Helpful Anti-Snoring Devices

There are various devices that may cut back on snoring, like Breathe Right strips, which affix to the nose. There are also some oral devices and nose appliances known as nasal continuous positive airway pressure devices. These apparatuses prevent the tongue and soft palate from backing up and cutting off the airway.

In severe cases, laser surgery may be necessary to remove tissues from the back of the airway, thereby reducing the field where air can pass and causes vibration. This is a painful procedure, though effective in many cases at cutting snoring in half or more.

But if snoring is loud and out of control, consult a doctor about the problem because it could be obstructive sleep apnea. The condition is characterized by daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, lack of concentration, restless sleeping habits, sore throat, choking or gasping at night, high blood pressure, and possible chest pain in the evening.

While snoring in adults may be a sign of some medical issues, snoring in children is considered less serious. About 20 percent of children are estimated to snore at some point, with 7 to 10 percent snoring every night. Only about 1 percent of children are considered to have obstructive sleep apnea that can lower attention spans and cause other problems. For the rest, enlarged tonsils and adenoids are the cause and that’s usually remedied with surgical removal.

What to Do About Snoring

When you visit the doctor about the snoring issue, it’s a good idea to bring along your partner because he or she can better relate the issues that seem to be causing the problem while you sleep. The doctor will, of course, administer a physical examination.