Aids and Devices to Stop Snoring

Snoring is a sleep disorder that can be disturbing for the people suffering from it and their family members. People are unaware of the snoring until they are informed by someone. It is an involuntary act and can be a symptom of some underlying health-related issues. It is caused by an obstruction in breathing, which occurs due to blocked nasal passages.

CPAP masks are recommended for habitual snorers. A CPAP mask is a sleep mask that is connected to a pump, through which air is blown into the mouth and the pressure exerted keeps the throat from collapsing. This prevents restriction of breathing and eliminates snoring. CPAP has proved to be a very effective anti-snore device, if used on a continual basis.

Mandibular advancement devices, tongue retaining devices, and the tongue-retaining flange are dental devices that can help. These are easily available under different brand names and are found to be quite effective, but some may find them to be inconvenient. Some devices are custom-made by dentists.

Nasal valve dilators are effective against noisy breathing that is caused due to blocked nasal passages. They are available in the form of nasal sprays and nasal strips.

The nasal strips eliminate the prattling noise by holding the nostrils open. They relieve the clogging and swelling of nasal tissues. Nasal dilators are also available in the form of plastic devices, that hold open the nostrils.

Throat sprays lubricate the tissues and the flesh at the back of the throat, with oils that reduce sound vibrations and allow the passage of air, thereby eliminating the noisy breathing. Frequent usage of these sprays may lead to an addictive abuse of the substance with an additional damage of causing inflammation of the mucous membranes and throat tissues.

An adjustable bed can be adjusted to a certain elevation, usually 30 degrees, which reduces the pressure on the diaphragm and keeps the airways open. These beds are highly recommended by the 'Vancouver Sleep and Breathing Center'. They claim that adjustable beds are effective devices.

Such pillows are specially designed to aid the individual sleeping on his/her side, rather than sleeping flat on the back. They are made of foam and are easily available.

A mouth guard aligns the teeth and the jaw properly, thereby allowing the jaw muscles to relax while sleeping.

Apart from the aforementioned anti-snore aids and devices, there are also other alternatives like surgery, medications, exercises, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes that can help.

The products must be chosen, depending upon the intensity of the problem and the convenience value that the product offers. Though many of these devices are easily available over the counter, they should preferably be used, only under the supervision of a medical practitioner.

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.