Does Smoking Cause You to Snore?

As a smoker, throughout the years you have probably heard all of the reasons why smoking is dangerous – emphysema, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and even lung cancer just to name a few. Smoking effects everything from your heart to lungs and causes nearly half a million deaths per year in the United States alone.

While all of this may not be news to you, here’s something that you have likely never heard: The research is in and snoring may be caused by smoking. Several studies have been conducted to confirm this notion.

One Swedish study used a questionnaire to ask 15,000 people about their smoking and snoring habits. Those who participated were between the ages of 25-54. The results were quite astonishing. Only 14% of non-smokers were considered habitual snorers while 24% of smokers were habitual snorers. In order to be considered a “habitual snorer” one must snore loudly for at least 3 nights per week.

Another study examined the relationship between smoking and obstructive sleep apnea by examining articles in Medline up until 2014 and suggested that there is a relationship between the two. While snoring and OSA are not the same, they are often closely related to each other as snoring typically exists in those who have sleep apnea.

How Does Smoking Cause Snoring?

So, it’s true. Smoking does cause snoring and the more cigarettes that you smoke per day, the more likely you are to snore. A two pack a day smoker is twice as likely to snore as a one pack a day snorer. Why is this the case? Exactly how does smoking cause snoring?

When you smoke, whether it’s cigarettes, marijuana, or any other substance, smoke enters the mouth and travels through the airway. As the smoke passes down the airway, into the lungs and out the mouth and nose, it irritates the surrounding tissue. Irritation causes inflammation which is simply swelling of the tissue surrounding the airway.

While there are several reasons why we snore, restricted airflow in the airways is by far the most common. Imagine blowing through a plastic straw and pinching it off at one point. This is exactly what happens when you smoke. The airway becomes inflamed, swells up and air must pass through an already narrow area such as around the throat. When this occurs, the movement of air causes loose tissue in the airway to move and collide with each other. This is where we get the sound of snoring. The more that you smoke, the more pronounced the sound of snoring as the airway becomes increasingly smaller.

Why it’s Important to Address Snoring Now?

Now that the relationship between smoking and snoring has been established, the next question is “Why should I be concerned about snoring caused by smoking?”.

While most people consider snoring a laughing matter, it can actually cause marital problems and may even be a sign of the more serious related condition of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Snoring May Disturb Your Bedroom Partner

As a sleep-deprived nation, the average American sleeps less than seven hours per night. For several years, the number one bedroom disturbance has been snoring. Since over 25% of couples are habitual snorers, this bedroom nuisance can often lead to disputes, sleeping in separate bedrooms and ultimately divorce.

Often times, the offending partner may not view their snoring as an issue. The partner who must lay awake in bed and constantly wake they’re significant other may view their snoring differently.

If your partner is constantly complaining that your snoring is disturbing their sleep, it’s probably time to do something about it. With nearly 50% of marriages ending in divorce, snoring is not a condition that should be taken lightly.

Snoring is an Indicator of Sleep Apnea

While it may be tempting to simply ignore a snoring problem, you may want to consider that snoring is one of the most common signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a condition in which breathing stops for several seconds before resuming again. This is caused by the narrowing of the airway.

With sleep apnea, the body never achieves a restful night of sleep because it’s startled awake several times throughout the night. In addition to being told that you snore, you may also notice that you are constantly tired throughout the day and may even fall asleep while at work or in the car. These are telltale signs of sleep apnea and should not be ignored. Sleep apnea places a strain on your cardiovascular system and can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke among other issues.

If you suspect that your snoring is related to sleep apnea, consider speaking with your doctor who may recommend further testing.

Other Reasons Why You May Snore

While it’s certain that there is a relationship between smoking and snoring, it should be mentioned that snoring may be caused by a number of other conditions. It’s possible that two or more causes may coexist. Below are a few other causes of snoring that may not be related to smoking.

Being Overweight 

Perhaps the most common cause is snoring is carrying extra weight. This can be especially true for males who tend to carry extra weight in the neck area.

While overweight, extra fat tends to accumulate around the airway. This can be problematic for those who sleep on their back as the weight of the fat in the surrounding area will place force against the airway, causing a restriction. Men with neck circumferences of over 16.5″ and women with a circumference of over 15″ are at higher risk of developing snoring or in some cases OSA.

Drinking Alcohol & Using Sedatives

While not completely accurate, there’s a saying that goes “smokers drink and drinkers smoke”. In other words, if you smoke, you likely drink alcohol and vice-versa. For many, alcohol and tobacco go together.

The issue with drinking alcohol is that it causes the muscles in the body to relax. While some find that having a drink or two before bed helps them to fall asleep, it may actually affect their quality of sleep.

One of the issues with snoring and sleep apnea is that the jaw relaxes and falls backward which reduces the opening of the airway. As mentioned, a reduced airway causes resistance when air tries to travel past. This resistance causes snoring and if the area becomes completely blocked off, apnea occurs. Alcohol and sedative use compounds this problem by relaxing muscles surrounding the airway.

Airway Abnormalities

Airway abnormalities, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps may be to blame for a snoring problem. Air must travel past such obstructions in order to reach the lungs. This situation can often lead to snoring. Medical treatment may be necessary to correct such issues.

How to Quit Smoking

If you have tried to stop smoking but have been unsuccessful, there’s plenty of helpful information out there that can assist in your endeavor.

Smokefree.gov is a website that offers helpful tips and tools that will assist in your journey to becoming smoke-free. They offer expert help and even two Smokefree apps – QuitGuide and quitSTART. These apps can help track and manage cravings, allow you to create journal entries and even provide games to distract you from smoking.

Quitting smoking is a very large topic and is beyond the scope of this article. In summary, here are a few items that you may want to consider.

• Write down your goals and review them frequently
• Identify and eat healthy snacks as your appetite typically increases
• Toss ashtrays, lighters and other items related to smoking
• Adopt a new hobby to pass time
• Consider nicotine replacements such as patches or gum
• Avoid alcohol
• Reward yourself
• Find a way to relax often
• Create a money jar and fill it with cash for every time you would ordinarily buy a pack of cigarettes
• If at first you don’t succeed, try again

Helpful Over The Counter Products For Snoring

If you are in search of a product that will help with your snoring, there are actually several over-the-counter device that can be purchased which can help. Products such as nasal dilators, snoring pillows, and essential oils can all be helpful. However, one highly effective product that I use on a nightly basis is called a snoring mouthpiece. Several companies make this product and it’s the most effective snoring solution currently available.

While quitting smoking should be the ultimate goal, you can use over-the-counter anti-snoring products to help in the meantime.

Can High Blood Pressure be Caused by Snoring?

You may have heard it before – Snoring can lead to high blood pressure. This is a statement that is commonly repeated but is it really true? Is it possible that this seemingly innocent little sound made by millions of people each night can be the cause of such a serious issue?

Snoring by itself is a sleep-related breathing issue in which air does not flow freely in and out of the lungs. As air passes through, it’s often met with resistance from an airway that is out of tone due to a number of reasons which include everything from abnormal anatomical structure to being overweight. When resistance occurs, moving air may cause the tissues within the airway to vibrate against each other, resulting in the sound of snoring.

A surprising number of people who snore also have a condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA in which the airway collapses and breathing momentarily ceases. This can happen repeatedly throughout the night. Those who have OSA are often plagued with high blood pressure and are placed on prescription drugs to help keep it under control.

The Relationship Between OSA, Snoring, and High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can lead to a number of serious medical conditions including hardening of the arteries, stroke, heart attack, and congestive heart failure to name a few. In fact, the number one and number three causes of death in the US are heart disease and stroke. It’s a condition that affects nearly 1 in 3 Americans and has a $46 billion dollar annual impact on the US economy.  Needless to say, high blood pressure is a serious and common condition that should be taken seriously.

Snoring often precedes OSA and it is also very common in those who already have sleep apnea. It’s important to note that although the two are very closely related, either one can occur independently, meaning that you can snore and not have OSA or you can have OSA and not snore.

We know that there is a relationship between snoring and sleep apnea, now what about the relationship between high blood pressure and OSA? How does sleep apnea affect blood pressure?

The body has an amazing way of taking care of itself with defense mechanisms. Our bodies perform unconscious actions each and every day in order to keep us alive. Keeping this in mind, let’s go over how sleep apnea and high blood pressure are related.

