Snoring is not harmful. However, it is annoying for the partner who is sleeping beside. Some people snore occasionally, especially due to the stuffed nose or heavy drinking. However, what about them who snore on a daily basis? It is a definite sign of a serious health problem. Snoring is a symptom of sleep disorders including sleep apnea caused by obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic ailments. Snoring can even cause major rifts in a relationship. So, what is the cause of snoring? If you know the answer, treating the same can be a lot easier. You can treat the problem accordingly with various behavioral treatments and lifestyle changes.
What causes snoring?
Before choosing the best anti-snoring devices, it is pivotal to understand the causes of snoring. Snoring is the simple cause of obstruction in the air passage. When the airflow is obstructed in the mouth or nose, snoring is bound to happen, especially when you’re sleeping. A number of reasons lead to obstructions. These are:
- Relaxed tongue or throat muscles
Over relaxed throat muscles and tongue is caused by sleeping pills, drinking lots of alcohol, normal aging or deep sleep.
- Anatomical problems
Anatomical problems arise from long soft palate and uvula or even bulky throat. Excessive fat in the throat can block the airways. People are usually born with soft uvula or palate, bulky throat issues often arise from enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
- Blocked nasal airways
The stuffed nose can be the result of a deviated septum, congestion caused by cold or allergies and nasal polyps.
There are many things, but not all can be managed with medical treatments. In such cases, anti-snoring mouthpieces are the best to consider. Some to fix the issues of snoring one needs to opt for surgeries or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
Anti-snoring mouthpieces
There are two basic types of anti-snoring mouthpieces. These, work differently on various persons. The two types of devices are mandibular adjustment device (MAD) and tongue stabilizing device (TSD)
Mandibular Adjustment Device
Mandibular adjustment devices are applicable for people who want to breathe through their mouth while sleeping. The adjustment devices are the best option for keeping off your tongue falling back into the throat. Instead of pulling the tongue forward, the device provides complete tension to the entire lower jaw. However, there are some people who take this tension uncomfortably; breathing through the problem is never a problem.
Tongue Stabilizing Device (TSD)
Obstruction of the tongue is a definite cause of snoring and this is why, tongue-stabilizing devices are perfect for preventing snoring. Well, these devices have a problem and that is forceful breathing through the nose. The user must be able to breathe through the nose and thus, it can be a problem for people who are suffering from a deviated septum or chronic congestion.
Conclusion
There are various types of snoring solution available in the market and hence, you should consult properly with a professional based on the complications.
One prevention that I know is to make the snorer sleep on his side with no hand under the chin. Try it.