Snoring is a violation of breathing during sleep, accompanied by vibration and rattling sounds. Often he greatly annoys the sleeping person and those around him, disrupting their night rest, causing irritation and anxiety. A mouth guard for snoring and other devices allow you to normalize a person’s condition.

Snoring: causes and consequences

As a result of the narrowing of the airways and relaxation of the walls of the nasopharynx during sleep, air can hardly pass into the lungs. There is a vibration of the soft tissues of the nasopharynx. The sleeper makes characteristic sounds that everyone is used to calling snoring. Anatomical features, chronic diseases and a person’s lifestyle contribute to the appearance of ronchopathy .

There are three types of ronchopathy :

1. Mild – snoring occurs periodically and disappears as soon as a person changes posture.
2. Moderate ronchopathy appears already in any position and disturbs others.
3. Loud snoring is a severe sleep disorder.

The most severe consequences are of moderate and severe ronchopathy :  

• violation of night rest;
• an increase in the level of anxiety;
• apnea;
• increased pressure;
• violation of attention, thinking, memory;
• decreased performance;
• obesity;
• sexual dysfunction;
• premature aging;
• deterioration of relations with others.

Snoring devices

Treatment for ronchopathy depends on the factors that cause it. Only a doctor prescribes and corrects it. To combat snoring, special devices are used that differ in their principle of action:  

• masks;
• oral agents;
• expanders;
• bracelets;
• pillows.

A variety of fixtures allows you to choose the most suitable one.

Masks

Special attachments cover the nose or the entire nasolabial triangle and are connected to the compressor using flexible hoses. When turned on, the snoring device supplies air that enters the human respiratory system and straightens the airways. This avoids the risk of sudden respiratory arrest during sleep and hypoxia. The brain gets enough oxygen. Its activity is normalized, memory and attention improve.

There are snoring masks for adults and children. Children’s are designed approximately for a patient’s weight less than 30 kg.

Depending on the preferred breathing method, there are medical masks:

1. Nasal is used for nasal breathing. The attachments are attached to the head with straps.
2. Nasal cannulas, or catheters, are also designed to allow the sleeping person to breathe through the nose. They are tubes about 1 cm long, which are inserted into the nostrils.
3. The mouth-nose mask is designed for those who breathe through the mouth and nose.

Many people are afraid to use hardware, not understanding how air can flow, and whether it will be inconvenient with its constant supply. Modern snoring devices regulate:

• oxygen supply rate;
• pressure;
• oxygen supply depending on inhalation and exhalation.

The pressure can be kept constant, or it can be adjusted to a comfortable, worry-free level.

Another point is the fear of kinking and breaking the hose. However, this should not be feared, since the hose is made of durable, flexible material, rotates 360 degrees, allowing the sleeper to freely change his position.

How to use the snoring device:

1. Place the device on a flat surface next to the bed.
2. Pour water into the compressor humidifier up to the mark and fix it in the device.
3. Turn on the snoring device, connect the hose until it clicks.
4. Put on a mask or cannulas, fasten the belts. The mask should fit snugly.
5. Lie down, connect the mask with a hose, turn on the device.
6. After waking up, remove the mask, disconnect the hose.
7. Switch off the compressor, also from the socket.
8. Pour water out of the humidifier, rinse and dry.

Benefits:

• versatility;
• a variety of nozzles;
• ease of use;
• rapid onset of the therapeutic effect;
• the ability to adjust the settings.

Disadvantages:

• side effects in the form of drying out of the mucous membrane and a rash on the face;
• dependence on the source of electricity.

Dry mouth can be relieved by turning on an ultrasonic humidifier at night.

Masks should be used with caution in the following situations:

• nosebleeds;
• respiratory system diseases;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• hypotension;
• inflammation of the eyes;
• sinusitis;
• dehydration.

mouth guard

These plastic or silicone constructions are put on the lower jaw, push it forward a little, fix the position of the tongue. At the same time, the jaws remain closed. An anti-snoring mouthguard increases muscle tone and allows air to circulate through the larynx without vibrating.

