What is snoring and what are the different types of anti-snoring devices?
In this post, we aim to answer this question and introduce you to some of the most commonly available anti-snoring devices on the market.
Snoring is basically “noisy breathing” caused due to obstructive air movement during sleep. It affects 90 million American adults on an intermittent basis and is more prevalent in overweight males.
Additionally, other factors such as smoking, alcohol intake, and improper sleep hygiene are also known to aggravate the symptoms of snoring.
There are various negative effects of snoring that can affect a person’s well-being. Some of them include:
- Frequent waking up at night
- Fatigue
- Cardiovascular strain
- Low oxygen levels in the blood
- Daytime sleepiness
- Obesity
- Depression
Therefore, it is best to seek out a remedy for snoring before it takes a toll on your own health or affects the sleep quality of your spouse.
You can find both advanced and over-the-counter devices and treatments that are available to reduce and eliminate snoring.
Below we’ll take a look at some of the most popular anti-snoring devices, how they work, and their respective pros and cons:
1.Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
One of the reasons why people tend to snore is due to the partial obstruction of the airway that connects the lungs via the throat.
A Mandibular Advancement Device moves the mandible (lower jaw bone) forward relative to the maxilla (upper jaw bone) to widen the airway and prevents its closure when asleep.
This increases the space in the pharynx (cavity connecting to the esophagus) allowing greater airflow. This also prevents the vibration of the tongue while breathing and thereby reduces snoring.
MADs fits within the mouth and are molded to the teeth. High end advanced MADs are also available that come with a mechanism by which they can be adjusted till the snoring stops.
One thing to keep in mind is that MADs may not be suitable for individuals who cannot sleep with an appliance in their mouth or have a strong gag reflex.
Custom made MADs are also available, which could be lighter and less bulky and allow the person to reduce unnecessary pressure from the face and jaw. However, these are more expensive and need to be replaced every 1.5 years.
If you are looking for more choices, here is an article that gives you options to select the best mandibular device to help you stop snoring.
2. CPAP Machines
The most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts at night, is the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine.
A CPAP machine works by blowing air continuously through your throat at night to keep your nasal passage open while you sleep. It requires you to wear a mask all night long, by which oxygen is pushed through. This might take a little while to get accustomed to, but over time most users get used to wearing the machine while sleeping.
Another type of treatment used for sleep apnea is BIPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure). The primary difference between BIPAP and CPAP is that CPAP delivers single pressure while BIPAP offers two-level airway pressure — during inhalation as well as exhalation.
3. Tongue Stabilizing Devices
A Tongue Stabilizing Device (TSD) is a piece of flexible silicone resin or plastic in which the user inserts his or her tongue.
TSDs help in creating a little suction, by gently pulling the tongue forward away from the throat. This eliminates any restriction in the air passage thereby reducing snoring.
TSDs are a good option if you are not able to tolerate the standard treatment of CPAP for sleep apnea. This study also concluded that TSDs are similar in efficacy to MADs and recommended them as an alternative to CPAP.
TSDs are an effective and efficient way to reduce snoring. However, they may not work for you if you are unable to stick your tongue far out enough to open the air passage completely.
4. Nasal Dilators
Nasal dilators are made either of metal or plastic. They push the nostrils open during sleep creating a wider passageway for air during nighttime breathing.
This study conducted on patients with sleep apnea demonstrated a substantial decrease in snoring (greater than 60 dB) in patients who wore nasal dilators.
Apart from the top 4 anti-snoring devices mentioned above, let’s also take a look at some other types of anti-snoring devices available in the market:
Anti-Snore Chin Strap
Snorers often sleep with their jaw open. This allows the air to move through the throat, rather than the nostrils. The movement of air along the drooping respiratory muscles results in snoring. A chin strap helps in keeping the mouth closed, forcing you to breathe through your nose.
Anti-snore chin straps are available in different materials and different sizes. They can be adjusted to fit your jaw and face to reduce snoring.
Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece
Most people who snore can also reduce their symptoms by using anti-snoring mouthpieces and anti-snoring mouthguards.
These are generally custom made by a dentist so that they take the shape of your teeth. They are made out of soft, latex-free material that fits into your mouth, similar to dentures.
The primary advantage of using a mouthpiece is that they are inexpensive, are not noisy (like CPAP), and take little time for maintenance. However, their drawback is that they can cause dry mouth, excessive salivation, and stiffness of the lower jaw.
External Nasal Strip
External nasal strip dilators are backed by studies, showing their efficacy against snoring. They come packaged in peel-away adhesive backs, similar to a bandage.
The adhesive strips are stuck over the bridge of the nose and have a “spring-like” effect that slightly opens the nasal passage and helps in improving the airflow. This in turn aids in reducing snoring.
Wedge Pillow
Snoring may be cured by something as simple as elevating your head. Using a wedge pillow is rated highly amongst snorers and might be an easy fix to help you reduce snoring.
A wedge pillow is made out of memory foam and is therefore soft and comfortable. It is generally large with a gradual incline for the entire upper body to rest upon. The pillow also helps in keeping the body and spine aligned.
Essential Oils
If strips and devices don’t suit you and you are looking for an alternative solution, essential oils might just work.
Botanical or essential oils are designed to keep nasal passages clean and clear of excess mucus. They also keep the airflow passages lubricated to make breathing easier.
Essential oils can be applied on the feet or diffused in the air with the help of a diffuser or even steam inhaled. However, care must be taken to avoid direct contact of these oils with the nose, ears and eyes.
In summary, there is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to anti-snoring devices. You might have to try a couple of products before you find a device that works for you.
You might also have to make some lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding nicotine and caffeine before bedtime, sleeping on your side, and maintaining healthy sleep hygiene to curb snoring.
Even mild snoring over time can take a toll on your health. Therefore, if snoring persists it is better to err on the side of caution and set up a consultation with your physician and find a device that will help you get a good night’s rest without snoring.