Snoring causes severe distress to both your partner and yourself. At the same time, it indicates cardiovascular issues and other metabolic disorders. We can differentiate a wide array of non-surgical and surgical treatments to deal with this problem.
Of course, the type of treatment depends on the underlying reasons. You should know that the pharyngeal airway is partially collapsing and creating negative pressure when it comes to nasal snoring. It means you will have an obstruction of the upper airway, which leads to snoring.
You can use numerous devices to sleep better to relieve snoring and keep upper airways open. It means you should implement the Afrin test, which can identify people who may benefit from these options.
The best way to treat nasal snoring is by using different types of anti-snoring devices, including:
- Nasal Strips – It is a self-adhesive tape that will pull your nostrils apart and help you throughout the night
- Nasal Dilators – They come from either metal or plastic and will push the nostrils open during sleep. You can use both options, which will help you sleep better.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
It would be best to understand that sleep apnea requires a few different modalities, including surgery, oral appliances, and continuous positive airway pressure.
Instead of continuous positive airway pressure, you can use airway appliances depending on the severity of the problems. If you have mild or moderate sleep apnea without daytime sleepiness, you can use:
- Chin Strips – Self-adhesive tape you must place under a chin to keep your mouths closed during sleep.
- Vestibular Shield – You can also use a plastic device and put it inside your mouth with an idea to promote nasal breathing and obstruct airflow. That way, you can prevent snoring.
When it comes to research, you should know both options come with similar effects.
Mandibular Advancement Devices
You can use these devices to prevent snoring because they will cause vibration at the base of the tongue. As a result, they will push the tongue and lower jaw forward, which will increase the airflow space within the pharynx. That way, you can prevent tongue vibration in this area.
Generally, a thermoplastic Mad comes in a customized size based on your preferences. However, they may not be perfect options for people with a strong gag reflex and if you cannot sleep with something in your mouth.
At the same time, they can cause jaw and face pain until you get used to them. We recommend you to visit a dentist to make you customized MAD, which is more expensive but more durable and comfortable than other options you can order online.
Remember that modern options and models come with micro-adjustability and less weight, meaning you can adjust it based on your jaw’s size. Of course, you should replace them at least once a year. That way, you can prevent stress on facial muscles and jaw, which will stop snoring.
You should click here to learn more about sleeping disorders, before you choose a perfect device that will help you rest better than before.
Tongue Retaining Devices
Another option you can find on the market is a tongue retaining device or TRD that will prevent the tongue’s falling back, which happens to numerous individuals while sleeping and causing snoring and other issues.
The main idea is to hold the tip of your tongue in place, which will prevent negative suction that tends to happen to some people. Remember that a particular mouthpiece you get will provide you with a mandibular protrusion, but you can choose the customized version that will offer you comfort and convenience while sleeping.
In some situations, snoring will continue, although you use the TRD. Compared with other devices, it will gradually allow your mouth to breathe but may lead to soreness. At the same time, it is not safe if you have nasal obstruction or blockage. The best thing about it is reducing daytime drowsiness and sleep apnea.
Pros and Cons of Oral Appliances
As mentioned above, an oral appliance can cause foreign body sensation discomfort and boost mouth dryness or salivation depending on numerous factors. It would be to use them after a sleep study to determine whether you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or not. Suppose you do, we recommend you to start using it until you upgrade it to a more advanced option.
The best thing about them is the convenience, reversibility, low price tag, and effective than other more expensive remedies for people with CPAP. When getting an adjustable oral appliance, you should find an orthodontist who will specifically make them based on your measurement. Of course, it is a more expensive option, but you will feel comfortable.
It would help if you took time to get used to them, meaning a buildup will be slower than other options. Still, they are effective for reducing snoring among people with sleep apnea. For instance, young patients with low BMIs reported success after a few studies.
You probably understand that fixed appliances are more affordable, act faster and fit without personalization. The main problem is the inability to adjust them and place them in less mandibular protrusion.
Other devices use conditioned reflex meaning you will get a machine that can learn from your patterns. It starts to vibrate as soon as you snore first, meaning it will provoke you to turn to sides. Compared with other options, it is an effective way to reduce daytime sleepiness without affecting the overall enjoyment and quality.
Check out this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snoring to learn everything about snoring.
Final Word
It is vital to remember that oral devices and appliances are small, meaning you can take them wherever you decide to go. At the same time, you can rest assured because you do not have to plug them in or use batteries. Just place them in your mouth and enjoy.
CPAP machines are burdensome and bulky, making them challenging to pack when you decide to travel. At the same time, you should get a unique bag that will allow you to carry all accessories with ease.
On the other hand, oral appliances can fit in a purse, perfect for traveling and other trips. Besides, they are simple to maintain compared with other options you can find on the market.