Not only is snoring embarrassing and frustrating it is also unhealthy. Waking in the middle of the night, as well as disturbing the sleep of others in the house, can have multiple negative effects on your health. So chronic snorers would do well to consider using a snoring appliance to get some relief from this habit - if not for themselves then certainly for their bedmate! In what way does a snoring appliance lessen snoring and where are they sold?
It would be nice if you could walk into your local pharmacy and pick out a snoring appliance from the shelves but typically you need to see your doctor to be fitted for such a device. This is because it works like a mouth guard that fits around your teeth and keeps you jaw pushed forward a bit; this means that your tongue will also get pushed forward as well since the tongue is attached to the lower jaw. The objective of an appliance for snoring is to control the position of the jaw so as to prevent the mouth from falling open which forces breathing through your nose rather than the mouth. When you breathe through your nose you are less likely to snore.
A physician will need to ensure that your snoring appliance fits snuggly to your jaw and mouth. A mold or fitting of your mouth will usually be taken and the appliance will be designed to fit you personally . A device that does not fit correctly can be uncomfortable and will not work properly. These aren't like clothes where a bit of room here and there is fine; it's something that needs to fit your perfectly.
Your insurance carrier may or may not cover the cost of a snoring appliance, but if not it's something you may still want to consider. Those who snore will find that there is a lot of damage that can be done to their bodies. Permanent damage to the throat and mouth is possible when there is constant snoring. Snoring can also lead to fatigue and other health problems, as well as falling asleep at the wrong times.
It is worth paying for something that will help you get a good nights sleep , which in turn will benefit your health and a snoring device can fit that bill . And why not discuss this with your physician and get their suggestions?
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Using a Snoring Appliance for Snoring Relief
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Easy pointers for selecting between various alternatives of snore pillows
Are you in need of a few snore pillows? It may be surprising to find that today there are many varieties available. This might seem odd since a pillow is a pillow, right? In reality the differences between all these snore pillows is more than just a name brand - those differences can really affect how well the pillow works for you and your sleep habits. To clarify our claim, let's examine the differences we are alluding to.
The use of a snore pillow made of dense foam material will keep the head and neck from sinking into the pillow. Hold the neck carefully to position the head the correct way, so it is easy to breathe from the nose. With this, your snoring will end. These snore pillows usually contain a depressionn on at least one side to stabilize the head and neck in a comfortable manner. The use of this type of pillow provides support to the back, shoulder and neck area, relieving tension and stress to the upper body.
However most snore pillows are designed for those who sleep on their backs and don't allow for much movement. There are some designs available now for those who prefer to sleep on their side and need some cradling to keep them comfortable and from rolling over. One solution that has been proposed has been for snorers to insert a tennis ball in the waistband of their pajamas to prevent them from rolling on thier backs. But imagine how uncomfortable that would be! The tennis ball would probably wake you up more than your snoring. Some snore pillows used today are shaped more like a U - you place one part of it under your armpit and the pillow is wrapped around you in a way that has one in front and one in the back of you. This specific design will enable your body to remain cradled, so you will not experience any backward rolling. These types of snore pillows are good for those who don't typically sleep on their side because they need some support when they do so.
You will want to take the time to check out all kinds of snore pillow to find the one that is the best fit for you. Don't be swayed by a brand name alone.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Why You Must be Familiar With Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Do you think you're experiencing sleep apnea symptoms? If so it's important that you take these symptoms very seriously. While you may not realize the dangers of sleep apnea, they do exist. Many people suffer serious health consequences from this condition and most don't even realize it. People often do not know the symptoms of sleep apnea, believe they have another condition, or believe their condition does not require further attention.
The usual sleep apnea symptoms deal with the reduction of sleep that a loot of patients encounter. When a person experiences sleep apnea or the cessation of breathing during the night, the body will wake itself up just long enough to get breathing again. Because of the fact that most people who suffer from sleep apnea go back to sleep very quickly they have no idea that they even had a period of time that they were awake. This can disrupt your regular sleep pattern and does not permit getting a complete and restful night of sleep. Fatigue during daytime hours, being drowsy or sizzy during the day, irritability, moodiness, yawning a lot, or falling asleep during unsuitable times can be a sign of sleep apnea. A lack of sleep can also cause morning headaches and so these too are common sleep apnea symptoms.
