Loud frequent snoring is one of the indicators of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), which is a chronic condition characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. When people with OSA fall asleep, they can stop breathing for a few seconds to a minute or more. Both conditions can be caused or made worse by obesity, large tongue and tonsils, aging and head and neck shape.
Habitual snoring is not only a nuisance for your bed partner, it can be a sign of a serious health problem. It has been reported to affect the sleep patterns of those close to you, and also impair your own sleep quality. Many relationships and marriages suffer from having one partner that is a heavy snorer.
Sleep apnea creates several problems, including: strain on heart, interruptions of breathing, frequent waking from sleep, light sleeping and daytime somnolence.
Oral appliances have proven effective in the treatment of mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring. The adjustable appliance will position the tongue and mandible to keep the airway open during sleep. A positive effect of keeping the airway open is that it will reduce and sometime eliminate the loud snoring. Despite their double-retainer-like appearance, oral appliances are said to be comfortable to use.
