Buying guide for Best anti-snoring devices
It's often treated as a joke in television and movies, but having a partner who snores can have devastating effects on a relationship. Being inches away from the sound of a chainsaw drastically affects sleep patterns and the health of both the snorer and his or her partner. Finding an effective solution for nightly snoring problems could save a failing relationship. That’s why so many people in this situation turn to anti-snoring devices.
But there can be many reasons why someone snores. And snoring can range in intensity from a mere inconvenience to a serious risk to health. It's important to know which type of snoring issue(s) you have and which anti-snoring device is specifically designed to relieve your symptoms.
Key considerations
Types of snoring
There are a number of different conditions that can cause snoring. In order for an anti-snoring device to be effective, it must be designed to treat the right condition. There are five different body parts that can contribute to snoring: nasal passages, tongue, jaw, throat, and soft palate.
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Nasal passages: If you have small nasal passages or nasal passages that are blocked or swollen, it can cause you to breathe through your mouth. Breathing through the mouth is one of the main reasons why people snore. A nasal passage issue can be temporary (a cold), seasonal (allergies), or chronic (nasal polyps or deviated septum).
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Tongue: Frequently, a weak tongue can be responsible for snoring. During the night, especially when sleeping on the back, the tongue can fall back into the throat and obstruct the airway, causing breathing issues.
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Jaw: Sometimes it isn't the tongue's fault at all. A sleeper's jaw might slip back and reduce tension on the tongue, allowing it to slide back and block the airway. In this case, the snorer needs an anti-snoring device designed to keep the jaw in position.
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Throat: Throat snoring is a result of extra tissue in the throat. Pregnant women and overweight individuals may suffer from this condition, but it can also be caused by genetics, enlarged tonsils, or large adenoids.
- Soft palate: Sometimes, the soft palate, the fleshy part at the back of the roof of the mouth, can be responsible for snoring.
Types of anti-snoring devices
Snoring caused by nasal passage issues
Since surgery only helps about 7% of patients, according to the British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association, most people rely on other methods. Anti-snoring devices like nose clips, nasal strips, and nose vents or nasal dilators all work to keep the nasal passage open to allow unobstructed airflow in and out of the nose.
Snoring caused by tongue issues
When your tongue isn't strong enough to keep from slipping down your throat on its own, a snorer has a few options. The first is changing sleeping positions. Next, a doctor may prescribe tongue exercises to make the tongue less likely to cause problems. Alternatively, the snorer can try an anti-snoring device that stabilizes the tongue in some manner to keep the airway unobstructed.
Snoring caused by jaw issues
An anti-snoring device that is designed to hold the jaw in place works by creating a light tension on the jaw that pulls it forward. In this position, the tongue is also under light pressure and unable to relax and slip back into the throat. These types of anti-snoring devices can resemble a mouthguard. Alternatively, a chin strap may help with snoring caused by jaw issues.
Snoring caused by throat issues
Snoring that is a result of excess tissue is probably best treated with a weight-loss program. Additionally, exercises may help, and a snoring mouthpiece or mouthguard might be able to diminish the problem as well.
Snoring caused by soft palate issues
Although many of the problems with soft palate snoring may eventually require surgery or implants, like tongue and throat issues, there are exercises that might help strengthen and stiffen the soft palate. Additionally, some of the snoring mouthpieces may provide relief as well.
A note about CPAP machines
Continuous positive airway pressure machines keep the airways open through air pressure so an individual doesn’t snore. Although these machines can be very effective in stopping snoring, they do not cure the problem.
Did you know?
Remember that snoring is a physical problem, not something your partner is purposely doing. Approaching it from concern for your partner will help quell unwanted emotions.
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Anti-snoring device prices
For the most part, anti-snoring devices all fall within the same general price range. At the low end, you can find a tongue stabilizer for about $6. On the high end, you can get a kit that has multiple nasal dilators for about $16 or $17.
When you leave this price range, products quickly climb. You might find a mouthpiece for $100 or more, and a snore-stopping pillow can range from $50 to $140.
The important thing to remember is to look for the device that is designed to treat your specific situation.
Tips
Sometimes snoring can be reduced or eliminated by something as simple as sleeping in a different position. At other times it can involve avoiding certain beverages. Here are a few quick tips you can try before purchasing an appliance.
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Change sleep positions. Sleep on your side. Put some pillows behind you to keep you sleeping on your side. Elevate your head.
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Avoid alcohol, chocolate, spicy foods, and dairy products. Drink plenty of water.
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Develop good sleeping habits. Don't go to bed overtired. Avoid sedatives.
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Stop smoking.
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Weight loss is helpful in some situations.
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Clear nasal passages with a hot shower, facial sauna, saline nasal spray, or neti pot before bed.
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Clean the bedroom thoroughly. The ceiling fan, pillow cases, or bed sheets could be harboring dust mites.
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Treating any allergies could help reduce snoring. Ask your doctor if any medications you’re taking could be contributing to your snoring.
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Try using a humidifier in your bedroom.
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Start singing. Singing can build the muscles in your throat and tongue, which may decrease or eliminate snoring.
FAQ
Q. Snoring annoys the non-snorer, but are there more serious problems associated with snoring?
A. There are a number of serious health conditions that have been tied to snoring. These range from headaches and depression to heart disease and stroke. If you have serious, persistent snoring, you need to let your doctor know.
Q. I hear OTC decongestants are great for snoring. Which should I try?
A. There are a number of negative side effects, such as elevated blood pressure, that can arise from using OTC medications. Never start any new medicine without first consulting your doctor.
Q. Snoring just means I'm a deep sleeper, right?
A. Although certain types of snoring may begin when you reach deep sleep, if it wakes you or interferes with your breathing, you may never actually reach that deep restorative sleep your body needs to repair itself.
