Once you determine why you snore, the correct stop snoring device might be recommended to help you stop.  The positions of your mouth, tongue, chin and neck could contribute toward breathing problems and snoring. A properly customized stop snoring device should assist your anatomy to function properly so you breathe and sleep better.  Using a prescribed medical device is easy and can help you stop snoring so everyone gets a good night's rest.

Dental Appliances for Snoring

Dental appliances called mandibular advancement splints are used to treat snoring.  The dental appliances slightly advance your lower jaw to pull the tongue forward so you don't snore. Typically you will consult with a dentist specializing in sleep apnea to develop the mandibular advancement splint.

Dental appliances for snoring are also sold over-the-counter.  If properly fitted, these dental devices can effectively help you stop snoring. Most over-the-counter dental devices are made from EVA polymer much like protective mouth guards worn by athletes.  These dental appliances can be reheated and molded into a comfortable position.

Professionally fitted mandibular advancement splints are designed to properly fit your mouth for optimum performance.  Professionally fitted dental devices usually include an adjustment mechanism to easily decrease or increase the size after fitting.  In the United States, mandibular advancement splints cannot be sold without a prescription from a physician.

Possible side effects from using mandibular advancement splints include gum irritation, gradual movement of teeth, excessive salivation and temporomandibular joint disorder.  Often dental devices are better tolerated than the alternative CPAP machines.

CPAP Machine For Snoring

A CPAP  (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is used to control sleep apnea and related snoring problems.  The CPAP machine is a small device about the size of a shoe box.  The machine keeps your airway open by pumping a controlled stream of air through a hose to a mask you wear over your mouth, nose or both.

The CPAP system was first developed by Professor Colin Sullivan in 1981 in Sydney, Australia.  The CPAP machine was first used to treat sleep apnea at home.  Now CPAP machines are also used in intensive care units for ventilation.

Sleep apnea sufferers experience narrowed airways with reduced oxygen in the blood causing them to temporarily awaken.  This may happen multiple times during a single night's sleep.  The CPAP machine stops these occurrences and helps the sufferer experience unobstructed breathing.

The air pressure and not the air movement prevent the apneas from occurring.  When the mask is placed on your head, it seals to your face so the air does not flow.  Air pressure accomplished the job to promote better breathing and eliminate or reduce accompanying snoring.

CPAP machines deliver air as a titrated pressure, which is the prescribed pressure for treatment of your sleep problem.  A sleep specialist or physicians usually determines the necessary pressure for the CPAP machine to do its job. Patients using CPAP machines appreciate improved sleep and quality of life in as little as one night.  Other patients may notice results after a few nights of using the CPAP machine.

Sleep apnea is a chronic health problem that does not go away.  Ongoing care and treatment is essential to maintain proper CPAP therapy.  Patients need to remain aware of health risks and get continuous motivation and support.  Cognitive behavior therapy and chronic care management help patients continue CPAP therapy for ongoing good health and peaceful sleep.