Q: Is this app only for people that start snoring when they lie on their back or chest?
A: No, you can also enable the microphone to record a possible snore and let the device vibrate every 10 seconds. This works independent of your sleeping position.
Q: Can I use an external microphone?
A: Yes, your can use an external bluetooth microphone. If you are wearing the smartphone on your chest it is actually recommended to do so as a sheet reduces the sound quality.
Q: Once the microphone is enabled, does it also record the snoring of my partner?
A: Yes, this can happen, so get your consent before enabling the microphone. Remember, you don't need the microphone to use this app. You can also use it solely to detect when you are lying flat.
Q: Does the microphone record everything?
A: Once enabled, the microphone analyses the sound to detect typical a snoring pattern. If this pattern is repeated two times, only the last 5 seconds are stored on the device for playback and the device vibrates multiple times. All other parts of the sound recording are deleted immediately after analyzing .
Q: Why does it take 10 seconds before the device vibrates again?
A: With "lying flat detection" turned on, we want to avoid vibration while you are rolling from side to side.
Q: Why does Airplane Mode have to be switched on by the user?
A: As a you carry the device on your chest, we want to avoid any telephony and WiFi communication so you don't get disturbed and no health issue can occur. Be aware that airplane mode is something the user of the app must enable himself to ensure no radiofrequency occurs.
For people wearing a pacemaker, we suggest you turn off bluetooth as well. If this is not an option for you, consult your doctor first and keep at least a minimum distance of 15 cm between your smartphone and the pacemaker.
Q: Should I adjust the threshold of the microphone?
A: Normally, you can leave it in the default setting. If you want a setting that is optimal for you, you can start with -60 dB (most sensitive). If you see too many log events and playing the recordings doesn't always give you a snoring sound, reduce the sensitivity and try again. Repeat this process until the recordings always give you a snoring sound.
Q: Why is this app cost free? What are you getting out of this?
A: My snoring and my passion for developing IT solutions lead me to this app. If it helped me, why wouldn't I help others with it? Maybe one day in the future I will charge a few USD for it to cover my yearly 99 USD for the Apple Developer Program membership, but that's it.
Q: Is there any catch to this app?
A: Sorry, no catch. :) No collection of information through the app, all data stays on the device and there are no in-app purchases. You can always delete all recordings and of course, the app itself.
Q: What kind of strap do I need to wear my smartphone on my chest?
A: I am using the running belt of Fitgriff (Ad / Affiliate link) for my iPhone 16 Pro and made good experiences with it, but you can use any typical sports belt for around 15 USD. As long as your smartphone fits and you feel comfortable with it, it should do the trick.
Q: While using the app, sleeping on my side gives me sore muscles in my neck the next morning.
A: Congratulations, it seems that the "lying flat detection" feature worked for you. Although there is nothing wrong with sleeping on your side, I do recommend getting a get good quality mattress and pillow to prevent sore muscles.
Q: The vibration of the smartphone wakes up my partner.
A: For iPhone users that have an Apple Watch with WatchOS 8.7 or higher paired with it, you can start the app on the watch and switch off "Log event, but don't buzz me here". The Apple Watch gives you more subtle vibrations on your wrist in case of an event. Just be aware that such a notification on your wrist usually comes with a 10-20 seconds delay due to the architecture of the Apple Watch. As with the smartphone, it is recommended to put your watch in flight mode and turn WiFi off. Your watch is still connected with the smartphone over bluetooth.
Q: Do you also support Android?
A: For smartphones running Android 10 or higher, you will soon be able to get the app on Google Play Store. If you would like to be part in the testing phase, send me an e-mail (nielsdebr@gmail.com).