7 best snoring remedies

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Snoring is a unique condition: various drugs and various devices are used to correct and eliminate it. In medicine, there are various diseases that are treated with drugs and devices, but many of them relate to the pathology of the musculoskeletal system. So, the treatment of scoliosis and posture correction is carried out with the use of drugs, corsets and special means, but here everything is clearer: the curved spine must be aligned.

As for snoring, this is a functional ventilation disorder resulting from vibration of the soft tissues of the nasopharynx, namely the uvula and soft palate. And therefore, it is not entirely clear what should be dealt with and how. With a loud sound? Restless sleep? Not with these symptoms at all, although they significantly worsen the quality of life. You need to fight the dangers and complications. What is the danger of snoring?

What is the danger of snoring

As a matter of fact, only in snoring itself there is nothing unpleasant or harmful, except that it is very annoying to others. But the point is that snoring leads to disorders of ventilation of the lungs, deterioration of gas exchange, acute hypoxia of the brain and myocardium, and reduces tissue oxygenation. The reason is the so-called periods of sleep apnea. These are pauses in breathing during sleep, arising from snoring and reduced muscle tone of the root of the tongue and pharynx. As a result, the sleeping person has an instant reaction to stress, adrenaline is released, blood pressure rises sharply, and breathing is restored in an extreme way.

In the event that the patient has a large body weight, there are heart rhythm disturbances, hypertension, high cholesterol levels – then all these risk factors against the background of a sharp violation of oxygen supply to organs and tissues with high demands for oxygen during stress and lead to those most cardiovascular disasters. Therefore, heavy snoring and multiple periods of respiratory arrest at night can be fatal. But even if this does not happen, such a patient's quality of life is significantly reduced, daytime sleepiness occurs, working capacity decreases, and therefore snoring must be seriously fought. In some countries, persistent snoring may even be considered sufficient evidence for divorce between spouses. How to deal with this unpleasant phenomenon?

First of all, you need to find out the reason. In some cases, it is enough just to lose weight, sometimes you need to do an operation to eliminate the curvature of the nasal septum, get rid of alcohol addiction, from allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion, eliminate overgrown adenoids or remove a tumor-like formation in the nasopharynx. Such symptomatic conditions are treated rather quickly, since there is an understandable reason. In the same case, if such an obvious cause is not revealed after the examination, then a serious somnological study by specialists in sleep disorders with a polysomnography is necessary.

This rating includes medicines and special technical devices that can either completely eliminate snoring, or significantly reduce this symptom, shorten periods of sleep apnea and restore the patency of the upper respiratory tract. Many devices for improving breathing are not sold in pharmacies; special medical equipment stores are engaged in their implementation. Also, many of these funds can be purchased in online stores of health products, but only after the appropriate consultation with a doctor.

Rating of the best snoring remedies

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Medications for Snoring and Sleep Apnea	1	Doctor Sleep'ex spray and Doctor Snore Ex patch	230 RUB
	2	Silence, spray	RUB 690
Best Mechanical Appliances	1	Snoring cushion	RUB 2 630
	2	Oral attachments: Extra – ENT	990 RUB
	3	Plasters and clips for nostrils	RUB 570
	4	Dressings	270 RUB
	5	CPAP therapy (positive air pressure mask)	RUB 32 100

Best cures for snoring and sleep apnea

All of the listed products, sprays and patches, of course, do not relieve a person from snoring, since they do not eliminate its causes. These are symptomatic drugs, the role of which is to soften the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, moisturize it, and tone the muscles of the soft palate. But almost all drugs in this group are not considered drugs. It is nothing more than cosmetics or skin care products (when it comes to nostril patches), or as hygiene products for the oral cavity (sprays). Consider a few typical representatives from this section.

Doctor Sleep'ex spray and Doctor Snore Ex patch

Rating: 4.9

A typical representative of well-advertised (which does not indicate effectiveness) drugs for snoring will be a group of cosmetic products produced by Mirrola LLC. The drugs have nothing to do with medicines, these are cosmetic products, and in the declaration of conformity of the Customs Union, they are declared as 'manufactured in accordance with the safety rules for perfumery and cosmetic products'. There is no talk even about the fact that this drug has passed all the necessary stages of preclinical and clinical trials. Therefore, it would be very naive to ask about the effectiveness of eliminating snoring with these drugs.

