Say Goodbye to Chronic Snoring
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing may stop or start irregularly during sleep. Apnea occurs for a number of reasons and can pose potential danger if left untreated. This condition can also cause disruptive side effects to both you and your partner's quality of sleep and general well-being.
Possible Causes of Snoring
- Enlarged tissue in the throat, mouth, or nose
- Blocked nasal passages
- Infection or inflammation
- Deviated nasal septum
- Tonsil or adenoid issues
- Nasal polyps
- Allergies
- Obesity
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatments
Non-device / Non-surgical
Occasionally, corrective mouth guards can help maintain jaw alignment and tongue placement while you sleep, which helps to keep your breathing passages open. If obesity is the possible cause of your snoring, you may also want to consider weight loss planning.
CPAP Machine / Mask Therapy
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine keeps your airways open by supplying a steady flow of air through a non-invasive mask or nasal pillow. In some cases Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) device may be indicated.
Corrective Surgery
In extreme cases, surgery may be recommended to remove large tonsils/adenoids, correct nasal obstruction (like a deviated septum) or other surgeries that your physician will discuss with you.
Snoring & Sleep Apnea FAQs
Depending on the specific cause of your snoring, a CPAP machine may or may not be necessary. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, the CPAP is a typical doctor's recommendation. However, this is a decision that you can make with the help of a specialist.
Studies have shown that sleep apnea can lead to sleep deficiencies and a heightened risk of stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure if left untreated. For this reason, it's important to get a professional exam.
There are a variety of corrective surgeries for snoring that have high success rates but may not be the best fit for everyone. You can discuss risk factors and benefits with your doctor to determine which course of action, and which type of surgery, is best for your situation.
If your child habitually snores, or stops breathing while sleeping this could be a sign of large tonsils and/or adenoids. You should schedule an appointment to determine if removal of the tonsils and/or adenoids is the best option for your child.
If you experience the following, you may have sleep apnea: morning headaches, irritability and burnout, exhaustion, dry mouth, depression, or poor memory and concentration.
Your doctor may recommend a polysomnogram, which is a test that collects data using electrodes on your head, face, chin, chest, abdomen, and legs while you sleep. This sleeping test can help determine the cause of your other symptoms.
Still Have Questions?
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