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West Vancouver · MD-Led Clinic · Fotona Certified

NightLase
laser snoring
treatment.

A non-surgical, no-downtime laser procedure that tightens the soft palate and reduces snoring, without masks, implants, or surgery. Performed by Dr. Eli Akbari, MD, FRCSC in West Vancouver, BC.

NightLase laser snoring treatment at Monarch MD West Vancouver
How It Works

Stop snoring without
surgery, masks,
or downtime.


NightLase® is a patented laser treatment by Fotona that uses an Er:YAG laser in non-ablative SMOOTH mode to deliver gentle, controlled thermal energy to the soft palate and throat tissue. This causes the tissue to tighten and firm up, narrowing the airway collapse that causes snoring.

Unlike CPAP machines, oral devices, or surgery, NightLase requires no preparation, no anesthesia, no implants, and no recovery period. Most patients experience a noticeable reduction in snoring after the very first session.

The full protocol consists of 3 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart, each lasting 30 minutes. Results typically last 12-24 months and can be maintained with a single annual top-up session.

No Surgery
No cutting, no implants, no anesthesia. The laser works entirely through the surface of the oral mucosa.
No Downtime
Patients return to normal activity the same day. No dietary restrictions, no recovery protocol.
Immediate Results
Many patients and their partners report noticeably quieter sleep the very night after their first treatment.
78%
Significant Improvement
≥50% reduction in AHI reported in clinical study
3
Sessions
30 min each, 4 weeks apart
0
Downtime
Resume normal activity immediately
12-24
Months of Results
Maintainable with annual top-up
Watch & Learn

See NightLase
explained by
our team.


This short video walks through exactly how the NightLase procedure works, what to expect during your sessions, and the kinds of results our patients have experienced. It's the easiest way to understand whether this is the right treatment for you before booking a consultation.

If you have questions after watching, our team is available by phone or through our online booking system to help you take the next step.


NightLase® Treatment Overview · Monarch MD · West Vancouver, BC
NightLase vs. Alternatives

The most comfortable
path to quieter nights.

Option 01
CPAP Therapy
The conventional approach
Comfort
Requires wearing a mask and harness while sleeping every night. Many patients find it uncomfortable and claustrophobic.
Compliance
Studies show 30-50% of patients abandon CPAP within the first year due to discomfort, noise, or difficulty sleeping.
Lifestyle
Travel, intimacy, and sleep comfort are meaningfully impacted by the ongoing requirement of equipment every night.
Option 03
Surgical Options
UPPP / palate surgery
Recovery
Significant post-operative pain and a recovery period of 2-4 weeks. General anesthesia required.
Risk
Carries the standard risks of surgery including infection, bleeding, and changes to voice or swallowing in some cases.
Results
Success rates are variable and the procedure cannot be easily reversed. Often a last resort after other options fail.
Who It's For

Ideal candidates
for NightLase®.

01
You snore, and so does the relationship stress
Whether it's keeping your partner awake, sleeping in separate rooms, or affecting your own sleep quality, you're ready for a real solution.
02
You've tried CPAP but can't tolerate it
CPAP is effective but compliance is famously low. NightLase is the most common reason patients finally find a solution they can actually stick with.
03
You have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
NightLase can be used as a standalone treatment for mild OSA or as a supportive therapy alongside CPAP for moderate cases, improving overall outcomes.
04
You want a non-surgical, no-downtime option
No general anesthesia, no recovery weeks, no hospital stay. NightLase is an in-office procedure and you go home the same day, feeling exactly as you arrived.

Patient at Monarch MD consulting about NightLase snoring treatment in West Vancouver
Your Treatment Journey

Three sessions.
Quieter nights.


Your NightLase protocol begins with a consultation where Dr. Akbari evaluates your anatomy and the severity of your snoring to confirm you're a good candidate. From there, the protocol is simple and predictable.

