Thankfully, I also found a couple of videos on snoring that are really helpful and informative.  Here are some of the best ones:

How to stop snoring – Interview with Dr. Jordan Josephson

How to stop Snoring – 10 Things you should know about Sleep – Number 4

Review of Stop Snoring Devices on CBS Early Show

Related posts:

1. How to Stop Snoring
2. Fastest Way to Stop Snoring
3. A Resource List of Anti-Snoring Devices

I came across this great video on YouTube that offers some tips on how to stop snoring.  Plus, how can you possibly ignore the cute puppy?  Take a look and consider implementing some (or all) of the tips if you have a snoring problem.

Hiram

Related posts:

1. Fastest Way to Stop Snoring
2. A Resource List of Anti-Snoring Devices

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

Related posts:

1. Fastest Way to Stop Snoring
2. More “Stop Snoring” Videos
3. How to Stop Snoring

Snoring can not only disrupt your sleep and keep you from getting enough rest, it can lead to more serious health problems including sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and heart problems.  So if you snore, how do you reduce its frequency or stop it altogether?   Here’s what’s worked for me.

First of all, a warning.  Snoring can be an indicator of a serious medical condition so if your snoring problem is severe (waking you, or your partner, more than twice a night or so), you should check with your doctor.   The Mayo Clinic website has some good information on what to expect when you see your doctor as well as the various treatments available.

What Causes Snoring.

What causes snoring in the majority of cases is that the soft tissue of the upper palette (at the back of the mouth) relax during sleep and sag to the point that they begin to vibrate loudly as you breathe.  Like the guy in the picture above, most people who snore tend to sleep on their back for most of the night.   Many also tend to use a soft pillow that allows their head to tilt slightly back.  This allows the mouth to naturally open during sleep.   As a result, they then begin to breathe through their mouth resulting in snoring.  Although I didn’t pick this picture specifically for this reason, it does a really good job of showing you what the main problem is.

(Please note that I purposely excluded snoring caused by any type of obstruction or sinus condition.  These are more serious conditions and require professional treatment.   The suggestions that follow will not be effective for these types of conditions.)

The Fastest Way to Stop Snoring.

OK, so far you know that what causes snoring is the soft tissue at the back of the mouth and throat that tends to sag when we sleep.  Sleeping on our back tends to promote mouth breathing which causes the soft tissue to vibrate loudly resulting in snoring.   So what’s the fastest way to stop snoring?  Easy.   Don’t sleep on your back!

Once I got comfortable spending most of the night sleeping on my side, my snoring essentially stopped completely.  Why?   For two reasons.  First, the soft tissue at the back of my mouth doesn’t block my airway since I’m not laying on my back, and second, my mouth doesn’t fall open so I don’t breathe through my mouth most of the night.

So how do you learn to get comfortable sleeping on your side?  Here are a few tips:

1.   Check your mattress. Make sure your mattress is pliable enough to make sleeping on your side comfortable.   I know a lot of people prefer a firm mattress because a soft one makes their back hurt.  However, their back usually hurts because, you guessed it, they mostly sleep on their back.  I didn’t say you needed a soft mattress, just one that’s pliable or soft enough so that you can sleep on your side without feeling sore or stiff in the morning.   The “memory foam” mattresses are good as are the “sleep number” beds, which is what I use.

2.  Get the right sized pillow. Many people are sleeping on a pillow that’s too high for them.   Why?   Again, because they usually sleep on their back and they want to have their heads tilted slightly forward so that they don’t wake up with a sore neck.   If you try to sleep on your side using a pillow that’s too high, you’ll definitely be uncomfortable and will naturally want to roll back onto your back during the night.  I use one of those contoured “memory foam” pillows that are designed to support your neck as well as keep your head level when you’re laying on your side.

3.  Use “props.” Push pillows or a rolled up quilt or blanket up against your back in order to “prop” yourself on your side.  This will make it more difficult for you to roll over on to your back during the night.  You can also find “knee pillows” or “body pillows” that might help you be more comfortable sleeping on your side.

