The good news is that if you have a snoring problem, there are a large variety of non-surgical devices and techniques available to help you cope with your problem.   The bad news is that not all of them work effectively.

What follows is a list of anti-snore techniques and devices that are readily available online.  Please note that this is a resource list only.   I have not vetted any of these sites nor tried their products so I am not offering any type of opinion one way or the other.   I’m simply providing a list of resources, so do your homework before you decide to buy.

Also keep in mind that this is by no means a complete list.   As this market grows, it attracts more and more manufacturers, suppliers, and inventors of devices.  This list is simply intended to provide examples of each category of device or technique.

Lastly, you should also note that snoring can be a sign of more serious medical conditions so be sure to check with your healthcare provider if you have any doubts or questions about snoring in general, or about any of the devices listed here or elsewhere.

FULL DISCLOSURE: The following list of products are provided as information only.  I have purchased and used only one of the listed devices (PureSleep) so I can not offer any type of opinion on how they work or make any type of recommendation on their effectiveness.   As far as financial considerations go, I do belong to the Rematee affiliate program.  None of the other sites listed have provided any kind of financial incentives nor am I part of their affiliate programs (if they have one).  This is not a complete list.  It only provides a range of examples of the types of non-surgical anti-snoring devices available.

I’ve also tried to restrict my list to products available within the US although not all of them are.   These have been included because of the uniqueness of their anti-snoring approach.   Nonetheless, you should use appropriate caution when ordering from international companies and/or distributors.

Last Note: Although I’ve listed an average price range for each category of device, be sure to check www.Amazon.com for the same, or similar, device.  I’ve been surprised at the stuff Amazon carries these days!

Pillows (around $70 – $100)

In my opinion, one of the best ways to stop snoring is to learn to sleep on your side (I’ve written about this in another post).  However, many people find that when they try to sleep on their side,   they just can’t get comfortable on their pillow.   The pillow seems too high, or too hard, or maybe even too soft.  The side of their face that’s in contact with the pillow might feel too hot, or feel crushed, or might go to  sleep  and begin to tingle.

The end result is that you end up shifting back to sleeping on your back.  Your head then tilts back, your mouth opens, and you begin to snore.

There are several manufacturers and distributors of  anti-snore  pillows that are designed to eliminate many of the previously listed problems. These pillows tend to be contoured so that they better support your neck and head.  Some even have a recessed area in the center so that your ear doesn’t fall asleep due to restricted circulation.

Note that these pillows are designed to make it comfortable for you to sleep on your side or on your stomach (like in the picture).  If you habitually sleep on our back, they may not be effective at preventing snoring.  In that case, you should probably also check out the  Sleep Positioning section.

Some of the manufactures of anti-snore pillows include the following:

• Blackstone Anti-Snoring Pillow (https://blackstonepillow.com)
• Brookstone Anti-Snore Pillow (http://www.brookstone.com/Anti-Snore-Pillow_8270337_2.html)
• Therapeutic Pillow (http://www.the-pillow.com.au/general/category_snoring.php)

Throat & Nasal Sprays (around $10 – $20 per bottle)

Throat and nasal sprays are readily available over-the-counter at most drug stores and pharmacies.  They are usually mixtures of natural herbs and/or aromatic oils (like peppermint, for example) designed to lubricate and soothe the back of the throat, or open the nasal passages, and prevent snoring.

Their use is pretty straightforward  you simply spray either the throat, or the nasal passages depending on the type of spray you’re using, right before you go to bed.   Since the ingredients are usually natural (be sure to check), you can repeat the process as needed throughout the night (make sure to read the instructions).  As already mentioned, many of these products are available offline at your local pharmacy.

Some of the manufacturers of throat and nasal sprays include:

• Snoreeze (www.snoreeze.com)  nasal & throat spray, oral strips, nasal strips
• Breathe Right (www.breatheright.com)  throat spray, oral strips, nasal strips
• Asonor (www.asonormarketing.com)  nasal spray

Nasal Strips ($10 to $20)

These devices work by physically opening the nasal passages. Nasal strips such as  Breathe Right  are flexible strips that attach to the outside of the nose (see picture to the right) and gently pull the nasal passages open improving airflow. You occasionally see football players wearing these during a game to improve running performance.

The idea is that by improving the airflow through the nasal passages, you reduce the tendency to breathe through your mouth while sleeping, which is the most common cause of snoring. The downside I found is that external strips are attached with an adhesive that quickly irritated my skin to the point that I couldn’t use them anymore.

