What causes snoring?
What causes snoring?
Snoring is the noise caused by the vibration of the soft tissue in your airway, but it is more than just a loud noise which leads to broken sleep for snorers and their partners. This can have a profound impact on quality of life as it can be embarrassing and create marriage problems.
What are the effects of snoring?
Studies have shown that the lack of sleep caused by snoring has wide reaching effects such as:
- daytime sleepiness
- lack of energy
- poor motivation
- accidents related to driving whilst tired
- higher stress levels due to fatigue
- less effectiveness at work effecting remuneration and career progression
- reduced sex drive
Who is most affected by snoring?
If you snore or are affected by snoring you are not alone, it is estimated that around 40% of the adult population are snorers. Until recently options for snorers was very limited, most would visit their GP who would probably suggest various behavior modifications such as to avoid sleeping on your back, lose weight, stop smoking and stop drinking.
What are the treatments for snoring?
The good news is that we can offer a much more practical solution to the problem. Dr Thomas Bray BDS is trained to provide Sleepwell, the most clinically effective dental type device for snoring. Sleepwell is a cost effective and long term snoring remedy. The device which is worn just for sleep, holds the lower jaw in its normal position (or advanced if necessary) thereby preventing the narrowing of your airways and reducing snoring.
Sleepwell is custom made using dental impressions taken by our specially trained dentist. Sleepwell has some unique features including a soft inner lining, it allows side to side movement of the lower jaw and most importantly allows the wearer to adjust it to maximize effectiveness. High levels of patient comfort meant that during clinical trials over 97% of patients found Sleepwell an acceptable snoring remedy.
As you may be aware, Snoring can be linked to other sleep related issues most commonly Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), up to 4% of middle aged men and 2% of middle aged women are affected. This is a condition where during sleep, the airway narrows to such a degree that breathing stops completely, this can happen for several seconds and several times during sleep. This disturbance to sleep can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and other symptoms.
We provide comprehensive care, prior to being provided with a Sleepwell device, you will be asked to complete a pre-screening questionnaire in order to rule out other issues such as OSA, if there is an indication that you could be at risk, Dr Bray will refer you for further investigation or arrange a private home sleep study.
Commonly Asked Questions about Antisnoring devices
Is this antisnoring appliance comfortable to wear at night?
Yes. Sleepwell is laboratory-manufactured, custom made to your mouth and made with a soft inner lining specifically adapted to your teeth. It allows full adjustability and side to side movement during sleep. High levels of patient comfort meant that during clinical trials over 98% of patients found the device acceptable.
Will my teeth accept Sleepwell?
It is important to visit a trained healthcare professional for a full examination of your teeth. Most people are highly suitable however confirmation can only be obtained from a healthcare professional.
Can an antisnoring device be given to all people who snore?
For most people with simple snoring Sleepwell will be ideal. S4S has trained clinicians to assess patients who snore. During the consultation a snoring clinic will assess the risk of Sleep Apnea for which further investigations and alternative therapy may be suggested.
How do you know the healthcare professional is properly trained to fit Sleepwell?
The S4S website should be your first point of call as S4S has a national database of its trained clinicians who understand sleep related breathing disorders and know when to prescribe Sleepwell.
Is Sleepwell suitable for patients who wear dentures?
Most people are suitable for Sleepwell due to its customized design, provided there are sufficient teeth in each jaw. A snoring clinic would assess and advise accordingly. S4S has successfully treated patients with implant-retained Sleepwell for denture wearers with no natural teeth.
If I lose my Sleepwell can I get another?
The unique nature of this appliance necessitates precise recordings of the teeth and therefore requires a complete replacement. However if only one of the two pieces are lost, each can be independently made at an appropriate cost but minimal patient inconvenience.
Is Sleepwell a permanent cure?
There is currently no permanent cure for snoring, only ongoing treatment. The particular benefit of Sleepwell is that it is adjustable, which in turn offers greater longevity of treatment.
Will Sleepwell affect my sex life?
We believe it will improve your sex life! You and your partner should sleep better giving you higher energy levels and increased sex drive.
Can I close my mouth?
Yes. However the majority of people sleep with their mouths slightly apart even without using Sleepwell.
What about my dental restorations?
We can normally accommodate extra space around sensitive dental restorations and the healthcare professional should discuss this with you.
How long will it take to get used to Sleepwell and are there any side effects?
It may take 30 minutes longer to get to sleep on the first few nights as it does when one changes from sleeping with one rather than two pillows. For the first couple of nights some patients have higher salivation or drier mouths. It should take no longer than 2 days to get used to wearing Sleepwell.