Can CPAP therapy help stop snoring?

Snoring is an annoying habit where the person makes a wheezing noise while sleeping at night. It is not only concerning because it affects your partner’s slumber but also because it is a sign of sleep apnea. In many cases, the disorder gets diagnosed because your partner convinces you to undergo a sleep study worried by your loud snoring. If the results determine that you are indeed snoring due to sleep apnea, you are recommended CPAP therapy to stop the wheezing sound. However, if this is not working, then here is what you should know!

What causes snoring?

For those wondering what causes snoring, the wheezing noise results when the air flowing through the nose and mouth is physically blocked. The airway obstruction that causes OSA can occur because of the following reasons:

• Long soft palate or uvula

• Bulky throat

• Hindered nasal airway

• Poor tongue/throat muscle tone

Is it normal to snore after seeking CPAP therapy?

For people who are snoring due to obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP therapy is recommended. The continuous positive airway pressure machine works by delivering a constant air stream to your upper airway. It stops the uvula, soft palate, and tongue from getting in the way and prevents obstruction. This further reduces the vibration and lessens snoring. So, if you are still snoring after using CPAP equipment, you should connect with your primary care physician.

Does CPAP therapy reduce snoring?

As explained above, a CPAP machine affects snoring if it is caused by obstructive sleep apnea. But, since snoring can be caused by several reasons apart from OSA, it is not guaranteed that using a CPAP machine will completely stop the habit.

Does everyone who has sleep apnea snore?

In general terms, about 45% of adults snore, while 25% are habitual snorers. Among people suffering from sleep apnea, snoring occurs in 85% to 98% of people.

Several alternatives are available for those looking for cures to stop this habit. Some of these include resting on your side, avoiding alcohol consumption, not consuming heavy meals before bedtime, elevating the head of your bed, and preventing nasal congestion. However, if you have OSA, you may only register a difference in snoring after using the CPAP machine.

Why are you still snoring after using the CPAP machine?

• It may be because your pressure settings need to be adjusted. If your CPAP machine is set on high pressure, it may lead to snoring.

• In people who breathe through their mouths, snoring might continue. Such people should try getting a mouth breather to improve their condition.

• Sleeping on the back can prevent the pressure from the machine from opening up your airways. So, it would help if you considered changing your sleep position.

• If your mask has space for leaks, it can significantly impact the effectiveness of the therapy.

So, in people who have OSA, snoring is quite common. To treat this problem, using CPAP therapy is recommended.