Snoring Mask

A snoring mask may be recommended by a doctor due to obstructive sleep apnea, a serious physical condition.

Sleep apnea exists where a person has episodes of upper airway blockage during their sleep. The throat and tongue block the upper airway during sleep, causing breathing to stop for anywhere up to a minute until the brain notices a drop in oxygen levels and causes the sleeper to wake and take a conscious breath. The sleeper typically snorts and gasps, before drifting back to sleep. This cycle often repeats numerous times during the night.

The severity of obstructive sleep apnea depends on how often breathing is interrupted.

Normal - less than five breathing interruptions per hour
Mild sleep apnea - 5-15 breathing interruptions per hour
Moderate sleep apnea - 15-30 breathing interruptions per hour
Severe sleep apnea - more than 30 breathing interruptions per hour

Sleep apnea symptoms

People with significant sleep apnea have a greater risk of car accidents and high blood pressure than normal sleepers and may have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. It is more common in men than women, particularly after age 30. Symptoms include:

• Daytime tiredness and fatigue
• Reduced concentration
• Irritability and moodiness
• Impotence and reduced interest in sex

Causes

Excess weight: Losing 10-20lbs (5-10kgs) can dramatically reduce the severity of the condition. Other contributing factors include:

Alcohol: Drinking alcohol, especially in the hours before bed relaxes throat muscles and can prevent the brain from responding appropriately to oxygen-depleted sleep.

Illnesses: Low thyroid hormone or a large goitre can contribute to sleep apnea.

Large tonsils: Some people are born with large tonsils and these can obstruct the airways.

Medications: Sleeping tablets and sedatives can cause the throat muscles and tissues to relax to the point of obstructing the airways during sleep.

Nasal congestion: Allergies, colds and infections can contribute to, or exacerbate sleep apnea.

The mask
A continuous positive airways pressure device, shortened to CPAP, is a mask worn while sleeping attached to a pressurised air pump, which keeps the airways open during sleep. The mask is worn over the nose and mouth. It can feel uncomfortable at first, but many users report that the effects are quick and obvious. Many users report the best night's sleep for some time. If you are concerned you have sleep apnea, it is important you see your doctor and have it thoroughly checked out. While longer term measures are put in place, you may benefit from a snoring mask.

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