Snoring is the sound that is caused when breathing is hindered during sleep. Half of all adults snore occasionally, according to the Mayo Clinic. In these cases, snoring is not a serious problem and can be reduced by making lifestyle changes such as losing weight and cessation of alcohol prior to going to bed; however, sometimes snoring can indicate an underlying health condition. In these rare cases, a doctor may recommend certain medical devices and treatments.
Dental Mouthpieces
Dental mouthpieces, or oral appliances, are custom made devices designed to fit inside the mouth. A dentist makes impressions of the teeth and creates the mouthpiece based on these impressions to ensure a comfortable fit. The mouthpiece works by pulling the jaw, tongue and soft palate forward, which opens up the airway and allows unobstructed breathing. A clear airway reduces the chance of snoring. Side effects of dental mouthpieces include excessive salivation, dry mouth, jaw pain and facial discomfort, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is a treatment option that involves wearing a pressurized mask over the nose during sleep every night. The nasal CPAP pumps air through the mask, creating pressure to keep the airway open during inhalation. The CPAP does not take over breathing. CPAP is considered the most effective non-surgical treatment for snoring, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. The requirement of lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and cessation of smoking, may accompany the use of continuous positive airway pressure.
Surgery
There are two types of surgery used in the treatment of snoring: uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP). UPPP is performed under general anesthesia and involves the removal of both tonsils and the uvula, trimming the soft palate and suturing all edges together, according to the Fauquier ENT of Virginia. The purpose of this operation is to enlarge the opening of the airway through the mouth, which inhibits snoring. LAUP is performed with local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. A laser beam is used to shorten the soft palate and remove the uvula, thus creating a larger airway. LAUP usually requires one to three surgeries, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Risks associated with both surgical techniques include bleeding, infection, pain and nasal congestion.
Somnoplasty
Somnoplasty, also called radiofrequency tissue ablation, is performed with local anesthesia in an outpatient setting and can take under 30 minutes. This procedure uses low-power radiofrequency energy to remove part of the soft palate and surrounding tissues. The tissue is minimally heated so that it can be removed naturally by the body over a period of three to six weeks, according to St. Joseph Hospital Nasal and Sinus Center. Once the body removes the tissue, a larger airway is created, which allows for unobstructed breathing and the cessation of snoring.
