Why Do You Snore with Your Mouth Closed? Causes, Solutions, and Tips

Snoring is a common problem that affects millions of people around the world. But did you know some people snore even when their mouth is closed? Snoring with closed mouth can be just as disruptive as snoring with an open mouth and may point to underlying health concerns. This article will explore why snoring closed mouth transpires, what causes it, and practical solutions to help you prevent snoring and get a better night's sleep.

What is Closed-Mouth Snoring?

Snoring usually occurs when airflow is blocked through the mouth or nose, causing the tissues in the throat to vibrate. When most people think of snoring, they picture someone with their mouth open, but snoring when mouth closed is also common. This happens when air struggles to pass through the nasal cavity and throat, leading to vibrations even though the mouth stays shut.

Closed-mouth snoring is often linked to issues with nasal airflow, such as nasal congestion, deviated septum, or sinus problems. Unlike snoring, which occurs when the mouth is open, this type of snoring tends to happen when the nose is blocked or when there is a restriction in the nasal air duct.

Why Do You Snore with Your Mouth Shut?

There are several reasons why you may snore with your mouth sealed. One of the most common causes is nasal congestion. When the nasal cavities are blocked due to allergies, a cold, or sinus issues, the body compensates by forcing air through narrower spaces. This can cause the soft tissues in the back of your throat to vibrate, leading to snoring.

Another reason for closed-mouth snoring is obstructive sleep apnea. This is a severe condition where the airway becomes completely blocked for short periods during sleep, causing you to stop breathing temporarily. People with sleep apnea may snore with their mouths open and closed, depending on how the air duct is blocked.

Structural problems like a deviated septum or nasal polyps can make it harder for air to pass through the nose, increasing the likelihood of snoring. Sleeping on your back can also contribute to snoring, as this position allows the tongue to fall back and block the air duct.

Can You Snore with Your Mouth Shut?

Yes, you can snore with your mouth shut. Snoring occurs whenever airflow is restricted, whether through the nose or mouth. Snoring with your mouth shut is often a sign that the problem is located in the nasal cavity or throat rather than the mouth itself.

Some people snore through their nose because of a narrow nasal cavity or chronic nasal obstruction. Throat snoring occurs with a closed mouth if the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, causing a partial blockage.

Causes of Snoring with a Closed Mouth

Closed-mouth snoring can be caused by several factors, including:

Nasal Congestion: When your nose is blocked due to a cold, allergies, or sinus issues, it can force you to breathe through your mouth or lead to snoring through the nose. Nasal obstruction makes it difficult for air to flow freely, which increases the chances of snoring.
Deviated Septum: A deviated septum is when the cartilage between your nostrils is off-center, obstructing one or both nostrils. This can lead to snoring and breathing problems during sleep.
Nasal Polyps: These small growths inside the nasal cavity can cause blockages, leading to restricted airflow and snoring.
Sleeping Position: Sleeping on your back can cause your mouth and throat muscles to relax, blocking the air and leading to snoring, even with a closed mouth.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. When the air is partially blocked through the nose or mouth, it can cause snoring.

How to Stop Snoring with Your Mouth Shut

If you snore with your mouth shut, there are several solutions you can try to reduce or eliminate snoring:

Use Nasal Strips: Nasal strips are adhesive strips that stick to the outside of your nose and help keep the nasal cavities open. This can improve airflow through the nose and reduce snoring.
Nasal Dilators: Similar to nose strips, nasal dilator strips are small devices that keep the nostrils open. These can be helpful for people with nasal obstruction or deviated septum issues.
Treat Nasal Obstruction: If you have a cold, allergies, or sinus issues, using a saline nasal spray or decongestant can help clear your nasal passages. Keeping your nose clear can reduce the likelihood of less snoring through your nose.
Mouth Tape: Taping your mouth closed involves using a gentle adhesive tape mouth strips to hold your mouth shut during sleep, encouraging nasal breathing. This can help with snoring because people switch to mouth breathing at night.
Change Your Sleeping Position: If you tend to sleep on your back, try sleeping on your side. Sleeping on your back can also cause the tongue and throat muscles to collapse and block the air duct, leading to snoring. Side sleeping can help people who snore by keeping the air duct open.
Use a Humidifier: Dry air can irritate the nasal passages and throat, making snoring worse. A humidifier in your bedroom can add moisture to the air, help prevent dry mouth, and keep your airways clear during sleep.
Lose Weight: If you are overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can reduce pressure on your airway and help prevent snoring. Excess weight, especially around the neck, can make it harder for the airway in the nose and throat to stay open during sleep.

Is Closed-Mouth Snoring a Sign of Sleep Apnea?

People with obstructive sleep apnea, in some cases, may suffer from closed-mouth snoring. If you snore loudly, wake up gasping for air, or feel excessively tired during the day, you should see a doctor to be evaluated for sleep apnea. Snoring and Sleep apnea is a severe condition that requires medical treatment, and it can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

Types of Snoring: Mouth vs. Nasal Snoring

Different types of snoring issues depend on where the airflow is blocked. Mouth snoring happens when air can’t pass through the mouth properly, often due to mouth breathing or throat obstruction. Nasal snoring, on the other hand, occurs when the nose is blocked, usually due to an obstruction, a deviated septum, or nasal polyps.

Closed-mouth snoring typically falls under snoring through the nose, where airflow is restricted, leading to snoring sounds. Some people experience both mouth and nose snoring, depending on their sleep position and whether their nasal passages are clear.

Can You Prevent Snoring by Keeping Your Mouth Shut?

Holding your mouth shut can sometimes help relieve snoring, especially if you are a mouth breather. Mouth taping can help train your body to breathe through your nose, which may lessen snoring over time. However, if your snoring is caused by a blocked nose or sleep apnea, you may need additional treatments to prevent snoring entirely.

If you have tried taping the mouth shut or other methods and still snore, seeing a doctor is essential. Chronic snoring may indicate sleep apnea or other underlying health issues, and a healthcare professional can recommend the best treatment plan for you.

When to See a Doctor About Snoring

While occasional snoring is usually not a cause for concern, frequent or loud snoring could indicate a more severe problem. If your snoring disrupts your sleep or those around you, it’s worth seeing a doctor. In particular, if you experience pauses in breathing, gasping for air, or daytime sleepiness, you should be evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea.

When it comes to snoring with mouth closed treatments, your doctor may recommend a diagnosis and treatment, including a sleep study to monitor your breathing patterns during sleep. Depending on the results, they might suggest treatments like CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and oral appliances to keep your airway open or for you to use sleep medication.

Conclusion

Snoring with your mouth shut can be frustrating, but practical solutions are available. Whether using nasal strips, treating a blocked nasal cavity, or trying mouth taping, many ways exist to reduce or eliminate snoring and improve sleep quality. If your snoring is persistent or accompanied by sleep apnea symptoms, seeking medical advice is essential. By addressing the underlying causes of your snoring, you can enjoy better sleep and a healthier life.