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193 Wellington St. West
Chatham, ON, Canada
N7M 1J7

Phone: (
519)352-4141
Fax: (519) 352-2879
E-mail: info@daliosclinic.com







Frequently Asked Questions

The Causes of Snoring

Is snoring normal?
Do men really snore more than women?
What is snoring caused by?
Why does snoring occur during sleep?
Why do some people snore more loudly than others?
But what about people who really "rattle" the house?
How does obesity affect snoring?

Abnormal Snoring

When does abnormal snoring become "problem" snoring?
Is it up to everyone else to tolerate the loud snoring?
My spouse literally stops breathing. Is this normal?
What is Sleep Apnea?
Is it dangerous?

Treatment for Snoring

Is there a cure for snoring?
Is there some kind of surgery that works for Sleep Apnea Patients?
What about sleep psychiatric treatment for snoring?
Are there any devices that will prevent snoring?
Do any of these devices work?
How does an Anti-Snoring Device work?
Does an Anti-Snoring Device require surgery?
How can something so simple work?
Do I have to wear it every night?
Will it work for everyone?
What is required to begin treatment?





THE CAUSES OF SNORING




Is snoring normal?

Most people snore to some degree. Generally speaking, it is quite normal.

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Do men really snore more than women?

Snoring is somewhat more prominent in men.

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What is snoring caused by?

Snoring is most often caused by loose or weak muscle tissue at the back of the mouth which collapses into the pharyngeal airway (near the pharynx) during sleep. This tissue flutters or vibrates as air is forced through the constricted airway. This causes the aggravating noise we call snoring.

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Why does snoring occur during sleep?

During sleep the muscle tissue that causes snoring is allowed to progressively relax. While lying down, this tissue tends to collapse more readily inside the pharyngeal airway.

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Why do some people snore more loudly than others?

Anatomy is the main reason. Some people are simply born with the physical characteristics that lend themselves to loud snoring. These have mostly to do with jaw, mouth, and airway structure. Obesity is also a common culprit.

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But what about people who really "rattle" the house?

In extreme cases, where severe obstruction of the pharyngeal airway is experienced on an ongoing basis, a more serious condition may exist called Sleep Apnea, which may involve other disorders.

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How does obesity affect snoring?

It tends to create excess, redundant tissue around the airway in some individuals. Also, the additional body mass around the jaw and throat area increases the susceptibility of collapsing tissue into the airway, especially while lying down.

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ABNORMAL SNORING




When does abnormal snoring become "problem" snoring?

Whenever the sound of snoring creates problems – whether for the snorer, a bedmate, roommate, or others in the household, it may be considered "problem" snoring.

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Is it up to everyone else to tolerate the loud snoring?

Often times, someone who snores loudly does not realize or believe that they do it. It is quite common for snorers to deny that a problem does exist, even if an irate spouse, roommate etc. complains. It should be understood that snoring occurs uncontrollably, and that snorers are not at fault. It should also be understood by snorers that they may indeed be creating problems for others. Snoring can become a very sensitive source of tension where nobody is at fault.

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My spouse literally stops breathing. Is this normal?

No. This is not normal and is a symptom of a far more serious respiratory disorder known as Sleep Apnea.

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What is Sleep Apnea?

Simply put, Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (as properly stated), is a condition where snoring becomes so severe and erratic that it upsets the normal neurorespiratory process and stops breathing. The body's natural defense against this suffocation is waking (or partially waking) up. Renewed air intake is signaled by a sudden loud snore. This may occur anywhere between a few and several times per hours.

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Is it dangerous?

It can be. Sleep Apnea has been linked to heart failure resulting in sudden nocturnal death. It is usually associated with other disorders such as insomnia, abnormal motor activity during sleep, systemic and pulmonary hypertension, sexual impotence, morning headaches, polycythemia, and chronic daytime fatigue. In mild cases, victims may actually get adequate sleep, but experience constant tiredness due to night-time periods of decreased blood oxygenation.


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TREATMENT FOR SNORING


 

Is there a cure for snoring?

There is no drug or medical procedure that can guarantee to fully eliminate the symptomatic tendencies of snoring.

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Is there some kind of surgery that works for Sleep Apnea Patients?

Yes. The surgery consists of removal of the uvula and redundant tissue in the pharynx. It is successful in approximately 50% of the people undergoing this procedure.

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What about sleep psychiatric treatment for snoring?

Many sleep clinics offer excellent treatment for various sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep walking. Snoring itself is generally accepted as being caused by physical rather than psychological factors.

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Are there any devices that will prevent snoring?

There are many devices available which claim to stop snoring. These can range from clinical devices such as nasal air masks, to gimmicks such as noise sensors that give the wearer a "gentle" static pulse at the sound of a snore.

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Do any of these devices work?

A nasal air mask will effectively stop snoring by forcing pressurized air down the wearer's throat. The mask and hose are cumbersome, uncomfortable, and the device requires the wearer to have an electrical outlet at hand. It can also present a problem when travelling. Another device is a simple dental appliance which can significantly reduce snoring and aids in preventing Sleep Apnea when worn to bed at night. It is called an Anti-Snoring Device or ASD.

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How does an Anti-Snoring Device work?

An Anti-Snoring Device fits into the mouth much like an orthodontic retainer or custom-made mouthguard. It forces the lower jaw slightly forward and mouth slightly open. This keeps the loose or weak muscle tissue at the back of the mouth clear of the pharyngeal airway promoting free passage of air. It is possibly the most effective clinical device for reducing snoring and the severe symptoms of Sleep Apnea.


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Does an Anti-Snoring Device require surgery?

No, surgery is not required. A simple dental examination to measure dental geometry and a full set of teeth impressions are all that is needed for custom-fitting the appliance to be constructed for the mouth.

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How can something so simple work?

It is based on the same principle as tilting the head back to free the airway when giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. By manipulating the mandibular anatomy and forcing your lower jaw slightly forward, an Anti-Snoring Device is able to keep the pharyngeal airway open.This principle is not new. It has been known for years, though it has never been successfully applied to snoring until recently.

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Do I have to wear it every night?

You may wear the appliance as you feel it necessary. It is small,inconspicuous, and easily transferred to the mouth. It is easy to wear and travel with etc.

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Will it work for everyone?
               

In normal patients, the Anti-Snoring Device is very comfortable, although there may be a period of mild discomfort. Some people experience mild tempero-mandibular joint pain. Also, people with very poor natural teeth may not be able to be fitted with the device. A brief examination will determine your compatibility.

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What is required to begin treatment?
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By reading the information contained in this package, you have already taken a very important step: self-education. To further explore the possibility of an Anti-Snoring Device for yourself or a loved one, please call the professionals at the Dalios Clinic for a consultation.


 

 

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