Snoring is a the result of airflow through the mouth and nose becoming obstructed during sleep. This problem affects many people and there are a wide variety of products that are commercially available to stop snoring, although the effectiveness of many of these products has not been proved. Snoring is often caused by the soft tissue in the mouth and throat dropping down and obstructing the airway.
Step 1
Make lifestyle changes. These include losing weight (if you are overweight), limiting alcohol consumption before bed, sleeping on your side, and using nasal strips to help keep your airway open. Many cases of mild snoring can be controlled using these simple treatments.
Step 2
Get fitted for an oral appliance. Oral appliances are specially crafted dental pieces that reposition the tongue and the soft palate to keep the airway open. These appliances are custom-designed by a dentist and require a check-up every six months to make sure that the appliance is still working.
Step 3
Consider uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. This is a type of surgery in which some of the soft tissue in the mouth and throat is trimmed and tucked away. This keeps the tissue from blocking the airway during sleep, which can cause snoring.
Step 4
Receive laser surgery or somnoplasty. These procedures use laser beams or radio waves (respectively) to remove some of the soft palate. These procedures only require local anesthesia and enlarge the airway.
Step 5
Wear a pressurized mask. This treatment, called continuous positive air pressure, involves wearing a mask over your nose while you are sleeping. This mask constantly pumps air through your airway, which keeps it from collapsing or becoming obstructed.
Things You'll Need
- Nasal strips
