Snoring may be made out to be a joke in sitcoms and cartoons, but in reality, it is no laughing matter.  A lack of sleep night after night can lead to serious health problems, from nausea and headaches to even fainting spells and hallucinations in severe cases.  However, there is help available.  On the market today are some very affordable, very useful aids to stop snoring, and most people who have tried them have reported great results.  These aids to stop snoring range from simple pillows to mouth guards to even small things like humidifiers and nasal strips.  Since most are so affordable, you may not think much of running down to your local pharmacy and loading up a cart with everything that's advertised as an aid to stop snoring, but before you do, let's take a look at some of them here and then perhaps you can decide if any are right for you.

There are many different types of so-called "snore pillows" on the market, and these are one of the most commonly used and most successful aids to stop snoring.  Snore pillows are usually made from a very firm foam and are shaped with a scoop in the middle to support a snorer's head and neck and keep them in proper alignment.  When your head and neck are aligned properly and your head is not allowed to fall lower than your neck, your mouth is less likely to fall open.  When you don't breathe through your mouth, you snore less.  These aids to stop snoring are reported to be very comfortable and just as good as a regular pillow, so don't think that they will be too firm or that somehow forcing your head into this position is going to hurt you.  As a matter of fact, many have reported less back and shoulder pain when using them because they are better supported during sleep.

Additionally, when using a snore pillow as an aid to stop snoring, you can have them propped up under your back and one hip, so that you are not able to sleep on your back.  This will also keep your mouth closed during sleep and cut down on your snoring.

Other common aids to stop snoring are items that will coat the back of your throat and sinus cavities.  These may be in the form of a spray, inhaler, or syrup.  Since a dry throat and sinus congestion are two common reasons for snoring, these aids to stop snoring work by keeping your mouth and throat well hydrated.  They also reportedly help persons breathe better all day, as they keep the sinuses clear and free of congestion for more than just a few hours.

Nasal strips are another common aid to stop snoring.  These work by forcing the nasal passages open so that more air can get in and out.  The often look like little bandages that go across the bridge of the nose, and are flexible with a springy feel, to help pull the nasal passages open.  These aids to stop snoring are even used by many athletes during game day, as they help with their breathing during their sport.  The next time you see a pro football player or track runner with a little bandage on his or her nose, don't assume that this person has suffered an injury!  Nasal strips are being hailed by many as a great breathing aid, in and out of the bedroom.

There may also be some aids to stop snoring that are just plain common sense, although it's surprising how many people simply dismiss them.  For example, if you live in a very dry environment, and especially during wintertime, you may want to add a humidifier or vaporizer to your room and keep it full.  The extra moisture in the air can also cut down on your snoring tremendously, and many report that they breathe better and sleep better when they do this.  A few dabs of menthol or eucalyptus oil under your nose is a good aid to stop snoring, as this too clears the nasal passages.  By using a home remedy such as this, you're not interfering with any other medications you may be taking or with another medical condition you might have.  You can also rub some on your chest and throat as well, if you suffer from chronic congestion, coughing, and other respiratory ailments.

Seeing Your Doctor

When all else has failed, it may be time to get a medical recommendation on some aids to stop snoring.  He or she can recommend a more serious mouth guard or bite guard, something that can be made for you personally.  This may be one of the more expensive aids to stop snoring, but it can work wonders.  Additionally, those who are suffering from more serious conditions such as sleep apnea and obstructed airways may need to be fitted for a CPAP machine, which is like a portable oxygen mask that goes over the face and that forces the airways to stay open at night.  There are also surgeries available, most of which can be done on an outpatient basis, and many of which are somewhat minor.  They may remove excess tissue from inside the mouth and the back of the throat, if this is what is causing your snoring.  There is also a new surgery that inserts tiny plastic tubes in the back of the throat to keep it clear of obstruction at night.  There's no need to be overwhelmed with these types of surgeries as aids to stop snoring, as most are minor and have few complications and risks.  Of course, only your doctor can make an accurate recommendation on what would be right for you.  The point is that you shouldn't suffer with your snoring – or the snoring of someone in bed with you – in silence.  There is help available, and with a bit of homework you can definitely find just the right aid to stop snoring for you!