Stop the Snoring Now

“How do I stop the snoring”? Is a question commonly asked by spouses and roommates of people who snore. The snorer himself rarely asks, as he's sound asleep while his companion tosses and turns, distracted by the din of the snorer nearby.

Snoring is a common ailment that may, according to some estimates, affect nearly fifty percent of the population. The cause is simple, but remedies to stop snoring are sometimes elusive. Snoring is caused by the vibration of soft tissues in the throat that relax during sleep. The tissues block the passageways that allow air through the throat, and this results in that oh-so-unpleasant sound that keeps people awake.

So how do you stop the snoring? There are numerous solutions on the market, but no single one of them works for everyone.

Here is a list of some of the available remedies for snoring:

Surgery – Surgical procedures involve cutting away the tonsils and/or uvula and other parts of the soft palate in order to clear the blocked airways. In some cases, a “stiffener” may be inserted inside the tissues to keep them from moving during sleep. In some cases, lasers are used to cut the tissue; in other cases a scalpel or cauterizing tool are used. Some patients see good results from snoring surgery; others find their problem becoming worse due to the formation or scar tissue at the surgery site.

CPAP – Continuous positive airway pressure is a system that uses a pump to force air at a constant pressure through the snorer's throat. The equipment consists of a pump and a mask that the patient must wear over their mouth and nose. While CPAP works for many patients, the equipment is expensive and is not always covered by insurance.

Mandibular advancement splints are mouthpieces that hold the jaw in a position that allows air to flow freely through the throat. These devices are available from doctors or sold over the counter. Both work the same way, but the devices sold by doctors are fitted by the physician, so patients usually get good results right away. The over the counter models must be fitted by the buyer and sometimes a lot of trial and error is necessary in order to achieve a good fit. In addition, the devices are somewhat uncomfortable for many wearers.

Perhaps the simplest way to stop the snoring is to buy a special chin strap made just for that purpose. The snoring chin strap fits over the head and under the chin and is designed to hold the mouth closed during sleep. By holding the mouth closed, the snorer is forced to breathe through their nose. This limits the flow of air over the soft tissues that cause snoring. Many people like the chin straps because they are inexpensive, easy to adjust and relatively comfortable. This means that users are more likely to keep using them once they get used to wearing them.

Since there are so many solutions available to help stop snoring, there really is no excuse for anyone with a snoring problem to keep their spouses or roommates awake any longer.