Management of simple snoring in adults

The management of simple snoring in adults is reviewed. Snoring is associated with oscillations of the soft palate and adjacent structures, as a consequence of a critically reduced pharyngeal cross-sectional area under conditions of sleep-induced flow limitation. Anatomical and physiological factors resulting in upper airway collapse and snoring are reviewed. The conservative treatment of snoring encompasses weight loss, alcohol and sedatives avoidance, as well as smoking cessation. Nasal obstruction should be relieved, either medically or surgically. If these measures fail, polysomnography should be performed. Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea should be offered nasal continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty can be proposed to nonapnoeic snorers, with a good chance of success, as far as reported snoring is concerned. Unfortunately, this has not been confirmed by objective recordings, and long-term results have not been adequately studied.