Devices like the  NoZoVent are similar in concept (improve airflow through nasal passages) but are designed to fit inside of the nose (which eliminates any adhesive sensitivity). Made of soft, flexible plastic, these devices gently pull the nasal passages open improving airflow through the nose.

Nose Cones are exactly what the name implies.   These are soft plastic cones that you slip into each nostril.  The cones keep your nostrils open maximizing airflow through the nose.

Some of the manufacturers of internal, as well as external, nasal strips include:

• Breathe Right (www.breatheright.com)   external strips
• NoZoVent (www.nosnorezone.com/nozovent-nasal-snoring-relief.html)   internal strips
• Max-Air Nose Cones (www.maxairnosecones.com)  internal device

Mouthpieces ($30 to $60)

As the name implies, these devices fit inside the mouth and are designed to move your lower jaw forward when you sleep preventing the soft tissue at the back of the throat from blocking your airflow.� You have to mold them to your mouth by putting them in hot water for a couple of minutes, then putting them in place and biting down.� The result is a mouthpiece that is custom fitted to you.

I have personally used a mouthpiece from PureSleep and have had good luck with it (see Reviews).� My snoring essentially stopped and I was able to get a good night�s sleep.

Although this type of device worked for me, they�re not without their own set of problems.� Others have reported irritation of the gums, movement of the teeth, and soreness of the jaw, so they may not work for everyone.

I�ve also noticed that similar types of mouthpieces have started showing up everywhere (including Amazon.com) which makes me think that one or more manufacturer (or importer) has started selling these through multiple distribution channels so do your homework before purchasing one and make sure you�re getting one through a reputable reseller with a good return policy.

Various types of mouthpieces are available from the companies such as the following:

• Pure Sleep (www.puresleep.com)
• Snore Guard (www.somni.com) � a South African company
• RIP Snore (www.ripsnore.com)
• ZQuiet (www.zquiet.com)
• SnoreMeds (www.snoremeds.com)
• SnoreMate (www.snoremate.net)

CPAP Machines ($100 and up)

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or �CPAP� machines, consist of a facemask connected to a source of pressurized air by means of a flexible hose.� The facemask is designed to seal around the nose and mouth creating a constant positive pressure on the nasal passages and upper airway.� This constant pressure keeps the airways open while you sleep thereby eliminating snoring.

These machines were originally developed for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and in the US, are only available with a doctor�s prescription.� However, this device is currently the only medically validated and supported anti-snoring device on the market.

Once again, this is a serious medical device and not something you simply purchase over the Internet and start using.� However, if you feel it might be the answer to your snoring problem, discuss it with your healthcare provider and have the appropriate tests scheduled.� If your doctor concurs, they will provide you with a prescription for the device.

The following sites offer CPAP machines, supplies, and accessories (with a doctor�s prescription):

• CPAP.com (www.cpap.com)
• CPAP Supply USA (www.cpapsupplyusa.com)

Chin Strap (around $30 to $100)

This is a nifty device and although I�ve never used one, it just seems like a good idea.� When most people who sleep on their back finally drift off, their lower jaw relaxes and drops opening the mouth.� They then start breathing through their mouth.� Then the soft tissue at the back of the throat starts vibrating � in other words, they start snoring.

This device is basically a strap that helps keep your mouth closed by supporting your lower jaw as you sleep.� With your jaw supported, your mouth can�t fall open while you�re asleep.� If your mouth isn�t open, you can�t snore, right?� I honestly haven�t tried one but you have to admit it sounds logical!

I�ve found these devices priced from $30 to over $100 depending on the design and type of material so make sure you do some shopping around (including checking Amazon.com).� In fact, if you know someone who�s handy with needle and thread, you might be able to talk them into making you something similar for way less.

Some manufacturers of chin straps include:

• My Snoring Solution (https://snoringsolutionsite.com/)
• Snoozer USA (www.snoozer-usa.com)
• NoSnoreZone (http://www.nosnorezone.com/somnosupport-chin-strap.html)

Sleep Positioning Devices (about $40 – $70)

I�ve mentioned before that I believe the best natural solution to snoring is to learn how to sleep on your side.� In fact, that�s how I eventually solved my snoring problem.� However, many people just can�t help rolling over on their back during the night.� Positioning devices are designed to make sleeping on your back uncomfortable so you�ll roll back over onto your side.

One of the anti-snoring tips you frequently encounter (including on this site) is to put a tennis ball inside of a sock and then pin the sock to the back of your nightshirt.� It�s an effective way of preventing you from sleeping on your back.� The Zzoma and Rematee products build on this same concept.

