Effective Methods to Prevent Snoring

The approach to addressing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) hinges on two critical factors: 

  1. The Source of Snoring: It's important to identify whether snoring primarily originates from the nose or the throat. 
  1. Presence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Determining if you also have obstructive sleep apnea, and if so, the severity of the condition. 

At ResMed, we offer solutions tailored to throat snorers, including those with varying degrees of sleep apnea. This encompasses mild to moderate OSA as well as more severe cases. 

1. Throat Snorers without Sleep Apnea 

 

If you've been tested for sleep apnea and your apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score is less than 5, you fall into this category. If you're unsure about your AHI, it's strongly recommended to undergo a screening. Using the correct solution for your specific issue is crucial. 

ResMed believes that one of the most effective treatments for throat snoring is a custom-made device. This device is designed to fit comfortably in your mouth, keeping your lower jaw positioned forward during sleep, which helps to keep your throat open. These devices are known by various names, but we refer to ours as a mandibular repositioning device (MRD), specifically Narval CC™*. 

For individuals who snore primarily through their nose, MRDs may not be the suitable solution. Instead, you should explore options such as nasal sprays, nasal strips, chin straps, and more. Recommendations can be obtained from your country's sleep association. 

2. Throat Snorers with Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea 

 

When AHI levels fall between 5 and 30, ResMed offers both the Narval MRD and a comprehensive range of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy options. MRDs are a first-line treatment for snorers with mild to moderate OSA, and they have been clinically proven as an effective alternative to PAP therapy. Users often find oral appliances more comfortable, resulting in longer usage periods. This enhanced compliance makes them equally as effective as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. 

3. Throat Snorers with Severe OSA

 

For individuals with an AHI exceeding 30, PAP therapy is typically recommended as the primary treatment. There are various PAP therapy options, including Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP), CPAP, and bi-level therapy. ResMed offers a comprehensive selection of masks, devices, and accessories to enhance the comfort and non-intrusiveness of PAP therapy. 

In cases where PAP therapy is not well-tolerated, an MRD may be prescribed by your sleep physician. Remarkably, even users with severe OSA who consistently wore the Narval CC MRD demonstrated significant reductions in their AHI levels, comparable to those with mild to moderate OSA.

 Finding the right treatment for snoring and OSA depends on individual factors, with ResMed offering a variety of solutions to address these issues effectively.

Additionally, alternative treatment options for snoring include surgical procedures and radiofrequency treatments. Consulting with a healthcare professional is vital to determine the most suitable treatment plan based on your specific needs and condition.

 

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Sleep Revitalizes your Mind, Body, & Heart

The body goes under many transformations, while it is in the state of rest during sleep. There are many essential functions that take place in the body such as tissue repair, memory and energy restoration, release of essential hormones, muscle relaxation, and others. While you are asleep, the brain releases indispensable hormones that promote tissue growth. This process helps your body rejuvenate from the daily hustle bustle. Moreover, tissue growth aids in the recovery from wounds or cuts. Sunita Kumar, Co-Director, Centre for Sleep Disorders, Loyola University Medical Centre, aptly remarks that during sleep the body produces more white blood cells, to fight countless bacteria and viruses1. The heart rate also registers a dip during sleep, which according to Ms. Kumar, strengthens the heart as it is at rest with lowered activity. Moreover, a good night’s sleep also reduces the chances of getting afflicted with heart diseases.

Good Sleep = Sharp Memory

Sleep is a time, when becomes sharp and strong. Sleep quantity and quality play a fundamental role in determining what one remembers and what one doesnt. Therefore, development of long-term memory (LTM) from short-term memory (STM) happens during sleep.  Scientific researches state that the brain follows a different mechanism for storing memories through the hippocampus and neo-cortex areas. Hippocampus helps you to remember your life experiences (childhood memories), while the neo-cortex is responsible for remembering the concepts you learn (name of a color). Communications and sync between the two, helps in learning new data and updating old ones.

Sleep Steers Hormonal Hunger

Sleep not only affects your energy levels and mental functions, but also regulates your body weight. Improper sleep is related to the increasing cases of obesity, worldwide2. Many hormones which regulate the feeling of hunger (ghrelin) and signal the feeling of being full (leptin), are all influenced by the quality of your sleep.  Leptin: This is also known as satiety hormone, which is produced by the fat cells of the body. It prevents overeating by sending signals to the brain that the body does not require more food, as there is enough to fuel the body.  Ghrelin: This hunger hormone is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, which signifies the body that there is need for food. This hormone rises in the body, when you feel hungry and decreases when you have consumed some food.  Studies show that people who have disrupted patterns of sleep - have larger appetite, because of higher ghrelin secretion and lowered secretion of leptin. This imbalance in the secretion of these hormones is a result of improper sleep patterns3.

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Reference

1

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/discomfort-15/better-sleep/healing-power-sleep?page=2

2

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3619301/

3

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3619301/