With OSA, your air supply is blocked off. When you shut off breathing, blood oxygen levels are greatly reduced. Your body responds by sending a surge of adrenaline from your adrenaline glands and a chain reaction occurs. Suddenly, the adrenaline causes your heart to race and respiration to increase. This surge in your heart rate causes blood pressure to rise to high levels. As a result, you are startled awake and resume breathing. Normal breathing is short lived – as you fall back asleep, your airway relaxes and the process repeats again and again throughout the night. The result is that you never achieve the full cycle of sleep and you wake up tired day after day. This cycle of blood pressure spikes can have a lasting effect even while awake.

For this reason, those who exhibit signs of sleep apnea and also have high blood pressure are encouraged to speak with their doctor about being tested for OSA.

Simply stated, snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea and sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure which can lead to a number of other health problems.

How Can I Treat High Blood Pressure That is Caused by Sleep Apnea?

If you suspect that sleep apnea is causing your high blood pressure, it only makes sense to treat the cause instead of taking medications to control the symptoms. In many cases, blood pressure will lower once sleep apnea is treated.

Start by having a discussion with your doctor about the possibility of the presence of sleep apnea and if it may be causing or a contributing factor to your blood pressure. If you are showing signs of OSA, your doctor may recommend a sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram. During a sleep study, a number of sensors will be connected to your body to monitor heart rate, blood oxygen levels, respiration, brain activity, as well as other activities. You will spend a couple nights in a sleep laboratory where a technician will monitor you as you sleep. Afterwards, interpretations will be made by the sleep specialist.

If the presence of sleep apnea is found, what treatment options may your doctor suggest?

Weight Loss and CPAP Machine

For years, patients who were diagnosed with OSA were given a CPAP machine, since this has been long considered the “gold standard” treatment options. A CPAP machine blows a constant stream of air into the nose and mouth to force the airway to stay open throughout the night.

These days, the approach to treating OSA has changed slightly. CPAP machines have a reputation for being difficult to sleep with and uncomfortable. For this reason, compliance is quite low for those who are issued a CPAP for treatment. Once on a CPAP machine, patients will always depend on it every night for the remainder of their life.

Instead of simply issuing just a CPAP, new guidelines set by the American Acadamy of Sleep medicine now suggests weight loss in addition to CPAP use. The truth is, those who are overweight and have sleep apnea may find that their condition disappears after losing weight. Sleep apnea is often caused by excessive fat in the neck which pushes against the airway. While sleeping, the muscles that are used to support the jaw relax. This causes the jaw and the related muscles to move backward which causes a narrowing of the airway. Extra fat compounds this issue by exerting more pressure on the airway. By simply losing weight, this fat is no longer a contributing factor to sleep apnea.

Oral Appliances 

The oral appliances, although not as popular as the CPAP, are another effective treatment option for sleep apnea. An oral appliance is a small device that fits inside of the mouth and is used to hold the jaw forward. As mentioned, during sleep the jaw relaxes causing muscles and fat in the neck area to press against the airway resulting in a restriction or blockage. An oral appliance prevents these muscles from relaxing because it holds the jaw forward into position.

An oral appliance is sometimes referred to as mouthpieces, mouth guards, or in the case of over the counter snoring products, they are called snoring mouthpieces. While not as popular as a CPAP treatment, these devices are quickly gaining popularity as they are more compact, require no electricity, and are generally more comfortable to sleep with.

As with the CPAP machine, the best approach to eliminating sleep apnea is to lose wight in addition to following your doctor’s orders by using the treatment option that is issued to you.

Is My Weight Really the Problem?

Carrying extra weight can not only cause sleep apnea but a number of other health problems. Sleep apnea by itself will cause your blood pressure to spike. It’s well known that being overweight also causes issues with high blood pressure as your cardiovascular system is working extra hard to carry around that extra fat. By being overweight and having sleep apnea, this compounds the issue of having high blood pressure.

Being over weight can cause not only high blood pressure and sleep apnea but a number of other health conditions. While losing weight is not guaranteed to cure sleep apnea, it will be a step in the right direction and provide a number of other health benefits.

Summary

There is a clear relationship between snoring, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. While they are all related to each other, in some cases all three are simply caused by being overweight. Rather than relying on a long-term medical device to support you indefinitely, consider weight loss as a long-term solution to these and other health problems. If diagnosed with OSA, follow your doctors orders which may include the use of a CPAP machine or oral appliance. If you are overweight, make it a goal to lose weight. After losing weight, it’s possible that sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and a number of other conditions disappear and your doctor may decide to take you off the CPAP or oral appliance.

The Science Behind Yoga

Yoga is based on Hinduism and Buddhism practices that date back to ancient India during the 11th century.  It’s a set of mental and physical exercises, movements, and breathing techniques that not only benefit you physically but mentally.  Yoga directs the mind to focus on specific body moments and breathing patterns in order to relax, strengthen, and sculpt the respiratory and nervous systems, as well as muscles in your body.  Yoga is often performed for its health benefits and relieves stress and anxiety.  Yoga exercises and breathing routines can result in a reduction or elimination of snoring.

How Yoga Stops Snoring

There are several reasons why snoring occurs. One reason is that you may experience nasal or respiratory congestion.  If you have asthma problems or sinus issues, the probability that you snore is very likely.  Certain yoga poses below target respiratory problems and can significantly help with airflow in order to reduce your snoring.

The Bow Pose

Another reason you may snore is the fact that your throat and neck tissues are inflamed and are actually limiting the amount of airflow to your lungs.  When this occurs, your tissues start to vibrate.  This vibration then results in a noise, which is the sound of snoring.  These breathing exercises and yoga poses below can decrease inflammation in the body, resulting in opening up your airway and reducing or eliminating snoring.

Yoga Poses for Snoring

The Bow Pose – Dhanurasana

The bow pose targets respiratory ailments and normalizes breathing.   It also helps with fatigue and anxiety.  The bow pose can help with snoring because it opens your airways and allows you to experience deeper and fuller breathes.  Dhanurasana is achieved by laying on your stomach and pulling your legs and arms up towards the center of your back until you can grab your feet.  You can perform this pose for 25-30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.

Bhujangasan – Cobra Pose for Snoring

The Cobra pose is another yoga stretch that helps to diminish snoring.  The pose stretches out your spine and in doing so, opens up your airway to the lungs.  It’s often performed by people with asthma issues and respiratory ailments.  One cause of snoring is by a blockage in your airway.  When your airway is partially blocked, the flow of air passes through the fatty tissues of the mouth and throat which cause a loud vibration sound – snoring.  By doing the cobra pose, you can open up your airway and promote the flow of oxygen.  This pose will not only help treat your snoring, but it’s also known to alleviate stress and tension.

The cobra pose is achieved by laying on your belly and placing your palms (fingertips forward) at your side and in line with your shoulder blades. Lift your chest up and head upwards without placing much weight on your hands.  When your elbow reaches a 90-degree angle, this is Low Cobra.  If you can fully extend your arms, without straining your spine, then this is called High Cobra.  Both low cobra and high cobra poses are great for treating snoring.  Hold the pose for 25-30 seconds.  You can repeat the pose up to 5 times.

The Cobra Pose

Chanting Om to Stop Snoring

Chanting the om mantra clears your mind and promotes calmness.  Om is an actual vibration you create by chanting the four syllables of Om which are A, U, M, and the silent syllable.  The syllables are pronounced as follows:

A – “awwe”

U-  “ohhh”

M- “mmmm”

Silent – the transition and fading away from “mmm” to silence

The mantra is said to bring a relaxing feeling to your entire body as your chest vibrates from making the sounds.  Om vibrates at the same frequency as everything in nature and the universe – 432 hertz.  It’s not only a spiritual connection to the earth but mental and physical as well.  Some people snore because they enter such a deep sleep from stress and anxiety, that their throat muscles relax too much and actually block their airway – which causes snoring.  If you chant the om on a regular basis, it will decrease your tension and clear your mind, thus creating less stress in your life, normal sleeping patterns, and no snoring.

