QUESTIONS ABOUT SNORING

What Is Snoring?

Snoring is the sound produced by vibrations of the tissues in the upper airway, particularly the throat and nasal passages, as air flows through them during sleep. It happens when the airway becomes partially blocked, which can occur due to various factors such as the relaxation of muscles, nasal congestion, or the position in which someone is sleeping. Snoring can vary in intensity, from a soft hum to a loud, disruptive noise.

Common Causes of Snoring:

1. Nasal Congestion: A stuffy nose from a cold, allergies, or sinus infection can narrow the airways, leading to snoring.
2. Obstructed Airways: Conditions like enlarged tonsils or adenoids can obstruct the airway.
3. Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back can cause the base of your tongue to collapse to the back of your throat, creating more resistance to airflow.
4. Being Overweight: Extra tissue around the neck can press on the airway, increasing the likelihood of snoring.
5. Alcohol and Sedatives: These relax the muscles around the airway, which can lead to snoring.
6. Age: As people get older, muscle tone decreases, which can contribute to snoring.

When is Snoring a Problem?

Occasional snoring is common and usually not a cause for concern. However, chronic or loud snoring may indicate a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In OSA, the airway becomes completely blocked, causing breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep. This can lead to disrupted sleep, fatigue, and other health issues.

Are There Different Forms of Snoring?

Yes, there are different forms of snoring, often categorized based on the cause and where the obstruction occurs in the airway. Recognizing the type of snoring can help determine the most effective treatment. Here are the main types:

1. Nasal Snoring

• Cause: Often due to nasal congestion from colds, allergies, or a deviated septum.
• Sound: Typically lighter and softer, but can worsen if severe nasal blockage is present.
• Solution: Decongestants, nasal strips, or surgery (in cases of severe structural issues).

2.Mouth Snoring

• Cause: Happens when the person breathes through their mouth rather than the nose, often due to nasal congestion or habit.
• Sound: Can be quite loud and disruptive.
• Solution: Chin straps, mouth guards, or addressing nasal issues to encourage nasal breathing.

3. Tongue-Based Snoring

• Cause: Occurs when the tongue falls back toward the throat, partially blocking airflow. It’s more common in people who sleep on their back or have a larger tongue or smaller jaw.
• Sound: Usually deep, with regular pauses.
• Solution: Changing sleep position, weight management, or using oral appliances that help reposition the tongue.

4. Throat Snoring (Obstructive Snoring)

• Cause: This type is related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the throat tissues collapse during sleep, blocking airflow. Muscle relaxation (due to aging, alcohol, or certain medications) contributes to this.
• Sound: Loud, with irregular breathing and choking or gasping sounds.
• Solution: CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes, or, in severe cases, surgery to remove excess tissue or reposition airway structures.

5. Position-Dependent Snoring

• Cause: Linked to sleeping position, particularly lying on the back, where gravity causes airway structures to compress.
• Sound: Varies depending on how the individual sleeps.
• Solution: Sleeping on one’s side, positional devices, or pillows designed to prevent back-sleeping.

6. Multi-Factorial Snoring

• Cause: A combination of factors, such as nasal congestion, mouth breathing, and obesity.
• Sound: Can be unpredictable, as multiple areas may be affected.
• Solution: A comprehensive approach, potentially involving weight loss, nasal treatments, and oral appliances.

Knowing the type of snoring can help in choosing targeted treatments, especially if there are underlying issues contributing to it.

Is It Common For Woman To Snore?

Yes, it is common for women to snore, though it’s often less prevalent and sometimes less noticeable than in men. Snoring in women may be underreported, as societal expectations and embarrassment can make some women less likely to discuss or seek treatment for it. However, studies estimate that approximately 30-40% of adult women snore occasionally, with rates increasing after menopause.

Factors Affecting Snoring in Women

1. Hormonal Changes: Estrogen and progesterone levels, which influence muscle tone and body weight, can affect snoring. After menopause, decreased levels of these hormones lead to a higher likelihood of snoring and sleep apnea.
2. Weight Gain: Weight changes, particularly around the neck, can increase snoring by adding pressure on the airway.
3. Pregnancy: During pregnancy, hormonal changes, increased weight, and nasal congestion can make snoring more likely.
4. Age: Like men, women are more likely to snore as they age due to reduced muscle tone and increased relaxation in the airway tissues.
5. Sleep Apnea in Women: Women can also experience obstructive sleep apnea, although their symptoms are sometimes different (e.g., fatigue, insomnia, morning headaches) and may be less obviously connected to snoring. As a result, sleep apnea is often underdiagnosed in women.

Why Women May Be Less Likely to Address Snoring

Many women may feel hesitant to discuss snoring or seek treatment due to stigma or embarrassment. However, if snoring is frequent or disruptive, it’s essential to address it, especially if there are signs of sleep apnea or daytime fatigue, as these could signal more serious health concerns.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SNOREMEDS MOUTHPIECE

Will I immediately Stop Snoring using SnoreMeds?

