Snoring Husband!

Ask him to see his DR. He might be recommended to be seen by an ENT or sleep specialist to evaluate ways to help him most effectively. Snoring is a common problem and while many times harmless it can also be a sign of sleep Apnea.

My husband snores loud and is also a heavy sleeper (who refuses to see a Dr!) so I can sympathize!!

Hope you get some sleep soon :)

Hi J. -
Put a pillow over HIS head! Just kidding! Although there have been nights that I have wanted to do that to my husband. Unfortunately for me, there have been nights that I have resorted to the couch or sleeping with one of the kids. If we had a 4th bedroom, I would probably sleep there. But one thing that I do know, is if my husband gets down to a certain weight... he stops snoring. So, it could be a weight thing... I'm just throwing out idea's.
Good Luck!
L.

Hi J.,
I went through the same thing a couple years ago with my husband. He went to a Sleep Lab, was hooked up to a machine and did one or two sleepovers with doctors supervision, and was told he has sleep apnia (sp?). He now wears a mask every night (well almost every night) and the difference is wonderful. We both can get a good nights sleep.
Good luck!

Hi J.,(I know i'm a bit late)
My husband also used to snore very very LOUD. He had a physical exam & mentioned the problem to his doctor. He sent him for a sort of tests & turned out he has "Sleep Apnea" (of course, snoring is not the only symptom) Luckily, this is treatable & now his snoring is not as bothersome to the rest of the family anymore. (my 8yr old used to wake up to the sound of his Dad!) Please get him some medical help -- stuff over the counter DOES NOT WORK!!!
good luck! N.

For starters, have him go to the doctors to take a look and make sure he doesn't have sinus problems or sleep apnea. There are several over the counter snoring medications you can try, but I'm not sure of the success rate. Keep using the breathe right strips, try to get him to stay on his side and if it's bad, get up and move to another room or the couch! Sleep is important, especially if you are teaching and managing kids! Good luck.

Your husband should get a sleep test done. The first 2 years of our marriage were on the verge of divorce...and we don't believe in it...because I NEVER slept. Because I was so sleep deprived I always wanted to punch him, over the silliest things and I'm not a violent person. I thrived to be able to visit family without him just so I could sleep. I totally understand where your at and the ear plugs irrate my ears a lot. After he went to a sleep DR and got a test done they realized he had sleep apnea and now he has a sleep machine. It blows air into his nose and it keeps his passages open...NO MORE SNORING! I wanted to kiss the lady who brought the machine to the house! Our marriage improved immediately. It will take him a little getting use to. It will actually help him get a better night sleep which you wouldn't believe he's really missing much but it prevents them to getting into a state they need for a good night sleep too. I never believed people when they told me that but it's true!

HI J.-

Normally, I don't respond to things on the board but I am always checking it out. I have to agree with many on here that your husband needs a sleep study. I actually work in a sleep center scheduling patients for these studies. Snoring is definitely a big factor in determining if someone has sleep apnea. If he has excessive daytime tiredness or feeling unrefreshed in the mornings, those also are signs of sleep apnea. Also, being overweight is another big factor contributing to people having sleep apnea. I have scheduled many patients who tell me their partners are the ones making them go for the test because they can't take the snoring anymore but also because they are concerned for their health. You really need to get his doctor to send him in for a sleep study and he/she can also refer him to a ENT as others have stated. The sleep study usually (not always)involves 2 visits. A patient would start off having a baseline study to see how they are sleeping and depending on what's going on, if the patient meets a certain amount of criteria during the baseline, a sleep technician will automatically start the CPAP machine. The machine actually is forcing air into you, not oxygen, to help control the apnea. If the sleep apnea is mild enough then the techs may not do anything but the baseline but once the sleep specialist MD reviews the report, it may be determined at that point, he would need to come back for a follow up study using CPAP. Depending on the O2 sats would depend on if an oxygen bleed in would be needed. Again, much depends on how severe the apnea is and how low the sats are. While many patients, including myself, don't like the face mask there are other options available such as nasal pillows. I use nasal pillows and I find them much more tolerable than a mask on my face but everyone is different. If CPAP fails, which is can, for some people, there are other options, as others have stated (ie.oral appliances, correction of a deviated septum etc). Definitely start with his PCP and work with him/her to get your husband set up at a sleep center. If you would like any more info, feel free to let me know. Best of luck to you!

