Are There Any Anti Snoring Devices That Really Work?

June 28th, 2009     Filed Under sleep apnea, snoring, snoring cure  

Confused about the number of anti snoring devices available? Every snorer wants to get rid of their habit so they are an easy target for these types of product, but the trick is knowing which ones have the greatest chance of working before you break the budget and buy them all. This article will review the main snoring devices available and hopefully help you choose.

Snoring pillows

The anti snore pillow is ergonomically designed to keep the airways open by supporting the user’s neck, keeping the soft palate away from the throat. Some of them will force the user to sleep on his side which will stop many people from snoring. Other pillows have magnets included which are reported to reduce pain. However the is no solid evidence to show any reduction of snoring by using these pillows, although by forcing the user to sleep on his side, they would work for some people.

Nasal strips

These sticky strips force open the nasal passages allowing the snorer to breath through his nose instead of his mouth. This simple snoring device may indeed be helpful for snorers, but only if nasal congestion was the cause of snoring in the first place.

There are also devices to insert inside the nose to keep the nasal passages open. These also work to alleviate congestion, although they do tend to fall out frequently.

Throat spray

Throat sprays usually contain aromatherapy oils and help to lubricate and tone the soft tissue around the throat, supposedly stopping them from vibrating.

Again these are really only useful in helping to ease congestion.

Nasal sprays

Nasal sprays for snoring work to keep the nasal passages clear of congestion so that the snorer is less inclined to breathe through his mouth. This they do quite effectively, but they are unsafe to use for the long term. If you use these sprays for more than a few days, they may cause dependency and possibly make the congestion worse.

Snoring pills

Snoring pills work in a similar fashion to the sprays by reducing swelling and congestion. The natural ones are plant based and some also contain anti histamines. The only real benefit from these pills is a decongestive effect.

Snoring ring

The snoring ring was invented in Australia and uses pressure points to stop snoring. It must be worn on the pinky finger of the left hand. The ring works by creating a calming effect which allows a deep sleep without snoring.

Some people swear by the snoring ring and claim it has stopped their snoring permanently. Others say it has had no effect whatsoever. Worth a try if you’re curious!

Throat exercises

Throat exercises have been around for a while and there is a solid body of evidence to their effectiveness. Throat exercises do demand a little bit of effort for them to work. Those who diligently practice the exercises daily report a noticeable reduction in their snoring and sometimes it has stopped completely. They work by strengthening the jaw and throat muscles as well as the tongue, all of which serves to end vibration of the soft tissues.

In conclusion most anti snoring devices may work for some people but for most they’re a waste of money. The only snoring aids I can recommend are the snoring exercises for those who do not wish to use a Cpap or resort to surgery.

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