Products to Stop Snoring - Aids and Devices

Snoring is a sleep disorder that can be disturbing, not only for the person suffering from it, but also for his/her family members. Most people who snore are unaware of the problem until they are informed by someone about the same. Snoring is involuntary and can be a symptom of some underlying health related issues. It is mainly caused due to an obstruction in breathing, which occurs as a result of blocked nasal passages. Another cause of snoring could be sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a serious medical condition. There are many affordable and convenient products to stop snoring (anti-snore products) available, that can help the individual and his/her family to have a good night's sleep.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Appliances (CPAP)
The CPAP is one of the most recommended anti-snore devices. It 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 continuously.

Dental Devices
Dental stop snoring devices are of three types - the mandibular advancement devices, the tongue retaining devices and the tongue-retaining flange. These are easily available under different brand names and are also effective, but some may find them to be inconvenient. Some dental 'stop snoring' devices can also be custom made by dentists.

Nasal Dilators
Nasal valve dilators are effective for snoring that is caused due to blocked nasal passages. They are available in the form of nasal sprays and nasal strips. The nasal strips eliminate snoring by holding the nostrils open and the nasal sprays 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
Throat sprays lubricate the tissues and the back of the throat, with oils that reduce sound vibrations and allow the passage of air, thereby eliminating snoring. Throat sprays are considered to be the least effective 'stop snoring' aids, as they can be addictive and can also cause damage to the mucous membranes and the soft tissues of the throat.

Adjustable Beds
An adjustable bed is a very useful stop snoring aid. These beds 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 stop snoring devices.

Snoring Pillows
A very effective stop snoring device, the snoring pillow, is specially designed to keep the individual sleeping on his/her side, rather than sleeping flat on the back. They are made of foam and are easily available.

Mouth Guard
A mouth guard serves as a stop snoring device by aligning the teeth and the jaws properly and ensures that the jaw muscles are relaxed while sleeping.

Apart from the above mentioned anti-snore aids and devices, there are also other alternatives like surgery, medications, exercises, natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can help stop snoring. The products must be chosen depending upon the intensity of the snoring problem and the convenience value that the product offers. Though the products to stop snoring are easily available and are mostly over-the-counter ones, they should preferably be used, only under the advice of a medical practitioner.