Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring and Sleep Apnea are common conditions in our society today. They are caused by a narrowing or collapse of the airway during sleep. Oral Airway Dilator Appliances are devices that are worn in the mouth during sleep that are designed to reposition the lower jaw so the airway is supported so that air can now flow more freely. This reduces or eliminates snoring and can treat your sleep apnea which then leads to a more quiet, restful night's sleep.

Normal Breathing

During sleep you should mainly breathe through your nose. This allows the air to be of better quality and you will actually get more oxygen, which can lead to a better more restful nights sleep.

Listen to audio clips of snoring and sleep apnea
(mp3 format):

Mild snoring
Loud snoring
Louder snoring
Sleep apnea no snoring
Sleep apnea no snoring
Sleep apnea gasping
Sleep apnea pronounced

What is snoring?

Snoring occurs when the airway is partially blocked, causing air to pass through the airway faster. When air moves through the airway faster the soft tissues in the back of the throat that are loose and unsupported, such as the uvula and soft palate, will vibrate. This causes the sound known as snoring.

What are the causes of snoring?

Snoring can occur when the airway becomes partially blocked during sleep. This may occur more frequently when:

You sleep on your back
You are overweight
You have a large neck size
The tongue falls back into the throat
The Tonsils and/or Adenoids are large
You mouth breathe during sleep
You are overly tired
You eat or drink alcohol too late at night
You have a cold or are congested

Snoring becomes more common:

As we get older
If you are a male
After menopause
If you have a small airway (may be genetic)

Next: Sleep apnea

Home


		FAQ	Snoring/Apnea	TMD
Home About Dr. Bailey Contact Location & Map More Information Reimbursement Snoring / Apnea Snoring Apnea Quiz Illustrations Appliances Pharyngometer	Snoring and Sleep Apnea Snoring and Sleep Apnea are common conditions in our society today. They are caused by a narrowing or collapse of the airway during sleep. Oral Airway Dilator Appliances are devices that are worn in the mouth during sleep that are designed to reposition the lower jaw so the airway is supported so that air can now flow more freely. This reduces or eliminates snoring and can treat your sleep apnea which then leads to a more quiet, restful night's sleep. Normal Breathing During sleep you should mainly breathe through your nose. This allows the air to be of better quality and you will actually get more oxygen, which can lead to a better more restful nights sleep. Listen to audio clips of snoring and sleep apnea (mp3 format): Mild snoring Loud snoring Louder snoring Sleep apnea no snoring Sleep apnea no snoring Sleep apnea gasping Sleep apnea pronounced What is snoring? Snoring occurs when the airway is partially blocked, causing air to pass through the airway faster. When air moves through the airway faster the soft tissues in the back of the throat that are loose and unsupported, such as the uvula and soft palate, will vibrate. This causes the sound known as snoring. What are the causes of snoring? Snoring can occur when the airway becomes partially blocked during sleep. This may occur more frequently when: You sleep on your back You are overweight You have a large neck size The tongue falls back into the throat The Tonsils and/or Adenoids are large You mouth breathe during sleep You are overly tired You eat or drink alcohol too late at night You have a cold or are congested Snoring becomes more common: As we get older If you are a male After menopause If you have a small airway (may be genetic) Next: Sleep apnea Home Copyright 2005 Dennis R. Bailey, DDS. Artwork, text, photographs and articles may be reproduced with permission only.