Statistics show that 40 percent to 60 percent of those over 50 snore and that males are twice as likely to snore as females. One way to alleviate snoring is surgically removing a portion of the soft palate. Dr. Ivanhoe said this procedure usually works well for those with only a snoring problem if it is caused by the tongue dropping back and causing the uvula to vibrate. Another way to stop snoring is by wearing a mask connected to a pump a device known as continuous positive air pressure which releases air into the mouth. But Dr. Ivanhoe said many snorers are fitted with oral devices, which are comparatively inexpensive to surgery.
Oral devices created by dentists help steady the chin for easier breathing at night.
All but one does the same thing and that's hold the chin forward at night while a person sleeps. The other device is used for patients who wear dentures. The device developed for denture wearers holds the tongue forward through suction since there are no teeth to hold the appliance. The devices, according to Dr. Ivanhoe, are reasonably comfortable and are easy for patients to adapt to. Nearly a tenth of people who snore severely are diagnosed with upper airway resistance syndrome, in which inadequate oxygen is being supplied to the blood with no true blockage of the airway.