Stop
Snoring…a variety of products to
consider!
In making an attempt to stop snoring there are quite a wide variety of items available. Using these
products could provide much temporary relief but nothing other than surgery will permanently cure snoring.
Careful examination of your chosen product should accompany a discussion with your health professional before
you “buy and try”.
If you are serious about dealing with your snoring problem you will need to examine the reasons you snore, the
exact causes will point to the most appropriate product.
 Make sure you fully understand what makes people
snore and the different lifestyle changes that can be made. Then, after talking with your doctor,
decide which areas need the support: do your nasal passages need unblocking, does your throat need clearing,
do you sleep on your back or is your jaw out of alignment?
Here is a list of products that could help you stop snoring, in order from least expensive to most
expensive:
1…Breathing Exercises
These are available in both online book format and C.D. format. Some have music
with them. The idea is to strengthen muscles and learn to control breathing so that snoring can be avoided.
Exercises are free of course but exercise programs are going to cost a small amount. There is one exercise
program recommended on this website.
2…Decongestants and Allergy
medications
You should consult your doctor before using a decongestant because some have the
ingredients to raise blood pressure. You could make your own with ¼ teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of sterilized
water (or distilled water) This can be used to flush the nasal passages. Other medication may control allergies
or the enlargement of the adenoids.
3…Sprays
These can be used to clear mucus or stop swelling in the throat or nasal
passages. They work by tightening and lubricating the muscles surrounding the throat and mouth, and this cuts
down on the vibration that causes the snoring. They are short term solutions. Some are made with all natural
products but read the labels carefully and again, consult with your doctor over the effectiveness for your
particular symptoms. Both nasal and throat sprays are available.
4…Mouth and Nasal Pieces
For mild snorers there are nasal strips for the outside of the nose and plastic
strips that go inside the nose. Both attempt to keep the nasal passages open for breathing. The official term
is Nasal Valve Dilators I think! Neither are long term solutions but affording temporary
relief.
Be careful to check for skin irritation if you are using the outside the nose,
sticky nasal strips. Mouth pieces aim to keep the tongue from blocking the airways. If you are considering
using a mouth piece of any sort, a talk with your dentist would be appropriate as, over time, they could affect
your teeth structure.
5…Chin Straps and Cushions
These act to keep the mouth shut and prevent the tongue from slipping backwards
to constrict the throat. There are basically three types. The chin strap holds the jaw together and forces you
to breathe through your nose.
The Chin cushion does the same but also provides a cushion beneath the chin to
keep the neck straight and thus stop the airways becoming blocked. Chin strips stick beneath t he mouth and
again, help you breathe through your nose although the mouth is not completely restricted. Some have had
success with these methods but they are a little awkward to sleep with.
6…Pillows
There are anti-snoring pillows available which are used to keep your neck
straight and therefore your breathing passages open. They tend to be a little harder than normal and often
shaped to the neck. Of course you could stack your own pillows and achieve this as long as it keeps your neck
straight.
7…Beds
Relieving the diaphragm by raising the head of the bed is often a useful and
effective solution. You can purchase beds that are adjustable or just use a book or small piece of wood at the
bed end of your own bed.
8…C.P.A.P. Machines.
These are probably the most expensive being in the thousand dollars plus range
but they are by far the most efficient and effective. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea (apnoea) then
use of this machine will be advisable.
Many health care plans cover the cost, so check with your own. The small, almost
silent machine sends air, under pressure through a tube to a breathing mask which you wear over your nose. This
air under pressure keeps the airways open and lets you sleep.
It also incorporates a water reservoir so the air is humidified, so the nasal
passages do not dry out. You do have to learn to breathe with your mouth shut at all times and you do have to
use distilled water.
All these possibilities are not alternatives to surgery but
could be tried before surgery is considered.
If you are just a light snorer a change of lifestyle or use of one or more of the above items may solve the
problem.If you are trying to stop snoring you will need to check out all these possibilities and
determine which are the most effective for you as well as talking with your doctor about it!
Go to Snoring from
Stop Snoring
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