Snoring is not a problem to take lightly. The stereotypical image of a snorer is a man serenely sleeping in bed, as every few seconds he erupts with a solid, loud vibration. His long-suffering wife, beside him, stares up at the ceiling wide awake. Like most stereotypes, this picture is very out of focus with reality. First, while more men than women snore on a nightly basis, many women are just as affected by snoring. Secondly, this image is off because the snorer is not really enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep at all. In fact, both men and women who snore are at serious health risk, because of this constant struggle for oxygen each time sleep is attempted.
Aids to help reduce or stop snoring such as the anti snoring mouthpiece can be beneficial to a snore’s health for a variety of reasons. It can’t be said that the very act of snoring itself causes problems. Outside of drying the sinuses, and the throat, there is no direct effect of a night spent snoring. The health problems come from the repeated number of times the snorer is awakened in the night from the snoring, and because even the sleep that does come, is not as restful as non-snorers experience. The short-term effects of sleep deprivation are tiredness, difficulty with focus, and irritability. Long-term effects of too little sleep are grim. Risk factors include an increased chance of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
A condition known as sleep apnea is more than just routine snoring. During the night, a person with this condition will stop breathing for short periods of time. The sleeper is not aware of this, and often only finds out when told by a spouse or loved one. A diagnosis of sleep apnea by a doctor is usually only made after a patient is observed in a sleep center or hospital. If it is confirmed as a case of sleep apnea, the patient is usually prescribed a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP machine to help with breathing during sleep. This machine does not cure snoring. It can only make breathing easier for the person who has this condition. CPAP machines are reported to be uncomfortable, and take a long period of adjustment for those with the condition. When sleep apnea is not the problem, other methods to stop the snoring should be tried.
Along with anti snoring devices for snoring problems other than sleep apnea a doctor will usually recommend losing weight, sleeping on your side, treating congestion, keeping the head elevated during sleep, and stopping smoking or using tobacco products. Also recommended are avoiding over the counter pain medications containing acetaminophen, sedatives, or drinking in the hours before going to bed. Among the types of aids to stop snoring a doctor will often recommended an anti snoring mouthpiece, especially one fitted by a dentist.
Sometimes mouthpieces are also referred to as dental appliances, advancement splints, or mandibular devices. They are known to be very effective in reducing or stopping snoring altogether for many. These are small plastic devices worn during sleep. The device prevents the soft throat tissues from obstructing the airway by collapsing during the night. With the device, the lower jaw is brought forward, and the soft palate is lifted. Other similar devices will also hold the tongue back from falling over the windpipe.
With the dentist fitted device, the appliance is created to suit the snores unique problems and dental structure. A mold is taken of the snorer’s mouth, and then is sent off for a custom mouthpiece or the dentist will fashion the device in-office. A dentist who specializes in this type of dentistry can be located by checking with the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. The downside of getting a mouthpiece fitted by a specialist is of course the cost. Since this type of dentistry is seldom covered by either dental or medical plans, most patients will need to pay out of pocket.
Anti snoring mouthpieces are also available over the counter, and these are far less expensive. While a dentist does not fit these mouthpieces, there are methods to fit them at home and there are varieties available to suit individual problems and needs.
Knowing the position the snorer is usually in when the snoring occurs is the most helpful in finding a mouthpiece that works. For instance, if the jaw is slipping back and the mouth falls open then looking for a mouthpiece that specifically holds the mandible in place to keep the jaw from falling backward is useful. In the case of the tongue falling back toward the throat in sleep, and decreasing airflow then look for a specialty device that keeps the tongue in place during sleep. Buying an anti-snoring pillow can also be beneficial.
Earlier devices were often hard and difficult to fit. Some dentists warned that using them could misalign the teeth. Most newer devices are more pliable, easier to fit, and cannot therefore cause this problem. When ordering a mouthpiece looking for specialty devices can sometimes mean paying a bit more.
In fitting a home device, it is important to follow all the directions that should come with the anti snoring mouthpiece. Most mouthpieces come with a spatula that fits into holes in the front of the device. To make the device malleable, the snorer will boil water, and then pour the water into a container. Place the mouthpiece in the water for time instructed by the manufacturer. After shaking the water free of the device, place it by the spatula into the mouth. The snorer will then need to push the lower jaw forward and then bite down hard for several seconds. Holding it under cold water then sets the mold.
When set correctly at home the molded anti snoring device works much the same as one fitted by a dentist. With any type of device, it is necessary to adjust to it while sleeping. Most people who use anti snoring mouthpieces comment that the device gave immediate relief from snoring, but it took them from a few days to a few weeks to customize themselves to sleeping with the device.