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama – Nostril Breathing for Snoring

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama

Nadi Shodhana is another great yoga exercise you can perform to eliminate snoring.  It focuses on promoting oxygen flow throughout the body and targets your respiratory and nervous systems.  It’s practiced by many people who suffer from allergies, wheezing, stress, and anxiety.  We know that snoring can be caused by nasal and respiratory congestion, so practicing Nadi Shodhana, or nasal breathing, can significantly help with treating your snoring.

Nadi shodhana is best performed in the early morning on an empty stomach.  It is practiced while sitting upright in a chair or cross-legged on the floor.  It’s a series of deep breaths that are taken through one nostril at a time, both inhaling and exhaling.  The breathes are meant to be exhaled from deep within the body, mentally navigating the air down through the head, into the face, throat, spine, heart, lung, spleen, kidney, reproduction organs, and down through the pelvis. The process of inhalation navigates upward through those same organs again and out through only one nostril.

This nostril breathing exercise provides great rewards if practiced for five minutes daily.  The breathing routine can be repeated 4-5 times and can reduce snoring once a routine breathing exercise habit is achieved.  It also helps with throat swelling and irritation and promotes circulation in the body.

Kapalbhati Pranayama – Skull Shining Breathing

Kapalbhati pranayama is another breathing technique that can reduce or eliminate snoring.  It is said to be a natural weight loss stimulate as it increases the metabolic rate.  The focus of these breathing exercises is to exhale and throw the breath out.

Sit with your legs crossed and your hands on your knees, palm side up.  Take a deep breathe while pulling your navel back to the spine and pulling your stomach back also.  Remember to stay relaxed and not to strain your spine or abdomen.  Breathing in should come naturally, but remain focused on the powerful exhales.  Repeat this type of breathing 15-20 times.  This is one full round.  Relax with closed eyes and enjoy the open airway and calmness of the body.  Repeat for 2 additional rounds.  This breathing exercise like many other yoga breathing practices helps with sleep and insomnia too.  It promotes circulation and clears the lungs.

How Often Should you do Yoga to Prevent Snoring

Yoga poses and breathing exercises should be practiced on a regular basis.  If you can sculpt out a certain time of day that is reserved just for yoga and breathing, then that will be the most effective way to stay in a routine.  Many people practice yoga first thing in the morning in order to clear their mind for the day.  It’s best to perform yoga and breathing exercises on an empty stomach as well.

Yoga is not for everyone and it should be gradually introduced into your daily routine.  If you are looking for a natural remedy to stop your snoring, you should start with the breathing exercises above.  If you enjoy them and feel rejuvenated after practicing them for a few days, then add in the other yoga poses.  It will be worth the effort, especially when you notice your snoring drastically decreases.  Yoga will not only help your snoring, but will also give you a peaceful mind, relieve stress, and reduce tension in the body.

Snoring is caused by an obstruction of the airway and essential oils can actually decrease inflammation that may be causing the obstruction.  While you sleep and your tongue relaxes in your mouth, the airway can become blocked and limit the flow of oxygen.  When this occurs, your tissues in your mouth start to vibrate with the passing of oxygen and thus producing the annoying sound of snoring.  Essential oils and blends clear the nasal and throat passages to prevent snoring.  The use of oils to treat snoring is effective and all natural.

Essential Oils – A Natural Snoring Treatment

Essential oils used for snoring are extracted from many different parts of various plants.  Some plants produce more oils in their roots, and others in their leaves or blossoms.  The essential oils used to treat snoring, which include lavender, marjoram, peppermint and nearly a dozen more, can all physically treat inflammation in the nose and throat, but also provide an emotionally calming quality throughout your night’s sleep.

Essential Oils that specifically Stop Snoring

Thyme Essential Oil to Stop Snoring

Thyme is a natural treatment for respiratory ailments – it helps clear the airways and strengthens the immune system.  Thyme can be a harsh irritant on the skin in its natural form, so it’s common to mix Thyme oil with another oil, commonly referred to as a carrier oil, so it’s less harsh.  A few carrier oils are jojoba oil, olive oil, and coconut oil.  If you mix a few drops of Thyme oil with a carrier oil and then apply it on your feet near the base of the toes, this will trigger the reflexology and target snoring.

Marjoram Essential Oil to Stop Snoring

Marjoram oil for snoring is also quite effective.  Like many of the other oils I have mentioned, marjoram is also another anti-inflammatory.  It’s commonly used to treat sinusitis, cold and congestion, and even bronchitis.  Marjoram oil opens up the airways so it’s easy to breathe and diminish snoring.  Marjoram oil can be mixed with other oils and steamed.  Note that it’s best for pregnant women to stay away from this oil until after delivery.

Valor Essential Oil Blend to Stop Snoring

Valor essential oil blend is actually a combination of oils – typically rosewood, frankincense, spruce, and blue tansy.  The valor blend is effective in treating snoring by rubbing the oil on the bottom of the foot or diffusing it.  You can use the valor blend with carrier oils like olive oil or coconut oil as well.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil has a wonderful aroma and is often used to treat snoring due to its relaxing qualities.  It’s usually combined with marjoram oil and topically applied to your feet.  Don’t forget to massage in between your toes and on the top of your foot where your toes meet.  Diffusing lavender oil is also quite popular.  Set up your diffuser in

your bedroom 30 minutes before bed, or steam a hot bath with a few drops of lavender.  This oil will relax you, open up your airways, and prevent you from snoring.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil is found in the peppermint plant and is a combination of water mint and spearmint.  Peppermint is more commonly used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and upset stomachs.  However, peppermint oil is found in many over the counter products that treat the common cold, sinus congestion, and sore throats.   Since we already know that one cause of snoring is due to congestion or inflammation of the tissues in the throat, it is becoming a popular essential oil to treat snoring.

The two most common ways to use peppermint oil for snoring are to apply it topically and to steam it.  To use it topically, rub a few drops of the oil directly under your nose and on either side of your nose.  It can also be steamed by adding a few drops to a hot bath or a sink full of hot water.  Inhaling the steam will reduce any swelling in your nose and throat and should clear your airways.

Some people gargle with peppermint oil and water, however, I would not recommend this, as you should not ingest the oil in its natural form.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil to Stop Snoring

Eucalyptus oil is a natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory.  It is used in a variety of products including inhalers, creams, mouthwashes, and rubs.  Eucalyptus oil is a natural respiratory treatment if you suffer from allergies, severe sinus infections, congestion, or asthma.  It is often used in aromatherapy or steamed so the eucalyptus can clear your sinuses and airway.  One reason why you snore is due to congestion in the nose and throat.  If you experience sinus congestion or blockage, chances are you also snore through the night.  You may want to consider adding Eucalyptus oil to your water during a bath or diffusing it in your bedroom during the evening.  You can place a few drops of the oil under your nose before bed, or add it to a skin cream and apply before bed.  Eucalyptus is a great oil to blend and it works well with marjoram, thyme, and rosemary oils.   You can mix a few drops of each together along with lavender oil and mix in a spray bottle.  The blend is great when diffused and is sure to calm your sinuses and decrease your snoring.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is used to reduce inflammation and is commonly an herbal remedy for a sore, irritated throat.  This is one reason why it’s used for snoring – if you happen to carry extra weight, particularly around your neck, the use of tea tree oil can decrease any inflammation in your throat that may be due to carrying excess weight.  You should never ingest tea tree oil – it should not be swallowed – it’s safest to apply it topically or breathe in the steam.

How to Use Essential Oils to Treat Snoring

The four most common ways to use essential oils for snoring is to apply them topically, diffuse them, steam them and breathe the vapor, or gargle with them.

Gargle

Some essential oils are harmful to ingest, so may people gargle with a few drops of the oils and water in order to get the benefits of the oil without swallowing it.  A good combination to gargle and target snoring is a mix of thyme, lavender, lemon, and peppermint.  Combine these oils with water, gargle for 10 seconds, and rinse out your mouth.

Diffuse

Diffusing is very popular these days and is probably the most effective way to seep out all of the benefits of each oil.  You can purchase an electric diffuser, or simply place the oil in a glass apothecary vase with some diffusing sticks.

Topically Apply

It’s also common to treat snoring with essential oils by applying the oils topically on the skin.  Depending on the oil, you can put the drops directly under your nose, on your nostril, or on your feet.  You can also mix several oils together and create your own topical cocktail.