Dear J.-
Do I sympathize with you..lol..My husband snores very loud also..I can actually hear him in the next room.. I did the ear plugs, and of course the pillow over my head.. but it got to the point where I wasnt sleeping at all so he decided to go to the doctor..he ended up having severe sleep apnea..he went and had a sleep study done (went to a lab- slept there from 11pm-6am) and they prescribed him a CPAP machine.. Since he has had the CPAP (its going on 5 yrs) life has been wonderful!! Not only for my sleep habits but also for his.. He actually says he cant imagine sleeping without it..I also convinced my father to get a CPAP machine and he is a big believer of it also.. Hope this helps...

He prob needs to see an ear nose & throat doc, he may have a deviated septum or something else making him snore at night, they say its really not ok to snore, theres usually a problem, Good luck!

Get your husband to a doctor for a physical and to discuss the snoring issue. Snoring can be anything from a minor annoyance to a symptom of a health problem. Have him checked out thoroughly to rule out health issues and then ask what can be done. It will help his health and your sanity

Hi J.,

My husband had a similar problem, with one difference. I was so unable to sleep that I would lay next to him, awake, for hours. That's when I realized that he would occasionally stop breathing. I convinced him to talk to his doctor about it and he ended up doing a sleep study. It turns out that he has a mild form of sleep apnea. Now I'm not suggesting that your husband has sleep apnea, but it would be worth checking into. Good luck, and I hope you get a full night's sleep soon.

E.

I deal with this, also. Here's what works for us: in our case- alcohol makes it much worse- even just a drink. So if he has drinks- he sleeps on the couch- I need my sleep, too! I also just wear ear plugs- I really like "Hearos" brand- the only ones that stay in my ear. Then I crank up the monitor receiver as loud as it goes and keep it by the bed, I've had no problem waking up whenever the baby cries. Good luck! Do whatever you need to do to get your sleep- it is so important!

Hi J.,
As a nurse, I'd say to have him see an ENT. He may need his adnoids out, he may have sleep apnea, there are a number or reasons that people snore loudly as you described, or it could be nothing, but it's better to get it checked out.

Hope this helps,
M.

My husband snored loudly too. He also fell asleep anywhere , at anytime. I convinced him after years of nagging to see a sleep specialist. He had two sleep studies, the first to get a base line for his sleeping, the second to mess around with breathing machines. He now has a CPAP machine, which forces oxygen into him while he sleeps. He has a type of sleep apnea that has to do with the diameter of his neck. It is something that has and will always affect his sleep.

He sleeps wonderfully now. I sleep wonderfully too since I do not have to listen to his snoring anymore. This has not help him hear the kids at night though....maybe it is just a guy thing. I recommend trying to get your husband to see his regular doc to refer him to a specialist in your area.

Natures Sunshine has a product called Snore Ease. I had to get this for my husband. I LOVE it!! It took 15 years for me to find soemthing that worked!!! It's in a capsule and he needs to take it about a half hour before he goes to bed.

I'm in the same boat! And it's worse if he has a cold or a little too much wine!! Sometimes when it's really driving me crazy I turn on a humidifier. It took awhile to get used to that white noise (I'd prefer total quiet) but now that I have, he doesn't wake me when he rolls onto his back and I can sleep without waking so much. Maybe some sort of white background noise would work for you too. Good luck!

I have this problem with my husband too. He did a sleep study and they said that there is nothing medically that they can do to help. He's tried nose sprays, breathing strips, throat spray ... and it doesn't matter what position he's in either, he snores regardless! We even got one of those 'white noise' machines that is supposed to help train me to sleep through the sound of his snoring, but after almost 12 months he still keeps me awake! Unfortunately, so far, the only solution we've found is called "the guest room".

