Understanding and Treating Snoring
Personalised, specialist care for persistent snoring — guided by consultant ENT surgeons.
Over 40% of adults snore regularly, and for many it is more than a nighttime inconvenience. Persistent snoring can disrupt the quality of sleep for both the snorer and those around them, contribute to daytime fatigue, and — in some cases — signal an underlying breathing disorder such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
At Hillser Clinic, our specialist ENT surgeons take a thorough, patient-led approach. Rather than offering a single standard solution, we begin with a careful assessment to identify the precise cause of your snoring — whether nasal, palatal, or multi-level — before designing a treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and lifestyle.
What causes snoring?
Snoring occurs when airflow through the upper airway is partially obstructed during sleep, causing the surrounding tissues — including the soft palate, tonsils, and tongue base — to vibrate.
The cause varies from person to person, and can include:
Nasal obstruction or congestion (including deviated septum, polyps, or rhinitis)
Enlarged tonsils or a long or floppy soft palate
Excess tissue around the neck or throat
Alcohol, sedatives, or certain medications
Sleep position and sleep architecture
Snoring or sleep apnoea?
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are distinct conditions, but they frequently coexist. Snoring can be an early warning sign that your airway is at risk of collapsing during sleep. If you also experience pauses in breathing, gasping during the night, excessive daytime sleepiness, or unrefreshing sleep, a full diagnostic assessment — including a home sleep study or Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) — may be recommended to guide your treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the site and severity of obstruction.
Options at Hillser Clinic include:
Conservative measures — sleep hygiene advice, positional therapy, weight management guidance
Nasal interventions — improving nasal airflow with treatments such as ClariFix® cryotherapy or the LATERA® absorbable nasal implant
Minimally invasive throat procedures — including coblation palatoplasty to reduce and stiffen the soft palate
Surgical intervention — for significant anatomical causes identified on assessment
Individual factors including the site of obstruction, severity of symptoms, sleep study findings, and overall health all influence the treatment approach and outcome — each of these is assessed carefully at consultation.
Why choose Hillser Clinic?
Consultant-led expertise – all assessments and treatments are led by senior ENT consultants with specialist experience in snoring and sleep-disordered breathing.
Advanced techniques – access to the latest diagnostic tools and minimally invasive treatment options tailored to your anatomy and needs.
Integrated care – nutritional support and lifestyle guidance are available alongside clinical treatment as part of a comprehensive care pathway.
Safety and clinical excellence – procedures carried out at leading hospitals in London and the South East, ensuring safe and convenient care for patients from a wide area.
FAQs
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Not always. Snoring can be a simple mechanical issue without significant health implications. However, when accompanied by pauses in breathing, excessive tiredness, or consistently poor sleep quality, it should be assessed to rule out obstructive sleep apnoea. A consultation will clarify whether further investigation is needed.
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Not necessarily. Your consultant will review your symptoms, medical history, and anatomy at your first appointment. Depending on findings, a home sleep study or a diagnostic sleep endoscopy (DISE) may be recommended before treatment is agreed.
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Most of the procedures we offer for snoring are minimally invasive and well-tolerated under local anaesthesia. Downtime is typically short. Your consultant will give you a clear picture of what to expect before any treatment is agreed.
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If you have been told you stop breathing, gasp, or choke during sleep, this should be assessed promptly. These are potential signs of obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition with significant health implications if left untreated. We would recommend booking a consultation so that a proper assessment — including a sleep study if appropriate — can be arranged.
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Yes, in many cases. Excess weight — particularly around the neck and throat — is a well-established contributor to snoring by narrowing the upper airway. For patients where weight is a significant factor, lifestyle support and weight management guidance are offered alongside clinical treatment as part of your care pathway.
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We typically offer consultations within a few days of enquiry. Please contact us via the website or by email to check current availability.
If snoring is affecting your sleep or quality of life, a specialist assessment is the right first step.
Our consultant ENT surgeons will help identify the cause and guide you through the most appropriate treatment options.
Book your consultation today with Hillser Clinic and take the first step towards better sleep.