Snoring Solutions Available in Australia

Snoring is by far the most common dilemma related to sleeping not only in Australia but the entire world.

It is more prevalent in men as compared to women. According to Sleep Education, 40 percent of men and 24 percent of women are reported to have snoring issues globally.  

The stats are high despite having adequate snoring solutions in Australia. Several factors contribute to the problem, which includes:

• Aging
• Sleep apnea
• Smoking
• Drinking in excess
• Allergies
• Cardiovascular problems
• Genetics
• High Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Stress
• Conditions related to your Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)

And so on.

Unfortunately, many people choose to live with the situation simply because it is perceived as untreatable or not worrisome. The truth is, it affects your quality of life and leads to one health issue after another. For this reason, it should be treated without a delay.

If you or your partner snores, then know that the condition has many remedies and treatments available, and you no longer need to go through the ordeal.

This article helps you find out more about snoring solutions in Australia.

Snoring Solutions in Australia

We are going to talk about snoring solutions under three main sections

• Remedies/treatments done at home
• Specialized medical equipment
• Specialist surgeries

The categories are chosen based on the severity of the issue.

Mild to moderate snoring with less impact on your overall sleep and health can be easily treated at home. If your snoring problem is somewhat severe, then it is always ideal to opt for specialized treatments for snoring.

Section 1: Top 6 Home Remedies that Work Best for Snoring

# 1: Essential Oils- Aromatherapy

What is it?

Essential oils are an excellent cure for most problems ranging from stress to physical health issues. However, very few of us are aware that essential oils can also be used for tackling snoring issues. The most effective oils for snoring include:

• Peppermint
• Clove
• Lemon
• Pine
• Eucalyptus
• Sage
• Lavender
• Thyme

How Does it Work?

Essential oils can help improve snoring in several ways.

First, they improve your mental, psychological, and physical well-being. Stress and increased tension of body muscles can be the reason for your snoring. Using an essential oil can help you relax and can help improve the quality of your sleep.

Second, if your snoring issue is the result of an ENT problem then aromatherapy can be quite helpful. Essential oils help clear away catarrh and phlegm and can help keep the airways patent.

How to Use it?

Using essential oils for treating health conditions is termed as aromatherapy. You can use these oils by:

• Diffusing them into the air with the help of a diffuser.
• Adding them to your bath.
• Gargling by adding a few drops in Luke warm water.
• Massing your neck, chest, and upper body with essential oil-infused gel or balm.

Pros

Here is a list of the benefits of using essential oils.

• Aromatherapy is quite safe. If done properly, it is quite unlikely to cause any side effects.
• It brings with it a multitude of other health benefits as well. As mentioned, it can improve your overall mental, physical, and psychological well-being.
• The essential oils can be easy to use.

Cons/ Limitations

Here are a few limitations of this therapy.

• You maybe be allergic to a few oils or their contents. Do not use oil if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
• If you buying a concentrated essential oil, dilution work can be daunting. As a rule of thumb, dilute five or six drops of essential oil in as much as a glass of water.
• Aromatherapy is unlikely to help with severe cases of snoring.

# 2: Correct Your Sleeping Position

What is it?

Sleeping on your back is highly discouraged if you wish to control your snoring habits. This is because the position causes your tongue to move towards the back of your throat, eventually disrupting a healthy airflow.

How Does it Work?

The best way to handle the situation is to sleep on your side for a healthy airflow. While you are at it, you may also elevate the head of your bed to keep your airways open.

Pros

• Improving your sleeping position is a sure way of improving your snoring problem, especially if the symptoms are mild to moderate.
• Side sleeping reduces heartburn, improves digestion, and also benefits your brain health.

Cons/ Limitations

• It can be a daunting task giving up on your old sleeping posture. Making a switch to a new sleeping posture can be difficult and sometimes impossible.
• This technique is unlikely to help if your snoring problems are due to high BMI.
• You have limited control over your sleeping position when you are in deep sleep and you may very well go back to your native sleeping posture.

# 3: Try Something Anti-Allergy Remedies if Your ENT is Playing up

What is it?

Allergies tend to boost snoring by a great deal, especially if you suffer from allergies that affect your nasal passages, lungs, throats, or sinusitis. Such health conditions make you breathe through the mouth, and this eventually causes snoring.

