What Is the Best Pillow to Stop Snoring
Snoring is a common problem among masses. Initially, it seems like a mild irritation and sometimes a subject of joke. But as it progresses, it starts becoming a serious problem for the person as well as for other people who sleep with him or her.
Snoring can lead to sleep deprivation for both, due to which their entire lifestyle is affected depressingly. Snoring is usually caused due to bulky throat, poor throat muscle tone, obstruction in the nasal passage etc. Certain specially designed pillows can be helpful in adjusting the alignment of your body while sleeping, thus reducing sleepless nights significantly. These pillows aim at giving you a better posture so that you can breathe freely and reduce snoring. As there are various forms of anti-snoring pillows available in the market, read this oneHOWTO article to find out what the best pillow to stop snoring is.
Choosing the right pillow
Finding out which pillow works best for you largely depends on your personal preferences and sleeping position. Some people prefer fluffy pillows, while others are more comfortable with a firm and strong pillow. Almost all anti-snoring pillows work by lifting your head, chin and neck so that you don’t snore. There can be different materials and shapes of pillows to choose from. There are certain factors that you should consider before deciding which the best pillow to stop snoring for you is.
What is the best size?
The size of pillow that you choose should be appropriate to the size of your bed. Placing a large pillow on a small bed will not be worth it, and it will stay uncomfortable as well. The size that you choose also depends on the size of your neck curve. For instance, a small size will be appropriate for a child, but a medium or small size will be a nice choice for women and medium sized men. Larger and taller men should go for a large size pillow.
Why? Lifting your neck from the level of your body's trunk is essential to align the airways and help you breathe better while sleeping.
What is the best filling?
There are different types of fillings that you can find in an anti- snore pillow. Before you choose one, give attention to any allergies that you have. If you have an allergy, neck pain or asthma, you will need to choose a pillow with a specific filling. The one that you choose should soft enough to give you comfort, yet thick enough to prevent any difficulty while breathing. If you are a side sleeper, a soft pillow will prevent your ears from getting sore and hurt due to pressure. Some of the common fillings are:
- Foam: If you are choosing a foam pillow, give attention to its density. Higher density will mean less breakdown for your pillow and more support for the sleeper. This means this type of pillow will need to be changed frequently, as foam pillow lose their consistency as time goes by.
- Latex: Latex is a firm filling for a pillow, and is extremely effective in resisting dust mites and mold. So, people with allergies usually choose a pillow with this filling. It also gives a nice alignment to your neck and back, as it can be easily contoured to support your curves. If your snoring allergies are due to a blocked nose, this is the best filling for you.
- Memory foam: This kind of foam keeps molding itself and adjusting as per the shape of your neck all through the night. It gives support to your neck and works miraculously by reducing pressure points. If your snoring problems derive from sleep apnoea, you will find memory foam great, especially if you have to wear a CPAP mask too.
- Cotton or wool: Pillows with these fillings resist dust and mold, and are hypoallergenic. They are great if your snoring problems derive from allergy related symptoms too, but we don't recommend them if you have breathing problems at night.
What is the best shape for your pillow?
Apart from the filling in your pillow, the shape of it will also influence on your sleep quality. As we've seen each reason for snoring will require a different solution in order to stop the snoring. Take a look at the best shapes depending on the source of the problem:
- Wedge-type pillow: When we talk about wedge type pillow, we are talking about those that stand upright into an isosceles triangle shape. If you have a deviated septum or other respiratory system problems, lifting your chest at the right angle may help reduce snoring. It is also a good option if you also have acid reflux.
- Gentle curve pillow: If your snoring problems are not very frequent, use a normal shaped pillow (one that is individual, not for double beds). Choose one that has a gentle curve in the middle so that your head rests in a better and more natural position when you sleep.
- Contour pillow: According to recent studies, the best shape to sleep in a most natural position is the contour pillow. The curves are deigned to open your airways and allow you to get enough oxygen whilst sleeping.
If you have sleep apnoea, they your doctor will prescribe you a pillow shape that is most adequate for you.
How an anti-snoring pillow works?
The effectiveness of an anti-snoring pillow for you largely depends on the reason why you snore. Your muscles relax when you sleep, and this leads to the muscles collapsing inside your throat, leading to an airway obstruction. When you breathe, the oxygen has to pass through a very narrow passage inside your throat, due to which the soft tissue inside your neck vibrates and produces a sound calling as snoring. An anti-snoring is designed in such a way that it keeps your throat straight when you sleep, so that your throat muscles are not obstructed and you keep breathing freely. People with different snoring factors can find an anti-snoring pillow affecting differently, which is why it's so important to find the adequate one for your case.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to What Is the Best Pillow to Stop Snoring, we recommend you visit our Mental health category.