Try getting those inexpensive cups to put under the headboard to elevate it. They are heavy duty rubber/plastic and raise the bed about 4", that angle helps cut down on the snoring especially when they lie on their backs. When in an inclined position a snorer is much less apt to snore because the flow of air is increased to the nasal passages keeping the snorer from snoring at night. This URL mentions reflux but treats snoring http://www.acid-reflux-online.com/bed-risers.html or here http://www.bedrisersales.com/index.html?gclid=CNWAjIO3uJY... inexpensive solution to try, it worked for my parents! My dad was a dreadful snorer. Good luck!

my hubby,(God love him!) knew he was snoring ALOT... and went to a sleep specialist. Turns out he had mild sleep apnea and needed CPAP therapy. This may seem extreme for you, but the Dr. was glad he came in before he got worse! good luck!!!

I love my husband dearly but love my sleep too. We resorted to different rooms. It was the only way for either of us to get rest!

J., do your husband (and yourself) a huge favor, have him scheduled for a sleep study!! sounds like he most likely has sleep apnea -- my husband had the same issue. I convinced him to go to be tested (I of course had to schedule the test and tell him when/where to go) and he tested to be moderate to severe. He now sleeps with a C-Pap machine each night -- it's not the most attractive, but the machine itself is almost silent, and SO IS MY HUSBAND~!!!! With his machine, he does not snore at all!! It also is benificial to his health, he has high blood pressure and this can be due to sleep apnea. If your husband gets the proper sleep that his body needs he will be a healthy/happy guy --- and so will you!! L. C.

Hi J., My husband too is a very loud snorer and he was tested for Sleep Apnea, now he sleeps with a CPAP machine and no longer snores at night, I would ask your husbands physician to get him a sleep study he may have Sleep apnea too, I now have quiet nights, Keep me posted, Hope this helps, A. M

Hi J. - Sorry to say, but it sounds like your husband needs to see the doctor for his sinus issues....

However, as far as stopping him from snoring, all you have to do is change the position of his throat. That means you just need to block his breathing, so he shifts. (i.e. block his mouth and/or nose)

No need to push and shove and wake yourself up to do so... Just close up the airway for a second and he'll move. Let him do the work!

Hi J., I have the same problem! We use a loud fan in our room and most of the time it drowns out the noise of my husbands snoring. I also keep the baby monitor close to me on my side of the bed. On really bad nights he sleeps on the couch :)

Has he gone for a sleep study?? My husband snores something AWFUL but he had a sleep study and now has a CPAP machine because the snoring is related to sleep apnea and we all sleep better and I can go back to sleeping in the same bed!! I know many people who have had the same problem and this was their solution too! Hope it helps! I know that it can't hurt!!
~L.

J.,
Two in my family in the last year have had sleep studies, both diagnosed with sleep apnea, and both snored. Both are now using cpap (spelling) machines. They both sleep better, are not tired during the day, and the snoring is all but gone. It takes a while getting used to the cpap machine, but has been worth it for both, and their partners.
Hope this helps. Good luck

Sleep apnea! He needs to have a sleep study done! Do yourselves ALL a favor & contact your dr ASAP.

It's like we're married to the same man! My husband is the exact same way. I also spend my nights pushing him onto his side or kicking him in the legs.
I have not found a cure, but I'm interested to see what others have to offer for advice.

Hi J.,
Sounds strange, but your husband may need to have his tonsils removed or some other procedure. Some surgeons won't do it on people over a certain age but it's worth a consultation. Good luck!

I have the same exact problem...heck I'd like to know too.
I have tried ear plugs and am worried also, I wake up soo easily that it's worrysome.

Hi J.,
My husband went for a sleep study and the nurse that monitered him said he was the worst snorer of her career of 14 yrs and he should apologize to me when he got home!! It turned out he had sleep apnea and had stopped breathing 16 times in an hour!!! He now sleeps with a CPAP machine. I can still hear his snoring under the mask but it's more like 'purring' now lol. At least I am comforted knowing he won't have a stroke due to lack of oxygen. It's worth looking into. He hates the mask but it's worth it to not have a stroke in his sleep. Good luck.

Hi J.,
I can relate!! I've been the same way with the pillow however my husband lost 30lbs and not only looks great but snores less. He still snores occationally and is having his deviated septum operated on next month. Hopefully that will put the snoring to rest forever!!

