Snoring - Treatment options 

Achieving a healthy weight and not smoking or drinking alcohol can often help with snoring

• Brings other important health benefits

• None

A metal or plastic device that's inserted into the nose to keep the nostrils open

• Can help prevent nasal snoring
• Doesn't have to be replaced on a daily basis
• Simple and inexpensive

• Not effective in treating other types of snoring
• May be uncomfortable for people with small noses

Pieces of tape that you place under your chin to prevent your mouth opening while you're asleep

• Can be effective in treating oral snoring (snoring from the mouth)
• Simple and relatively inexpensive

• Not effective in treating other types of snoring
• Some people experience a latex allergy
• Have to be replaced nightly

A plastic mouth guard, known as a vestibular shield, that blocks the flow of air into your mouth, forcing you to breathe through your nose

• Can be effective in treating oral snoring
• Doesn't have to be replaced on a daily basis
• Simple and relatively inexpensive

• Not effective in treating other types of snoring
• Some people find the device too uncomfortable to wear

A plastic device, known as a mandibular repositioning splint, that pushes your tongue and jaw forwards, increasing the space at the back of your neck

• Effective in treating snoring caused by your tongue vibrating

• Not effective in treating other types of snoring
• Can cause jaw pain in some people
• Custom-made device not available on NHS and can be expensive

Synthetic (man-made) implants are injected into the soft palate to harden it, making it less likely to vibrate

• The procedure is considered generally safe

• The long-term effectiveness of the procedure is unknown

High-energy radio waves are used to shrink and harden the soft palate, making it less likely to vibrate

• Has been shown to improve daytime sleepiness and quality of life for both those affected and their partners
• The procedure is considered generally safe

• The long-term effectiveness of the procedure is unknown

Sections of soft tissue are removed from the roof of the mouth and back of the throat

• Can completely cure oral snoring in 50% of people

• Can cause considerable pain that can last up to three weeks
• Carries 1 in 100 chance of causing serious complications, such as pneumonia or excessive bleeding

Lasers or high-energy radio waves are used to burn away soft tissue from your mouth and throat

• Safer than uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, with a lower risk of complication

• Can cause considerable pain that can last up to two weeks
• Not as effective as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in the long-term