Exercises for non-Apnea snoring? Muscle-strengthening...water bottle?!

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi!

I snore, but only have very, very mild apnea (CPAP was not recommended in a sleep study). However the snoring is an issue for my spouse getting a good nights sleep. She recently forwarded me information about a special water bottle meant to strength muscles in the head and throat, labeled variously as oropharyngeal muscle exercises or myofunctional therapy.

First question: Is doing strengthening exercises and getting an improvement in snoring even a thing?
Second question: If so, how likely is it that using a special water bottle would accomplish that?

As always, thanks for your time, and for everything you do. BBM has made a huge impact on my life for the better!

2

I am not an expert in sleep medicine, respiratory muscle training outside of exercise, or oropharyngeal exercise. However, I have not been impressed with the data surrounding direct respiratory muscle training or oropharyngeal exercise for treating obstructive sleep apnea. I am not aware of data supporting their use for primary snoring, which appears to be what you have (not sleep apnea).

I don’t think the water bottle is likely to do anything, but I would definitely talk to your doctor about this issue to include an evaluation of your anatomy, sleeping position, and other contributing factors. Treatment can be determined from there.