NightLase is a non-invasive Er:YAG laser treatment for snoring using Fotona SMOOTH mode. Controlled non-ablative heating of the soft palate triggers collagen contraction and remodelling, reducing tissue vibration during sleep. Best suited to primary snoring and mild sleep-disordered breathing (AHI < 15, BMI ≤ 30). NOT a substitute for CPAP in moderate-to-severe OSA.
- Non-invasive Er:YAG laser — no needles, no general anaesthetic, no surgery.
- Targets the soft palate and surrounding oropharyngeal tissues with controlled thermal stimulus.
- Triggers collagen contraction and remodelling to reduce tissue vibration during sleep.
- Most suitable for primary snorers and mild sleep-disordered breathing.
- NOT a substitute for CPAP in moderate-to-severe OSA.
- A common course is 3 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart.
- Minimal downtime — mild sore or dry throat for 1–2 days at most.
- Published RCT, systematic review and long-term follow-up evidence supports use in appropriately selected patients.
- Benefits commonly last years; maintenance sessions if symptoms recur.
- No referral required to book a NightLase assessment.
NightLase® for Snoring — Non-invasive Er:YAG Laser
NightLase is a non-invasive Er:YAG laser treatment for snoring using Fotona SMOOTH mode. Controlled non-ablative heating of the soft palate triggers collagen contraction and remodelling, reducing tissue vibration during sleep. Best suited to primary snoring and mild sleep-disordered breathing (AHI < 15, BMI ≤ 30). NOT a substitute for CPAP in moderate-to-severe OSA.
By Dr Christopher Irwin, MBChB, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer), FACAM, MSCCA
Last reviewed 2026-06-06 · Editorial policy
Quick definition
NightLase is a non-invasive Er:YAG laser treatment for snoring delivered via the Fotona SP Dynamis platform in SMOOTH mode — controlled, non-ablative thermal stimulation to the soft palate, uvula, tonsillar pillars and surrounding oropharyngeal tissues. The thermal stimulus triggers collagen contraction and remodelling, strengthening tissue and reducing vibration during sleep. No needles, no general anaesthetic, no surgery. Most suited to primary snorers and selected patients with mild sleep-disordered breathing (the strongest controlled evidence is in primary snorers with AHI < 15 and BMI ≤ 30). NightLase is NOT a substitute for CPAP in moderate-to-severe OSA. A typical course is 3 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart. Published RCT, systematic-review and long-term follow-up evidence supports use in appropriately selected patients. (1,2,3)
Snoring is usually caused by vibration of soft tissues at the back of the throat (soft palate, uvula and surrounding structures). For many people it is not just “a noise problem” — it disrupts sleep quality, affects relationships, and leaves both partners tired.
At The Skin Doctor we offer NightLase®, a non-invasive Er:YAG laser treatment (Fotona SMOOTH mode) designed to tighten and strengthen the soft palate and surrounding throat tissues to reduce vibration and improve airflow. In appropriately selected patients, clinical studies show meaningful improvements in snoring severity and sleep-related quality of life. (1,2,3)
What is NightLase?
NightLase is a minimally invasive, non-ablative laser treatment for snoring that uses gentle thermal stimulation to trigger collagen contraction and remodelling in the soft palate and surrounding tissues. The goal is to reduce tissue vibration and collapsibility during sleep. (1,2)
Who NightLase is best for
NightLase is most suitable for:
- Primary snoring (socially disruptive snoring without significant OSA)
- Mild sleep-disordered breathing or mild OSA in selected patients after appropriate workup
- People who want a non-surgical option and prefer to avoid CPAP or oral appliances
The strongest controlled evidence is in primary snorers with AHI < 15 and BMI ≤ 30. (1)
NightLase is NOT a substitute for CPAP or oral appliance therapy in moderate-to-severe OSA — those remain the standard of care for significant obstructive sleep apnoea.
How NightLase works
NightLase uses a 2940 nm Er:YAG laser in Fotona’s SMOOTH mode to deliver controlled, non-ablative heating to:
- Soft palate
- Uvula
- Tonsillar pillars
- Selected oropharyngeal tissues
This thermal stimulus initiates collagen tightening and longer-term collagen remodelling, strengthening tissue and reducing vibration during sleep. (1,2)
What the research shows
Randomised controlled trial (sham-controlled)
A sham-controlled RCT of 40 primary snorers (Picavet 2023) found NightLase significantly improved:
- Snore Outcomes Survey (SOS)
- Spouse/Bed Partner Survey (SBPS)
- Partner-rated snoring VAS
…with no complications and no local anaesthetic required. (1)
Systematic review and meta-analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis (Neruntarat 2020) reported a large reduction in pooled snoring VAS and high satisfaction rates, with generally minimal side effects. (2)
Longer-term follow-up
Longer-term studies (Kassab 2023) report that benefits can persist, but recurrence can occur in a proportion of patients over time — which is why maintenance strategies matter. (3)
What treatment is like
- In-clinic procedure — no needles, no general anaesthetic
- Most patients describe a warm sensation; discomfort is usually mild and brief
- You can usually return to normal activities straight away
Treatment course and downtime
Sessions
A common course is 3 sessions, spaced about 2–4 weeks apart. (1,2) Some patients benefit from additional sessions depending on anatomy and severity.
