Why We Snore & Choosing the Best Pillow for Snoring

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We all know what snoring is. It’s that loud, intrusive noise that some people make when they sleep. For many of us, it’s just a nuisance. But for some, it can be a real problem. From sleep apnea to plain old loud snoring, it can cause severe disruptions in our lives.

So why do we snore? And how can we save ourselves and others from the annoyance of snoring?

Why do we snore?

Everyone knows someone who snores at night. It can be incredibly annoying, not to mention disruptive to everyone else in the house. But what causes snoring?

Throat anatomy

There are a few different reasons why someone might snore. One of the most common causes is how our throats are built. The throat comprises several different muscles and tissues, including the soft palate, the uvula, and the tonsils.

When we sleep, these muscles relax. This is perfectly normal and happens to everyone. However, in some people, the muscles relax so much that they block off part of the airway. This restricted airflow is what causes the characteristic snoring sound.

Lifestyle choices

Apart from the anatomy of our throats, there are a few other things that can contribute to snoring. One of these is being overweight. Excess weight can lead to extra throat tissue, which can block the airway.

Another common cause of snoring is alcohol consumption. Alcohol relaxes all the muscles in our bodies, including those in the throat. This means that the airway is more likely to become blocked when we drink alcohol before bed.

Smoking can also cause snoring. Smoking irritates and inflames the tissues in the throat, making them more likely to block the airway.

Health issues

Sleep apnea is a condition that can cause people to snore loudly. It occurs when the throat muscles relax so much that the airway becomes completely blocked. This can happen multiple times throughout the night and can lead to serious health problems if not treated.

Allergies and colds can also lead to snoring. This is because they can cause the throat muscles to swell, which then blocks the airway.

Is snoring disrupting your sleep?

If you snore, likely, you’re not getting a good night’s sleep. This is because snoring can be incredibly disruptive, both to yourself and anyone else trying to sleep in the same room.

Snoring can cause you to wake up frequently throughout the night, so you’re not getting the deep, restful sleep that your body needs. This can lead to fatigue during the day, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

In severe cases, snoring can cause sleep apnea, where you stop breathing briefly at night. Obstructive sleep apnea can have serious consequences, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

You must see a doctor if you think your snoring might disrupt your sleep. They can help determine the cause of your snoring and recommend the best treatment.

How can I stop snoring?

There are a number of different ways that you can stop snoring. One of the most effective is to change your sleeping position. Gravity can pull your tongue and soft palate down if you sleep on your back, which can block your airway.

Instead, try sleeping on your side. This can help to keep your airway clear and reduce or even eliminate snoring. If you find it difficult to sleep on your side, several special pillows can help keep you in this position and give your neck support.

Another way to stop snoring is to make changes to your lifestyle choices. As we mentioned, being overweight can lead to extra tissue in the throat, which can block the airway. Even losing just a few pounds can make a big difference.

If you drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes, cutting back or quitting altogether can also help to reduce or eliminate snoring. This is because both alcohol and smoking can relax the muscles in the throat, making it more likely that the airway will become blocked.

Best pillow for snoring

Many sleep experts have helped develop anti-snoring pillows for people who snore. These pillows are designed to support your head and neck while keeping your airways clear.

There are a number of different types of pillows on the market, so it’s essential to find one that suits your needs. If you’re unsure where to start, consider talking to a doctor or sleep specialist. They can help you to choose the best pillow for your specific situation.

We’ve chosen the three best anti-snoring pillows to help you get a good night’s sleep.

Wedge pillow

If you snore, sleeping on your back can make it worse. That’s because when you lie flat on your back, gravity pulls down on your tongue and soft palate, which can then block your airway.

To help prevent this, you can use a wedge pillow. This is anti snoring pillow that’s thicker at one end than the other. By propping up your head and shoulders, a foam wedge pillow can help to keep your airway clear and reduce or even eliminate snoring. Wedge pillows should elevate your head about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm).

Body pillow

Another anti-snoring pillow option is a body pillow. This is a long, narrow pillow you can hug while sleeping. It will support your head, neck, and shoulders, which can help to keep your airway clear.

Buckwheat pillow

A third option is a buckwheat pillow. This type of anti-snoring pillow is filled with small, round pellets of buckwheat hulls. The hulls are firm but flexible, which makes them supportive and comfortable.

Buckwheat pillows are also adjustable. You can add or remove hulls to find the perfect level of support for you. This can be helpful if you often change positions while you sleep.

Anti-snoring pillows are typically made from materials like memory foam. Memory foam pillows are firm but moldable, which makes them supportive and comfortable. They’re also hypoallergenic, essential for people with allergies or asthma.

You might want to avoid feather pillows, as they can be a breeding ground for dust mites. These tiny creatures can cause asthma and other respiratory problems.

No matter which type of anti-snoring pillow you choose, it’s essential to ensure that it’s comfortable and supports your head and neck to keep your airway clear.

Summarising: put the snoring to bed with a pillow for snoring

Nobody likes a snorer. And it’s essential to understand the cause of your snoring before you can tackle it. Is it because of your sleeping position or lifestyle choices, or are there any underlying health issues?

There are several different types of anti-snoring pillows on the market that can help reduce or eliminate snoring. Wedge pillows, body pillows, and buckwheat hull pillows are all great options. The important thing is to find one that suits your needs and that keeps your airway clear.

If your snoring impacts your sleep, you should consult a doctor or sleep specialist. They can help you to find the underlying cause of your snoring and provide you with more treatment options. Many snorers find that the cause of their snoring is sleep apnea, so it is essential to get a diagnosis from a professional.

With the right understanding and treatment, you can put your snoring to bed for good.

FAQs

What type of pillow is best for snoring?

There are a number of different types of pillows on the market that can help to reduce or eliminate snoring. Wedge pillows, body pillows, and buckwheat hull pillows are all great options.

Does a higher pillow stop snoring?

A higher pillow may help to reduce snoring by keeping the airway clear. However, it’s important to find a pillow that suits your needs and that’s comfortable for you.

What sleep position is best for snoring?

Sleeping on your side may help to reduce or eliminate snoring. This is because it can help to keep the airway clear.

How do I stop snoring naturally?

There are a number of things you can do to stop snoring naturally. These include losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, and sleeping on your side. You can also try using a pillow for snoring.