A new device has been invented that claims to revolutionise one of the current treatment options for snoring and sleep apnoea.
Snoring is caused by the soft tissues in the head and neck vibrating as you breathe. While you sleep, the muscles relax causing the soft tissues (including the nasal passages, the soft palate on the roof of the mouth, the base of the tongue, the tonsils and the uvula that hangs between the tonsils) to vibrate and the airways to reduce.
Snoring is a very common problem, but it can have a devastating impact on quality of life. It can result in extreme fatigue (see below) for both sufferers and their partners. This can affect the ability to perform daily tasks, and may even impact on work and relationships.
What is the difference between snoring and sleep apnoea?
The majority of people who suffer from sleep apnoea also snore. As the airways reduce during sleep, in some instances this results in complete or partial blockages that force the sufferer to wake repeatedly through the night. This can occur many times every night leading to extreme exhaustion.
Are there non-surgical solutions to snoring or sleep apnoea?
Kent-based ENT surgeon Mr Julian Hamann will first perform a physical examination and any other necessary investigations. Typically, non-surgical options are explored first. One of the recommended treatment options is CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure. This is a machine which delivers pressurised air into the airways via a tube attached to a face mask. This keep the airways open during sleep.
CPAP is very effective but patients often find it uncomfortable and are unwilling to use it on a long term basis. Therefore, any new developments in this field are greeted with great interest. Recently, a US company sought crowd-funding to support the development and manufacture of an electronic 'nose ring' called the Airing. This plugs into the nostrils and pushes pressurised air into the airways by using hundreds of battery-powered micro-blowers.
The Airing superseded its $100,000 goal on the first day and the fund is now standing in excess of $1,000,000!
The company estimates that Airing will be available by mid-2017.
Evidence suggests that without treatment snoring worsens as you get older. If you're interested in finding out about your snoring treatment options, book a private appointment with Mr Julian Hamann by calling 01892 740671 or emailing info@ent-care.co.uk.