Best Snoring Solutions

It’s estimated that 45 percent of adults snore occasionally, while 25 percent suffer from habitual snoring problems. Considering snoring is a symptom of respiratory obstruction, it’s important to address the problem and attempt to remedy it in any way possible. The older we get, the more prevalent snoring may become. Males and those who are overweight are also at an increased chance of suffering from this common yet serious problem.

When there’s demand, innovators will work to create products that offer solutions, and we recently purchased a variety of top-rated anti-snoring devices to see which ones work, and which fall short to help navigate you toward the best one that’s currently available.

Best Snoring Solutions

Types of Snore Stoppers

There are a variety of product types on the market, each with their own pros and cons. This allows you to better identify what type of solution would work in given situations that are unique to you. Let’s take a look at what’s out there.

— Mandibular Advancement Devices

The name sounds scientific and confusing. Put simply, mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are mouthpieces, and they work to shift your jaw (mandible) forward to tighten the upper tissues of the airway. This prevents the vibrations these tissues produce – your loud snoring – from occurring. Think of watching a flag wave in the wind. If you were to walk up and hold it taut, these waves (vibrations) cease.

MADs also allow you to breathe more efficiently while you sleep. Since airway tissues are made to be more taut, you’re able to breathe in larger volumes of oxygen throughout the night.

Pros

• Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine reports MADs are comparable to Continuous
• Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) ventilators in terms of overall effectiveness in preventing snoring
• Effective for those with misaligned jaws
• Can help for those who grind their teeth
• Convenient and typically easy to use
• Many affordable options
• Many can be custom-fit using the boil and bite process

Cons

• Can cause dry mouth
• Known to cause mouth-soreness, especially during the initial nights of use
• Known to cause drooling, especially as you adapt to the product

— Nasal Strips

Most of us have seen these small strips that adhere across the bridge of the nose onto the sides of each nostril. Originally intended to help those with congestion from sickness and allergies to breathe more easily, they work to open up the nasal passageway for quiet breathing.

Pros

• Can prevent dry mouth experienced by those who struggle to breathe through their nose
• Daytime and nighttime use possible
• Comfortable

Cons

• If you tend to breathe through your mouth naturally, it will defeat the purpose of putting a stop to snoring

— Chin Straps

Much like nasal strips, chin straps weren’t originally designed with the snorer in mind. Instead, they were focused on use for patients who recently underwent various types of facial surgeries. It was discovered that by fitting the chin strap over the head and face, the lower mandible is supported to help keep the airway free throughout the night.

Pros

• Effective for people who snore through the mouth
• Can prevent mouthpiece from falling out if you use one with your chin strap

Cons

• Those who toss and turn often experience difficulty in keeping device in place
• Not for those who suffer from nasal snoring or sleep apnea (in fact, it can even be dangerous if you suffer from a condition that causes severe nasal congestion – talk to your doctor before considering the use of chin straps for snoring).
• Finding the right size can be difficult if you don’t have an average-sized head
• Because the lower jaw is so immobilized, some may experience teeth-grinding while sleeping
• Some complaints of causing facial overheating

— Sprays, Pills and Drops

Sprays, pills and drops can be useful for snorers who typically suffer only when they’re ill, or suffering from sinus problems or allergies. These products use special blends of natural herbs and enzymes that cause a decrease in mucus production.

The good news is that these products can be highly effective if you’re suffering from these types of problems. In fact, devices like mouthpieces and chin straps are often ineffective when battling snoring rooted in sinus issues. However, if you’re looking for a long-term solution for routine snoring, this may not be the best solution for you.

Pros

• Effective for people suffering from allergies, illness or sinus congestion
• Natural ingredients
• Good for a short-term snoring fix

Cons

• Not ideal for those looking for a long-term snoring solution

— Pillows

Snoring is the result of an obstruction that prevents air from moving freely through the nose and/or mouth. Some of the best rated anti-snoring devices come in the form of pillows. Pillows for snoring are designed to guide the sleeper into the correct sleeping position to help open up the airway.

Pros

• Non-invasive
• No adjustment period for your nose or mouth to get used to

Cons

• Not ideal for people who sleep on their stomachs
• Not good for people who tend to hug their pillows or move them around while they sleep

When to Seek Surgical Relief from Snoring

While there are mixed reviews regarding the many anti-snore solutions on the market, most of them are effective at reducing or eliminating snoring. However, for some people, they may not offer the relief you seek.

While rare, some people need surgical intervention, and this is only used in severe cases where no other form of treatment has proven effective. Surgery can be used to:

• Remove soft tissue to open the airway
• Correct an abnormally-shaped septum
• Alter bone structure of the upper airway for improved air movement
• Stiffen the soft palate to reduce vibrations

Conclusion

Is snoring a problem you deal with on occasion? Is your sleep partner complaining about the nocturnal noise you’re making on a daily basis? Do you have dentures or dental issues? These are all important factors that must be taken into consideration. I hope this has served as an effective guide to point you down the right path, but feel free to leave questions and comments below if you need any further information.

Recent Updates

September 17, 2021: A seventh product has been added to our roundup to incorporate the wedge pillow as a snoring solution: the FitPlus Premium Wedge Pillow. Additional Resources and FAQs have also been included.

Additional Resources

• Best Earplugs to Block Out Snoring
• 12 Natural Remedies to Overcome Snoring
• Good Morning Snore Solution vs ZQuiet
• Zyppah vs Snorerx Mouthpiece
• Snorerx vs Zquiet