Why Are You Snoring? Simple Test To Find The Right Solution
What you need to do to stop snoring depends on a few things. The first thing you need to know is why you are snoring. If you don’t know why you are snoring then you certainly can’t stop.
The next thing you need to know is how much time and effort you are looking to put into your solution. There are many solutions available of varying quality so it is important to know what kind you need.
Here I will give you a few tests to try so that you can find out the best way for you to stop snoring. At the end of each simple test I will give you some direction as to what solution is right for you.
Let me warn you, these tests may look funny to anyone around you, so if you’re shy make sure you are alone.
Tongue Test
Now it’s time for the first test. This will determine if your tongue is causing your snoring. Stick out your tongue. While your tongue is out hold it in place with your teeth. Now give me your best snore!
If making a snoring sound is hard with your tongue between your teeth, then your tongue is probably the problem.
If your tongue is causing you to snore then your best option by far is to use a mouthpiece. There are special mouthpieces made just for this.
If you found out that your tongue is not the cause of your snoring don’t worry. There are a few more tests for you.
Nose Test
Now pretend you’re old Saint Nick getting ready to go up the chimney. Put a finger on one of your nostrils and push it in.
The next step is to close your mouth and breathe in through your open nostril. If your open nostril pulls in just hold it open and try again.
If you found that holding your one nostril open helped then your problem lies in your nose. There are several easy fixes for you in the form of things like nose strips.
If you find that you are simply stuffy then you probably have an allergy or sinus problem.
Mouth Being Open At Night Test
Do you breathe through your mouth? Let’s find out! If neither your tongue nor your nose was the problem, it may be your mouth hanging open while you sleep.
To find out just open your mouth and while your mouth is open make your best snoring noise. Now close your mouth and try to make the same noise.
If you can’t do it with your mouth closed, then chances are that your snoring is caused by your mouth being open at night. Your best option would be a mouthpiece or chin strap.
Multiple Causes
If none of those tests gave you a solid answer as to why you snore, it may just be primarily due to vibrations of the uvula and your soft palate. Perhaps you found that your snoring has multiple causes.
There is good news though. If your snoring has multiple causes or is caused by your uvula and soft palate then a tongue retaining mouthpiece can help you too.