WHAT IS MOUTH BREATHING? In our natural state breathing should occur through the nose. The nose acts as a natural filter that removes toxins from the air we breathe, warming and humidifying the air before it hits the lungs and enhancing circulation. Mouth breathing occurs when someone takes in air through the mouth instead of […]
There are several reasons why a person may experience snoring or sleep apnea. The most common reason is restriction in the nose that reduces nasal airflow resulting in vibration of the tongue and soft palate. The second most common cause, however, is a tongue that is oversized or too wide for a person’s jaw. How […]
Sleep apps on your smart phone and on your smart watch have become very common place These programs make a lot of claims. Understanding what these smart devices are measuring and how they interpret this information is important when evaluating how they may improve your health. Phases of Sleep The physiology of sleep is such […]
If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) you are likely familiar with CPAP—a machine that delivers pressurized air through a mask worn while you sleep to keep the airway open. While CPAP is an effective solution to treat OSA, it is not always the right choice for everyone. If you have tried CPAP but still […]
Mouth taping is all the rage right now. Your partner snores… You heard they should tape their mouth. It’s better to breathe through my nose… I heard I should tape my mouth to make me breathe through my nose. But why? Why do you need to tape your mouth to choose nose breathing? That’s the […]
Spring is here, and as nature springs to life again you may start to notice those familiar signs that those annoying allergies are coming back. As if allergies aren’t bad enough to deal with during the day, they may also be causing you problems as you sleep, such as snoring and the even more serious […]
You may notice your partner complains of your snoring more when you’ve had a few alcoholic drinks. This happens due to the effects of alcohol on your muscles, blood supply, and respiratory drive. Alcohol is a depressant. This means that it slows down your brain and body because it acts mainly on the Central Nervous […]
Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? Do you feel tired when you go to sleep, but toss and turn when you lay down, struggling to wake up refreshed? If so, you may need to improve your sleep hygiene. Getting a good night’s rest is important in maintaining overall health, and luckily many […]
The septum is the divider that separates the right and left nasal cavities. In fact, the word septum comes from the Greek word for divider. This structure is simple in design as it has a lining on each side and thin eggshell bone and cartilage in the middle layer. As the nose grows during puberty […]
The nose and sinuses perform critical functions for your health and well being. The nose and sinuses provide filtration, humidification, and warming of the air you breathe. This conditioning of the air allows the throat, vocal cords, bronchial passages, and the lungs to remain warm and wet. It also allows for the removal of harmful […]
