Machines to Stop Snoring

Usually snoring isn't connected with a medical condition and is considered harmless. By definition, it is the sound made while breathing through the mouth and nose during sleep. The soft tissue of the mouth, throat and palate vibrate noisily during inhalation. In this case, the only one who suffers is your sleep mate. However, sometimes snoring indicates more significant medical issues, including sleep apnea. If the symptoms are serious enough, there are machines that will stop the snoring.

Causes

• Age is sometimes a cause for snoring.

  There are many causes for snoring. Those who are overweight are more likely to snore. Fat at the neck and throat allows tissue sag which hinders the free flow of air. Age can also be a factor as throat and neck muscles lose strength over time. Alcohol and certain medications can relax muscles enough to hinder smooth airflow. Sleeping on one's back allows the tongue to fall back into the throat and narrow the airway. Some other, strictly physical factors that contribute to snoring are a soft palate, enlarged tonsils, elongated uvula or even a broken nose.

Treatments

• Nasal strips may help alleviate snoring.

  There are many treatments to control snoring. Some relate to lifestyle, including a healthy diet, strengthening muscles through regular exercise, avoiding alcohol before sleep and sleeping on one's side. Other treatments include nasal strips or devices that reposition the tongue and jaw. Sometimes surgical procedures are required. In other cases, machines like the CPAP or BiPAP are employed to stop snoring. Consulting with your doctor will help determine which treatment is most appropriate.

CPAP

• CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. It is a portable device designed to keep the soft tissue of the nose, mouth and throat open during sleep. It utilizes an air blower and tube connected to a mask that fits comfortably over the nose. The blower forces air through the breathing passages with just enough pressure to keep the tissues from collapsing. The CPAP can be powered from a wall socket or battery.

BiPAP

• Like the CPAP, the BiPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure) utilizes an air blower, tubing and mask. However, whereas the CPAP only pushes air during inhalation, the BiPAP provides two pressure levels, one for breathing in and another, lower pressure to allow easier exhalation. The BiPAP's electronic circuitry senses when the user is about to exhale and automatically adjusts the pressure. This device can also be set to a timed mode that controls the rate of breaths per minute.