How to objectively measure snoring: a systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Respiratory Physiology

Background:

• Snoring is a primary symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• Current objective snoring measurement methods lack standardized reference values, hindering communication between researchers and clinicians.
• This variability impedes consistent diagnosis and treatment monitoring for OSA.

Approach:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases up to April 2023.
• Twenty-nine relevant articles were selected, focusing on studies detailing objective snoring measurement techniques.
• Articles lacking specific measurement details or equipment information were excluded.

Key Points:

• Three main objective snoring measurement methods identified: acoustic (microphone), vibratory (piezoelectric sensor), and airflow (nasal transducer).
• Emerging technologies include using smartphones and dedicated applications for snoring assessment.
• Variations exist in measurement devices, definitions, and sensor placement across studies.

Conclusions:

• Significant heterogeneity exists in objective snoring measurement methodologies and definitions.
• Establishing consensus on objective snoring measurement is crucial for advancing OSA research and clinical practice.
• Standardized protocols are needed to ensure reliable and comparable snoring data.