  1. 01 Consultation & Assessment
    Dr. Akbari reviews your medical history, snoring severity, and anatomy to confirm candidacy and outline a personalized protocol.
  2. 02 Session 1: Initiation
    30 minutes. Laser energy is gently applied to the soft palate. No anesthesia. You leave feeling exactly as you arrived. Many patients notice a difference that same night.
  3. 03 Sessions 2 & 3: Consolidation
    Repeated approximately 4 weeks apart. Each session builds on the last as collagen production and tissue tightening continue to mature.
  4. 04 Annual Maintenance (Optional)
    Results last 12-24 months. A single maintenance session each year keeps the tissue firm and snoring at bay long-term.

Dr. Akbari performing NightLase laser treatment at Monarch MD West Vancouver
Peer-Reviewed Evidence

Backed by
clinical science.

Randomized Controlled Trial · 2023
NightLase vs. Sham Laser: A Double-Blind RCT
The first placebo-controlled RCT on NightLase. Found statistically significant reduction in snoring compared to sham treatment. Sleep-related health status improved for both patients and bed partners. Published in European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology.
Read on PubMed
Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis · 2025
Er:YAG Laser for Snoring: Systematic Review of 56 Studies
A comprehensive meta-analysis found a mean snoring reduction of 3.8 points on VAS (95% CI: −4.5 to −3.1; p<0.001) and a statistically significant AHI reduction of 7.2 events/hour. Concluded the treatment is safe with minimal adverse effects across all included studies.
Read on PubMed
Long-Term Follow-Up Study · 2022
24-Month Outcomes After NightLase Protocol
76 patients completed 3 NightLase sessions. At 24-month follow-up, 68.4% reported complete relief of snoring. The procedure produced no intraoperative or postoperative bleeding or scarring and was well-tolerated across all age groups.
Read on PubMed
Patient Experiences

Real patients.
Real silence.

"I'd tried CPAP for two years and never got used to it. Dr. Akbari suggested NightLase and I honestly didn't believe three 30-minute sessions could do what a machine couldn't. My wife says I barely snore at all now."

David M., West Vancouver Patient

"I was nervous going in. The idea of a laser in your mouth sounds intimidating. But it was genuinely painless. A mild warmth, 30 minutes, and that was it. My snoring reduced by the second session and I sleep through the night now."

Sandra K., North Vancouver Patient

"The consultation was thorough and Dr. Akbari was very upfront about what NightLase could and couldn't do for my mild apnea. After three treatments the difference is remarkable, and my partner finally stopped recording me."

James T., Vancouver Patient
Frequently Asked

Your questions,
answered.

NightLase is a non-surgical laser treatment using Fotona's Er:YAG laser in patented SMOOTH mode to deliver controlled thermal energy to the soft palate and oropharyngeal tissue. The heat causes collagen to contract and new collagen to form, which tightens and firms the soft tissue at the back of the throat.

This tightening reduces the tissue vibration that produces snoring sounds, and helps keep the upper airway more open during sleep, reducing or eliminating snoring and supporting patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). No anesthesia, no cutting, no recovery.

The most common description from patients is a mild, pleasant warming sensation. Many compare it to sipping a hot beverage. No injections, no anesthesia, and no numbing is required for most patients. For those with heightened sensitivity, a topical anaesthetic spray can be used.

There is no bleeding, no swelling, and no post-treatment soreness. You leave the clinic feeling exactly as you arrived and can eat and drink normally immediately afterward.

The standard NightLase protocol is 3 sessions spaced approximately 4 weeks apart. Each session lasts about 30 minutes. Many patients and their bed partners notice a reduction in snoring after the very first session.

Full results develop over the 8-12 weeks following your last session as collagen remodeling matures. Results typically last 12-24 months. An annual maintenance session can extend results indefinitely for most patients.

NightLase is effective for primary snoring and can meaningfully reduce the frequency and severity of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A meta-analysis of 56 studies found a statistically significant average reduction in Apnea-Hypopnea Index of 7.2 events/hour.

