Snoring is the leading cause of nights of fitful sleep, especially for the bedmate of those afflicted with the problem. Snoring is caused by vibrations of the soft tissue in the airways located in the back of the throat. New York snoring appliances are devices which are designed to help open the airways resulting in less snoring. Very loud snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, this is a condition where the mouth and throat muscles relax during sleep to the point where they obstruct the airways; this can cause snoring and it can even cause a person to quit breathing while sleeping. Most New York snoring appliances fit in the mouth, holding the airways open so that snoring is eliminated or at least brought under control. The most common appliances are dental mouthpieces designed to hold the mouth open but in cases where the cause of snoring is sleep apnea it may be necessary for the snorer to wear a CPAP machine.
A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine consists of a mask that fits over the nose and mouth and held in position by a strap around the head. The mask is connected by tube to a humidifier. The machine provides a continuous flow of compressed air which keeps the airways open. This type of snoring appliance is reserved for those people who suffer severe cases of sleep apnea. The CPAP machine is only available against a prescription issued by a doctor and this is only given after the person has been subjected to a full sleep study in a sleep lab so that the cause and severity of the apnea can be determined.
Most cases of snoring are far less severe or potentially harmful; in these milder cases the common New York snoring appliances are used. The formal name for these appliances is dental mouthpiece or mandible advancement splint. These appliances are made from soft, clear plastic and are designed made to fit inside the mouth. These devices move the jaw forward or lift the palate, either of which will open the airway. Some devices are designed to stop the tongue from sliding back into the throat thus acting as an airway obstruction.
Although these appliances are available OTC they are usually only used by those with a mild snoring problem. For those with a more severe case of snoring or sleep apnea it is recommended that the appliance be molded specifically for the patient under the supervision of a dentist.
Snoring is a condition which is difficult not only for the sufferer but for one’s bed partner. New York snoring appliances designed to combat this problem are available from us.