How Does it Work?

To treat snoring linked to allergies, it is best to shift your focus towards fixing the allergy. Here is how you can manage your allergies:

• Avoid eating foods that boost your allergy especially near your bedtime.
• Take prescription drugs given by your doctor regularly.
• Look for home remedies that work well for your allergies. These include using herbal lozenges, nebulizing with essential oils, regular exercise, breathing exercises, and so on.

Pros

• This method can help you tackle your ENT issues and snoring problems simultaneously.

Cons

• Some anti-allergy medications can have side effects like sedation, which can worsen snoring. Always consult with your doctor before using any medications for allergies.

# 4: Avoid Smoking & Drinking

What is it?

Alcohol and smoking cigarettes are discouraged if you are on a mission to fix your sleep or snoring problems.

Alcoholic drinks cause muscle relaxation to a severe extent resulting in nocturnal noises.

As for smoking, it can cause chronic irritation of your airways leading to snoring.

How Does it Work?

Pack up your cigarettes and drinks at least two hours before bed, and see the problem fading away on its own. Leaving the habit altogether is even better; however, you need to taper it off slowly as abruptly stopping leads to severe withdrawals.

Pros

• Giving up and smoking and drinking is perhaps the best thing you can do for your overall health and well-being.

Cons/Limitations

• Giving up on these two, in no way, has got any limitations. Everyone who is smoking or drinking in excess should consider giving up.

However, it can sometimes be difficult. Seeing a professional can help you get off drinking and smoking quickly. Luckily, Australia has got competent professionals and therapists to deal with the issue for you.

# 5: Avoid Sedatives

What is it?

Any medicine with sedative effects is not only bad for snoring but also harmful for your overall health. Regular doses of such medications cause excess muscle relation and airflow problems.

How Does it Work?

Limiting the use of potential sedatives can help keep your airway patent. Look for potential sedative drugs you might be using. These can include:

• Drugs for anxiety, depression or mood disorders
• Sleeping medications
• Anti-allergy medication
• Some anti-epileptics

Pros

• This method can improve your quality of sleep and can reduce your dependence on sedatives.

Cons/Limitations

• Most of the drugs are used for a potential health benefit and it is not always advisable to discontinue them by yourself as it might cause worsen your symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your regular medication.

If you suspect a drug is adding to your sedation, consult with your doctor regarding a potential non-sedating alternative.

# 6: Manage Your Weight

What is it?

In Australia, obesity is among the biggest causes of snoring.

As of 2017-18, the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed 67 percent of Australian adults were obese. The percentage is, of course, alarming. A large number of people who are overweight snore throughout the night. This will help to reduce extra tissue around your threat.

How does it work?

Some essential tips to lose weight include:

• Take small portions and don’t starve.
• Exercise regularly.
• See a nutritionist if it becomes unmanageable.

Pros

• Losing weight will improve your overall physical and mental well-being.

Cons/Limitations

• Losing weight has got no limitations. However, you might need to seek some specialist advice if ordinary means of weight loss are not working for you.

Section 2- Top 7 Specialized Aids Designed to Control Snoring

# 1: Anti-snoring Pillows

What is it?

Did you know there are now pillows especially designed for those who snore? It is not something hard to find and readily available on various online platforms in Australia. 

How Does it Work?

The pillows are also known as stop snoring pillows and they are proven to be great for reducing the frequency of snores.

The ergonomic shape of anti-snoring pillows supports the head and neck in a way that it improves the airflow. 

Pros

• They can improve your sleeping posture. In addition to helping you give up snoring, these pillows can improve back and neck pain.

Cons

• It might take several weeks for you to get used to these pillows. You might find them quite uncomfortable at first.
• They can quite costly as well. The pill will most likely not be covered by your healthcare insurance.

# 2: Anti-snoring Sprays

What is it?

Anti-snoring throat sprays are also great for successfully tackling snoring conditions in adults.

How Does it Work?

The spray helps to open the airway and prevent inflammation of the tissue around the throat. These sprays contain lubricants that coat your upper airways and prevent them from becoming dry.

Pros

• It can be a quick fix.