However, in the event that a person uses these funds not as the only treatment option, but as part of a complex therapy, then he may feel a positive effect. Often, this will be a placebo effect, but it also builds confidence and stimulates adherence to treatment. So, for example, if an obese man begins to gradually increase physical activity, reduces salt intake, reduces the total calorie intake of the daily diet, then he begins to feel better, the tone of the muscles and ligaments of the soft palate increases, and he begins to snore much less. But in the event that he additionally uses these cosmetics before bedtime, then his subjective assessment of these drugs is much higher than his own achievements. This allows us to maintain a fairly high level of sales of such funds.

These funds are inexpensive. So, a 60 ml spray bottle is sold in three versions: mint, eucalyptus and sage extract. The average cost is about 230 rubles. You need to spray this spray on the back of the palate three times before bedtime, the total daily volume does not exceed 2 ml. Also, if necessary, the spray is used as a hygienic product for irrigating the oral cavity. Anti-snoring is also available in the form of a patch, but since this will already be a mechanical device, it will be described in the corresponding section.

Advantages and disadvantages

A plus is the freedom to use them (not drugs, over-the-counter), the absence of contraindications, except for individual intolerance, the ability to use cosmetics to cleanse the mouth and nasal passages, and some psychological comfort, which gives confidence before bedtime. The downside is not only the lack of evidence, but also the lack of a mechanism of action on snoring and sleep apnea, the lack of clinical trials. Therefore, it is impossible to start treatment of snoring with these drugs for a patient with frequent respiratory arrest during sleep: they do not reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and sudden death.

Silence, spray

Rating: 4.8

This is another dietary supplement that comes in 50 ml vials and is used for spraying inside the mouth. The spray contains soy extract and lecithin, glycerin, rosehip extract, mint and tangerine flavor, distilled water and perfume composition. In the official instructions there is a bold statement that “the drug regulates the normal respiratory cycle, fixing it at the reflex level.” There is no confirmation or references to the data of neurophysiological, laboratory and instrumental methods for studying respiration in patients of the control group and using Silence, since they simply did not exist, and these words are just advertising. The agent is used by injecting it into the oral cavity before going to bed: one dose of a cosmetic product.

Advantages and disadvantages

This is the same dietary supplement that softens the vocal cords, reduces sore throat, has an expectorant, moisturizing and refreshing effect, but has nothing to do with snoring. Among the official indications for use are snoring and sleep apnea, and among the contraindications is individual intolerance. The specific product instructions say that this is 'not a cure for apnea'. That is, apnea is an indication, but the drug is not considered a cure for apnea. Contradiction.

We will not go on to describe the numerous products from this group as they are very similar to each other. So, the drug Asonor contains glycerin and an oil-wax composition that softens mucous membranes and reduces puffiness. The Sominorm preparation contains a phytocomposition of violets, mint, lemon balm, fennel, and hyaluronic acid.

There are many such different cosmetic compositions. But the most effective are not drugs, and not cosmetics, but special mechanical devices that improve the ventilation capacity of the upper respiratory tract and prevent them from falling.

Best mechanical snoring devices

Mechanical devices for eliminating snoring are most effective when appropriate for the indication and size. Of course, many of them have such side effects as foreign object sensation and discomfort. First of all, this applies to intraoral devices, then to clips, various dressings and masks. Perhaps the simplest and at the same time quite effective mechanical means would be to wear pajamas, in which several elastic tennis balls are sewn into the back area. As a result, the patient tends to turn from his back to his side or stomach in a dream, and breathing is facilitated. Airway patency is restored, and the risk of tongue sinking is reduced. After all, it is known that snoring on the back is the most dangerous when lying down. This rating includes those devices that can be purchased in stores of medical products for the home, or in online stores.

Snoring cushion

Rating: 4.9

Perhaps the easiest solution would be to purchase a special pillow from a specialized orthopedic salon, which helps to cope with mild snoring. These pillows reduce or completely eliminate snoring by carefully maintaining the anatomical position of the neck and head during sleep. If the pillow is selected correctly, then the head lies flat, the cervical spine is correctly extended and positioned, and the chest and shoulders are straightened, since they are much lower than the cervical roller. This posture prevents tongue sinking and improves ventilation. As a result, a properly selected pillow also allows you to reduce the load on the spine and relax the neck muscles.

When choosing a snoring pillow, you should consult with a specialist in an orthopedic salon. He will help you choose a product that will contain hypoallergenic fillers, it is possible to purchase a product with a memory effect containing a special gel. The specialists of the orthopedic salon will also take into account your wishes. If you sleep on your side, then a hard roller is more suitable for snoring, and for those who like to sleep on their back there are special pillows with a depression in the center.