Steam

Another great way to stop snoring is to steam the essential oils.  This is similar to diffusing them, except the oils are steamed in a hot bath or sink full of hot water.  You then inhale the steam in order to feel the healing effects of the oils.

Not into the Oils and Need another Snoring Solution?

Some essential oils can cause severe allergic reactions – make sure you are aware of any allergies to oils before using these remedies as a treatment for snoring.  Essential oils can be expensive and may not be the best fit for everyone.  If you find that you have oil allergies or are pregnant, a great alternative solution to stop snoring is a snoring mouthpiece.  My list of recommended mouthpieces is here.

If you intend to treat your snoring with essential oils, give several of the oils a try before committing to them all.  Essential oils can be a bit pricey, even for just a few ounces.  You may want to try out a sampler of the oils and use them topically or in a basic diffuser to start.  Whichever route you go, I wish you a peaceful night’s sleep that is snore-free.

☆☆☆☆☆ 3 Star Rating

What is Mute?

Mute nasal device is a pair of nasal cones or dilators that are positioned just inside the nostrils and opens the nasal passage to promote easy nose breathing.  This enables users to breath more freely through the nose instead of the mouth, reducing vibrations from occurring in the back of the mouth which produce the sound of snoring.  The nasal dilators are made from a soft medical grade plastic and can be used up to 7 times per pair.  Mute is an effective snoring solution that is easy to use and affordable.

Mute by Rhinomed

The Parent company that owns Mute is a Melbourne, Australia based company called Rhinomed.  Rhinomed has over 60 medical technology patents that target breathing.  They have developed the Mute technology as well as a sister brand called the Turbine, which is another nasal dilator made for high-intensity exercises like cycling.  Rhinomed has been publicly traded on the Australian Stock Exchange since 2008.  Rhinomed is currently researching and designing an Intranasal Positive Expiratory Airway Pressure device that will act as a treatment for sleep apnea.

The science behind Mute

Mute targets snoring by promoting airflow through the nose.  Snoring can occur in nose breathers and mouth breathers.  A nose breather is typically defined as one who breathes through the nose while the mouth is closed.  A mouth breather is one who can breath through the nose but may be experiencing congestion due to illness or sinuses, thus opening their mouth at night in order to breathe.  Mute can be used by both nose breathers and mouth breathers.  The Mute dilators will be more effective for mouth breathers because there is apparently an airflow issue with their nose if they breathe through their mouth most of the time.  The user could have a deviated septum or nasal congestion for example, and the Mute dilators can help direct air through the nose and cut down on breathing through the mouth which can cause very disruptive snoring.  Often times when you breathe through your mouth, the throat muscles relax and your airway becomes blocked.  When the airway is blocked, a vibration occurs in the throat tissues and the sound of snoring begins.  Mute is a great anti-snoring option for those affected by a deviated septum.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea & Central Sleep Apnea

It’s important to remember that this product is not intended to be used for the treatment of Sleep Apnea.  Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA, is a serious condition where one’s breathing patterns while sleeping are interrupted repeatedly and you actually stop breathing.  During these interruptions, the brain is not receiving oxygen, let alone the rest of your body.  There are two types of sleep apnea – both of which are separate sleep disorders.

The difference between obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea is that obstructive sleep apnea occurs from a direct airway blockage.  When the soft palette tissues in the back of the throat collapse during the night, this leads to the blockage of airflow and one stops breathing.  Central sleep apnea has the same impact of not breathing, however, instead of a physical blockage in the airway, a failed signal from the brain prohibits the body from breathing instead.  This typically means that the respiratory system is not functioning properly.

Scientific Studies

Mute claims that 75% of partners noticed a decrease in the amount of snoring and the volume of snoring while using Mute.  Couples from the same study also claimed that Mute was more effective at treating snoring than various other products on the market.

Another study, done outside of Mute research, was conducted by students from the University of California at Irvine.  Students compared several different nasal dilators and concluded that dilators open up the internal nasal valve.  This valve can be easily obstructed for various reasons including congestion, a deviated septum, or various sinus issues.

Where to buy it?

Mute is available for purchase at several retailers including Walgreens, Walmart, Jet.com and on their website.  You may find that the product itself may not be in a physical store but rather stocked for online orders only.

How Much does Mute Sleep Cost?

The Mute retails for $27.95USD + $5.95 shipping.  This price is for the 3-Pack of size-specific refills.  There is also a trial pack available for $19.95USD + shipping that offers one of each size Mute so that you can test out the sizes and order the refill pack in the size that fits the best.  If you shop around online, you may be able to find a more affordable price than what Mute offers on their website.  Standard US shipping through USPS is available for any size product for $5.95 and should arrive within 3-5 days domestically.  International shipping charges and longer delivery times will be incurred for any order outside of the US.

Warranty

Rhinomed has a 60-day return policy on any product that is faulty, defective, or damaged upon arrival.  Since the product is being placed in the nostril, there are no refunds or returns on opened products.  This should be understood by all, as the product is being placed in the body.

Mute is available in Small, Medium, and Large Sizes and they do not offer exchanges if the size you receive does not fit.  This is most likely why they offer the trial pack – which includes 1 of each size so you can determine which size to order next time.

My Personal Review of Mute Sleep

The Mute Sleep Packaging

My Mute arrived neatly packaged in a paper sliding tray with an instruction booklet neatly tucked in the packaging.  The packaging looked slightly different from what I saw online though.  The package was more vertical, whereas the packaging I received was more horizontal.  I ordered size small since my nose is rather petite.

Follow these instructions to adjust your Mute:

1.  Wash your hands before opening the packaging.
2.  Open one of the sealed compartments and remove only 1 of the dilators.
3.  Hold the bridge with the curved arms facing towards you and insert the paddles into both nostrils.  Slowly insert the curved arms first and then wiggle the bridge a little bit in order to fit the paddles into your nose.  You will need to move the bridge towards the tip of your nose, or possibly lower on your nose to achieve a comfortable fit.
4. The paddles can be adjusted in case you need them to be larger or smaller.  Take the Mute out of your nose and gently push or pull each paddle out in order to activate the adjustable ratchet.  Then repeat steps 2-3.

You should rinse the product after each use and store it in a cool dry area.  Mute recommends using the dilator for up to 7 times per pair and rinsing it off before each use as well.

My experience with Mute Sleep

I’ve been using anti-snoring devices for several years now and like all new products I try, I typically use the device for 2 weeks at night in order to accurately compare products.

The first night

The first night I used Mute, I noticed that the nose dilators fit into my bedtime routine just fine.  I had Mute sitting next to my bed on my nightstand and after finishing reading for the evening, I simply slid the nose dilator into each nostril.  I adjusted it a bit to make sure it was securely in place.  It did feel a bit awkward at first by having something in my nose, however, you can immediately feel Mute pushing on either side of the nostril and really opening up the nasal passage.

The next morning when I woke up, I felt well rested and assumed that my snoring was stopped.  I asked my wife if she had heard me the night before and she said no.  I guess it did the trick!

The first week

After 7 days of use, I noticed initially that my nose was a bit sore in the morning from the dilator.  Towards the end of the week, the soreness wore off and my nose seemed to have been ‘broken in’ after several nights of use.

The second week

After nearly 2 weeks of repetitive use each night, I can gladly say that Mute is indeed effective.  I did have Mute fall out of my nostrils a few times that week –

I noticed it was not in place when I woke up in the middle of the night.  I think the key to having a good experience with this product is to make sure you are buying the correct size.  Since Mute is available in three sizes- small, medium, and large, it’s important that you know which size will fit the best.  If Mute is too small, it will not properly open up the nasal passage and may actually obstruct airflow through your nose.  If Mute is too large, it may be really uncomfortable and can cause soreness in your nose from stretching it out too much.

Mute offers a trial pack that is available in 3 sizes.  My personal opinion is to order the trial pack first and try all sizes out.  Then when you need to reorder, you can order the perfect size.  Remember, that Mute does not allow you to return the product if it’s open, so you really want to be sure you are ordering the correct size, as they will not accept any returns unless of course it’s defective or arrives damaged.