NightLase is not a replacement for CPAP in cases of severe OSA and does not improve blood oxygen saturation levels. If you have been diagnosed with OSA or suspect you may have it, a physician evaluation is required before treatment. Dr. Akbari will review your case and advise whether NightLase is appropriate as a standalone or complementary treatment.

None. NightLase has no downtime. You can eat, drink, talk, and sleep exactly as normal immediately after each session. There is no wound, no suture, and nothing to protect or manage.

Mild, transient warmth in the throat can sometimes be felt for a few hours. This is completely normal and resolves on its own. There are no restrictions on food, drink, or activity following treatment.

CPAP remains the gold standard for moderate-to-severe OSA because it works through active pressure maintenance. For patients who are CPAP-intolerant (studies show 30-50% of users), NightLase is often the most effective alternative they've found.

NightLase works by treating the underlying tissue laxity that causes airway collapse, rather than mechanically holding the airway open. The result for suitable candidates is an equivalent or near-equivalent reduction in snoring and mild apnea events, with nothing to wear to bed each night. For mild to moderate OSA, NightLase can also be used alongside CPAP to enhance outcomes.

Yes. NightLase laser snoring treatment is available at Monarch MD Facial Plastic Surgery, located at 210 16th Street, West Vancouver, BC. Our clinic serves patients from West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, and greater Vancouver.

Dr. Eli Akbari, MD, FRCSC is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and Fotona-certified practitioner. You can book your consultation online or call us directly to speak with our team.

Ready for
quieter nights?

Book a consultation at our West Vancouver clinic. Dr. Akbari will evaluate your anatomy, answer your questions, and outline a personalized NightLase protocol before any procedure begins.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. NightLase® is a registered trademark of Fotona d.o.o. Results vary by individual. NightLase is not a cure for obstructive sleep apnea and does not improve blood oxygen saturation. If you suspect you have OSA, consult a qualified physician before seeking treatment. Content reviewed by Dr. Eli Akbari, MD, FRCSC, Facial Plastic Surgeon, Monarch MD Facial Plastic Surgery, West Vancouver, BC.

West Vancouver · MD-Led Clinic · Fotona Certified

NightLase
laser snoring
treatment.

A non-surgical, no-downtime laser procedure that tightens the soft palate and reduces snoring, without masks, implants, or surgery. Performed by Dr. Eli Akbari, MD, FRCSC in West Vancouver, BC.

NightLase laser snoring treatment at Monarch MD West Vancouver
How It Works

Stop snoring without
surgery, masks,
or downtime.


NightLase® is a patented laser treatment by Fotona that uses an Er:YAG laser in non-ablative SMOOTH mode to deliver gentle, controlled thermal energy to the soft palate and throat tissue. This causes the tissue to tighten and firm up, narrowing the airway collapse that causes snoring.

Unlike CPAP machines, oral devices, or surgery, NightLase requires no preparation, no anesthesia, no implants, and no recovery period. Most patients experience a noticeable reduction in snoring after the very first session.

The full protocol consists of 3 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart, each lasting 30 minutes. Results typically last 12-24 months and can be maintained with a single annual top-up session.

No Surgery
No cutting, no implants, no anesthesia. The laser works entirely through the surface of the oral mucosa.
No Downtime
Patients return to normal activity the same day. No dietary restrictions, no recovery protocol.
Immediate Results
Many patients and their partners report noticeably quieter sleep the very night after their first treatment.
78%
Significant Improvement
≥50% reduction in AHI reported in clinical study
3
Sessions
30 min each, 4 weeks apart
0
Downtime
Resume normal activity immediately
12-24
Months of Results
Maintainable with annual top-up
Watch & Learn

See NightLase
explained by
our team.


This short video walks through exactly how the NightLase procedure works, what to expect during your sessions, and the kinds of results our patients have experienced. It's the easiest way to understand whether this is the right treatment for you before booking a consultation.

If you have questions after watching, our team is available by phone or through our online booking system to help you take the next step.


NightLase® Treatment Overview · Monarch MD · West Vancouver, BC
NightLase vs. Alternatives

The most comfortable
path to quieter nights.

