If obstructive sleep apnea is the cause of your snoring, there are a number of possible remedies. The type of treatment depends on whether you have mild, moderate or severe sleep apnea.
It's important to remember, though, that snoring is just one result of your sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can affect you in ways beyond snoring, as well. But, with successful treatment, your snoring should all but disappear.
For mild sleep apnea, your doctor may suggest non-medical treatments. Common options include weight loss; changing sleeping positions; avoiding caffeine, alcohol and heavy meals within two hours of bedtime; and not taking sedatives.
For mild to moderate sleep apnea, an oral appliance might be effective. A molded device, which is worn in the mouth at night, holds the lower jaw and brings the tongue forward to keep the airway open. This should reduce snoring.
Continuous positive airway pressure, often referred to as CPAP, is effective for treating moderate sleep apnea and is considered the first-line treatment for severe sleep apnea. During sleep, you would wear a mask that's connected to a small pump. The pump forces air through the airway, and this keeps it open. For some people a Bi-PAP device (for bi-level) is recommended.
Sleep Apnea: Surgery Option
Surgery is another option for people with obstructive sleep apnea. Before surgery is considered, a surgeon would measure your airway at several points, looking for any abnormal airflow between the nose and lungs. The type of surgery would depend on where airflow was interrupted, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Possible procedures include:
•Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). This may be considered if the airway collapses at the soft palate and the person doesn't want to use CPAP. In UPPP, the surgeon stiffens the soft palate by partially removing the uvula -- the piece of tissue that hangs down at the back of the throat -- and reducing the edge of the soft palate.
•Hyoid suspension. This could be an option if the airway collapse occurs at the base of the tongue. The procedure helps stabilize this section of the airway by securing the hyoid bone to the thyroid cartilage. The hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone that attaches to the muscles of the tongue and other muscles and soft tissues around the throat.
•Genioglossus advancement. This procedure opens the upper breathing passage by tightening the tongue tendon. The aim is to reduce how much the tongue blocks the throat during sleep. The procedure is often done in combination with at least one other operation.
•Maxillomandibular advancement. This surgical procedure moves the upper and lower jaws forward. As the jaw bones are moved forward, so are the soft tissues of the tongue and palate. This, in turn, opens the upper airway. For some people, this is the only way to cure obstructive sleep apnea.
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