Snoring FAQ’s

Do you snore?  Do you have obstructive sleep apnea? Is your quality of your sleep and those around you being affected?  You are not alone.  It is estimated that 40 million Americans suffer from habitual snoring, which can lead to sleepless nights for bed partners.  The negative effects of snoring include daytime sleepiness, fatigue, loss of memory and concentration.  In addition, habitual snoring is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a potentially life-threatening disorder. 

How will Drs. Nissman and Salin evaluate my snoring?

If you are considering treatment for your snoring, it is essential to rule out obstructive sleep apnea.  Drs. Nissman and Salin will carefully examine your medical history. The doctors will discuss the diagnostic alternatives available and recommend the best test for you.  An overnight sleep test is the accepted method of evaluating your snoring and breathing patterns. 

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring occurs when the floppy tissue in the airway relaxes during sleep and vibrates. Most snoring is caused by a vibration of the soft palate and uvula at the back of the mouth, though the tongue, tonsils, adenoids, and congested nasal passages can also contribute to the sound.  The level of snoring can be aggravated by excess weight, alcohol intake and smoking.

How do I know if my snoring is a problem? 

Most often patients who snore hear complaints from sleeping partners or family members.  Snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious disorder in which the snorer stops breathing several times an hour during sleep.  Drs. Nissman and Salin will perform a full examination to determine whether you are a “simple snorer” or if you have a more significant breathing disorder (i.e. associated with obstructive sleep apnea).  Either condition may be treated by either surgical or nonsurgical methods.  This simple Snoring and Sleep Apnea Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale Test will help determine if you are a “simple snorer” or are at risk for obstructive sleep apnea.

How do you measure snoring?

Snoring is frequently assessed by asking the bed partner to estimate the disruption caused on a scale of 0 – 10 (0 means no snoring, 10 means snoring so loudly the bed partner must leave the bedroom). 

What are the treatments for habitual snoring?

The nonsurgical treatments of snoring include weight-loss, exercise, cessation of smoking, decreased alcohol consumption, altered sleeping positions and both nasal and oral appliances. 

Traditional surgical procedures such as LAUP (Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty Procedure) removes tissue by laser at significantly high temperatures and therefore results in severe post-operative pain.  UPPP (Uvulopalatopharnygoplasty) is the surgical removal (under general anesthesia) of the uvula and a portion of the soft palate, expanding the airway. It is usually performed only on patients with sleep apnea in addition to snoring.