There are several types of mouth guards:

1. Ready-made silicone monoblocks. Most often used as test fixtures. They cannot be regulated, and therefore discomfort in the area of ​​the temporomandibular joint is possible.
2. Individual devices are made to order. They fit snugly to the jaw and create even pressure on the teeth. The disadvantage of these devices is that they do not allow the jaw to be extended.
3. When using titrated (adjustable) constructions, the position of the lower jaw can be changed.
4. Thermolabile devices are convenient in that they can be adapted to suit your bite at home.
5. Neuromuscular models are developed for all symptoms based on various studies. These are the most effective devices for the treatment of ronchopathy .

Adjustable designs must be configured before use:

1. Disinfect with Chlorhexidine or rinse with clean water.
2. Put in boiling water at about 80 ° C for 20 minutes. Then remove and shake off.
3. Place in mouth, bite and pinch with fingers from all sides. This will give the mouthguard the desired shape.

Benefits:

• ease of use;
• harmlessness;
• compactness;
• efficiency;
• alignment of the jaw position.

Contraindications:

• caries;
• gum pathology;
• lack of teeth;
• instability of the teeth;
• malocclusion;
• obesity.

Nipple

The device resembles a baby pacifier. It is inserted into the mouth, the retainer is clamped with the lips, and the tongue is placed in an elongated spoon. Before use, the nipple for snoring must be disinfected. 

Benefits:

• availability;
• low price;
• ease of use.

Disadvantages:

• large salivation;
• the nipple often falls out of the mouth;
• funny look.

Contraindications:

• pathology of the nasal septum;
• respiratory diseases;
• overgrown tonsils;
• rhinitis.

Bandage

The snoring bandage is a bandage made of elastic material that follows the anatomical features of the head. An analogue of the bandage was made back in the 19th century. Then it was a large metal structure in which it was impossible to sleep. In the 60s. XX century they returned to the idea, but considered it not only from the point of view of combating ronhopathy , but also from the point of view of convenience.

The main task of the dressing is to fix the lower jaw during sleep. The use of a snoring bandage is most effective in the following conditions:

1. Caused by the aging process or the intake of alcohol, the sinking of the lower jaw.
2. Lack of teeth. Usually they are a support for the language, but in the absence of them, it can sink.

Mode of application:

1. Before going to bed, a bandage is put on the head so that the chin is covered.
2. The ears remain free.
3. The bandage should be worn so that it is comfortable. Tightening it too tightly can lead to impaired blood supply.
4. If the band is tightened loosely, the mouth will not be secured.

Benefits:

• low price;
• availability at most pharmacies;
• Ease of use;
• the presence of adjusting straps;
• lack of serious contraindications;
• quick result.

Contraindications:

1. Heat. The bandage will interfere with heat transfer and absorb sweat, causing diaper rash and skin irritation.
2. Diseases associated with nasal congestion and rhinitis. In this state, oral breathing is involved, which will be impaired if the jaw is fixed with a bandage.
3. Pregnancy, under 6 years of age. Contraindication is due to the need to receive additional oxygen.

Snoring Nasal Dilators

There are currently 2 types of nasal dilators that can cope with ronchopathy :

• sticky strips;
• plastic fixtures.

Their main task is to expand the nasal passages and facilitate the flow of air.

Patch

The special patch is a strip of hypoallergenic material. Essential oils are applied to the sticky side, which moisturize the nasal cavity, relieve puffiness. The patch contains miniature springs that spread the wings of the nose, increasing air permeability.

Mode of application:

• prepare an adhesive plaster;
• wash and dry the place where the treatment strip will be glued;
• glue the middle part of the patch, and then the edges;
• after waking up, remove it, having previously moistened with water;
• rinse skin with warm water and lubricate with moisturizer.

