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  • Writer's pictureAmber Carmen Arroyo, PhD

How CPAP prevents snoring

Did you know that CPAP not only treats your sleep apnea but also prevents you from snoring? Snoring is caused when the upper airway becomes partially blocked. This causes the floppy tissue at the opening of the throat to vibrate and create a snoring sound.


During sleep, our muscles in the upper airway relax, which makes it easier for the airway to get smaller and collapse. When the airway is smaller, that is the beginning of sleep apnea. As we try harder and harder to breathe through a small airway, the snoring noise gets louder and louder until it stops. When it stops, that is when apnea occurs, and the airway is completely shut for several minutes sometimes. Then when people gasp or choke, the airway opens up and you start to breathe again. For people with sleep apnea who are not using CPAP, this cycle repeats itself all night long. But don’t worry. CPAP can treat both your sleep apnea and snoring!


CPAP treats sleep apnea and snoring


Fortunately, you can successfully treat your sleep apnea and snore with CPAP therapy. CPAP opens the airway with a stream of air with enough pressure to keep the airway open while you sleep. By keeping the airway open, the tissues in the throat cannot close and cause the snoring sound. So, not only does CPAP effectively treat your sleep apnea, but it also prevents you from snoring!


Snoring is a source of noise pollution that makes it harder for those around you to sleep [1]. By using your CPAP, you can reduce the noise pollution in your bedroom, making it easier for those around you to get a better night’s sleep [2].


The many benefits of CPAP


CPAP is an effective tool to help both you and the people around you to get a better night’s sleep and be well-rested for the day ahead. CPAP can not only eliminate snoring but also has several other health and wellness benefits. Studies show that CPAP improves sleepiness, heart health, memory, and attention [3]. People who use CPAP regularly also show improved overall quality of life, which everyone should look forward to [3].


References

  1. Sowho, M., Sgambati, F., Guzman, M., Schneider, H., & Schwartz, A. (2020). Snoring: a source of noise pollution and sleep apnea predictor. Sleep, 43(6).

  2. Mayo Clinic. (2019). How CPAP controls sleep apnea. Accessed: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/multimedia/cpap/vid-20084718

  3. Sleep Foundation. (2023) CPAP Benefits. Accessed: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/cpap/cpap-machine-benefits



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