Definition - What does Vibratory Snore Index mean?
A vibratory snore index (VS) refers to the cumulative number of snoring events that occur during circadian rhythm cycles, measuring the intensity of vibratory oscillations that may contribute to disruptive sleep patterns. Snoring happens when soft tissue musculature lining the throat vibrates during the reciprocal interchange of air entering and leaving the lungs, causing variable noise effects.
SureHire explains Vibratory Snore Index
In many cases, snoring is symptomatic of hypopnea or sleep apnea, where partial or total blockage of the airway passage interferes with otherwise normal biorhythms. In polysomnography (sleep study) testing, a sleep technician will monitor and chart the different sleep stages, noting snoring as a marker for a potential sleep disorder to determine the proper treatment modality. A continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP) is the recommended therapeutic intervention designed to regulate airflow to facilitate breathing patterns.
The vibratory snore index is an adjunct feature of CPAP machines where the air pressure settings correspond to the vibrations in the throat to normalize respiration, especially in patients with persistent sleep apnea. Although snoring is generally linked to sleep apnea problems, it also carries epidemiological implications where people are susceptible to diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. In the workplace, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by intermittent breathing cessations that stand as a health and safety issue due to excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired cognition, and slow motor reflexes.
A physician may use vibratory snore index metrics in conjunction with baseline standards from the average hypopnea index (AHI) and apnea index (AI) in interpreting the degree of a patient’s sleep apnea condition. Since a large percentage of people remain undiagnosed with OSA, seeking medical attention that entails the use of CPAP therapy can help mitigate chronic snoring to promote regular biorhythms at night.