Benefits:

• the possibility of using for diseases associated with impaired nasal breathing;
• ease of use.

Disadvantages:

• long-term use is addictive;
• strips relieve the symptoms of ronchopathy for a while;
• ineffective against sleep apnea;

Contraindications to the use of an expanding patch:

• hypersensitivity to essential oils;
• damage to the skin and nasal mucosa;
• suspected tumors of the respiratory system;
• pregnancy;
• lactation;
• age up to 5 years.

Plastic devices

These devices are also used to eliminate noise during sleep. There are two types:

• hollow tubes connected to each other;
• clips.

Both options fit into the nasal passages and improve air flow.

The clips are made of polypropylene or soft silicone. Sometimes a magnet is installed at the end of the bulge. Both silicone and magnetic bumps act on specific points, reducing ronchopathy .

How to use:

• unbend the upper part of the clip;
• install balls in the nasal passages;
• fix.

The effect may occur a few days after the clip is used. For prophylaxis, repeated use is possible 2-3 times a week.

Benefits:

• a light weight;
• low price;
• ease of use;
• do not irritate the skin.

The snoring clip is ineffective with significant anatomical abnormalities.

Contraindications:

• installed pacemakers;
• blood diseases;
• cardiovascular disorders;
• acute phase of ENT diseases;
• pregnancy;
• age up to 2 years.

Ring

On the inside of the ring, or rather, the half-ring, there are bulges that put pressure on the acupuncture points located at the base of the little finger. Stimulating these points allows you to widen your nasal passages and restore breathing. The inventor of this method of combating ronhopathy was the saxophonist Michael Kartet Smith. The snoring ring is not inserted into the nose, but is put on the little finger.

Mode of application:

• put the ring on the little finger before going to bed;
• after waking up, put it in a dry and sun-protected place.

The ring must be periodically cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

Benefits:

• ease of use;
• free face.

Disadvantages:

• possible increased sensitivity to the material from which the ring is made;
• ineffective in the fight against severe forms of ronchopathy .

Bracelet

The device resembles a snoring watch and is mounted on the wrist. There is a biosensor on the inner surface. It picks up the sounds of snoring and sends electrical impulses or vibration to the sleeping person, which causes the person to change the position of their body. At the moment of posture change, the tone of the muscles of the nasopharynx occurs, the vibration stops. Sleep is not interrupted. The bracelet is put on before bed.

There are two types of snoring bracelets:

• electrical;
• vibrating.

Benefits:

• ease of use;
• efficiency;
• affordable price;
• safety;
• no side effects.

Disadvantages:

• a decrease in skin sensitivity at the site of exposure is possible;
• overstrain of the nervous system.

Contraindications:

• cardiovascular diseases;
• apnea;
• installed pacemaker;
• pacemakers;
• conducting electronic monitoring of the patient;
• epilepsy;
• pregnancy;
• age up to 3 years.

Cushions

The anti-snoring cushion maintains an optimal head position during sleep.

There are several types:

1. Orthopedic ones are not crushed under the pressure of the head. When ordering individually, the height of the pillow and the neck support roller is taken into account.
2. Anatomical – slightly softer.
3. The inflatable pillow has a horseshoe shape. Designed for recreation in transport.
4. The water jet has good elasticity and relaxes the neck.
5. Latex is made of resilient and elastic material that is able to quickly take the shape of the body.
6. Buckwheat. Such a pillow is filled with buckwheat husk, which provides good elasticity, repeats the contour of the head.
7. An analyzer and a microphone are built into the electronic pillow. The analyzer recognizes vibration. A small cavity fills with air and raises the head. The person stops snoring.

A wide variety of ronchopathy devices available on the market allows you to choose the most convenient one for you. All of them normalize sleep, relieve stress and irritation. Especially effective for mild to moderate breathing disorders during sleep. In any case, before making a choice, you need to establish the cause of the snoring. This is the only way to get rid of ronchopathy .