Snoring Becomes a Growing Time Bomb in Australia

May 2007

It is estimated that close to 4 million Australians now suffer from snoring, which is often a sign of the dangerous and growing incidence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and is estimated to cost the economy more than $10.3 billion a year.

Leading anti-snoring group, Somnomed Ltd, estimates that OSA affects approximately 24 per cent of men and 9 per cent of women, aged between 30 and 60 years, and is linked to many potentially life-threatening conditions and health problems, such as increased risk of stroke, hypertension and cardio-vascular disease.

Snoring currently affects about 44 per cent of men and 28 per cent of women in the middle-aged population, while also causing discomfort to their partners whose sleep is also impacted by the noise and restlessness.

Access Economics reports that sleep disorders cause 9.1 per cent of work injuries, 8.6 per cent of depressive conditions and 7.6 per cent of motor vehicle accidents.

According to Jacqueline Payne, General Manger of Somnomed Asia Pacific, “Snoring and OSA is now severely affecting Australians’ productivity, health and happiness, as it causes daytime sleepiness, an increased risk of high blood pressure and higher rates of strokes, heart attacks and arrhythmias.

“There is no doubt the problem is growing as the population gains weight, one of the major causes of snoring as it promotes the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat, blocking the airway during sleep, pausing breathing up to several hundred times a night”, she added.

The percentage of snorers increases with age, peaking between 50 and 59 years, with men louder than women.

Unfortunately snoring is a genetic problem, as children with at least one parent who snores frequently are 300 per cent more likely to suffer from the problem.

With approval from Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in the US and wide support from physicians and dentists, Australian company Somnomed, has launched a breakthrough product to effectively treat snoring and mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

In 2006, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, published revised Practice Parameters which elevate the use of oral appliance in the treatment of snoring and mild to moderate OSA.

The SomnoDent™ MAS (mandibular advancement splint), offers sufferers of snoring and partners of snorers, a genuine solution amongst the clutter of snoring cures and anti-snoring products, currently confusing consumers who are looking for effective treatment.

Following an extensive research and development program, and developed by a team of doctor’s and dentists in the state-of-the-art lab in Sydney, the SomnoDent™ MAS is an oral device that positions the lower jaw (mandible) slightly forward of its usual position, which has the effect of keeping the airway open and preventing snoring.

The device consists of two separate acrylic plates and is custom made to provide a perfect fit over the teeth, being kind to teeth and ensuring comfort and durability for the wearer.  The Somnomed MAS™ is innovative, simple to use and competitively priced, with many advantages over the traditional intrusive and expensive treatments.

The product, which is custom fitted and made for each patient after they visit their doctor or dentist, has been clinically proven for its effectiveness and is already being used by more than 5,000 snorers across Australia.

 “There are now so many anti-snoring products on the market that consumers do not know where to go to get effective treatment for their condition. It is important for snorers to receive expert advice and effective treatment for their specific condition, and most importantly, using products that offer genuine solutions.

“Somnomed are working with medical and dental professionals to make our MAS product available to the millions affected by snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, both here and overseas”, Ms Payne added.

Somnomed has established marketing and distribution channels across Australia and overseas for the patented product.

The price of the SomnoDent™ MAS and associated clinical services is set by the customer’s dentist, and may vary depending on their individual circumstances. Typically, the cost is between $1200 - $1500.

Most of the private dental health funds provide varying levels of rebate to patients, according to the level of cover – up to $600.

The SomnoDent™ MAS must be prescribed by a medical practitioner, and the patient is then referred to a dentist for a fitting.

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