Snoring is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide. If you’re one of them, you (and your family) are probably tired of all of the sleep interruptions. While they are annoying enough on their own, snoring can have big implications for your overall health and the quality of your sleep. Fortunately, we can help you stop snoring. 

If your snoring is caused by sleep apnea, it doesn’t just affect your rest. It affects your overall health. This disorder has been linked with serious conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and strokes. Chronic snoring is one of the common symptoms, along with daytime fatigue, headaches, and irritability. 

If you’re worried that snoring is affecting your health, call us today at 480-660-4225 to schedule a consultation. 

In the meantime, let’s explore some lifestyle changes you can make to stop snoring and discuss if a sleep appliance might work better for you than a CPAP machine.

4 Ways to Stop Snoring

Before pursuing treatment, there are several things you can try. Depending on the cause and severity of your problem, they may work:

  • Lose Weight – Excess weight, especially around the neck, can put pressure on your airway and lead to snoring. Losing weight can lessen or even eliminate snoring. As a bonus, your overall health will also likely improve. 
  • Sleep on Your Side – Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft tissues to block your airway. Sleep on your side to help keep your airway open. You can place pillows around your body to stay in this position.
  • Elevate Your Head – Another way to keep your airway clear is raising the head of your bed or using an extra pillow to keep your head elevated while snoozing.
  • Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives – Alcohol and sedatives relax the muscles in your throat, which can worsen snoring. Avoid these substances, especially before bedtime.

Sleep Appliance or CPAP: Which Is Better for You?

If lifestyle changes don’t work, you’ll need to look at treatment. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are often prescribed for sleep apnea. The devices provide a constant stream of air to keep your airway open. If you have severe sleep apnea (based on the number of sleep interruptions you experience nightly), you will need a CPAP. 

However, if you have mild or moderate apnea, you may want to consider a sleep appliance. Your dentist can take impressions of your mouth and have one made for you. An appliance offers several advantages over a CPAP:

  • Easier to Wear and Use – Since an appliance is custom-made to fit your mouth, it’s more comfortable and easier to use than a CPAP. An appliance is also highly portable, unlike a CPAP. So it’s easier to take along while traveling. It’s a snap to clean an appliance too. You simply brush it with mild soap and a soft-bristled brush. 
  • Non-Invasive – When you use a CPAP, you’ll wear a mask and are connected to a machine. In contrast, a sleep appliance simply fits inside your mouth, similar to a sports mouthguard. It’s a less disruptive addition to your bedtime routine. 

Want to stop snoring? Calling Alex Martin, DDS at 480-660-4225 to schedule an appointment in Scottsdale, AZ and see if you’d benefit from a sleep appliance. You can also schedule online.