4.  Use a tennis ball. I don’t remember where I read about this but it works great.  Take a tennis ball and put it into a sock.  Then pin the sock to the back of your pajama top (or tee shirt) so that the ball is positioned around the small of your back.   Then go to sleep lying on your side.  Believe me, if you try to roll over on to your back during the night, the tennis ball will make it so uncomfortable that you’ll immediately switch back to your side.  This is more of a “last resort” technique but it works great!

What Worked for Me.

I accidentally “trained” myself to sleep on my side while I was using the PureSleep anti-snore device (see the Reviews section or use the Search box).  Using the device kept my mouth partially open and made me drool all night long (see “The Pros and Cons of PureSleep”).   I wasn’t snoring anymore but I was still waking up several times during the night with drool running down my cheek.  The only way I could keep my mouth clear was to sleep on my side which allowed the drool to flow freely.  Now all I had to worry about was waking up on a wet pillow!

I know it sounds gross (and it was) but the point is that I eventually trained my body to sleep on it’s side.  After a while, I found I didn’t need the PureSleep device at all anymore.  Now I have the best of both worlds – I don’t snore anymore because I sleep on my side, and since I don’t need the PureSleep device anymore, I don’t have the drooling problem either.

Other Helpful Techniques.

Here are a couple of other things that will help support your anti-snoring efforts:

1.  Lose some weight. It’s a fact that the more overweight we are, the more likely we are to sleep on our backs.  The more weight you’re carrying around, the harder it’s going to be to learn to sleep on your side.   Being overweight is related to so many health issues, including snoring, that losing a few pounds should be a priority anyway.

2.  Don’t drink alcohol close to bedtime. Drinking alcohol makes your muscles relax even more than they would normally.   This makes your snoring problem even worse — which might drive your partner to drink!

3.  Try nasal strips. I didn’t have good luck with these but they may work for you.   They do in fact work.  The nasal strip gently pulls up on the sides of your nose and opens the nasal passages a little wider allowing more air in.   My problem was that my skin became irritated by the adhesive on the strips. It got to where pulling off the nasal strip in the morning also meant pulling off a good portion of skin so I quit using them.  However, they’re relatively inexpensive and definitely worth a try.

4.   Try an “anti-snore” pillow. Whether your pillow is advertised as  ”anti-snore” or not, get a good pillow that keeps your head positioned correctly when you’re on your side.   If your head and neck isn’t positioned correctly, you’ll never sleep comfortably on your side.  You can find a wide variety of pillows including those that are contoured, which is what I use.   I don’t recommend one over another, just that you find one that keeps your neck and head aligned properly and that’s comfortable for you.

5.  Exercise regularly. Regular exercise will help keep your air passages clear, tone your muscles, and help you shed a couple of extra pounds.   You’ll also tend to sleep deeper and better.

Snoring is not something that you, or your partner, have to put up with.  There are things that you can try that can make a big difference.  The thing I found that made the biggest difference for me was learning how to spend the majority of the night sleeping on my side.  Give it try and see if it works for you too.

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: sleep, snore, snoring, anti-snore, PureSleep, pillow, sleeping, apnea, rest, health

Related posts:

1. Review of PureSleep Antisnore Device
2. The Pros and Cons of PureSleep
3. Does PureSleep Really Work?

So let’s get started:

The Pros

1.  The Device Reduces or Eliminates Snoring. This is, of course, the biggest positive point since snoring can create, or worsen, a lot of other problems.  PureSleep pulls the lower jaw forward significantly reducing, or completely eliminating, snoring.   There is a gap between the upper and lower mouthpiece which allows you to breath through your mouth.

2.  The Device Helped Reduce My Blood Pressure and Sleep Apnea. As I reported in a related post, using the PureSleep device to get a full night of really restful sleep apparently helped to reduce my blood pressure as well as reduce the mild case of sleep apnea I was beginning to develop.   NOTE:   the PureSleep device is not a cure nor a treatment for sleep apnea or high blood pressure.  If you suffer from either of these, you need to see your healthcare provider.

3.  Your Spouse Gets a Good Night’s Sleep. Nothing improves a relationship more than a well-rested spouse.  Need I say more?

4.   You Enjoy Deeper Sleep. I seem to sleep deeper, more restfully, and for longer periods with the PureSleep device than I do without it.

5.  I Wake Up Less Often During the Night. Without the PureSleep  device, I usually wake up 2-3 times a night, turn over, and then drift back off to sleep.  With the device, I tend to sleep the entire night through in most cases.