Cons

• The effects of such products are mostly short-lived. It is quite unlikely they will give you a long-term belief. 

#3: Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure Snoring Devices

What is it?

Also referred to as EPAP, the technology uses pressure to open up the nasal airway and reduces vibration from the tissue around the throat.

How does it work?

During a breathing cycle, the pressure inside the airways reduces during expiration. This makes the airways collapse. In some individuals, they have an exaggerated collapse of the airways making them prone to snoring.

Pros

• It is one of the scientifically proven methods to reduce snoring. It is highly effective in complicated issues such as sleep apnea and related snoring issues.

Cons

• EPAP is a prescription device.
•  You have to keep a face mask or a nasal mask on for the whole night. This can be quite uncomfortable and can limit your movements during sleep.

# 4: Nasal Dilators

What is it?

Nasal dilators work by pulling sides of the nose and nostrils to make enough space for comfortable breathing and reduced snoring.

How Does it Work?

For most people, snoring occurs because they tend to breathe from their mouths instead of their nose. Nasal dilators prevent that from happening. These dilators can keep your nostrils open and can prevent you from breathing through the mouth.

There are two types of nasal dilators:

• External nasal dilators: Dilators that open up the nostrils from the outside
• Internal nasal dilators: Dilators that open up the nostrils from the inside

Pros         

• Nasal dilators are effective and clinically proven to improve snoring, as suggested by several research studies.

Cons

• Nasal dilators work best when the users do not have any other underlying sleep-related health condition.
• They can cause skin injuries.
• They use adhesives and can cause skin allergies.

# 5: CPAP Machines

What is it?

It is one of the most common treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure.

How Does it Work?

The machine comes with a nosepiece or a mask that gives continuous air pressure. Unlike EPAP that only supports the airways during expiration, CPAP provides support both during inspiration and expiration.

Pros

• CPAP masks are adjustable.
• The use of CPAP is scientifically proven to work in conditions like as obstructive sleep apnea and snoring disorders.
• Effective CPAP makes you sleep comfortably.
• Controls high blood pressure caused by sleep apnea.

Cons

• Initially, it is difficult to adjust to it.
• A leaky mask can cause dryness and stuffiness in the nose.
• Might not be suitable for claustrophobic individuals.

# 6: Anti-snoring Chin Straps

What is it?

Made from flexible fabric, the anti-snoring chin strap is placed under the chin and wraps over the head.

How Does it Work?

It supports the chin to keep the mouth closed during the night. It helps in breathing normally through the nose, ultimately reducing snores.

Pros

• It is non-invasive and painless. It does not have to be placed inside the mouth and cause discomfort.
• Chin straps are easy to store and clean.
• Compared to other devices, chin straps are long-lasting.

Cons

• Some people find it uncomfortable.
• It gets uncomfortable if you have blocked nasal passages.

In Australia, the chin strap is available at pharmacies, or you can order online through trusted platforms.

# 7: Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD)

What is it?

The devices are designed for those categorized as tongue-based snorers and are widely used to combat snoring.

How Does it Work?

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) help in holding the tongue and lower jaw forward. This makes more space for breathing comfortably and reduces snoring. If used properly, MADs can turn out to be quite useful and fulfill the purpose well.

Pros

• Since it is commonly used, the devices are easily available at different online and offline stores around Australia.

Cons

• Do not get this device if you have any mild to severe dental problems. The devices are supposed to be inserted in the mouth, so you need to have perfect dental health.

# 8: Tongue Retaining / Stabilizing Devices

What is it?

As mentioned, one of the basic reasons for snoring is your tongue back into your throat while you are asleep. This narrows your airway and makes you snore.

How Does This Work?

Tongue retaining or stabilizing devices such as Good Morning Snore Solution or Aveo TSD are over-the-counter devices that aid in stabilizing your tongue in your mouth. These devices the tongue from falling back and this way prevent the airways from getting narrow.

Pros

• These products are available over-the-counter.
• These products offer a simple yet effective solution for snoring.

Cons

• You have to stick your tongue into this device, which can be quite uncomfortable.
• It can give you a dry and uncomfortable tongue.
• If you are someone whole tosses a lot during your sleep then it a possibility that you might dislodge the device.

