Snoring Aids
By Andrew Gipson

Anti-snoring devices range from the very simple, to the somewhat complex. The majority of devices are available in drug stores or through direct mail (postal or Internet/e-commerce). The most common and effective devices and snoring aid are described below.

• The “Sandler” Pillow™

A popular non-surgical device used to alleviate snoring is called The Sandler pillow (named after its inventor). This pillow, by design, compels the sleeper to sleep on his/her side. Since sleeping on the side generally closes the mouth, this can prevent some kinds of mild snoring from occurring (the vibration is still there, but the snoring does not escape the mouth).

• The Snore Ball

Invented in the early 20th century, the snore ball has undergone a series of advancements, and modern versions are available today. Snore balls are devices that the snorer puts on their back while sleeping (i.e. putting it in a pouch on the back of their pajamas). When these people move to sleep on their back – and thus generally open their mouths while the sleep and emit loud snoring – the snore ball gives them a wake up call of discomfort.

As you can easily imagine, the snore ball is not the most painless of options; yet for some people, it’s all they need; particularly for those who don’t toss and turn a lot during sleep, and simply need a bit of a nudge to return back to a side-sleeping position.

Some people actually construct their own snore balls out of tennis balls, golf balls, baseballs, or anything that can reasonably fit into a pajama pocket. Over time, many people who use snore balls find that they habitually sleep on their side, and hence, the snore ball becomes redundant and can be saved for the next snorer in the family!

• Sleep Position Monitor

These interesting electronic devices aren’t quite as painful as sleep balls can be, but they endeavor to achieve the same goal. A beeping noise begins to emit whenever a snorer shifts to where they are sleeping on their back (and hence the mouth typically opens and more/louder snoring occurs).

Of course, this beeping can be rather annoying to those in the home that aren’t snoring. However, just like snore balls, sleep position monitors are meant to create new habits, and can be removed once a snorer habitually begins to sleep on their side.

• Nasal Strips

Nasal strips, which are used to widen the nasal valve and thus open up the airway to the throat and lungs, are extremely popular anti-snoring remedies. These strips are made (usually) of plastic, adhere to the nose, and are worn throughout the night. Some people may notice that football players, hockey players, and basketball players wear nasal strips while performing their sport, in order to keep the airway open and promote maximum respiration efficiency.

Nasal strips are available without a prescription, are applied topically and thus have no internal impact (i.e. they are not medicated), and can be cost effective when purchased in bulk.

Some non-snorers have actually begun using nasal strips after their snoring partners found relief through them; generally speaking, they can help promote better airflow and are often recommended by doctors for patients looking for more restful sleep and/or better respiration efficiency. (More oxygen intake, more carbon dioxide expulsion).

• Nasal Dilators

Nasal dilators are most often made of plastic or stainless steel coil, and are inserted into the nostrils during sleep. The impact of these dilators is that they help keep the airway open (similar to nasal strips), and thus cut down on vibration that leads to snoring.

• Throat Sprays

Throat Sprays work somewhat like saline sprays, yet instead of salt water, they deliver natural lubricating oils to the back of the throat. This can dramatically reduce the amount of vibrations that occur in the trachea during sleep, and thus effectively diminish (if not outright end) snoring.

Similar to nasal strips, throat sprays are fairly low cost, mobile, and can be purchased in bulk. It should also be noted that throat sprays, if used too frequently, can actually cause throat irritation. This can ironically lead to more snoring!

As such, users to ensure that the follow the recommended daily dose, and resist exceeding them without approval of a medical professional (or perhaps, upon a doctors recommendation, upgrading to a more potent throat spray).

• Snore Stopper™

A rather effective non-surgical anti-snoring device that has a lot of people buzzing is called the Snore Stopper. There are a few variations of this device:

• it can be worn around the arm, and provides a little jab of electricity (feels like a small pinch) when the sound of snoring is sensed

• It can be worn around the wrist instead of the arm (but the same pinch is there!)

• It can be used to stimulate tongue muscles, which forces them to contract; and ultimately, to open up the airway (at least a little).

Ongoing studies on the effectiveness of electronic stimulators are further verifying their effectiveness and suitability for all snorers.

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