6.  You Wake Up Feeling Alert and Well Rested. After a night of sleeping deeply and not waking up as many times as usual, I wake up feeling alert, well rested, and ready to start the day.  Without the PureSleep device, I tend to wake up tired and groggy – like I didn’t get enough sleep, which I probably didn’t.

7.  Kids Don’t Make Fun of Your Snoring. One of my early childhood memories is getting a tape recorder for Christmas and using it to tape my uncle “sawing logs” during one of his naps.   My cousins and I played that tape over and over again laughing at every snore.   Ah, kids!

8.  Easy to Use and Clean. The PureSleep device is easy to fit to your mouth, easy to use, and easy to keep clean.  I scrub mine with my toothbrush using warm water in the morning after brushing my teeth.  You can also disinfect it with Scope or Listerine (but avoid anything that contains harsh chemicals).

9.  Relatively Inexpensive. I first thought PureSleep was pretty pricey at close to $70.   However, similar devices prescribed and sold by dentists can run more than twice that making the PureSleep device a pretty good deal.  Note that the device has an expected lifespan of about a year.

The Cons

1.  Drool, Drool, Drool. Wearing the device causes your mouth to salivate.  It’s size and shape also tends to keep my lips parted once my face relaxes and I doze off (see item 4 below).  The end result is that you drool, drool, drool.   This will probably be more of a problem for people with small faces and mouths that it will for others.  However, be prepared to change your pillow cases often.

2.  Uncomfortable to Wear at First. Depending on the size of your mouth, the device may be uncomfortable to wear at times.   At first, the device tended to induce my gag reflex and I had to leave it out for a while before trying again.  After a couple of days, having it in my mouth stopped bothering me.

3.   Impossible to Cough or Yawn. The device pretty much fills your entire mouth so you can’t cough or get in a good yawn when wearing the device.

4.  Tends to Keep My Mouth Open. The device essentially fills my entire mouth.  I feel like I have to “stretch” my lips in order to get them to close.  As I start to doze off, my face relaxes and my lips naturally pull back leaving my mouth open.   This leads to drool (see item 1 above) as well as a dry throat, dry lips, and a strong “cotton mouth” feeling in the morning.

5.  Sometimes Hurts My Gums. PureSleep is constructed of soft plastic held inside of a hard plastic shell.   There are times that I wake up in the morning with sore gums from the device having pushed against my teeth during the night.

6.   Feels Like It’s Moving My Teeth. There are also times that I wake up in the morning feeling like the device has been pushing (or pulling) my teeth.  However, I think this is related to my occasional sore gums and is probably the result of a firm spot on my pillow pushing the PureSleep device against my gums and/or teeth.

7.   Sore Jaw In the Morning. Until you get used to wearing the device, your lower jaw, especially the jaw hinge, may feel sore in the morning.   The PureSleep instruction booklet recommends gently massaging the jaw hinge which helps the jaw muscles to relax.

8.  PureSleep Is Not For Everyone. According to the PureSleep website, people with asthma or other respiratory diseases; people with central sleep apnea; people who have loose teeth, abscesses, or severe gum disease; people with TMD (a problem with the jaw hinge); or people with dentures or who are undergoing orthodontic treatment should not use PureSleep.

Note that all pros and cons are based on my personal experience or on information on the PureSleep website and/or instruction booklet.  I am neither a doctor nor a dentist so please consult with your healthcare provider if you have medical or dental questions.

Despite the “cons,” this device has worked as advertised for me and I’ve been happy with it.  I hope this information as well as the related posts will help you decide whether or not PureSleep is right for you.

