The How’s And Why’s Of Snoring Surgery

By Jared Winston

For many people, snoring may seem like a fairly minor issue in their lives. After all, something that is experienced by so many people around the world cannot possibly be all that serious, they suppose, so it seems a waste to consider such treatments as snoring surgery. The truth is that snoring can have a number of negative effects on a person’s life, as well as the lives of those close to them. And even more severe is the fact that snoring is sometimes not the problem in and of itself, but rather a symptom of a more severe problem, such as sleep apnea. Snoring surgery may not only be the right choice to improve the quality of your sleep, and the sleep of those around you, but also may be the right choice because of a greater health risk.

Snoring surgery may not be the only solution for you. Obviously, it would be a wise choice to consult a doctor before you decide to go with a surgical procedure, as there may be other treatments available which would be able to give you the positive results you need without the extra costs and hassle associated with a surgical procedure. These treatments may include simple things such as nasal strips. In fact, it may even be as simple as sleeping in a different position or losing a bit of weight, both of which can yield remarkable results in stopping your snoring. Consulting a doctor will also give you a chance to find out if your snoring is caused by simple things such as nasal congestion, or more severe causes such as a deviated septum or sleep apnea.

Once you have consulted a doctor, if you still feel that snoring surgery is the right choice for you, then you have a few options which are open to you. Each option works in different ways, and as such varies in effectiveness depending on the cause of your snoring. One of the simplest and easiest methods is a procedure that is known as Somnoplasty. Somnoplasty uses a specific frequency of radio waves to, over time, correct blocked airways. This will reduce snoring, as well as potentially reducing or eliminating the threat of an obstructive sleep apnea. The advantages of this method are obvious, as there is no real surgical procedure involved. However, the time frame is a bit longer than one might expect from some other methods.

Other types of snoring surgery are, obviously, more invasive than the Somnoplasty treatment. However, they may be necessary, as Somnoplasty is not effective in cases where the cause of snoring is within the nasal passages. For instance, direct nasal surgery would be required in order to fix snoring that is caused by a deviated septum, and other similar sorts of nasal blockages. Again, the specific type of snoring surgery you use should be decided based on advice from a medical professional, as they will be able to inform you of how effective you can expect each different method to be in your case.

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

About the Author: Snoring, while often joked about, can actually be harmful to the victim’s health and quite disruptive to the lives of their partner. Learn more about sleep apnea and how to gain a more restful sleep at http://www.soothingsleep.com

Source: www.isnare.com

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Snoring Aids

By Andrew Gipson

Anti-snoring devices range from the very simple, to the somewhat complex. The majority of devices are available in drug stores or through direct mail (postal or Internet/e-commerce). The most common and effective devices and snoring aid are described below.

• The “Sandler” Pillow™

A popular non-surgical device used to alleviate snoring is called The Sandler pillow (named after its inventor). This pillow, by design, compels the sleeper to sleep on his/her side. Since sleeping on the side generally closes the mouth, this can prevent some kinds of mild snoring from occurring (the vibration is still there, but the snoring does not escape the mouth).

• The Snore Ball

Invented in the early 20th century, the snore ball has undergone a series of advancements, and modern versions are available today. Snore balls are devices that the snorer puts on their back while sleeping (i.e. putting it in a pouch on the back of their pajamas). When these people move to sleep on their back – and thus generally open their mouths while the sleep and emit loud snoring – the snore ball gives them a wake up call of discomfort.

As you can easily imagine, the snore ball is not the most painless of options; yet for some people, it’s all they need; particularly for those who don’t toss and turn a lot during sleep, and simply need a bit of a nudge to return back to a side-sleeping position.

Some people actually construct their own snore balls out of tennis balls, golf balls, baseballs, or anything that can reasonably fit into a pajama pocket. Over time, many people who use snore balls find that they habitually sleep on their side, and hence, the snore ball becomes redundant and can be saved for the next snorer in the family!

• Sleep Position Monitor

These interesting electronic devices aren’t quite as painful as sleep balls can be, but they endeavor to achieve the same goal. A beeping noise begins to emit whenever a snorer shifts to where they are sleeping on their back (and hence the mouth typically opens and more/louder snoring occurs).

Of course, this beeping can be rather annoying to those in the home that aren’t snoring. However, just like snore balls, sleep position monitors are meant to create new habits, and can be removed once a snorer habitually begins to sleep on their side.