Difficulty breathing during the day is not uncommon for those who have sleep apnea, and extremely loud snoring or different types of snoring can be considered sleep apnea symptoms. Choking, gasping, wheezing, snorting, and sounds like these are common for those who have sleep apnea as they are actually signs that the person is trying to get oxygen. Often these sounds are mistaken for typical snoring when they're really not. If you're not sure of the sounds you make when you sleep, a simple tape recorder next to the bed can work wonders; your doctor can even review the sounds you make to see if they may be possible sleep apnea symptoms.
See a physician if you have any of these sleep apnea symptoms. Other ways to help you breathe better while sleeping include using a humidifier and elevating your pillow. A snore pillow can actually help as these pillows cradle the head and neck and help to keep airway passages open and breathing clear. Sleep apnea is very dangerous, if you have the symptoms please see a doctor as soon as possible.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Tips for Choosing and Using a Sleep Apnea Mask
If it's been recommended that you use a CPAP machine for your sleep apnea, you of course need to be fitted for a sleep apnea mask. The mask attaches to the device with a long hose that then fits inside the machine and from there the oxygen flows. You should consider some important tips on the fitting and use of a good sleep apnea mask,before you are tempted to just purchase one from the internet. {As with so many other pieces of equipment that go near the head - a football helmet, a pair of glasses - you need to make sure that this mask fits properly and that you're using it properly as well.}
It is important to know that there are different kinds of sleep apnea mask. The most popular are the nasal type and headgear. These are usually more comfortable to wear and provide the highest amount of oxygen. However the fit of your particular sleep apnea mask is going to be vitally important no matter which you choose. Headgear that is too loose and that doesn't fit properly will lose oxygen over the course of the night and not provide the proper amount. It can also be very uncomfortable as it shifts and moves during the night. It's very important that you get fitted for your sleep apnea mask by a professional and that you try yours out in various positions before committing to it.
If you have a tendency to breathe through your mouth, you may want to consider a sleep apnea mask with a chinstrap.~A mask with a chin strap is a good idea if you tend to breath through yur mouth when you sleep. This will help to keep your mouth closed so that you're not losing oxygen through your mouth when you sleep, which can defeat the purpose of a CPAP machine altogether. Make sure your chinstrap isn't too tight or too loose either.
Most headgear you purchase for a CPAP machine will come packaged with a sleep apnea mask included but this doesn't mean you're just stuck with this one. If it doesn't fit properly it's better to invest in a different mask so that you can have not just the comfort it offers but so that you know it's working properly as well.As you will be wearing your sleep apnes mask for a considerable number of hours it is important that you get one that is comfortable!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Tips for Getting the Right Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
Getting the correct assessment of sleep apnea is important, as there are complications that can occur with people who suffer from this disorder. If you suspect that you suffer from sleep apnea, you should speak with your doctor about the steps you need to take to get diagnosed. This condition is more than a minor annoyance or irritant; sleep apnea can lead to blood poisoning, the loss of brain cells, and in severe cases even death. And of course having the sleep patterns interrupted throughout the night can make one drowsy during the day and even nauseated as well. So how can you go about getting the right sleep apnea diagnosis?
There are many symptoms associated with sleep apnea. One characteristics that separates sleep apnea from other disorders is the type of snoring that a person with sleep apnea has. It has been shown through studies and research that people that suffer from sleep apnea have a certain type of snoring. If the sounds you make during sleep are like gasping, choking, or wheezing these may be signs of sleep apnea. The reason being is those sounds are not snoring sounds, they are the body trying to catch its breath again. Choking and gasping are typical sounds a person makes during an apnea episode as they are waking up slightly in order to start breathing again. If you don't have a bedmate that can give you an accurate description of your snoring, don't hesitate to put a recorder in the bedroom. Your doctor may even want to listen to these sounds to help with your sleep apnea diagnosis.
