Oral appliance therapy should be considered first-line treatment for dentate patients with primary snoring, according to new guidance endorsed by the Australasian Sleep Association.

Surgical and non-surgical interventions are also recommended for symptom management, with a particular focus on weight loss and reducing alcohol consumption.

But over-the-counter devices and complementary therapies, such as lubricating nasal sprays and nasal valve dilators, should be avoided altogether due to “insufficient evidence to suggest effectiveness”.

Clinicians led by ENT surgeon Professor Stuart MacKay, from Wollongong Hospital, say the Australian-first position statement provides clinical guidance for managing patients with primary snoring, specifically those with an apnoea-hypopnea index score of <15.