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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Are there any non surgical treatments to stop snoring?

    Related Topics
    Sleep Medicine Snoring
    I'm interested in non surgical and more natural remedies to control/ stop my snoring.
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    Sleep Health Foundation

    The Sleep Health Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of ‘valuing sleep’ as part of a healthy lifestyle alongside regular exercise, a … View Profile

    There are many non-surgical treatments that may help snoring. In fact, surgery should really be used only if the others fail. The most important cause of snoring is being overweight. So if you are overweight or obese, the best thing that you can do is to get back to a healthy weight.
    Additionally, you should do everything possible that will give you a good night's sleep (see the fact sheet on the SHF website). You should make sure that you have a good sleep routine before going to bed and that the bed and bedroom are comfortable. It is important to have enough sleep (usually 7-9 hours for an adult). Avoid any electronic screens before going to bed, including television, computer, mobile phone. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, tea, coffee and exercise for 2 hours before going to bed. If you have a blocked nose all the time, see your GP to get some treatment for this. If you have trouble getting off to sleep or wake up multiple times during the night, a sleep psychologist may be helpful.  If none of these things work, then surgery may be an option, but try all the other things first.
    You can find more information on snoring at the Sleep Health Foundation website here.
    The answer to this question provided by Dr Maree Barnes, Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Hospital.

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    Dr Marcel Lee

    Dentist

    Dr. Marcel Lee is the owner and director of SYDNEY SMILES DENTAL. He has lived in Sydney’s North Shore since 1991. He attended St. Ignatius’ … View Profile

    I cannot speak for all Dentist, but our dentists regularly see patients for their snoring.  This is just to let you know your options. 
    The process can be as simple as making a call for a consulation, your treatment options will be given to you.
    If you choose to go ahead with an anti-snoring sleep device, (mouthguard type) the Dentist will take impressions of your mouth. These get sent to the specialised Laboratory to be made into your customised anti-snoring device. This can range from $1200 to about $2400.  The first appointment is normally a 30 minute consultation from $70-$150 + any impressions needed depending on your treatment option chosen.
    At your second 30 minute to 1 hour appointment, you will be given instructions and shown how to adjust the product and you can call if you have any questions after that.
    Generally the Dentist will go with a product called Somnomed (google that if you like).
    You still may be referred to the sleep specialist depending on your severity and other health factors.

    Kind regards


    Karla PM for Dr Lee

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    Dr David McIntosh

    Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon

    David McIntosh is an Australian trained ENT surgeon with international experience. His areas of interest are paediatrics, nose and sinus disease, and providing access to … View Profile

    It is important to manage all factors in sleep apnoea. This includes weight reduction, diet modification, improved sleep hygiene, treatment if underlying medical conditions (such as reflux, thyroid disorders), and consideration of oral exercises (such as singing or playing the didgeridoo!). Medical interventions include CPAP and dental appliances. Surgery may be advisable with the intention of correcting reversible structural problems. Please note this answer applies to adults only- children are a different story!

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  • Sharon Moore

    Speech Pathologist

    I am a Speech Pathologist with 30 years clinical experience, working over the years with a wide range of clients with communication and swallowing disorders. … View Profile

    Thanks Dr McIntosh for mentioning oral exercises. There are a couple of good studies out now supporting the benefit of orofacial myology for snoring and sleep apnoea patients. Targetted orofacial exercises, change the muscle tone in the oropaharyngeal/nasopharyngeal spaces (areas at the back of the tongue and throat). There are many alternatives to learning the didgeridoo, although that is the most well known study. The studies show that patients will experience benefit from orofacial exercises if they have mild-moderate sleep apnoea and/or related snoring, but the same effect has not been demonstrated for people suffering severe sleep apnoea. Well trained and highly experienced Orofacial Myologists can assess the patient and devise a program specific to their needs.

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