Snoring is the irritating sound people of any age make when their air passages are blocked during sleep. There are several reasons the air passages get blocked, and there are over the counter aids to stop snoring that address each cause. Mouthpieces, special pillows and nasal strips are the most popular aids that help reduce snoring for some people; however, none of them address all the causes. Blocked nasal passages and sleep apnea are physical causes of snoring that may require surgery.
A Stop Snoring Mouthpiece
A stop snoring mouthpiece also called a mandibular advancement device is inserted into the mouth over the teeth. It is soft and moulds to the shape of the mouth, so it is very comfortable. A stop snoring mouthpiece holds the lower jaw in a slightly forward position during sleep which opens the air passages in the throat and slows down the air that rushes through the throat. The reason a stop snoring mouthpiece works is because the slower moving air does not vibrate the throat tissue.
Special Stop Snoring Pillows
The aim of all stop snoring pillows is to reposition the head during sleep. Stop snoring pillows will promote better alignment of the air passages with the jaw forward and the chin raised. This will expand the air passages in the throat and nose to the maximum. Some stop snoring pillows are constructed with a shallow center with the outer edge raised. This keeps the head firmly in place and comfortable and inhibits sleeping positions that will aggravate snoring.
Other stop snoring pillows are shaped for the person to sleep comfortably on either side, and has a space for the lower arm to fit underneath the pillow. The head tilts down so the tongue stays forward in the mouth, and the air passages are not blocked.
Nasal Strips
Nasal strips are very popular as a treatment for snoring. They are devices that are drug-free and non-prescription and work mechanically to keep the nasal passages open to stop the vibration that makes the snoring sound. Nasal strips consist of one or more bands of plastic that is embedded in an adhesive pad. They are placed across the nose in such a way that they continuously try to straighten. This lifts the sides of the nose and widens the space in the nasal valve which allows for the easy passage of air during sleep.
There are other nasal devices that are placed inside the nose including adjustable devices, small nose clips that are soft and clip on the septum, silicone nostril expanders, cones that fit in the nose, nose clips with added earth magnets and some devices that can be worn day and night.
Over the counter aids to stop snoring are easy ways to remedy an unpleasant situation. They are inexpensive, so several can be tried to find the one that addresses the cause of the snoring.