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: puresleep, sleep, apnea, snore, snoring, restful, rest

You might also be interested in the following alternatives from Amazon.com:

Stop Snoring Mouth Piece – Anti Snore Device Sleep Apnea Cessation Aid

• Clinically proven to help 95% of snoring sufferers
• Each individually molded to guarantee a comfortable lasting fit
• Recommended by dentist and doctors
• Features a convenient opening to allow constant air circulation
• Also includes a storage case & easy step-by-step instructions

Snore-Ex’s anti snoring mouthpiece is an oral appliance also referred to as a Mandibular Advancement Device. The simple custom-fit mouthpiece positions and holds the jaw, opening airways for maximum airflow, thus reducing or eliminating snoring vibrations. More specifically, it provides a forward-positioning for the tongue, which is connected to the lower jaw. This increases airflow and minimizes the most common snoring cause – soft palette vibrations in the rear of the mouth. This is for adults

Rating: (out of 225 reviews)

List Price: $ 65.99

Price:

Related posts:

1. Review of PureSleep Antisnore Device
2. Does PureSleep Really Work?

Backgound

First, a little background on my particular situation.  I’m a 56 year old male that tries to live a healthy and fit lifestyle.   The only time I go to the doctor is when I’m actually sick, which is not that often.   However, the last time I went to the dentist, they mentioned that my blood pressure was a little high.  Sure enough, it was.

About a year ago, I also began to snore at night.  Most of the time it was no big deal but occasionally, my wife told me it was so bad that it kept her awake.  The real scare was when she told me that on several occasions, she had woken up afraid that I had actually stopped breathing.   She said that just about the time she was going to try to wake me, I would start breathing again – the beginning signs of sleep apnea.

After reading that sleep apnea can be a cause high blood pressure, I decided to take action.  First step, stop the snoring and then see if my blood pressure came down.

The Results

After being alerted that my blood pressure was “a little high,” I purchased one of those home testing kits from the local drugstore and began keeping track of my pressure.   Each reading was taken at the same time (first thing in the morning) in a seated position.

The first two columns (days 1 through 18) were baseline measurements, taken while I was waiting for the PureSleep device to arrive in the mail.  As you can see, the average of these readings was 127/90, right inside the hypertension danger zone (“normal” pressure should be below 80 for the lower reading).

On day 19, the PureSleep device arrived and I started using it.   According to my wife, the snoring stopped almost immediately.  I also started waking up feeling rested and more energized.   But did it help reduce my blood pressure?

The last two columns (days 19 through 33) show the results of sleeping with the PureSleep device in place.  After using the device for about two weeks, my average blood pressure has dropped to 118/85.  That’s a drop of 5 points on the Diastolic reading (the bottom number) – a definite step in the right direction!

My Conclusion

My conclusion is pretty obvious – the PureSleep device works.  First, it stopped my snoring by pulling my jaw forward and preventing the soft tissue on the back of my throat to vibrate, which is what creates the snoring noise.   Significantly reducing or completely eliminating the amount of snoring has given me a number of other benefits including:

1. I no longer wake up several times during the night in “mid-snore” feeling like I’m choking.   As a result, I get a full night of sleep and wake up feeling rested and refreshed.
2. My wife gets a full night’s sleep as well since she doesn’t have to spend most of the night trying to get me to roll over and stop snoring.
3. My heart is apparently also getting a full night of rest since my blood pressure appears to be coming down.

In short, the device is working for me and I’d recommend it to anyone with similar problems.

There are some drawbacks, however.  First is the price.   I mentioned this in my review (see Reviews section) but I can’t help bringing it back up and thinking about it every time I see a $2 mouth piece at the sporting goods aisle of the local Walmart.

Second, wearing it does take some getting used to.  Even after using it for more than 2 weeks, my jaw still feels sore some mornings and my teeth are sometimes sensitive and feel like they’ve been moved back and forth.  This gets less and less noticeable as your mouth gets used to the device.

Third, when you sleep with the device, your mouth tends to stay open for most of the night.  This created a nice pool of drool on my pillow the first couple of nights.  This does tend to go away as you get used to wearing it.

Lastly, since the device is actually a mouthpiece, it traps saliva so you’ll more than likely wake up with a case of morning breath that will drop a horse.  This also means that you have to take extra care to keep the device clean and dry when not in use.

Despite these minor drawbacks, I’d still highly recommend the device because it works.

Where to get the PureSleep Device

As far as I know, the PureSleep device is only available direct through their website at www.PureSleep.com.   I haven’t checked but you can probably also get comparable devices prescribed through your dentist.

Finally, I purchased the PureSleep device for my own use and do not receive any kind of compensation or benefit from the manufacturer (so I can’t quit my day job).