Section 3- Top 3 Common Surgeries & Procedures for Snoring

# 1: The Pillar Procedure

What is it?

It is a small surgery carried out to treat snoring and sleep apnea. The procedure is strictly done by trained personnel and medical practitioners without giving sedatives or general anesthesia.

How Does it Work?

It treats the palate in people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and the snoring caused by it. As mentioned before, excessive movements of the soft palate might be the reason you are snoring. When the air passes through the back of the mouth, excessive movements of the soft palate can cause excessive noise.

This procedure aims at strengthening the basic structure of the soft palate. This involves placing or implanting small plastic rod-like structures at the back of your palate. With time, the palate heals and becomes stiffer and vibrates less as the air moves past it.

Pros

• It can be a quick fix for a longstanding problem.
• It is quite effective. In one research, as much as 88 percent of individuals getting this procedure got significant relief from their snoring symptoms.

Cons

However, there are a few disadvantages to this procedure.

• Patients with severe sleep apnea cannot undergo this procedure.  
• Patients with a high body mass index or obesity are also not recommended to go through it.

Many sleep centers in Australia are offering the pillar procedure. But, before you set your appointment, do get your situation examined by a sleep specialist.

# 2: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

This surgery increases the airway size by rearranging the tissues at the uvula, throat walls, and palate. This ultimately prevents tissue collapse and snoring problems. Over time, the surgery has gone through several alterations and modifications to reduce its side effects.

The common side effects of UPPP included one or all of the following:

• Voice changes
• Swallowing problem
• Irritation or discomfort in the throat

Although advancements in medicine and technology have minimized the chances of risk, they are still likely to occur in rare cases.

What to Expect?

• At least one overnight stay in the hospital. The rest depends on your health condition after the surgery.

• The affected areas can be painful for 7 to 14 days. Consult the doctor if the pain is intolerable.

• You might have difficulty swallowing due to the pain. Liquids and soft diet are recommended.

• You will have to sleep with your head at least 30 to 45 degrees elevated.

• Avoid physical activities until you are completely fine.

• There might be slight bleeding on and off after the surgery. Uncontrollable bleeding should be treated immediately.

# 3: Somnoplasty

How Does it Work?

The surgery involves stiffening or removing tissues around the soft palate and uvula. It uses low-temperature radio waves to treat the underlying issue. The surgery is carried out in a proper medical care unit, and the patient is given local anesthesia. It takes no longer than 30 minutes to complete the surgery.

Pros

• It is safe compared to other surgeries for snoring.
• You do not need to stay in the hospital after the surgery.
• It is effective for severe snoring problems.
• Somnoplasty is an FDA approved method of treating snoring.

Cons

• It is a proper surgery which might be painful and you need some time to recover.
• You might feel discomfort and swelling around the affected areas.
• In rare cases, patients may experience infection or bleeding.

Snoring Solutions in Australia- 3 Frequently Asked Questions

1.     Are All Treatments for Snoring Effective for All Snorers?

Before you sign up for any treatment, it is important to know that not all treatments work for all. You need to be careful with what treatment you choose even if it’s a home remedy. Any treatment for snoring is chosen based on:

• Severity of snoring
• Breathing Habit (Do you breathe through the nose or mouth?)
• Other health conditions
• Age

2.     Are UPPP and Somnoplasty available in Australia?

Yes. There are various healthcare units and sleep clinics around Australia that offer the stated surgeries. However, it is your job to see which one is the right fit for you. You can figure this out by simply asking around, checking for reviews, and knowing the credibility of the surgeon or the clinic.

3.     Does Insurance Cover Somnoplasty?

In many cases, somnoplasty is not covered by health insurance. This is generally because the treatment is not widely accepted and snoring is not yet considered as a very complicated health risk. However, the company is likely to take up your treatment expenses if snoring is caused by a serious health risk such as sleep apnea.

Final Thoughts

While snoring is quite an uncomfortable situation, it is treatable, and if treated on time, it reduces the risk of further health complications. Therefore, if you or your loved ones suffer from any intensity of snoring, then we recommend you start looking for the right snoring solutions in Australia immediately and make your lives peaceful all over again.

All of the treatments mentioned above are readily available in Australia, so don’t delay it further!