How it compares to other Anti-Snoring Devices

There are so many anti-snoring options out on the market, and most of them do actually work, so it’s hard to compare Mute vs. other stop snoring products.  One problem I do see with Mute is that one package has 3 pairs of dilators and each should be used for about 7 days.  So realistically, one box has just under a one month supply.  $34 a month

adds up pretty quickly over the course of a year – putting you over $400 for nose dilators.  For that price, my personal preference would be to invest a quarter or half of that

in a custom fitted snoring mouthpiece.  This can last for up to one year or more before replacing.  Some of my favorite mouthpieces can be found and compared here.

Not everyone will be comfortable with molding and fitting a mouthpiece, but that is the route I would go.  Also, if you find yourself to be more of a mouth snorer, Mute may not be as effective as a snoring mouthpiece would.

In the end, you need to make the best decision for yourself in order to stop your snoring.  Make sure you weigh all of the benefits of nose dilators like Mute versus other products like tongue stabilizing devices.  Whichever product you end up choosing, I wish you a snore-free night’s sleep.

The Link Between Snoring and Erectile Dysfunction

Hey guys, today I’m going to talk about a topic that most men avoid and that’s erectile dysfunction, and more specifically snoring, as it relates to erectile dysfunction (ED). If you have noticed that snoring is keeping your wife up while your external organ remains down, you might want to listen up as I have some important information that will have you back between the sheets.

Let’s cut to the chase and answer the question: Does snoring cause erectile dysfunction? Snoring itself is a primary symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and according to several recent studies such as the one conducted at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York,  there is a strong correlation between OSA and ED. The Mount Sinai study determined that men who had ED were twice as likely to have OSA. It was then suggested that those with ED should be screened for OSA, as sleep apnea may be the cause of their ED. Several other studies suggest that 40%-75% of men with sleep apnea also suffer from ED. One study conducted in 2009 concluded that 70% of male subjects who were suspected of having sleep apnea were also experiencing issues with erectile dysfunction. There’s certainly no shortage of research linking ED to OSA.

In western medicine, physicians often prescribe medications such as Cialis, Viagra or Levitra to treat ED without examining the possible link to OSA. While such drugs treat the symptom, they don’t necessarily address the cause of the problem. In addition, prescription drugs often come with side effects which are not always immediately apparent. Before asking your doctor for a script, you may want to dig a little deeper and search for the root cause. There are a number of other conditions that could cause ED, so it’s important to have a discussion with your doctor to explore the possibilities.

Why Does Snoring & Sleep Apnea Cause ED?

Snoring is often associated with sleep apnea, a condition in which the airway becomes restricted during sleep and the person experiences momentary pauses in breathing. Such pauses in breathing can wreak havoc on your body and cardiovascular system causing high blood pressure, heart disease, daytime tiredness, type 2 diabetes, and several other potentially dangerous health conditions.

Scientists are not exactly sure why men with OSA are at a higher risk of developing ED although there are a few theories as to why this is the case.

It’s well known that sleep apnea puts a strain on your cardiovascular system as well as other parts of the body. Considering that a substantial amount of blood is required to achieve an erection, it makes perfect sense why a poorly functioning cardiovascular system will cause erectile dysfunction. In addition, blood oxygen levels play an important role in achieving a healthy erection. With OSA, blood oxygen levels tend to drop since you are not breathing during multiple apnea events.

Another theory is that male testosterone is produced during sleep. Those with OSA never achieve restful sleep as their body constantly awakens them throughout the night to catch their breath. This awakening happens several times per hour without the person ever recalling waking up. The result is the person will wake up tired and experience daytime sleepiness despite the how many hours of sleep they got the night before. The issue with daytime tiredness can further compound libido as men will be more fatigued and irritable and may not be interested in sexual activity.

How Can I Treat Erectile Dysfunction Caused by OSA?

If you snore loudly, often gasp for air at night or constantly wake up tired in the morning, you may want to consider asking your doctor if sleep apnea is a possibility. OSA is a very common problem, especially in the United States. It affects an estimated 22 million people. Unfortunately, the majority of cases are not diagnosed. Your doctor may ask you to visit a sleep clinic where a sleep technician will perform a polysomnography, also known as a sleep study, which will determine whether or not OSA is present. If OSA is detected, there are several treatment options that your doctor may suggest which should get you back to a restful night of sleep.

• CPAP Machine Therapy
• Weight Loss
• Oral Appliance
• Surgical Procedures

CPAP Therapy

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP therapy has been the gold standard treatment option for Obstructive Sleep Apnea for many years now. The patient wears a face mask at night which is attached to a CPAP machine. The machine delivers a constant flow of air throughout the night which keeps an obstructed airway open. This method of treatment is highly effective and is prescribed by most physicians today.

Weight Loss 

Perhaps the most common cause of OSA is obesity. In September 2013, The American College of Physicians issued new guidelines for the treatment of OSA which recommended weight loss as well as CPAP use. Because most cases of OSA are caused by excessive body fat, especially around the neck area, losing weight may eliminate sleep apnea as well as cure erectile dysfunction. A loss of as little as 10% of your body weight can greatly reduce or eliminate symptoms of OSA.

Oral Appliances

Oral Appliances such as the MAD or TSD are highly effective in treating mild to moderate sleep apnea. They are designed to fit inside of the mouth and hold the jaw in the forward position which helps to keep the airway open and allows air to flow freely. Oral appliances are professionally fitted by a physician, although appliances that are referred to as snoring mouthpieces can be purchased directly online and fitted at home.  If you decided to use an oral appliance from the internet, be sure to follow the directions and use it only as intended.

Surgical Procedures

Surgical Procedures to treat OSA are typically only used as a last resort in the treatment of sleep apnea. Tonsillectomy, Somnoplasty, Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and the Pillar Procedure are a few of the more common procedures. Surgery should only be considered if all other options have been exhausted.

The Takeaway

While snoring itself doesn’t typically cause erectile dysfunction, it’s often a symptom OSA which has been proven to cause ED. If after visiting your doctor, he or she determines that your snoring is in fact sleep apnea, consider speaking with them about the possibility of a link between the two. Remember, in many cases, treating OSA will restore your ability to achieve an erection. There are several methods that can be used to treat OSA so your options are not limited. By getting to the root of the problem and treating OSA, you can avoid potentially harmful prescription drugs while restoring your ability to get an erection. Plus, treating OSA will prevent a number of other potentially fatal health problems.

☆☆☆☆☆ 3.75 Star Rating

AirSnore Combo Pack sells for $89.95

The AirSnore is a relatively new product that was introduced in early 2016. The parent company who sells this product is based out of the UK while they also have a US location in New York City. Wolfson Berg Limited produces the AirSnore and it’s sold through their website Bauer Nutrition as well as a stand-alone website.

The AirSnore line consists of two products – A mouthpiece and essential oil drops. They also sell a combination pack which contains one of each product. Interestingly enough, this combination is the only of its kind currently available.

Because the mouthpiece and drops work independently, it’s easiest to discuss each product individually and then examine how they can be used together. As with all other products that I have reviewed on this site, I will put each product to the test and share the results. Let’s begin by taking a look at the AirSnore Mouthpiece.

AirSnore Mouthpieces – What is it & How Does It Work?

The AirSnore mouthpiece can be purchased by itself for $49.95

The AirSnore Mouthpiece is a snoring mouthpiece, more formally known as a Mandibular Advancement Device or MAD. Like all other MAD’s, it’s placed inside of the mouth prior to going to sleep. The upper and lower teeth sink into the mouthpiece which ultimately positions the lower teeth slightly in front of the upper. In doing so, the jaw is also positioned slightly forward. This forward action helps to tighten the muscles in the airway which prevents snoring.

Why do you need to move the jaw forward and tighten the airway to prevent snoring? Simply stated, as we age our airway becomes less toned and is subject to movement as air passes through while we sleep. Air rushes through the airway while asleep causing loose tissues to vibrate which creates the sound that we all identify with snoring.

This product is a one-piece mouthpiece that is constructed from molded thermoplastic. This material becomes soft and pliable when momentarily heated in water. When you first use the AirSnore, you will need to warm it up in water in order to create an impression of your teeth. Once the initial fitting process has been completed, it will not need to be repeated for each use. When fitting the AirSnore, its crucial to properly fit the mouthpiece so that the jaw is in the forward position and teeth are embedded in the plastic material. Failure to do so will result in poor performance and or discomfort.

One unique feature of the AirSnore are the two breather holes that are located at the front of the mouthpiece. These holes are a necessity for those who are open mouth breathers while asleep. Not all snoring mouthpieces offer this feature.