The Zzoma (pictured) is a belt with foam rubber �positioners� in the back that you wear to bed.� It essentially makes it difficult to roll over on your back.� The Rematee uses similar foam rubber �positioners� but attaches them to several styles of sleepwear.

The Therapeutic Pillow Side Sleeper on the other hand, works differently.� It�s a device designed to fit between the legs encouraging your body to lie comfortably on its side.� Note that they also offer a �Body Wedge Aligner� if additional support is desired.

Manufacturers of these devices include the following:

• Zzoma (www.zzomasleep.com)
• Rematee (www.antisnoreshirt.com)
• Therapeutic Pillow Side Sleeper (http://www.the-pillow.com.au/general/category_snoring.php)

Pressure Point Devices (about $20 to $45)

Using the concept of Reflex Therapy and Acupressure, these are devices designed to apply gentle pressure to various points on the fingers where many  energy meridians  are located. According to one of the sites,  When areas of the head and chest becomes congested or blocked, snoring can be the result.  Pressing or massaging certain points on the fingers and thumbs stimulates a release of endorphins and energy that relaxes the muscles involved in snoring.

OK, I know it sounds  way out there  but Eastern healers have known for thousands of years that massaging or applying pressure at certain parts of the body can produce relief in other areas. For example, rubbing the area between your thumb and index finger has been shown to relieve headache pain in many people. So using acupressure to prevent snoring?  Why not?

Manufacturers of these types of devices include:

• AcuRest (www.acurest.com)  acupressure device for fingers
• AntiSnor (www.snorenomore.net)  acupressure ring

Biofeedback Devices (about $90 to $100)

If you love gadgets, you’ll love these. These are  biofeedback devices that generate an electric signal whenever you begin to snore. The electric signal is subtle enough that it doesn’t wake you but it does register on your brain causing you to shift sleeping positions.  According to one of the sites,  This biofeedback technique works like a wife who nudges her snoring husband and disturbs his sleep which causes him to change his sleep position.

Yes, I know the term  shock therapy immediately comes to mind but according to the manufacturer, the electrical stimulus is very subtle and completely safe.

Both devices can be adjusted to sense your  snoring threshold and work in essentially the same way.  By providing an electrical  feedback every time you snore, you basically train yourself to find a position where you don’t snore as much.

These devices are battery operated and designed to be completely safe.  They require the use of  electrode pads that ensure good skin contact and have to be changed out periodically.

The following sites offer these types of devices:

• SnorePro (www.hbiusa.com/4-001.html)
• HealioHealth Antisnore Watch (http://www.healiohealth.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jnmqlogmk)

eBooks & Misc (about $15 to $40)

The following come under the heading of   miscellaneous  techniques since they vary in their approach to stopping snoring.

Both sales pages for the two eBooks provided a list of snoring symptoms and problems as well as described the benefits you’ll supposedly get from buying the books.   However, neither gave any indication whatsoever of exactly how their program actually works.  In fact, the sales pages are so similar, it makes me wonder whether or not they’re selling the same book.  On the positive side, both offer a money-back guarantee if not satisfied.

The other two should be self-explanatory in their approach.

Manufactures of these systems include:

• Stop Your Snoring Now  eBook (www.stopyoursnoringnow.com)
• Stop Your Snoring Naturally eBook (www.how-to-stop-snoring.org/stop-your-snoring-naturally.html)
• Stop Snoring with Hypnosis CD (http://www.wendi.com/html/snoring.html)
• Stop Snoring Aromatherapy oil (www.aromatherapyclinic.com.au)

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s a wide variety of non-surgical anti-snoring devices and techniques out there.  Since everyone is different, some will work more effectively than others depending on your lifestyle, sleeping habits, and so on.  Be prepared to try several, maybe even using more than one at the same time, before you find a device (or a combination of devices) that work for you.

Note that the only devices and/or techniques that are (quote, unquote)  guaranteed  to work (you did notice the quotes, right?) are the CPAP and oral surgery (which I didn’t cover).  However, these should be reserved as a last resort.   Unless your snoring is especially heavy or is part of a medical condition (and only your doctor can tell you that), you can probably get some relief using the devices listed here.

I hope you’ve found this information useful.

Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach andPersonal Fitness Trainer (NESTA)

P.S.  Be sure to get my latest Fitness Blueprint called “Little Things That Improve Your Health.”  This ebook is packed with loads of helpful information on how to build a better body and you can get it FREE – no email, no cookies, no catch.  Download and enjoy!

Technorati Tags: snoring, anti-snoring, apnea, sleep, throat, nasal passages, airway, cpap, nasal strip, chin strap, jaw, mouth

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