Headaches in the morning go along with the diagnosis of sleep apnea. If the body is deprived of oxygen, even for a few moments, the nerves around the brain are irritated and the patient will feel pain around their head and face. Bad posture while sleeping can be the cause of morning headaches. But typically severe morning headaches are tied in with a sleep apnea diagnosis. Many who have headaches on any type of regular basis are encouraged to keep a headache diary, which is a record of their headaches - when they get them, how severe the pain is, how long they last, and so on. Try this with your morning headaches as well.
Of course only a doctor can give you an accurate sleep apnea diagnosis. He or she can tell you exactly what they're looking for and can even recommend a sleep study. While sleep apnea is a very serious condition, it's not recommended that you come to a sleep apnea diagnosis on your own. Talk to your physician and get his or her recommendation before starting treatments.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Why Choose a Sealy Snore Reduction Pillow?
You may have noticed that these days you have many snore reduction pillows from which to choose, ranging in price from just a few dollars to some that are literally hundreds of dollars. There are some many to choose from, so why should you pick a Sealy Snore Reduction Pillow rather than one of the others? There are some points to remember as to the reason for this brand to be better than any other.
The Sealy snore reduction pillow was clinically tested by Stanford's Sleep Institute as to its design and function. They use memory foam, the type of dense material that molds to your shape and form. If your neck, head or even ears ache this can be useful to you. No matter your body size or shape the contour of the pillow will give you the comfort and support you need. Sealy pillows fall into one of two categories; Sealy "soft support" pillows are flat for stomach sleepers to lessen the strain typically exerted on the head, neck, and spine. The "medium support" is a better option for those who sleep on their back. The Sealy snore reduction pillow covers are made from 100% cotton in 200 to 450 thread count measurements. This can give you the maximum comfort levels, which will result in a restful night's sleep.
Using a snore pillow usually offers a tremendous amount of comfort and relief for anyone but the Sealy snore reduction pillow is preferred by many. The Sealy name has been associated with quality sleep for many years and their pillows are no different. No matter your sleep position there is a Sealy Snore Reduction Pillow that will fit your needs. Cradling the head and neck to keep the jaw aligned, or providing support for the front and the back, all their models and shapes provide a tremendous amount of relief for even the most chronic snorer.
If you are in the market for a snore pillow, the place to both start and stop with with a Sealy Snore Reduction pillow. Their many brands are affordable and meant specifically for those who snore regardless of the cause or reason. The great support encourages the best sleep possible for you. A Sealy snore pillow is undoubtedly a worthy investment for your health when you consider your sleep pattern.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Get Some Sleep With a Pillow for Snoring
Do you believe that you can actually get some relief from snoring and once again enjoy a good night's sleep simply by using a special pillow for snoring ?The reality is that these specially designed pillows can really make a difference regardless of the degree to which you snore. You may think that a pillow for snoring only works for someone that sleeps on his or her back but there are many new models available today that are perfect for side sleepers as well.
Usually a pillow for snoring is made of a dense foam material that cradles the head and neck and keeps them in alignment. This usually means that there is less of a chance that the jaw will fall open and the patient will breathe through their mouths. One cause of snoring is breathing through the mouth, which can be reduced using this pillow. A pillow for snoring typically has a lip or indentation on one or two sides, but many today also have a slight slope in front of that indentation so that the entire upper body is properly supported.Because of this even people who don't really have a snoring problem can also benefit if they suffer from tesion in the shoulders or neck. Even people that have constant back problems get relief when using this kind of pillow.
The 'U' shape pillow design is another popular choice. This is meant for those who want to sleep on their side as both sides of the pillow cradle and nestle the body between them, giving support for the front and the back. Using this type of pillow for snoring will mean that a person won't collapse onto their stomach but won't roll onto their back either. Again, even those with back problems have reported a reduction in pain and stiffness by using such a pillow. The back doesn't need to work overtime to keep it supported and upright,since the front of the body is supported. So whether it's actually snoring that's your concern or if you have general aches and pains, you may want to consider a pillow for snoring so you can get a good night's rest too!