Snoring or Apnea?

Same sound. Very different problem.

Simple snoring

Steady, soft, no pauses. Same volume all night. No daytime fatigue.

Apnea red flag #1

Loud snoring with sudden silent pauses, then a gasp.

Red flag #2

Witnessed breathing stops by a bed partner — even once a week is significant.

Red flag #3

Morning headaches and a dry mouth on waking.

Red flag #4

Daytime sleepiness despite 7+ hours in bed.

STOP-BANG self-check

Snore loud, Tired, Observed stops, Pressure (BP), BMI>35, Age>50, Neck>16in, male. 3+ = test.

Next step

Ask your doctor about a home sleep apnea test.