The anti-snoring industry offers a variety of methods and devices, including medical protocols, specialized gadgets, pillows, mouth tapes, and nasal dilators. However, the effectiveness of these solutions is often limited.

Snoring is common among people of all genders and can occur in various settings—at home, while visiting friends, or on vacation. While the person snoring usually doesn’t experience discomfort, those nearby may have trouble sleeping due to the irregular and loud noises. The noise level of snoring can exceed 90 decibels, comparable to a vacuum cleaner or motorcycle. Prolonged exposure to such noise can lead to psychological issues.

Most scientific research on snoring focuses on apnea—a serious breathing disorder where breathing can stop for 10 seconds or more. Over time, apnea can cause cognitive decline and memory problems, which distinguishes it from regular snoring.

Even if snoring is not accompanied by apnea, it can still reduce the quality of life for both the individual and their loved ones. The mechanisms behind snoring sounds in the body are not fully understood, making it difficult to choose effective treatment methods.

To study the problem, physicists developed a three-dimensional model of the upper airways and examined airflow dynamics, the behavior of soft tissues, and the processes that generate sound. Special attention was given to the soft palate—a fold of mucous membrane that separates the oral cavity from the pharynx and is located above the base of the tongue.

Modeling airflow through the mouth revealed that the loudest sounds are produced by unstable and inconsistent airflow passing through the folds of soft tissue. These findings suggest that efforts should focus on reducing vibrations of the soft palate and stabilizing the aerodynamic load on it. Procedures aimed at strengthening the tissues of the palate and nasopharynx are considered promising.

The researchers note that their model can help study the mechanics of snoring, but it is not yet detailed enough to develop clinical recommendations. The next step will be to analyze how the stiffness of the palate affects vibration parameters such as amplitude, sound frequency, airflow characteristics, and the intensity of the noise source. In the future, the model is expected to be expanded to include treatment options.