Nasal Cavity Dimensions and Pharyngeal Airway Space in Simple Snoring: A Cross-Sectional CT-Based Study

Background and Objectives: The anatomical relationship between nasal cavity dimensions and the pharyngeal airway space (PAS) in simple snoring remains poorly defined. We investigated the association between nasal cavity dimensions and the PAS in adults with simple snoring using computed tomography (CT), focusing on anatomical correlations. Methods: This study included 83 adults with habitual snoring and nasal obstruction, with a confirmed apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) < 2. Polysomnography and CT were performed to measure nasal and pharyngeal airway dimensions. The minimum cross-sectional areas (mCSAs) of three nasal cavity segments and pharyngeal airway dimensions were measured using awake CT images. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between the nasal and pharyngeal parameters. Results: The smallest nasal cavity mCSA was positively associated with PAS in the overall cohort (β = 0.369, P = 0.001), with a significant association observed in males (β = 0.499, P = 0.001), but not in females. Sex-related differences were also observed in the PAS dimensions, including anteroposterior length and pharyngeal depth. Conclusions: In individuals with simple snoring, smaller nasal cavity dimensions were associated with a narrower PAS on static CT imaging, particularly in males. These findings reflect the anatomical associations and should not be interpreted as evidence of functional airway collapse or disease progression.