Using Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate to Stop Snoring

A common drug used to combat varicose veins, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, is now being touted as a possible solution to stop snoring. First introduced in 2001 this drug has reportedly had an over 90% success rate making it an ideal solution to those suffering from snoring – and those who must endure it with their partners.

The soft palate is located in the back of your mouth above your throat. Normally snoring is caused by the ruffling of tissues in the back of your throat – with the most common type of snoring called palatal flutter snoring. The treatments involve injections of sodium tetradecyl sulfate into this area.

The treatment is easily administered in a physician’s office in just a few minutes. A topical anesthetic is used on the roof of the mouth and then a very small needle is used to create a small blister or bleb under the mucous membrane of the soft palate. There will be minor throat discomfort and a pain medication is usually provided after the procedure.

Within a few weeks the area will heal by tightening up and scarring occurs thereby stiffening the palate so that it is no longer soft. This in turn will decrease the vibrations caused by snoring but within the next two to three months there should be further improvement. Some people require several injections before the results reduce or alleviate the problem entirely.

As a treatment it is far less expensive than surgery or laser procedures especially since these procedures are usually considered “cosmetic” by the insurance companies so they are not covered by your medical plan. However, this is not a treatment that is designed to eliminate the underlying cause of the snoring which in many cases could be more serious sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

How Can You Stop Snoring?

The first thing you need to do to stop snoring is to consider your lifestyle. Are you a smoker? Do you drink on a regular basis? Are you overweight? All of these contribute to a snoring problem. Likewise, some drugs, including sleeping pills, can make your snoring worse. Avoid drinking alcohol before bed, cut back on your smoking, and work to lose weight. All of these will help you fix your snoring problem.

Next you need to take a look at your bed. Are you sleeping with too many pillows? This can make snoring worse. If you tend to get congested, try raising the head of your bed with books or other risers either below your mattress or under the legs.

Sleeping on your back greatly increases the chance that you will snore. You might want to try a sleep positioning pillow, or sewing a tennis ball into the back of your pajamas to keep you from sleeping on your back. Side and stomach sleeping is best for snoring prevention.

There are several products that help with snoring. You can try nasal strips that work by opening your nasal passage, or a mouthpiece that holds your lower jaw forward as you sleep. While no product will work for everyone, these products do help for some snorers.

If you can’t seem to get rid of the snoring, or are finding that you are having difficulty with breathing at night, you need to consult a doctor. There are some medical conditions that make snoring worse, and these can be quite serious if untreated.