• Nasal Strips

Nasal strips, which are used to widen the nasal valve and thus open up the airway to the throat and lungs, are extremely popular anti-snoring remedies. These strips are made (usually) of plastic, adhere to the nose, and are worn throughout the night. Some people may notice that football players, hockey players, and basketball players wear nasal strips while performing their sport, in order to keep the airway open and promote maximum respiration efficiency.

Nasal strips are available without a prescription, are applied topically and thus have no internal impact (i.e. they are not medicated), and can be cost effective when purchased in bulk.

Some non-snorers have actually begun using nasal strips after their snoring partners found relief through them; generally speaking, they can help promote better airflow and are often recommended by doctors for patients looking for more restful sleep and/or better respiration efficiency. (More oxygen intake, more carbon dioxide expulsion).

• Nasal Dilators

Nasal dilators are most often made of plastic or stainless steel coil, and are inserted into the nostrils during sleep. The impact of these dilators is that they help keep the airway open (similar to nasal strips), and thus cut down on vibration that leads to snoring.

• Throat Sprays

Throat Sprays work somewhat like saline sprays, yet instead of salt water, they deliver natural lubricating oils to the back of the throat. This can dramatically reduce the amount of vibrations that occur in the trachea during sleep, and thus effectively diminish (if not outright end) snoring.

Similar to nasal strips, throat sprays are fairly low cost, mobile, and can be purchased in bulk. It should also be noted that throat sprays, if used too frequently, can actually cause throat irritation. This can ironically lead to more snoring!

As such, users to ensure that the follow the recommended daily dose, and resist exceeding them without approval of a medical professional (or perhaps, upon a doctors recommendation, upgrading to a more potent throat spray).

• Snore Stopper™

A rather effective non-surgical anti-snoring device that has a lot of people buzzing is called the Snore Stopper. There are a few variations of this device:

• it can be worn around the arm, and provides a little jab of electricity (feels like a small pinch) when the sound of snoring is sensed

• It can be worn around the wrist instead of the arm (but the same pinch is there!)

• It can be used to stimulate tongue muscles, which forces them to contract; and ultimately, to open up the airway (at least a little).

Ongoing studies on the effectiveness of electronic stimulators are further verifying their effectiveness and suitability for all snorers.

About the Author: If you’re looking for other ways to help stop snoring visit http://www.yoursnoringsite.com right away.

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Discover The Cpap Solution To Snoring

By Thomas Wilson

Many problem snorers are actually suffering from the disorder sleep apnea. Snoring is one of the first – and loudest – symptoms of this problem. People often try many remedies for snoring such as lifestyle and position changes, but ultimately find a more drastic procedure is necessary.

Both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are cause by blockage of the nasal airway and throat. This limits how much air gets in and the snoring is actually the vibrations of the tissue in the airway.

One of the more successful, cost effective and least invasive methods to deal with snoring and OSA is called CPAP – Continuous Positive Air Pressure. It was invented by Colin Sullivan in 1981. He is currently working with the University of Australia, and specializes in sleep research.

For CPAP to be effective you have to be able to breathe through your nose – it won’t help people who are mouth-breathers. This device is fairly easy to use. A pump sits on the floor by the bed.

A plastic hose carries the air to a facemask that is held over your nose by two straps around your head. The air flows into your nostrils and prevents the obstruction of your air passages.

CPAP equipment isn’t something you’ll find on the shelves at your local Wal Mart, however. You’ll need a prescription from your doctor and you will need to undergo a sleep study for a specialist to determine your particular needs.

CPAP devices have come a long way in the last 25 years. They have become smaller and easier to use and there are even travel models available that are specifically made for use on airplanes. Not all airlines allow them, however so if you will be using it on a plane, check with the airline ahead of time to be sure it is allowed.

CPAP results have shown high success rates – some studies have shown nearly 100% success rates in dealing with snoring.

If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, you need to check with a health care professional before trying any kind of treatment. They can give you an informed opinion and help you choose the best treatment.

About the Author: Thomas Wilson compares various snoring treatments and remedies on the Snoring Solutions website. For more helpful tips and to receive your free guide “Secrets To A Good Night’s Sleep” visit http://www.snoringsolutions.org

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