What Kind of Snorer are you?

Nose Test

Looking in a mirror, press the side of one nostril to close it. With your mouth closed, breathe in through your other nostril. If the nostril tends to collapse, try propping it open with the clean end of a matchstick. If breathing is easier with the nostril propped open, nasal dilators may solve your snoring problem. Test both nostrils.

Now, with your mouth closed, try breathing in through your nose. If you cannot breathe well through your nose you may be suffering from nasal stuffiness caused by allergy. You may wish to consider the following causes: Feather pillows & bedding, pet hair, house dust mite, allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies, perfumes & body sprays, household cleansers such as bleach.

Mouth Breathing Test

 Open your mouth and make a snoring noise. Now close your mouth and try to make the same noise. If you can only snore with your mouth open then you are a ‘mouth breather’.

Tongue Test

 Stick your tongue out as far as it will go and grip it between your teeth. Now try to make a snoring noise. If the snoring noise is reduced with your tongue in this forward position then you are probably what is known as a ‘tongue base snorer’. The most appropriate control for this type of snoring is a Mandibular Advancement Device.

Multi-factor Snoring

You may find that you fit into more than one of these snoring categories. In which case, your snoring is probably originating from several areas. For example, you may suffer from both palatal flutter (vibration of the soft palate and uvula) and tongue base snoring.
If none of these tests has helped it is possible that your soft palate is vibrating. This is often the cause in patients who are of normal weight.

Quick Tip: The way you snore may reveal why you snore! You will need to have a bed partner observe you for this test.

If you snore:
With your mouth closed: a problem with the tongue is probably the culprit
With your mouth open: your snoring is likely related to the tissues in your throat
Only on your back: your snoring is probably mild – improved sleep habits and lifestyle changes may be effective cures
In all sleep positions: your snoring is more severe and may require a more comprehensive treatment