Snoring is more than a minor nuisance.  It’s a problem that can lead to more serious health problems such as sleep apnea and hypertension.   If you can’t get a good nights sleep due to snoring, you owe it to yourself to check out this device.

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: blood pressure, hypertension, puresleep, sleep, snoring, snore, rest

You might also be interested in the following alternatives from Amazon.com:

Stop Snoring Mouth Piece – Anti Snore Device Sleep Apnea Cessation Aid

• Clinically proven to help 95% of snoring sufferers
• Each individually molded to guarantee a comfortable lasting fit
• Recommended by dentist and doctors
• Features a convenient opening to allow constant air circulation
• Also includes a storage case & easy step-by-step instructions

Snore-Ex’s anti snoring mouthpiece is an oral appliance also referred to as a Mandibular Advancement Device. The simple custom-fit mouthpiece positions and holds the jaw, opening airways for maximum airflow, thus reducing or eliminating snoring vibrations. More specifically, it provides a forward-positioning for the tongue, which is connected to the lower jaw. This increases airflow and minimizes the most common snoring cause – soft palette vibrations in the rear of the mouth. This is for adults

Rating: (out of 225 reviews)

List Price: $ 65.99

Price:

The SnoreWizard

• Comfortable to use
• Immediate Results, Stop snoring fast
• Easy cleaning, immerse in hot water
• No Boiling and No Fitting Required

Easy to fit, easy to wear and non-intrusive. Designed to treat snoring and sleep apnea. Get the satisfaction of a good nights sleep with 94% success rate. An economical low cost solution which lasts up to 9 months.

Rating: (out of 75 reviews)

List Price: $ 79.95

Price:

Related posts:

1. Review of PureSleep Antisnore Device
2. Coping with High Blood Pressure
3. The Sauna and Russian Roulette

However, things started getting worse.   I obviously wasn’t sleeping well and was waking up repeatedly during the night and getting up in the morning feeling like I hadn’t slept at all.  Things went from bad to worse when my wife said that there were a couple of times that she had woken up with a start because I had actually stopped breathing.  She worried I was developing sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition that if left untreated, can increase the load on the heart causing high blood pressure and increasing the chance of a heart attack.   Since I had recently been told by my dentist that my blood pressure seemed a little high, the pieces started to fall into place – and I didn’t like the picture they were painting.  It was time to look for answers and one of the solutions I found was the PureSleep system.

What It Is

As a person gets older, the chances that they’ll start snoring increases, especially for men.  The reason is because the soft tissue at the back of the throat basically begins to sag.  As we sleep, this soft tissue relaxes to the point that it begins to vibrate creating what we call a snore.  This tissue can also block the airway causing obstructive sleep apnea.

PureSleep is a plastic mouthpiece that moves your lower jaw upward helping to clear the airway.   The result is little to no snoring and a reduced chance of sleep apnea.  Finally, a night of restful sleep!

What It Claims

According to some of the literature that accompanied the product, PureSleep claims to be 80-90% effective in stopping snoring.  It also claims to be an “FDA-cleared prescription dental device” available without a prescription or a visit to a dentist.

This device is not for you if you’ve been diagnosed with central sleep apnea (as opposed to obstructive sleep apnea), have some sort of chronic respiratory disorder (like asthma or emphysema), have dental problems (loose teeth or gum disease), have TMD (a disease of the jaw joint), or if you have full dentures (partials are OK).

How It Works

The PureSleep uses a technique called “mandibular repositioning,” which is a fancy way of saying that it moves, or repositions, your lower jaw (the mandibula) in order to clear your airway.

You can try this yourself by laying on your back for a couple of minutes.  If you’re like me, after a while you’ll start to feel like phlem is beginning to collect at the back of your throat.  You might even have to “clear your throat” a couple of times in order to keep your airway clear.  This feeling is actually the soft tissue at the back of your throat relaxing, and then sagging, to the point that it begins to block your airway.

Now, once you feel it getting harder to take a breath, instead of “clearing your throat,” try moving your lower jaw forward.  You should feel your airway clear almost immediately.  The only problem is holding your jaw in this position because once you fall asleep, your jaw drops back down restricting the airway again.  That’s where the PureSleep device comes in.

