®
If snoring is ruining your sleep—or your partner’s—you’re not alone. Millions of people snore every night, and many are searching for a solution that’s non-invasive, comfortable, and effective. A new study just confirmed that NightLase®, a soft tissue laser treatment, might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Let’s break it down.
What Is NightLase®?
NightLase is a gentle laser therapy that treats snoring by tightening the tissue at the back of your throat—specifically the soft palate and surrounding areas. It uses a non-ablative (non-cutting) laser called Er:YAG in “SMOOTH” mode, which stimulates collagen production and reduces tissue vibration.
✅ No cutting
✅ No anesthesia
✅ No recovery time
✅ Done in 3 short sessions over about 6 weeks
What Did the Study Find?
This randomized controlled trial (the gold standard in clinical research) compared 20 patients who got NightLase to 20 who got a sham laser (fake treatment). Here's what happened:
NightLase Study Results (Picavet et al., 2023)
| Measure | NightLase Group | Sham Group |
|---|---|---|
| Snore Outcomes Survey (SOS) | Improved from 33.7 to 56.2 | No change (32.2 to 32.1) |
| Partner Snoring Score (SBPS) | Improved from 35.0 to 61.5 | No change (36.7 to 34.7) |
| Bed Partner Snoring Rating | Dropped from 7.9 to 4.7 (on a 10-point scale) | No improvement (8.1 to 8.0) |
(Source: Picavet et al., 2023)
In simple terms: snoring got significantly better for those treated with NightLase—and their partners noticed, too.
How Comfortable Was It?
No numbing or anesthesia was needed
Average pain score during treatment was just 3 out of 10
Most patients reported only very mild side effects (like a dry throat the next morning)
No one experienced ulcers, scarring, or serious complications
NightLase appears to be one of the least invasive snoring treatments available with the lowest risk of side effects.
How Does It Compare to Surgery or CPAP?
Most snoring surgeries—like uvulopalatoplasty (UPPP)—are invasive, require general anesthesia, and come with a long recovery period. CPAP isn’t usually prescribed for isolated snoring and can be hard to tolerate.
NightLase is:
Non-surgical
Well-tolerated
Fast and convenient
More effective than placebo
In short, NightLase fills a unique space between “do nothing” and “go under the knife.”
Is It Right for You?
NightLase is best for:
People with primary snoring (with or without mild sleep apnea)
Patients with an AHI < 15
Those who can’t or won’t wear a CPAP or oral appliance
Anyone looking for a gentle, long-lasting snoring fix
The Bottom Line
NightLase isn’t just a fancy laser gimmick — it’s backed by real clinical data. If snoring is affecting your health or relationship, this non-invasive, effective treatment might be your answer.
We offer NightLase at our practice and have helped many patients (and their partners) finally get a peaceful night's sleep.
Source:
Picavet VA et al. Treatment of Snoring Using a Non-Invasive Er:YAG Laser with SMOOTH Mode (NightLase): A Randomized Controlled Trial.
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (2023); 280:307–312. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-022-07539-9