Approximately 90 million Americans snore while sleeping. Some of these people are primary snorers while others are likely to suffer from a severe sleep disorder, or sleep apnea. So, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea while sleep apnea usually triggers loud snoring.

It is crucial to understand the difference between snoring and sleep apnea. This difference is the first step when looking for a proper treatment for any of these conditions. So, we’ve done this hard work for you. Here is everything you need to know about the difference between snoring and this common sleep disorder.

Snoring vs Sleep Apnea

Snoring occurs when the tissues in the throat relaxing enough and block the airway. So, they vibrate and create a sound we know as snoring. The sound will depend on various factors, such as lifestyle, a person’s anatomy, body weight, and alcohol consumption.

However, if a person is experiencing loud and frequent snoring, it might indicate that a person suffers from obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition which causes breathing pauses during sleep. This condition can be more severe if the person is overweight, older, and has large tongue and tonsils.

Hence, if you or someone near you deals with loud and frequent snoring which is accompanied by chokes, restlessness, or gasps, you should consult your physician. The first step towards a diagnosis is talking to your doctor. If necessary, they will recommend a sleep study.

Treatment

Treating snoring can, in fact, be quite simple. You might be asked to lose some weight, limit alcohol intake, or change your sleeping position. On the other hand, treating obstructive sleep apnea isn’t that simple. The obstructive sleep apnea treatment often involves CPAP. This is a type of ventilator with a mask which fits over the mouth or nose. This ventilator blows air and maintains a continuous pressure in the airway and promotes normal breathing.

No matter how effective, CPAP can be quite uncomfortable or inconvenient to use. As a result, there has been a new technology developed recently. It is called Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure, or EPAP, and has proven to be a real success. Another possible treatment and alternative to CPAP is Provent Sleep Apnea Therapy. This therapy doesn’t include a mask or machine. It is a non-invasive nasal device with MicroValve design. It can be attached to the nostrils and secured with hypoallergenic adhesive.

 EPAP Technology for Snoring

EPAP Technology is also an effective treatment for snoring, also known as Theravent Advanced Nightly Snore Therapy. It has been cleared and clinically proven by FDA. This over-the-counter nasal device is attached nostrils and provides positive pressure in the airway during exhalation.

Many people believe that snoring comes naturally with age. However, you shouldn’t accept it as natural and try to treat it.

The Health Risks

Both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can trigger and increase the risk of other health issues. For instance, obstructive sleep apnea can be the culprit for memory loss, weight gain, and skin ageing. Likewise, this sleep disorder triggers a heart attack, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, stroke, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and cancer. So, if you want to eliminate this risk, it’s best to treat both snoring and sleep apnea.

A good night's of restful sleep might be only a few steps away. All you should do is consult your doctor for proper and timely treatment.