The most modern pillows vary in height depending on the breathing phase. So, if snoring increases, then such a pillow 'hears' it and reacts to increased snoring with a sharp increase in volume. As a result, the person either wakes up on their own or changes their posture. There are many orthopedic pillows for every price and every taste. You can find a Chinese pillow for 300 rubles on Alibaba Express, and you can find it for 10 thousand, and even.

Advantages and disadvantages

The big advantage of the orthopedic pillow is the fact that it additionally improves the blood supply to the cervical spine, relaxes the muscles, and improves the course of osteochondrosis complicated by myofascial syndrome. A well-chosen pillow lasts a long time and does not require maintenance. The orthopedic pillow can be taken with you, for example, on the train or to the hotel. The only thing is that it is necessary that the pillow is chosen correctly. Again, in the case of severe and frequently recurring sleep apnea with aggravating risk factors such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high blood cholesterol, obesity, an orthopedic pillow will be just the beginning of the road to recovery, and it will not be able to cope alone. with severe pathology.

Oral attachments: Extra – ENT

Rating: 4.8

Extra-ENT is the first real remedy to help with snoring without the side effects of drugs. The tool really 'works'. The mechanism of action consists in preventing the tongue from sinking, and in creating tension in the walls of the larynx and increasing muscle tone. Extra-ENT is a medical, environmentally friendly plastic that does not irritate mucous membranes. In appearance, it resembles a baby pacifier, and looks like several rings planted in a certain sequence on a tube, in the shape of a tree.

The largest ring is located on the outside and prevents accidental swallowing of the device while sleeping. The second ring is located between the teeth and lips, and the third device in the form of an arc grasps the human tongue, fixes it in the correct position, and during sleep does not allow it to sink. People who are familiar with sports can be reminded that the Extra-Lor device resembles a sports mouth guard, only additionally holding the tongue.

Extra-Lor is used with great success for bruxism. This is the name given to grinding teeth during sleep. Bruxism is quite often a neurogenic symptom, and then Extra-Lor will be quite successful. But if it develops in children, then first of all, helminthic invasions, such as enterobiasis or pinworm infection, should be excluded. By treating the pinworm infestation, you can get rid of bruxism. You can buy Extra-Lor in online stores. The average cost of a structure is 1000 rubles. This product is individual and reusable.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of this remedy is the clinical studies carried out in these groups of patients with snoring, which have confirmed the effectiveness. However, the tool also has disadvantages. So, if you buy it remotely, it may not fit in size. There may be discomfort and soreness in the gums and oral mucosa, especially in the area of ​​the second ring. In order for this tool to fully fit and the second ring takes the shape of the front teeth, it must be dipped in boiling water, after which the plastic softens. Then it is put on the teeth and glued. Thus, the commit is carried out. That is, there are some difficulties and the need for additional manipulations. On the other hand, the price of this tool is not very high, but the effectiveness is sufficient. If the patient gets used to the device, then such a simple device quite helps to get rid of not only episodes of snoring, but also to prevent the occurrence of sleep apnea.

Plasters and clips for nostrils

Rating: 4.7

Above, we have already mentioned a special plaster bandage on the nostrils – Anti-snoring. Fixation on the nostrils slightly widens the nasal passages, which improves ventilation. There are some modifications of this device. You can purchase two cylinders connected to each other on one side and open at the ends. They are inserted into the nostrils to improve breathing. If the device is correctly selected, the wide entry point for air flow into the nasopharynx will inhibit vibration of the soft palate and reduce snoring. These devices are made of medical silicone, they are easily tolerated by patients and do not cause discomfort. Outside, they are almost invisible, since only a small tubercle protruding from the nostrils is visible. The price of clips is from 300 to 1000 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of the patch is its low price, relative comfort, since there is no foreign object in the oral cavity. Such remedies are great if the cause of snoring is disturbed nasal breathing. However, all kinds of devices that expand the nasal passages and improve ventilation only at the very initial stage of air penetration into the nasal passages in no way help to increase the tone of the pharyngeal muscles and contribute to the correct position of the tongue root.

Therefore, in the event that we are talking about serious sleep apnea in an overweight patient, then such devices will not be able to help him, and will not prevent the risk of developing cardiovascular accidents. In the event that the patient has a certain neurotization, and he believes in various devices, then putting on such a clip, he will understand that in a dream he 'has protection' and this will contribute to a soft onset of sleep.