Downtime
Minimal. Some patients notice:
- Mild sore throat or dry throat for 1–2 days
- Mild foreign-body sensation
These effects are typically transient in published studies. (1,2,3)
How long results last
Benefits commonly last years in responders, and treatment can be repeated if symptoms return. (3)
If snoring is affecting your sleep quality or your relationship, book a NightLase assessment via the panel in the sidebar. We can discuss whether NightLase is suitable for your situation and the most effective pathway.
What to expect
-
Assessment and suitability
Doctor-led assessment of snoring history, sleep-disordered breathing symptoms, BMI and any prior sleep study results. Patients with moderate-to-severe OSA need formal sleep medicine workup before considering NightLase.
-
In-clinic NightLase session
2940 nm Er:YAG laser in Fotona SMOOTH mode delivers controlled non-ablative heating to the soft palate, uvula, tonsillar pillars and selected oropharyngeal tissues. No needles, no general anaesthetic. Most patients describe a warm sensation; discomfort is usually mild and brief.
-
Course of sessions
A common course is 3 sessions spaced about 2–4 weeks apart. Some patients benefit from additional sessions depending on anatomy and severity.
-
Aftercare
Return to normal activities straight away. Some patients notice a mild sore throat, dry throat or foreign-body sensation for 1–2 days; these effects are typically transient.
-
Review and maintenance
Reassessment after the initial course to evaluate response. Maintenance sessions may be considered if symptoms return over time.
Results timeline
- Immediately after sessions Mild warmth, possible brief sore throat. No significant downtime.
- 4–8 weeks Collagen contraction and remodelling responses develop; many patients (and their bed partners) notice reduction in snoring severity.
- 12 months Full collagen remodelling response. Clinical studies report meaningful improvements in snoring severity and sleep-related quality of life in appropriately selected patients.
- 2–5 years Benefits can persist, but recurrence can occur in a proportion of patients — maintenance sessions may be appropriate.
Ideal candidate
- Primary snorers (socially disruptive snoring without significant obstructive sleep apnoea).
- Patients with mild sleep-disordered breathing or mild OSA, selected after appropriate workup.
- People who want a non-surgical option and prefer to avoid CPAP or oral appliances.
- Patients with primary snoring, AHI < 15 and BMI ≤ 30 (the strongest controlled evidence base).
- Patients without uncontrolled inflammation, infection or pharyngeal pathology in the treatment area.
Frequently asked questions
-
Is NightLase the same as surgery for snoring?
No. NightLase is a non-invasive Er:YAG laser treatment — no scalpels, no needles, no general anaesthetic, no tissue removed. It uses gentle thermal stimulation to trigger collagen contraction and remodelling in the soft palate. It is a different intervention from surgical approaches like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and has a much milder downtime profile. -
Will NightLase replace my CPAP machine?
If you have moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea, NightLase is NOT a substitute for CPAP or oral appliance therapy — those remain the standard of care. NightLase is best suited to primary snorers and mild sleep-disordered breathing in appropriately selected patients. We always discuss whether a sleep study or sleep-medicine review is needed before recommending NightLase. -
How many sessions will I need?
A common course is 3 sessions spaced about 2–4 weeks apart. Some patients benefit from additional sessions depending on anatomy and snoring severity. Maintenance sessions may be considered if benefits diminish over time. -
How long do the results last?
Benefits commonly last years in responders. Longer-term studies report that benefits can persist, but recurrence can occur in a proportion of patients over time — which is why maintenance strategies matter. Individual response varies. -
Does NightLase hurt?
Most patients describe a warm sensation during treatment; discomfort is usually mild and brief. No injection or general anaesthetic is required. Some patients notice mild sore throat or dry throat for 1–2 days afterwards — typically transient. -
Who is NightLase NOT suitable for?
NightLase is not suitable as a substitute for CPAP in moderate-to-severe OSA; for patients with active oral or pharyngeal infection; for those with significant inflammatory or anatomical pharyngeal pathology; or for patients who have not had appropriate workup for sleep-disordered breathing where indicated. We screen for these at consultation. -
Is there evidence that NightLase actually works?
Yes — there is published RCT and meta-analysis evidence supporting NightLase for primary snoring in appropriately selected patients. A sham-controlled RCT (Picavet 2023) demonstrated significant improvements in patient-reported and bed-partner-reported snoring scales. A systematic review and meta-analysis (Neruntarat 2020) reported pooled reduction in snoring scores and high satisfaction with minimal side effects. Longer-term follow-up evidence (Kassab 2023) shows benefits can persist over years. -
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to book a NightLase assessment. You can book directly via the booking panel in the sidebar. If you have moderate-to-severe OSA already diagnosed and currently on CPAP, please bring any prior sleep-study reports — these inform whether NightLase is appropriate for you.
References
- Picavet VA, et al. Treatment of snoring using a non-invasive Er:YAG laser with SMOOTH mode (NightLase) — a randomized controlled trial. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2023;280(1):307–312.
- Neruntarat C, et al. Er:YAG laser for snoring — a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers Med Sci. 2020;35(6):1231–1238.
- Kassab AN, et al. Long-term follow-up study for the treatment of snoring using patterned non-ablative Er:YAG 2940-nm laser. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2023;27(1):e104–e110.
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Medically reviewed by Dr Christopher Irwin, MBChB, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer), FACAM, MSCCA · Last reviewed 2026-06-06 · Editorial policy