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 snoring pillows also contain magnets which are supposed to relieve pain. There is little concrete evidence to show that these pillows stop snoring although they may work for some people by encouraging side sleeping.
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.
There is little evidence that throat sprays work but they may help to clear 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
These mainly aims to reduce swelling and congestion in the nose and throat passages. Most snoring pills are based on natural ingredients, but others also contain anti histamines. The only real benefit from these pills is a decongestive effect.
Snoring ring
Invented in Australia, the anti snore ring works on the principle of acupressure. It must be worn on the pinky finger of the left hand. It creates a calming effect which, in theory, ensures a peaceful night’s sleep — with no snoring.
The snoring ring does have it’s fans who swear it has permanently stopped their snoring. However others who have used it say it has done nothing at all. The jury is still out on this one!
Throat exercises
These exercises are not new and there is some evidence to show they are effective. 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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