Dressings

Rating: 4.6

Snoring bandages are an inexpensive device that is worn over the head and is intended to prevent the mouth from opening during sleep. It is known that an open mouth contributes to a decrease in the tone of the muscles of the dentition and the floor of the oral cavity, such a loosening of the lower jaw increases snoring and increases the risk of periods of sleep apnea.

This bandage is worn before going to bed on the jaw and on the back of the head and is attached with Velcro. It is indicated for those patients who have snoring with a constantly open mouth during sleep. If snoring occurs when the mouth is closed (which also happens), then such a bandage will be a rather pointless acquisition.

Modern neoprene dressings are used not only to treat snoring, but also to reduce the vibration of the soft tissues of the head, in which the soft palate and uvula enter into resonance vibrations. They help to fix the lower jaw in dentistry, after surgery and fractures. Also, daily use of Anti-Snoring neoprene dressings prevents sagging of the skin and improves facial contour, contributing to mechanical night lifting. A neoprene bandage of a domestic brand will cost about 1,280 rubles, and simpler masks can be purchased in online stores for 270 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The bandages should be used if the mouth is constantly open during sleep, and only in this position snoring is heard. Some patients, who are very afraid of dying in their sleep, never agree to wear such a mask, because, according to the statement of one of these patients, “my jaw is already tied up in advance.” Such a psychological moment when choosing a mechanical means to combat snoring must also be taken into account. The advantage is the low price, the ability to choose a mask according to the size, and also to use it for cosmetic purposes for harmless skin tightening without cosmetics.

CPAP therapy (positive air pressure mask)

Rating: 4.5

It is these mechanical remedies for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea that are most effective, they allow the patient to fully sleep and feel full the next day. The physical principle is artificial ventilation of the lungs, when a slight positive pressure is constantly applied to the mask. As a result, swelling of the soft parts of the nasopharynx and oropharynx occurs, which makes the closure of the airways impossible. The weakness, fatigue that usually accompanies the patient after a restless night full of snoring and interruptions in breathing disappears. During sleep, the risk of sudden death from sudden hypoxia is reduced and even completely eliminated. According to numerous studies, patients who used CPAP therapy devices significantly reduced the risk of car accidents and injuries associated with unexpected falling asleep the next day. Small mobile devices can be used on an outpatient basis and at home.

Advantages and disadvantages

As you know, you have to pay for pleasure. Portable devices based on this technology are very expensive. The range of prices is from 30,000 to 100,000 rubles and above. The most amazing thing is that to create a simple positive pressure in the mask, you do not need a device more complicated than an aquarium compressor connected to a regular gas mask. In other words, such a mask can be assembled with your own hands and at no cost.

The high cost is due to the electronic filling, which in some cases allows you to change the value of the outlet pressure, release it depending on the resistance, gradually increase it again, and thus constantly 'feel' the patient's oxygen demand. Some of the more advanced devices are equipped with special clips for pulse oximetry, which allow you to assess the oxygen tension in capillary blood, simply by attaching this clip to a finger or toe, as is done in intensive care units.

In such premium class devices, sleep parameters, oxygen pressure are analyzed, and the data is constantly recorded on a special SD card, which can then be analyzed by a doctor-somnologist, or conduct a remote consultation. Therefore, these devices can be considered the most perfect, but in order not to feel sorry for the money spent, you really need to use them only for serious problems with sleep, and use them as a tool when all other methods of solving the problem of snoring are ineffective.

Instead of a conclusion

Science does not stand still. In the event that the patient is diagnosed with apnea, or respiratory arrest of mild or moderate severity, and he wants to solve this problem quickly and radically, then special palatal implants can be installed. Their task is to strengthen the soft tissues of the palate, increase the tone of the palatine curtain, they are implanted into the tissues of the oral cavity on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, and rather quickly. The whole procedure takes no more than 30 minutes. This is followed by a short recovery period, and a proven, effective result. Patients begin to sleep fully, the risk of heart attacks and strokes decreases, snoring is radically cured. However, this technique is not suitable for everyone.

Fixation of the soft palate does not affect the sunken tongue, and therefore patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, with the presence of numerous risk factors, should begin to deal with severe snoring in other ways. First, you need to accurately establish the cause, and only then prescribe treatment. Therefore, it is advisable to examine an ENT doctor, cardiological examination, undergo polysomnography, and also test the function of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems by cardiorespiratory monitoring.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.