Devices to Help with Snoring

There is a concept called ‘sleep divorce’ where couples sleep separately because one or both snore. Not just that, snoring is often an issue that can cause resentment, arguments, sleep deprivation and relationship problems. This can contribute to an ultimate divorce. Snoring is often a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, which could actually be dangerous. Of course, it is best if you consult a medical professional before opting for any of these devices. This is just a list of minimally invasive items available which may be useful to try out.

Nose clip

This device is fitted with magnets and the two sides fit into both nostrils. This device claims to help open up the nasal passage and hence prevents snoring. However reviews are mixed, while this has worked well for some, it hasn’t made much of a difference for others, particularly for heavy snorers.

Anti-snoring mouthpiece

This device is supposed to help with bruxism (the gnashing or grinding together of teeth while sleeping) as well as snoring. Made from silicone, this device positions the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep to widen the respiratory tract and enable a freer passage of air for breathing. It works for some, while it does not for others. For some, fitting is an issue while some got used to it after the initial few days.

Nasal strips

This strip fits across the nose, above the nostrils. This helps to open up the nasal passages to help reduce snoring. It also claims to be useful for relieving a blocked nose due to allergies or a cold. Some reviews said that this was very useful and found it better than using nasal sprays and so on. however, experiences vary and some did not find this very useful.

Chin strap

Many people start to snore as soon as their mouths fall open during sleep. To prevent this, the chin strap helps to keep the mouth closed. The strap fits under the chin and over the head, with the Velcro keeping this in place. Again results have varied with different users and some found that the fitting was not proper, irritating the skin and so on.

Headband headphones

This device is not for the snorer but for the person who sleeps with or within earshot of a snorer. This Bluetooth headband is for sleeping and for athletic activity. It can help to block out sound and soothe the wearer to sleep. This is also a great option for people who travel a lot and want to be able to sleep in noisy environments such as on the train, a plane or at the airport etc.

Noise Reduction Ear Plugs

These earplugs or ear defenders are often used by people who work around or on planes, to block out very loud sounds. This may also be useful for people while swimming or meditating or when working in places like construction sites. It can be helpful to block out the snoring as well.

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