EFFECT OF NASAL SPRAY, POSITIONAL THERAPY, AND THE COMBINATION THEREOF IN THE ASYMPTOMATIC SNORER

The benefits of using a nasal decongestant, sleeping on one's side and the combination thereof were studied in 20 asymptomatic male snorers. Both the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and snoring were evaluated. Four consecutive nocturnal polysomnographic studies were done. Night 1 was a control; the other 3 nights were randomly assigned to nasal deconges tant, best sleeping position and a combination of the two. Results wer e calculated based on sleep period time. The mean control AHI +/- the standard error of the mean (SEM) was 17.5 +/- 6.5. AHI improved to 14. 1 +/- 6.3 with sleep in the best position (p = 0.03). The AHI also imp roved to 13.2 +/- 6.04 with both nasal decongestant and position (p = 0.0012). Using nasal decongestant alone, the mean AHI was 18.1 +/- 6.3 (p = 0.765). During the control night, the mean number of snores/hour +/- SEM was 356 +/- 46.0. Using nasal decongestant alone, the mean nu mber of snores was 381 +/- 50.4 (p = 0.50). With position alone, the m ean number of snores was 356 +/- 46.0 (p = 0.8). Using the combination of nasal decongestant and position, mean snores were 352 +/- 48.9 (p = 0.91). In conclusion, a statistically significant improvement in AHI was produced using the general measures of altering the position of t he body during sleep and by the combination of nasal decongestant and positional change. There was no significant change in snoring using an y of these general measures.