Snoring Aids - Dependable "Assistants" While You Sleep

Snoring, while harmless most of the time, still remains a difficult problem. The attempts to cure snoring or seek out effective snoring aids has been manifested since the early times, dating as far back as the World War I era (the loud snoring of the soldiers made it possible for the enemy troops to detect their location).

Today, there exist a wide (and strange) variety of snoring aids that attempts to prevent (if not cure) snoring that are available in the market (in drug stores or through shipment orders). Some of these devices are listed below:

Snore Ball. The snore ball is a snoring aid that a snoring person places on the back of his or her pajamas to prevent him/her from sleeping on his/her back, putting a stop to his/her snoring. From the time of its invention in the early 20th century until today, the snore ball has ‘evolved’ from the simple sewing balls/cotton spools to its modern versions, but the principles are still the same – to give the snorer a ‘wake up call’ with its discomfort.

Sleep Position Monitor. The sleep position monitor is an electronic device that works the same way as that of the snore ball. But instead of giving discomfort (or pain) to the snorer, the sleep position monitor gives off a beeping sound whenever the snoring person sleeps on his/her back, forcing him/her to shift his/her sleeping position and sleep on the side. The downside to this snoring aid, however, is that the people sleeping on the same room can also hear the beeping noise, and they are more likely to experience the same ‘discomfort’ of waking up and having their sleep disturbed.

Anti-snoring Pillow. It is a snoring aid that also prevents the snorer from sleeping on his/her back, compelling him/her to sleep on his/her side instead.

Snoring-activated Vibrating Device. This snoring aid is an electronic stimulator that adapts the principles of the snore ball and the anti-snoring pillow. Worn around the arm or the wrist, it delivers either a shock (a little prod of electricity) or a vibration that is activated by the sound of snoring.

Nasal Strip. The nasal strip is a popular snoring aid that allows better airflow by widening the nasal valve and opening up the airway to the throat (and lungs). They are usually made of plastic that are fastened to the nose to keep the airways open, thereby promoting better respiration.

Nasal Dilator. Similar to that of a nasal strip, the nasal dilator is a snoring aid, usually made of plastic or steel coil that is inserted into the nostrils to keep the airways open.

Throat Spray. A throat spray is an anti-snoring device that prevents snoring by delivering natural lubricating oils (at a recommended dose) to the back of the throat. Note, however, that while it is convenient to use, its frequent use can also cause throat irritation that could lead to more snoring!

Dental appliance. Dental appliances, especially those that resemble an athletic mouthpiece, can also effectively lessen the snoring sounds of a person. They are fitted inside the mouth while sleeping, allowing the snorer to breathe easier by preventing the jaw and the tongue from dropping back, keeping the air passage open.

Continuous Positive Air Pressure machine. This snoring aid, widely known as CPAP, is a pressure pump device that is used with a tube or facial mask and covers the nose. The air pressure from this machine acts like a “splint” that holds the air passage open while sleeping. Typical disadvantages in using this device are the somewhat complicated process in setting up the equipment and the possible noise that the air pumps would produce.

With the many varieties of snoring aids now available, it is important for a snoring person to study the different variations available to him/her before evaluating on a specific snoring aid – there are people who attest to the effectiveness of snoring devices (a particular case study actually reported positive results in more than 85% cases); while other people would claim that snoring aids do not have any benefit (even effect) at all. What every snorer should bear in mind is that proper medical assessment and professional advice (from a physician or a dental surgeon) is the first (and most important) step that one should take for snoring to be treated.