#Closed-mouth snoring may indicate a problem with the tongue.

#Open-mouth snoring may be related to the tissues in your throat.

#Snoring when sleeping on back is probably mild – improved sleep habits and lifestyle changes may be effective cures.

#Snoring in all sleep positions can mean snoring is more severe and may require a more comprehensive treatment.

@ Troubleshoot to stop snoring:

#Lose weight. Losing even a little bit of weight can reduce fatty tissue in the back of the throat and decrease snoring.

#Clear nasal passages. Having a stuffy nose makes inhalation difficult and creates a vacuum in your throat, which in turn leads to snoring.

#Quit smoking. If you smoke, your chances of snoring are high.

#Establish regular sleep patterns. Create a bedtime ritual with your partner and stick to it. Hitting the sack in a routine way together can promote better sleep and therefore minimize snoring.

#Keep bedroom air moist with a humidifier. Dry air can irritate membranes in the nose and throat.

#Reposition. Elevating your head four inches may ease breathing and encourage your tongue and jaw to move forward. (Tip: go pillow-free or try a specially designed pillow to make sure your neck muscles are not crimped).

@ If the self-helps aren’t silencing your noisy bedroom, don’t abandon hope. Medical treatments could make all the difference.

Doc called me today, said I have "severe sleep apnea."

I said, can’t I just lose weight? (I could lose 60 pounds before I get near "normal" sized.) He said it is "not enough" right now.

Got an appt to see him next week.

Anyone had any personal experience with this? Any advice comments or suggestions?

In addition to being a Respiratory Therapist, I also have to wear CPAP every night. It does take a little getting used to… I woke up several nights with having pulled the mask off. It took me approximately a little over a month to get used to it. It takes effort but it is well worth it. I now cannot even nap without my cpap on because I feel so much better with it.

The reason why I choose to wear CPAP is because of the damage sleep apnea has been shown to do to one’s heart. Obstructive Sleep Apnea, if left untreated can cause right sided heart failure. Currently, there is no proven treatment for right sided heart failure (cor pulmonale).

It might be a pain to get used to, but it is well worth it, in my opinion as a CPAP wearer and an RRT.