Option 01
CPAP Therapy
The conventional approach
Comfort
Requires wearing a mask and harness while sleeping every night. Many patients find it uncomfortable and claustrophobic.
Compliance
Studies show 30-50% of patients abandon CPAP within the first year due to discomfort, noise, or difficulty sleeping.
Lifestyle
Travel, intimacy, and sleep comfort are meaningfully impacted by the ongoing requirement of equipment every night.
Option 03
Surgical Options
UPPP / palate surgery
Recovery
Significant post-operative pain and a recovery period of 2-4 weeks. General anesthesia required.
Risk
Carries the standard risks of surgery including infection, bleeding, and changes to voice or swallowing in some cases.
Results
Success rates are variable and the procedure cannot be easily reversed. Often a last resort after other options fail.
Who It's For

Ideal candidates
for NightLase®.

01
You snore, and so does the relationship stress
Whether it's keeping your partner awake, sleeping in separate rooms, or affecting your own sleep quality, you're ready for a real solution.
02
You've tried CPAP but can't tolerate it
CPAP is effective but compliance is famously low. NightLase is the most common reason patients finally find a solution they can actually stick with.
03
You have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
NightLase can be used as a standalone treatment for mild OSA or as a supportive therapy alongside CPAP for moderate cases, improving overall outcomes.
04
You want a non-surgical, no-downtime option
No general anesthesia, no recovery weeks, no hospital stay. NightLase is an in-office procedure and you go home the same day, feeling exactly as you arrived.

Patient at Monarch MD consulting about NightLase snoring treatment in West Vancouver
Your Treatment Journey

Three sessions.
Quieter nights.


Your NightLase protocol begins with a consultation where Dr. Akbari evaluates your anatomy and the severity of your snoring to confirm you're a good candidate. From there, the protocol is simple and predictable.

  1. 01 Consultation & Assessment
    Dr. Akbari reviews your medical history, snoring severity, and anatomy to confirm candidacy and outline a personalized protocol.
  2. 02 Session 1: Initiation
    30 minutes. Laser energy is gently applied to the soft palate. No anesthesia. You leave feeling exactly as you arrived. Many patients notice a difference that same night.
  3. 03 Sessions 2 & 3: Consolidation
    Repeated approximately 4 weeks apart. Each session builds on the last as collagen production and tissue tightening continue to mature.
  4. 04 Annual Maintenance (Optional)
    Results last 12-24 months. A single maintenance session each year keeps the tissue firm and snoring at bay long-term.

Dr. Akbari performing NightLase laser treatment at Monarch MD West Vancouver
Peer-Reviewed Evidence

Backed by
clinical science.

Randomized Controlled Trial · 2023
NightLase vs. Sham Laser: A Double-Blind RCT
The first placebo-controlled RCT on NightLase. Found statistically significant reduction in snoring compared to sham treatment. Sleep-related health status improved for both patients and bed partners. Published in European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology.
Read on PubMed
Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis · 2025
Er:YAG Laser for Snoring: Systematic Review of 56 Studies
A comprehensive meta-analysis found a mean snoring reduction of 3.8 points on VAS (95% CI: −4.5 to −3.1; p<0.001) and a statistically significant AHI reduction of 7.2 events/hour. Concluded the treatment is safe with minimal adverse effects across all included studies.
Read on PubMed
Long-Term Follow-Up Study · 2022
24-Month Outcomes After NightLase Protocol
76 patients completed 3 NightLase sessions. At 24-month follow-up, 68.4% reported complete relief of snoring. The procedure produced no intraoperative or postoperative bleeding or scarring and was well-tolerated across all age groups.
Read on PubMed
Patient Experiences

Real patients.
Real silence.

"I'd tried CPAP for two years and never got used to it. Dr. Akbari suggested NightLase and I honestly didn't believe three 30-minute sessions could do what a machine couldn't. My wife says I barely snore at all now."

