Snoring
“Rhonchopathy” is the medical term for snoring. For details of how treatment works, what it costs and where to find us, see treating snoring in Zurich.
The term describes noisy breathing during sleep – regardless of whether it is harmful or not. Snoring may simply be a nuisance for whoever shares your bedroom, or it may be the sign of a serious condition.
That is why it is important to clarify what is behind it, what causes the snoring and what can be done about it.
Would you like to know whether there is more behind your snoring? Take our free online test – or read how we treat snoring in Zurich.
What causes snoring?
Snoring occurs when the structures of the throat start to vibrate in the airflow. You can see the same effect by holding two sheets of paper together and blowing across their edges.
Narrowing can occur at several points – or “levels” – of the airway: in the nose, the soft palate or the base of the tongue. These narrow passages may occur individually or in combination.
Treatment with a mandibular advancement splint mainly prevents the tongue from falling back, also partially stabilises the soft palate and thus widens the airway.
Breathing sounds
Breathing sounds are normal. As air flows past anatomical structures, turbulence can create noise. This hissing or sometimes whistling sound can occur when breathing in or out. It only becomes a health concern when it leads to a temporary lack of oxygen.
Primary snoring
A distinction is made between “primary snoring” and “obstructive sleep apnea“.
In primary snoring, the body’s oxygen supply is not significantly affected by the snoring. The main issue is the noise.
In obstructive sleep apnea, by contrast, the oxygen level of the blood drops, which damages your health.
What helps against snoring?
Not every kind of snoring needs treatment – but once you know the causes, you can address them effectively. The basic measures are: losing excess weight, avoiding alcohol in the evening, keeping regular sleep times, avoiding sleeping on your back, and ensuring free nasal breathing (have this checked by an ENT specialist if needed).
If that is not enough, a custom-made mandibular advancement splint is the most effective dental treatment: it holds the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep, keeping the airway open – quiet nights without a mask and without surgery. It is important to clarify beforehand whether you have primary snoring or sleep apnea.
Frequently asked questions about snoring
Why do I snore?
During sleep, the muscles of the tongue, soft palate and throat relax. If this narrows the upper airway, the tissue starts to vibrate in the airflow – creating the snoring sound. Sleeping on your back, alcohol in the evening, excess weight, increasing age, obstructed nasal breathing and the individual anatomy of the jaw and throat all make snoring more likely.
When should I have my snoring checked?
At the latest when your snoring is loud and irregular, when pauses in breathing have been observed, or when you are noticeably tired during the day. These can be signs of obstructive sleep apnea, which should be treated. Our free online test gives you a first assessment.
What really helps against snoring?
Basic measures such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol in the evening and not sleeping on your back can reduce snoring. The most effective dental treatment is a custom-made mandibular advancement splint, which keeps the airway open during sleep – without a mask and without surgery.
Do sprays, nasal strips or splints from the pharmacy help?
Sprays and nasal strips help at most with purely nasal snoring. Prefabricated thermoplastic splints from the pharmacy or the internet fit far less well than custom-made splints, are less reliable – and if you have undetected sleep apnea, they can delay necessary treatment.
What does a snoring splint from the dentist cost?
A custom-made mandibular advancement splint costs CHF 1,500 to 2,700. For simple snoring without pauses in breathing, mandatory basic health insurance does not usually cover the costs, as it is not classed as a medical condition. It is different once sleep apnea has been diagnosed: with a doctor’s prescription, the costs are usually covered in full by basic insurance.
Author: Michael Adler, DMD, MSc – dentist specialising in dental sleep medicine · Last updated: July 2026
Based on the guidelines of the SSSSC and DGSM for dental sleep medicine.