Is AirSnore FDA Cleared?

Technically speaking, AirSnore is considered a medical device. Because of this, one consideration may be whether or not the device itself is cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In the US, the FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety of their citizens.

While the term “FDA Cleared” does not appear on their website, the bottom of their sales page suggests that the AirSnore is manufactured in an “FDA Approved Facility”. Unfortunately, the FDA does not “approve” any manufacturing facilities. US manufacturers are required to register their production facility with the FDA and they are subject to facility inspections. However, the FDA never gives a seal of “approval” to any manufacturing facility or product.

Furthermore, snoring mouthpieces are considered class II medical devices by the FDA. This means that they must first be “FDA Cleared” and sold by prescription. A quick search of the FDA medical device database did not reveal that the product is registered. It’s, however, possible that the AirSnore is registered with the FDA under a different brand name.

What’s in the AirSnore Drops?

In addition to the mouthpiece, AirSnore also offers drops which are essentially a blend of essential oils. The claim is that this exotic blend of essential oils are beneficial to those with a cough or cold and will help you sleep better.

Each bottle contains 50 ml (1.76 fl oz) of liquid. The ingredients listed are Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus) leaf oil, Lavender Angustifolia (Lavender) flower oil, Mentha piperita (peppermint) leaf oil, and Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) leaf oil. Why did the manufacturer choose this particular blend of essential oils? What effects does each oil have?

Eucalyptus oil – Used to assist with breathing when congested. Eucalyptus oil helps to loosen mucus and allows more oxygen to enter your lungs as it dilates the blood vessels. Not only is it a decongestant, it also helps to clean the body of harmful toxins.

Lavender Oil – Has a numerous health benefits which include improving quality of sleep as well as reduce anxiety and stress. Lavender oil is a relaxing oil as it assists in helping you fall asleep. Like Eucalyptus oil, it also helps relieve sinus congestion.

Peppermint Oil –  Helps to soothe sore muscles and relax the body. It’s also a natural painkiller and helps to clear the airway for those who are congested.

Scots Pine Oil – Another decongestant and reliever of sore throats. Pine oil also helps to loosen phlegm and mucus which allows for a productive cough.

Sunflower Oil – This oil was chosen as a delivery system for the four oils mentioned. Sunflower oil is vitamin E rich and is easily absorbed.

Together, this blend helps to relieve congestion, allow for better breathing, and relaxation.

How Much Does it Cost?

The cost of the AirSnore will vary depending on which product(s) you choose.

If you were to purchase the mouthpiece by itself, this will set you back $49.95. The drops, when purchased alone, cost $59.95. If you are interested in both products, they can be purchased as a combo pack for $89.95, a savings of $19.95. One benefit of choosing any of their products is that the company offers free shipping.

Money Back Guarantee

Before taking a chance and dropping $50-$90 on another snoring solution, you are probably wondering “What if this doesn’t work for me?”. This is a common concern and one that is often addressed by most sellers in the industry with a money back guarantee. Most manufacturers who sell snoring mouthpieces offer some sort of guarantee and AirSnore is not an exception.

According to their website, the AirSnore comes with a 60-day money back guarantee which is twice the average of 30 days offered by most manufacturers. Truth be told, if a mandibular advancement device is right for you, you will know after the first night so while an extended guarantee is certainly a benefit, it’s not necessarily a huge selling point.

I searched the internet for any complaints related to the company honoring this guarantee and was unable to locate any.

My Product Review of the AirSnore Mouthpiece and Essential Oil Drops

At first glance, I wasn’t clear on what exactly this product was. I’ve reviewed over two dozen snoring mouthpieces in the past, but never encountered one that is offered with “drops”. The drops were somewhat of a mystery and my initial thoughts were that you place the drops on the mouthpiece before inserting into your mouth, which by the way you should not do. After reading up, I realized that the drops were simply an essential oil blend which is applied externally to the skin.  As you may be aware, essential oils have been very popular in the past four years and are used to treat a number of ailments. Knowing this, I’m open to the idea of giving essential oils a try.

The AirSnore mouthpiece appeared very similar to other snoring mouthpieces that I have tried in the past. Since I’m familiar with how these device work, I decided to start by testing out the mouthpiece. Here is the method that I used to fit my AirSnore mouthpiece.

Directions that I used to fit the mouthpiece

• Boil a small pot of water and set aside.
• Fill a small bowl with cold water.
• Ensure that hole retainer plug is inserted.
• Using a pair of tongs, fully submerge the mouthpiece into the boiling hot water.
• Wait 30 seconds and then remove.
• Once removed, wait a few seconds and touch the mouthpiece to ensure that it’s not too hot to place inside of your mouth.
• Place the AirSnore into your mouth and bite down firmly while thrusting your jaw forward slightly.
• Hold this position and allow it to cool inside of the mouth for a minute or so.
• Remove and immediately submerge in cold water.
• Remove the AirSnore from the cold water.
• Remove the retainer plug and insert into the mouth.
• A properly fitted mouthpiece will retain the jaw in the forward position when placed in the mouth while biting down.
• If a proper fit is not achieved, remove and repeat the fitting process. This can only be fitted a few times before the material becomes compromised.

I found the process of fitting the AirSnore pretty simple as it took less than 5 minutes and I didn’t experience any issues. It was time to put this mouthpiece to the test.

First Three Nights

I’ve been using similar snoring mouthpieces for a number of years now, so I’m fairly well versed in how MAD’s work. That being said, before going to bed, I placed that AirSnore into my mouth, read a book, and slowly drifted to sleep. If you are not accustomed to using one of these devices, you may find it to be somewhat cumbersome and awkward at first. You may even experience some drooling during the first few days. Once you become accustomed to wearing a snoring mouthpiece, you will notice that wearing one every night will be much easier.

I often rely on my wife to determine whether or not a product works. Unfortunately, she was out of town for the first three nights of this experiment, so I had to rely on a smartphone app to record any noise that was made as I slept. During the first three nights, no snoring was detected, indicating that the AirSnore was indeed effective.

The Next Four Nights

During the next four nights, my wife was present, which meant I no longer had to rely on the app to let me know if I was snoring. This is the ultimate test as she is my bed partner and is the one who has to put up with my snoring problem.

During the next four nights, in addition to using the mouthpiece, I rubbed the essential oils on my chest, under my nose, and on my neck. The scent was rather soothing, sort of like Vicks Vapor Rub but even more pleasant. Although I didn’t have any chest or nasal congestion during this time period, I could certainly feel the powerful effects of the essential oils as the aroma made its way through my nasal passages into my lungs. I typically have no issues falling asleep, so I was unable to tell if the drops had any measurable effect on helping me to fall asleep. For those who have issues falling asleep, I can see how these essential oils would be beneficial. Also, because sedatives such as sleeping pills cause the throat and airway to relax and compound the issue of snoring, using these drops can be a great alternative to relying on such pills that are not only harmful to your body but can also compound the snoring effect.

The results over the next four nights – the AirSnore continued to work and there were no complaints from my wife about my snoring.

Thoughts and Recommendation

While I found that the essential oils may be better suited for someone with congestion issues or one who needs help falling asleep, the AirSnore mouthpiece was certainly effective against snoring.

One notable feature of the mouthpiece that appealed to me was the dual air holes that are located towards the front of this mouthpiece. These air holes are large enough to be useful and are essential if you are a mouth breather. The overall design is functional and should work for those with an average sized mouth.

As for the price tag of the mouthpiece, $50 with free shipping is not bad at all when compared to the price of other snoring mouthpieces which range from $40 on up to $100 or more. If the essential oil drops are something that you could potentially benefit from, it may be worth purchasing the combo pack for an additional $40. The essential oils used in the AirSnore drops are proven to be effective against congestion and help to relax the body. It’s important to note that the essential oils alone are not going to prevent your snoring. These are only used to assist with falling asleep.

The AirSnore is offered with a 60-day full money back guarantee which makes trying this product virtually risk-free. Because of this, I certainly recommend giving either one of these products a try.