David M., West Vancouver Patient

"I was nervous going in. The idea of a laser in your mouth sounds intimidating. But it was genuinely painless. A mild warmth, 30 minutes, and that was it. My snoring reduced by the second session and I sleep through the night now."

Sandra K., North Vancouver Patient

"The consultation was thorough and Dr. Akbari was very upfront about what NightLase could and couldn't do for my mild apnea. After three treatments the difference is remarkable, and my partner finally stopped recording me."

James T., Vancouver Patient
Frequently Asked

Your questions,
answered.

NightLase is a non-surgical laser treatment using Fotona's Er:YAG laser in patented SMOOTH mode to deliver controlled thermal energy to the soft palate and oropharyngeal tissue. The heat causes collagen to contract and new collagen to form, which tightens and firms the soft tissue at the back of the throat.

This tightening reduces the tissue vibration that produces snoring sounds, and helps keep the upper airway more open during sleep, reducing or eliminating snoring and supporting patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). No anesthesia, no cutting, no recovery.

The most common description from patients is a mild, pleasant warming sensation. Many compare it to sipping a hot beverage. No injections, no anesthesia, and no numbing is required for most patients. For those with heightened sensitivity, a topical anaesthetic spray can be used.

There is no bleeding, no swelling, and no post-treatment soreness. You leave the clinic feeling exactly as you arrived and can eat and drink normally immediately afterward.

The standard NightLase protocol is 3 sessions spaced approximately 4 weeks apart. Each session lasts about 30 minutes. Many patients and their bed partners notice a reduction in snoring after the very first session.

Full results develop over the 8-12 weeks following your last session as collagen remodeling matures. Results typically last 12-24 months. An annual maintenance session can extend results indefinitely for most patients.

NightLase is effective for primary snoring and can meaningfully reduce the frequency and severity of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A meta-analysis of 56 studies found a statistically significant average reduction in Apnea-Hypopnea Index of 7.2 events/hour.

NightLase is not a replacement for CPAP in cases of severe OSA and does not improve blood oxygen saturation levels. If you have been diagnosed with OSA or suspect you may have it, a physician evaluation is required before treatment. Dr. Akbari will review your case and advise whether NightLase is appropriate as a standalone or complementary treatment.

None. NightLase has no downtime. You can eat, drink, talk, and sleep exactly as normal immediately after each session. There is no wound, no suture, and nothing to protect or manage.

Mild, transient warmth in the throat can sometimes be felt for a few hours. This is completely normal and resolves on its own. There are no restrictions on food, drink, or activity following treatment.

CPAP remains the gold standard for moderate-to-severe OSA because it works through active pressure maintenance. For patients who are CPAP-intolerant (studies show 30-50% of users), NightLase is often the most effective alternative they've found.

NightLase works by treating the underlying tissue laxity that causes airway collapse, rather than mechanically holding the airway open. The result for suitable candidates is an equivalent or near-equivalent reduction in snoring and mild apnea events, with nothing to wear to bed each night. For mild to moderate OSA, NightLase can also be used alongside CPAP to enhance outcomes.

Yes. NightLase laser snoring treatment is available at Monarch MD Facial Plastic Surgery, located at 210 16th Street, West Vancouver, BC. Our clinic serves patients from West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, and greater Vancouver.

Dr. Eli Akbari, MD, FRCSC is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and Fotona-certified practitioner. You can book your consultation online or call us directly to speak with our team.

Ready for
quieter nights?

Book a consultation at our West Vancouver clinic. Dr. Akbari will evaluate your anatomy, answer your questions, and outline a personalized NightLase protocol before any procedure begins.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. NightLase® is a registered trademark of Fotona d.o.o. Results vary by individual. NightLase is not a cure for obstructive sleep apnea and does not improve blood oxygen saturation. If you suspect you have OSA, consult a qualified physician before seeking treatment. Content reviewed by Dr. Eli Akbari, MD, FRCSC, Facial Plastic Surgeon, Monarch MD Facial Plastic Surgery, West Vancouver, BC.

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