Systematic Analysis of Snoring in Women

Nineteen percent of women are habitual snorers, yet most snoring studies report only on male snorers. The aim of this study was to identify the factors responsible for habitual snoring in women. Twenty-four snorers and 16 controls were studied prospectively in a special snoring clinic. Snorers were shorter (p =.005) and heavier (p =.001), and with greater body mass index (BMI; p <.001), collar size (p =.002), and submental skinfold thickness (p =.001) than controls. The area of the posterior pharyngeal wall visible on oral examination was smaller in snorers (p =.005). Acoustic rhinometry areas and volumes were similar in the two groups. Nasal flow-volume loops showed reduced expiratory (p =.01) and inspiratory (p =.07) flow in snorers. Inspiratory flow correlated inversely with nasal symptoms (p <.05). The factors that best predict habitual snoring in women are a high BMI, a high nasal symptom score, and heavy weight. Of these, BMI is the most powerful.