Pros:

• Effectively stops snoring
• Designed with two breather holes
• Affordably priced
• Those with sleeping issues may benefit from drop use
• 60-day money back guarantee

Cons:

• Unknown FDA clearance

☆☆☆☆☆ 3.5 Star Rating

General Information About SnoreMedic

Snore Medic retails for $39.99 + $3.95 shipping

The Snore Medic, not to be confused with SnoreMeds which is a similar product that I’ve reviewed in the past, is sold by the company Cures For Snores LLC., which is based out of Provo, Utah. The company was founded in 2014, although the Snore Medic website wasn’t registered until January 2016.

The Snore Medic is similar to other snoring mouthpieces that I have reviewed in the past. It’s a colorless, translucent, thermoplastic boil and bite style mandibular advancement device that features two holes at the front which allows air to pass freely. These holes can be viewed as one large breather hole that is separated by a small pillar in the middle. The Snore Medic comes with a retainer plug which should be inserted into the hole during the molding process and discarded afterward.

In addition to the mouthpiece itself, the SnoreMedic also comes with a clamshell style plastic storage case that tightly snaps together with vent holes which is great for storage and transportation of the device. The package includes a small 8-page booklet which contains information such as the instructions for use, fitting instructions and procedure, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and cleaning instructions. All items are packaged inside of a square box for retail display. Overall, I was fairly impressed with the presentation of this product. In the past, I have come across some mouthpieces that were sold with no packaging, instructions, or storage case.

Before discussing my experience with the Snore Medic, I’m going to go over some additional information that I found on this product.

The Snore Medic Claim 

Snore Medic states that during sleep, the muscles of the upper airway relax, restricting airflow and causing the vibration that we know as snoring.  The claim is that Snore Medic comfortably supports the jaw, keeping the airway open which eliminates noisy vibrations.

This statement and claim concerning MAD’s are indeed true. Mandibular Advancement Devices such as the Snore Medic have been studied extensively over the past 30 years as a treatment for snoring and or sleep apnea. In this recently published study, it was found that 72% of patients achieved a satisfactory outcome when treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) with a MAD. OSA and snoring are closely related as they both are a result of restricted airflow caused by relaxed upper airway muscles.

There are nearly 100 such products on the market, many are available only by prescription. Despite the design or brand, every available mouthpiece performs the same function which is to hold the jaw forward and tighten the airway thereby eliminating snoring or in some cases OSA.

The reality is that while all mouthpieces are the same mechanically, some have more features, fit better, and are more comfortable than others.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee

If you are not familiar with snoring mouthguards, you may be a bit skeptical and wonder whether or not such a product will be a good fit for your snoring.

Most reputable sellers will offer some sort of guarantee to encourage those who are on the fence about purchasing their product.  According to their website, Snore Medic comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. Their refund policy states that you will need to obtain a return authorization RA in order to qualify for a refund. This must be obtained within 30 days of delivery, not necessarily 30 days from purchase.  There is a simple return authorization request form on the website which makes this process simple. Unfortunately, shipping costs are non-refundable and you are responsible for the cost of return shipping, which should cost less than $5 when using the standard mail service offered by USPS.

Total Cost of the Snore Medic – How Does it Compare?

Cost is a consideration for most people. The sales page on the Snore Medic website doesn’t show exactly how much their mouth guard costs. In order to determine this, you must first add their product to your shopping cart and then check out.

As of the time of this writing, the price for one device is $39.99 USD. Shipping is an additional $3.95 for standard shipping and $7.95 USD for expedited shipping. Total cost delivered to your doorstep is $43.94 USD if you choose standard shipping. Transit times for standard shipping is 4-7 business days while expedited shipping typically takes 2-3 business days. The Snore Medic is currently available to US residents only.

The Snore Medic is priced lower than average in comparison to similar MAD’s.

Average Lifespan

All anti-snoring devices have a limited useful life as plastics begin to break down and they lose their effectiveness. According to the manufacturer’s website, this product should last for eight to fifteen months. Similar products have an average lifespan of 12-24 months, meaning that the Snore Medic falls somewhere in the average range. The amount of time that it lasts greatly depends on your sleeping habits and how well you care for your mouthpiece. If you tend to grind your teeth while asleep, you will likely have to replace your mouthpiece within a year or less.

The company does offer a subscription-based service where you will receive a new device every eight months at a discounted rate. They mention signing up for such a program, although I was unable to find an area on their site where you are able to do so.

Is the Snore Medic Cleared by the FDA?

In the United States, the FDA regulates the sale of anti-snoring devices such as the Snore Medic. Before being sold, such products must first be cleared by the FDA. Most manufacturers are able to meet this requirement by claiming that their product is “substantially equivalent” to another product that is currently on the market. The process of obtaining clearance is often lengthy and costly. For these reasons, many sellers choose not to do so.

When reviewing a product, I always check the FDA clearance status. The Snore Medic website does not suggest that their product has been cleared by the FDA nor could I find any record when searching the premarket notification database on the FDA website.

Is it BPA and Latex Free?

It’s also a good idea to know whether or not a mouth guard is BPA or Latex free. This is especially important if you have a latex allergy. BPA’s, on the other hand, are still widely used, although some like to avoid them when possible due to controversial health problems associated with the synthetic compound.

After combing through their website, I was unable to locate any information indicating whether or not the SnoreMedic contains BPA or latex. If you have a latex allergy or have concerns about BPA, it may be a good idea to contact the seller and ask these questions prior to placing an order.

Reviews Found Elsewhere Online 

When examining a product, I always like to browse the seller’s site as well as the internet to find what others are saying.

The Snore Medic website does offer about a dozen reviews touting their customer service and success with their product. All reviews were five star, except for one which was rated at four stars. Naturally, I always take reviews posted on a sales page with a grain of salt, so I tend to search for reviews left on 3rd party websites such as Amazon. My search turned up empty-handed as there was no listing for this product on Amazon or elsewhere and only one other product review which did not go into great detail. The lack of reviews is likely due to the fact that the Snore Medic is a relatively new product that was recently introduced.

My Experience Testing Out the Snore Medic

After placing my order, the Snore Medic quickly arrived and I was ready to get started. All expected items were neatly contained within a small box. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, which made the fitting quite simple. The process was very easy and involved heating the mouthpiece in hot water for several seconds prior to removing and placing into the mouth. When inside the mouth, you must bite down firmly to get a good impression while keeping the jaw in a slightly forward position. Once the mouthpiece has had a chance to set up for a few seconds, remove and place into cold water to allow it to set before removing the air hole plug.

I had created a custom impression of my teeth in just a few minutes and the Snore Medic was ready to roll.

The experience of using the Snore Medic was just like any other MAD that I have tried in the past. You simply place it inside of your mouth prior to going to bed. Upon awakening, clean and store the mouthpiece.

I found the fit of the Snore Medic to be okay. It wasn’t the thinnest mouthpiece that I have used, neither was it the thickest. Because of the size, it was noticeable yet still tolerable. The thermoplastic material that’s used offers a decent fit. While inserted, it held my jaw forward as it’s intended to do.

So, did it work? Did it stop my snoring? The answer is YES! It worked as advertised although I did drool a bit during the first couple days of use. This is a side effect that is common with all MAD’s so it’s nothing that should alarm you.

I found the Snore Medic to be an inexpensive, no frills mouthpiece that effectively stopped my snoring. It features 2 decent size air holes which are great for mouth breathing.  For just over $40, it’s a fairly good value for a basic mouthpiece. There are however other mouthguards that are available that cost a few dollars more but are more compact and offer better features such as a tighter fit and the ability to make an adjustment. Overall, this is a product that I would recommend for those on a budget, as it’s a good introduction to snoring mouth guards.

Pros VS Cons

To conclude this review, I’m going to summarize my findings with a short list of pros and cons that I found while testing out the Snore Medic.

Pros:

• Good starter mouth guard for those who have never tried one
• Affordably priced at $39.99 with reasonable shipping charges
• Effectively stops snoring
• Large breather holes allow for night time breathing through the mouth
• Comes with a 30-day money back guarantee
• Includes handy storage and carrying case

Cons:

• Unknown FDA status
• Unknown use of BPA or Latex

If you and your spouse or partner sleep in different bedrooms, you are not alone.  Over 20 percent of married couples alone sleep in separate rooms, and many for multiple reasons including opposite work schedules, having children with sleeping problems, underlying marital issues, and the most popular and burdensome being snoring.