Keeping fingers crossed. Good luck and definately see an ears, nose & throat doctor plus have a sleep study done.
~K.

Your husband could have sleep apnea which is diagnosed from a sleep health study. See if there is a sleep health center in your area. I have it and have to sleep with a mask/CPAP machine. It is not the most comfortable but I had been sleeping in another room so that my husband could get some sleep. I now enjoy being back in bed wioth my husband. I also am getting a much better night's sleep. You need to sleep especially when you have little ones. Also, sleep apnea is a medical condition, when your husband snores, he can be stopping his breathing! I found out that i had stopped brathing 7 times every hour! -S.

I have a similar problem. I sleep with a fan next to my head. My husband keeps the monitor on his side of the bed, and he can be awoken by it, so that's good. Try the fan. And, when you can get to bed before him, you might be able to fall asleep. (I'm sure that's not very often!).

I have heard of some couples that sleep in separate rooms. In fact, I have done that for certain periods of time. It's a little sad, but it's so important to have enough rest.

I am a dental assistant and we make snore guards that seem to work very well as long as the person can sleep with an appliance in their mouth.Call your dentist and see if they do snore guards.T.

J.,

Other mamasource members have already covered sleep apnea and other medically related problems.
I'm a retired dental technician and we made many "snore guards" ordered by local dentists. Get your husband to a dentist who will take impressions, both upper and lower and send them to a dental lab where they'll make the proper appliance.
These appliances DO work very well and are successful for those patients who don't have apnea or other medical problems.
Here's to your future restful sleep!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snoring

I feel your pain! Luckily for me the strips worked well for my husband's snoring and my sanity. Have your husband see an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea or other problems. Depending on the cause of his snoring, there are simple surgical procedures that can be done. Good luck!

My husband can wake the dead. When he had his wisdom teeth out a few years ago, the surgeon saw a polyp in his sinus cavity, which could be the problem. Yes, you can go to a sleep clinic, but every doctor I've talked to says the number one thing they suggest before surgery or machines is to lose some weight. I don't know if that's your husband's problem, but losing 15-20 lbs. can do wonders for snoring. It's helped with my hubby... And having kids only makes snoring worse-- he's more tired and I sleep lighter to hear the kids. Drat.

Hi J.,

You should probably encourage your husband to have a sleep study. Chronic snorers usually have some anatomical issue which contributes to the snoring. Many of these problems are treatable.

J. L.

Reading this is like reading a page out of my old life! I put the baby monitor next to my side of the bed & I went to Linen's & Things or Bed Bath & Beyond and got a nature sounds machine and I crank up the ocean waves on it every time we lay down to sleep. Works like a charm and I love the tidal sounds. You could run a jackhammer next to my head and I wouldn't notice when I have it on. The only thing that wakes me up now is my baby making noise, which I'm completely tuned into - I haven't noticed snoring in 17 months. My husband tried all the strips & sprays too; you name it, we tried it! I HIGHLY recommend the white noise machine. Good luck!

J.,

Has your husband tried sleeping on his side? I snore when I'm over tired and my husband asks me to roll over. He says that can help.
My brother had an operation for his snoozing. Apparently he stopped breathing in his sleep for a moment. He went to a sleep study -over night- with all these lines hooked up to you and they noted that he stopped breathing. Anyway he had his adnoids out to help. At the time he was also over weight and this helped him to loose weight as well.

L. M

Definitely have him go to an ENT!!! My husband had a sleep study and had a minor surgery (he refused the CPAP machine!)and life is sooooo much better. He sleeps more restfully and so do I!

I was in your same boat - I thought the snoring would be enough to drive me batty - I would leave to sleep on a couch downstairs, but I could STILL Hear the snoring...yikes.

Anyways, like other people mentioned, my husband went for a sleep study and they found he had severe sleep apnea and now sleeps with a CPAP machine. Not only do I sleep fine next to him now, he feels a TON better. He didn't know how crappy he had been feeling until he had a full nights sleep with the CPAP machine.

hiya.
i use the 'quiet please' earplugs to muffle my husband's snoring. i can still hear my daughter if she wakes up-but the earplugs help enough with the snoring.
good luck