The device is made up of an upper, as well as a lower, mouthpiece that are designed to snap together.  However, before you snap them together, you move the lower one to a point that will move your lower jaw forward.  This is an important first step and cannot be changed later so make sure you do it correctly.

Next, you need to custom fit the PureSleep to your mouth.   To do this, you put the device in a pot of boiling water for 60 seconds, let it cool for 10 seconds, and then put it into your mouth and bite down hard while holding your lower jaw as far forward as  you can.

The device is constructed of both rigid (the outer part) as well as soft plastic (the inner part).  The hot water softens the inner part to the point that it creates an imprint of your teeth in the plastic.  It also locks in the position of the lower piece so it’s important that you had it positioned far enough forward in the first place.

Finally, you trim away any of the soft plactic that might have oozed out to the side.   If the fit still isn’t comfortable, you can repeat the boiling water process 2-3 more times (it took me 3 times to get mine right).  HOWEVER, note that each time you do this, the amount of soft plastic that lines the inside of the mouthpiece get’s thinner and thinner so there’s a limit to how many times you can heat the device.

Once you’re done, the device should fit snugly, but still comfortably, in your mouth without putting undue pressure on your teeth or gums.  It should also be pulling your lower jaw forward.

How Effective It Is

You do have to get used to wearing the device at night.   Until you do, you’ll probably find yourself waking up and pulling it out after a couple of hours.  That’s OK.  Just try to leave it in longer and longer each night.  It shouldn’t bother you at all after 3 or 4 nights.

Once you get used to wearing it, you’ll be surprised how effective the device is.  I’ve finally been able to sleep through the entire night.  Obviously, I also feel a lot more rested in the morning.

What It Costs

OK, here’s the bad news.  On their website, the PureSleep system sells for $59.90 plus a $7.95 shipping charge. The PureSleep company claims that this price is much less than what it would cost if you went to your dentist and had it prescribed.   That’s probably true but it really didn’t make me feel any better.

So basically, I paid a total of $67.85 for a piece of plastic!!   However, the device DOES work and once I got over the shock, I justified it by asking myself exactly how much a good nights sleep and lower blood pressure is actually worth.

PureSleep stands behind their product with a full 30-day money back, 100% satisfaction guarantee.

My Recommendation & Rating

My recommendation is that if you suffer from snoring to the point that you or your partner can’t get a good night’s sleep, then you need to get one of these things.   Sure, the price is a little steep but it’s fully guaranteed, is constructed of quality materials, and it works.

I highly recommend it.   Here’s how I would rate it overall:

Where To Get It

The PureSleep system is only available through their website at www.PureSleep.com.  Your dentist probably has access to similar (but probably more expensive) products.

Disclosure

PureSleep does not have an affiliate program so I am not making any money or getting any kind of compensation from this review.   I purchased the product for my own use and have found it works as advertised.

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, sleep apnea, puresleep, rest, throat, snore, restful sleep, blood pressure

Although I recommend the PureSleep, you might also be interested in the following alternatives from Amazon.com:

Stop Snoring Mouth Piece – Anti Snore Device Sleep Apnea Cessation Aid

• Clinically proven to help 95% of snoring sufferers
• Each individually molded to guarantee a comfortable lasting fit
• Recommended by dentist and doctors
• Features a convenient opening to allow constant air circulation
• Also includes a storage case & easy step-by-step instructions

Snore-Ex’s anti snoring mouthpiece is an oral appliance also referred to as a Mandibular Advancement Device. The simple custom-fit mouthpiece positions and holds the jaw, opening airways for maximum airflow, thus reducing or eliminating snoring vibrations. More specifically, it provides a forward-positioning for the tongue, which is connected to the lower jaw. This increases airflow and minimizes the most common snoring cause – soft palette vibrations in the rear of the mouth. This is for adults

Rating: (out of 225 reviews)

List Price: $ 65.99

Price:

The SnoreWizard

• Comfortable to use
• Immediate Results, Stop snoring fast
• Easy cleaning, immerse in hot water
• No Boiling and No Fitting Required

Easy to fit, easy to wear and non-intrusive. Designed to treat snoring and sleep apnea. Get the satisfaction of a good nights sleep with 94% success rate. An economical low cost solution which lasts up to 9 months.

Rating: (out of 75 reviews)

List Price: $ 79.95

Price:

No related posts.