History of Sleeping in Separate Bedrooms

This may not be the first time married couples have slept apart throughout history.  Married couples sleeping in separate bedrooms actually dates back to the 1800’s when one was considered royal to have their own sleeping quarters.  English royals including land owners, kings, and queens conducted numerous business deals, and made great economic decisions in the comfort of one’s own bedroom.  Bedrooms in the 1800’s and 1900’s were more public spaces than the privates areas we are familiar with today.  Most affluent men and women played different roles in the household, therefore having separate rooms for their belongings.  Men had several staff and servants to dress him in the morning, provide breakfast to him in the bed room, and then invite businessman into his quarters for meetings.

The same went for women – their staff would dress and feed them, and close friends or staff met in the bedroom to arrange the day’s social calendar and agenda.

Many important life events took place in the bedroom throughout history like birth, sickness, and death – another reason why couples had separate bedrooms.  It’s no fun sharing a bed soaked with birthing fluids, or sleeping next to someone with dysentery.  As economies progressed and modernized, and the introduction of household plumbing became mainstream, separate sleeping quarters for men and women became less common and separate dressing rooms or closets were gradually introduced.  Now, modern-day sleeping arrangements suggest that spouses or partners share the same room and bed.  Or is that really how it seems?

Modern Day Causes of Couples Sleeping in Different Beds

It’s probably safe to say that the reason you are sleeping away from your partner is not due to being an affluent King and Queen.  The reason for your separate sleeping quarters are probably listed in one of the following causes, and I’m willing to bet that most are due to snoring.

Marital Problems

One cause of couples sleeping separately is the underlying issue of marital problems and domestic disputes.  With nearly 50% of marriages ending in divorces these days, the reality of sleeping in separate bedrooms may not be a good sign.  Some spouses with children under the age of 18 may choose to continue on with their marriage until their kids are grown and may simply sleep in separate rooms and blame the other for snoring as a cover-up.  Really, they are just masking their underlying marital issues from their kids.

Work Schedules

Other couples prefer not to wake up their partner due to opposite work schedules and late nights coming home.  Many American homes have at least 1 parent working multiple jobs and shifts to make ends meet, even if it means coming home to another bedroom away from your spouse so you don’t disturb their sleeping.  Corporate jet-setters may choose to sleep in another room so they don’t wake their spouse in the early morning hours when they have to get ready to catch a 5am flight.  Others may completely work on opposite schedules and may just be going to bed when their spouse hears the alarm go off in the morning.

Children

Although a bad habit to start at a young age, some first time mothers allow their children to sleep with them early on and continue to let them sleep in their bed as the years pass.  This may force the husband or spouse out of the bedroom and into the child’s bed.  If the child gets into this habit, it’s hard to break the child out of it as well as the spouse that initiated the co-sleeping from the beginning.  This is often seen in families with an only child and can put a lot of tension on a marriage.

Snoring

The most common reason married couples sleep in different beds is due to the fact that one partner snores.  Snoring impacts 25% of people in the U.S. on a regular basis and over 50% on an occasional basis.  Snoring can cause a partner to leave the bedroom indefinitely or until a viable solution has been found.

We’ve always Slept in the Same Bed – Why are We Sleeping in Different Rooms Now?

Most couples, married or not, may ask themselves, “When did we actually start sleeping in different rooms?”.  And yes, it may be years for some people.  Like most Americans who meet at a young age or in college, they are active, healthy and fit in their younger years.  They most likely have not developed a snoring problem like older people who carry excess weight, drink regularly, and may have sleep apnea.  Is age actually the culprit?

Weight Gain

One reason you may notice the need to sleep in the room next to your snoring partner is that they may have gained a few pounds over the years.  Weight gain, especially fat formed around the neck and face, can be a direct correlation to snoring.  Fatty tissue can build up around the throat and down the neck and will block the airway at night when your tongue relaxes.  This blockage causes the tissues in your mouth to vibrate as air passes by, which results in the loud and annoying sound of snoring.  Many couples notice that they have gained weight throughout the years, and if you find yourself sleeping in a different bedroom than your spouse, as well as having a few extra pounds on you, then weight gain may just be the root of your snoring problem.

Sleep Apnea

Another reason why you may not have snored early on in your relationship but do now, is that you may have obstructive sleep apnea.  The older you get, the more you are at risk of having a stroke, diabetes, asthma issues, heart attacks, or high blood pressure.  All of these medical conditions that you may not have had when you first started sleeping next to your partner, but you do now, can correlate with sleep apnea.  Sleep apnea usually has symptoms of loud snoring followed by a period of non-snoring, when you actually stop breathing, and then start snoring again.  This occurs because your airway is actually being blocked.  It is a serious condition to be on the look out for.  If you think your partner has sleep apnea, you should consult a doctor so that a sleep study can be administered.

Drinking

When you and your partner started sleeping in the same bed together, chances are you did not consume alcohol on a regular basis in your early years.  As you get older and have to deal with more decision making and stress, one tends to drink more.  Drinking has a direct impact on snoring and may also be the reason why you and your partner sleep in separate bedrooms.  When you drink, the muscles in your body tend to relax.  When your throat muscles relax and your tongue relaxes, it rests towards the back of your throat, thus causing your throat muscles to relax and vibrate as air passes down the airway.  Excessive drinking can lead to excessive snoring and your spouse leaving the room for an attractive quiet night’s sleep in the room across the hallway or on the couch.

Snoring Solutions – How to Get Back in the Same Bed

Yes, sleeping in separate rooms can be troublesome in a relationship, but the truth is that it doesn’t need to be like that forever.  If the real reason why you sleep away from each other is indeed snoring, there are hundreds of products available that are effective in treating your snoring and getting you back to sharing a bed.

Over the Counter Snoring Products

Nasal Strips

One solution to treat snoring is the use of nasal strips.  These adhere to your face right below your nostrils and above your lips.  They control the airflow in and out of your nostrils in order to increase airflow in through the nose and out of the mouth, thus reducing snoring.

Snoring Chin Straps

Snoring chin straps can be purchased by nose breathers in order to promote breathing through the nose and not the mouth.  The chin straps holds the mouth closed so that you can not snore through your mouth.

Stop Snoring Pillow

There are several styles of anti-snoring pillows on the market that can curb snoring.  Some promote side- sleeping so that your throat muscles do not relax and obstruct the flow of air at night.  Other pillows gently raise the elevation of your head so that your air passageway remains open through the entire night, thus cutting back on snoring.

Earplugs

Another product that does not solve the problem of snoring, but will get you back in the bedroom are earplugs.  Surprisingly enough, earplugs are typically the first step in trying to prevent your spouse from leaving the bedroom.  In most cases, earplugs are effective in the short term.  Long-term stop-snoring solutions should be researched though.

Surgeries to Stop Snoring

Somnoplasty

A somnoplasty is an outpatient procedure where a needle is placed under the surface of your throat tissues and low power energy is applied and creates lesions.  The lesions prevent the throat tissues from vibrating as air flows by, preventing snoring.

Pillar Procedure

The Pillar Procedure is a surgery where small polyester rods are placed beneath the surface of the soft palate tissues.  Similar to a somnoplasty, the tissues then harden and stop any vibration that would usually occur during snoring.

Prescription Based Products

Snoring Mouthpieces

One of the most effective anti-snoring products that are widely used among Americans is the snoring mouthpiece.  There are several manufacturers of snoring

mouthpieces that target snoring and stop snoring completely.  Snoring mouthpieces do require a prescription, however in most cases, you simply fill out a form before purchasing, and if the questions are answered in a certain way, a prescription will automatically be ordered for the product and you can move forward with the purchase.

Mouthpieces are available in several styles and can actually be custom molded to fit your mouth.  In some cases, you can do this at home, and others you can take a simple mold and send it off to be custom fitted.  Prices and styles vary, but they are more affordable than invasive surgeries and guarantee to bring your partner

back in the room for a good night’s rest.  You can compare some of the best mouthpieces in the market here that I have personally used throughout the years.

Which Snoring solution is the best?

There are many snoring solutions out there that will help you and your partner to get a good night’s sleep, and in the same bed.  Do some reading and choose the best stop snoring solution for you.  It’s always good to consult with your doctor especially if you or a loved one shows signs of sleep apnea.  None of the above solutions treat sleep apnea, as it needs to be diagnosed by a sleep study and monitored by a doctor.