You have an 85% chance that the anti-snoring mouthpiece will work for you. If you find that after the first night that you still snore then re-mould the mouthpiece with your jaw slightly more forward. It should stop you from snoring from the first night.

How Long Does The Mouthpiece Last?

The SnoreMeds™ anti-snoring mouthpiece is manufactured with life span of 1 year, however we highly recommend that you change the mouthpiece every 3-4 months for the hygiene and safety of your teeth and gums. This does differ from person to person (a bit like a toothbrush) it depends on the pressure placed on the mouthpiece while holding the bottom jaw forward. It is also more hygienic to replace the mouthpiece regularly.

Why Do Some Anti-Snoring Mouthpieces Have Holes In The Front?

Mandibular devices, with or without holes, are extremely effective – however, research has proven that many people using mouthpieces without the holes experience claustrophobia whilst wearing them. This is evident especially in snorers suffering from sinus problems or a diverted septum. The SnoreMeds™ stop snoring mouthpiece has therefore been designed with holes to make it easier to swallow during the night, as it prevents any build-up of excess saliva, as well as enabling emergency breathing (through the mouth) if the nasal passages are blocked.

How Simple Is It To Custom Mold The SnoreMeds Mouthpiece?

Read how to learn how to mold the anti-snoring mouthpiece. Follow the instructions closely and you will achieve a comfortable fit.

Can People Who Wear Dentures Wear A Snoring Mouthpiece?

No, we do not recommend it and we also suggest that only people with healthy gums and teeth use the snoring mouthpiece.

Can Children Use The Anti Snoring Mouthpiece?

The jaw and teeth of children are still in the development stage so the mouthpiece should not be used for children.

What Does It Feel Like To Wear An Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece?

Wearing an anti-snoring mouthpiece is a lot like wearing a gum guard before going out onto the sports field. Like anything, it takes a short while to get used to and at first, it may feel a little weird to wear it. You may experience jaw/cheek muscle discomfort purely for the reason that you are moving your jaw into a new position and making the muscles adapt and work! Just think of it as taking your jaw to the gym and working your muscles in a different way. The initial minor discomfort is short-lived and well worth it! After a week or two of use, you will be so used to the feeling of sleeping with the mouthpiece that you won’t even know it’s there. You will be focusing more on the fact of how refreshed and energetic you feel throughout an entire day and how well you are sleeping at night.

Which Stop Snoring Mouthpiece Pack Do I Buy?

SnoreMeds™ sells different quantities in each pack. Single pack, Double pack, and Value pack. The value pack should last a regular user a year if molded correctly. We suggest that first-time buyers purchase the SnoreMeds double pack, so if they do not get the molding process correct the first time they have a second-stop snoring mouthpiece to use.

Does The SnoreMeds Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece Contain Latex?

No, it is manufactured using an FDA-approved hypoallergenic thermoplastic, is BPA, latex-free and is approved for medical dental use.

Does It Fit All Mouth Sizes, Both Men And Women?

The SnoreMeds™ anti-snoring mouthpiece is available in two sizes and is custom molded to your mouth. 

How Often Will I Need To Replace My Mouthpiece?

On average you will need to replace your SnoreMeds™ snoring mouthpiece every four months. This is because polypropylene needs to be soft enough to be comfortable. Over time, this softness causes the mouthpiece to stretch, moving the jaw backward in position. If the material was too firm, you would experience discomfort in the teeth and jaw.

What Do I Clean It With?

Use the spatula supplied to hold the mouthpiece and use a toothbrush with toothpaste to clean it or place the mouthpiece in a container and drop in a Polident tablet. A mouthwash would also be adequate to keep the mouthpiece clean.

Are There Any Side Effects?

The mouthpiece is normally very well tolerated, provided you have healthy teeth and gums. There are minor and temporary side effects and this refers mainly to hyper-salivation and morning discomfort.

Is It Normal That The Snoring Mouthpiece Falls Out At Night?

It takes about two weeks to get used to wearing the stop snoring mouthpiece, so it is natural that when you relax you will allow the mouthpiece to fall out. As long as you have stopped snoring the mouthpiece is fitted correctly, and naturally long term you will get used to sleeping with the snoring device.

QUESTIONS ABOUT MOLDING A MOUTHPIECE

Is The Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece Easy To Mold?

Molding the mouthpiece for the first time can be tricky. We suggest first time users order the double pack so they have an extra mouthpiece. Preparation is everything so make sure you practice in front of a mirror. Once you have the knack of how the the ant-snoring mouthpiece is meant to feel and look then it is easy to mould in the future.

How Many Times Can It Be Molded?

Your snoring mouthpiece can only be moulded twice – so be sure to take extra time and care to follow the provided instructions carefully. Be sure to practice your forward position that will aid in stopping the snoring.