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Influence of elevated versus flat upper body position on objective snoring intensity. A case report

Einfluss der Oberkörperposition auf die objektive Intensität des Schnarchens. Ein Fallbericht

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Summary

Subjective snoring intensity depends on body position. Unfortunately, there still is no accepted protocol for the objective assessment of snoring sounds. In general, objective data are lacking. This study objectively assessed the influence of the elevated versus the flat position of the upper body on the intensity of snoring. The snoring sounds of a 41-year-old male with primary snoring were recorded for 30 min during 54 consecutive nights in supine and in a slightly upright position with the upper part of the body being raised at a 15-degree angle. The tapes were evaluated by a technician who counted the immaculate snoring events. The number of snoring events was statistically significantly higher in the supine position as compared to the elevated body position (175.3±108.6 vs. 55.6±101.4). The authors conclude that the position of the upper part of the body may influence the severity of snoring.

Zusammenfassung

Die subjektive Intensität des Schnarchens ist abhängig von der Körperlage. Leider gibt es bisher kein allgemein akzeptiertes Protokoll für die objektive Erfassung und Analyse von Schlafatmungs geräuschen. Daher gibt es bislang kaum objektive Daten. Diese Studie befasst sich mit dem Einfluss der Oberkörperposition auf die objektive Intensität des Schnarchens. Die Schlafatmungsgeräusche eines 41 jährigen Mannes mit primärem Schnarchen wurden für jeweils 30 Minuten in 54 aufeinander folgenden Nächten entweder in Oberkörperflachlagerung oder in Oberkörperhochlagerung um 15 Grad aufgezeichnet. Die Tonbänder wurden abgehört und die Anzahl der eindeutig als Schnarchgeräusch zu identifizierenden Ereignisse mit dem menschlichen Ohr ermittelt. Die Anzahl der Schnarchgeräusche pro Stunde war in Oberkörperflachlagerung statistisch signifikant höher als mit erhöhtem Oberkörper (175,3±108,6 versus 55,6±101,4). Die Autoren schließen aus den Ergebnissen, dass die Oberkörperposition einen Einfluss auf die Intensität von Schnarchgeräuschen beim primären Schnarchen haben kann.

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Correspondence to Thomas Verse.

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Verse, T., Pirsig, W., Maurer, J.T. et al. Influence of elevated versus flat upper body position on objective snoring intensity. A case report. Somnologie 8, 151–154 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-054X.2004.00031.x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-054X.2004.00031.x

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