What are anti-snoring devices and do they work?

Snoring can be amusing or inconvenient in relationships or shared accommodation. It can also prevent people from simply getting a good night’s sleep.

Moreover, it is actually a breathing disorder that can have some negative side effects on peoples’ health. Snoring can be brought about by reactions to allergies, cold and flu, being overweight, and excessive alcohol intake. It can also be caused simply due to the makeup of a person’s mouth and sinus system.

Alleviating snoring can be achieved through natural means such as weight loss and reductions in alcohol consumption. Seeing a doctor is also recommended to ensure conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea are not present. But natural efforts to reduce snoring can take time to work, and in the meantime there are a variety of anti-snoring devices that can help.

Anti-snoring devices come in all shapes and sizes, from chin straps to soothing oils. People can choose depending on how severe their snoring is, what is most comfortable, and budget. These are some of the most effective and practical options.

Chin straps

Chin straps are used to treat sleep apnea, but can also be used to alleviate less serious problems with snoring. Snoring or discomfort in the mouth can often be triggered by a dry mouth or throat. This can be made worse if people sleep with their mouth open, as more air, saliva and moisture escape as a result.

Chin straps work by keeping the jaw closed and preserving moisture in the mouth. Well-made models can be comfortable to wear, and consist of fabric with a Velcro fastening. They are also cheap to buy, with many models available for less than $20.

Snorepins

Snorepins work to reduce snoring by reducing the flow of particles to the lungs during sleep. Small slits on the vent help nose hairs to intercept these particles. They also serve to keep the nostrils dilated which limits dry mouth by maintaining airflow.

Like chin straps, snorepins are quite cheap to buy, and most types can be efficiently cleaned in a dishwasher. Best of all, they can be worn discreetly without others noticing them. This makes them perfect for wearing on long-haul flights or long train journeys.

Nasal strips

With a stronger, more calming design than before, nasal strips such as Breathe Right work to reduce congestion during sleep. The strips enable easier breathing by lifting the nostrils to allow more air into the nasal passages.

A lavender scent, known to have a relaxing effect, also contributes to opening the sinuses. The end result is more natural breathing, reduced snoring and deeper, calmer sleep. Nasal strips are also incredibly easy to put on, and are effective for nasally-induced snoring. For people suffering from snoring as a result of throat-based problems, there are likely to be more effective solutions than nasal strips.

Nasal drops

Nasal drops such as Banyan Botanicals Nasya Oil helps create calmer sleep through a detoxification process. They are made from natural sesame oils and herbs. Snoring is reduced because the oil provides lubrication for the nasal passages. Its cleansing effect also reduces build ups of extra mucus in the sinuses.

Sleep oils also create a feeling of calm by reducing pressure in the sinus system. This helps foster deeper sleep and clear thinking.

Mouthpieces

Snoring is all about airflow, and custom-moulded mouthpieces are all about increasing it. They work by keeping the jaw and tongue optimally placed to increase amount of air intake from each breath.

Mouthpieces can be adjusted according to the layout of teeth. This aids comfort, and maximizes theireffectiveness by keeping the tongue and jaw in advanced positions to aid breathing. Mouthpieces are simple to mould, and after a little adjustment are barely noticeable.

Sleep-aid pillows

One of the main causes of snoring is when the lead lulls to a flat position. This makes breathing harder and snoring louder.

Memory foam pillows provide a comfortable sleeping experience, but keep their shape to ensure the head remains elevated. There are also positive side effects from keeping the head in an elevated sleeping position, such as reducing neck and back pain.

Research has showed side sleeping to be better than back sleeping. This is because the throat stays open more and more oxygen can reach the lungs based simply on gravity.

There are also different types of pillows available depending on whether the person tends to sleep on their back or on their side. Some come with inbuilt blocks to keep side posture, and gaps for arms to keep comfort levels high.

In summary

There are a range of anti-snoring devices to suit different peoples’ comfort requirements and their reasons for snoring. Some devices are wearable, while others such as wedges and memory foam pillows provide alternatives.

All of the anti-snoring devices outlined in this article come with minimal risk to the user. Pillows, nasal strips and mouthpieces are especially safe. Well-made mouthpieces are all designed to be large enough to make choking impossible, but compact enough to be comfortable in the mouth. With nasal strips, the maximum impact is the same as a band aid with some very mild skin irritation from where the strip has been stuck.

The best device to choose also depends on the root cause of the snoring.

If a person is suffering from tight nostrils, oils or nose clips could be the best solution. This helps to widen the nasal passages and sinus system.

Snoring can also be caused by problems from the throat. In this case, mouthpieces, specialized pillows, or chin straps can be the best solutions.

It is also important to pay attention to sustainability when choosing sleeping aids. Anti-snoring devices such as pillows or chinstraps can be re-used continuously. Others such as nose clips can be single use. This can contribute to waste build-up, but can also become expensive if a long-term sleep aid solution is required.

If more severe symptoms are experienced, contacting a doctor is recommended. Warning signals for this include waking up short of breath, or continuously restless sleep.

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