Quick Answer: Nasal strips work for "nose snorers" (congestion/deviated septum) by physically widening nostrils. Mouthguards work for "throat snorers" by pulling the jaw forward, but often cause jaw pain. Neither fixes the root cause if your snoring is due to sleeping flat on your back; for that, an adjustable bed is the most effective non-invasive cure.
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If you share a bed with a snorer, you have likely stared at the ceiling at 3 a.m. plotting ways to make it stop. You have probably also Googled "how to stop snoring" and been bombarded with ads for sticky strips, plastic guards, chin straps, and tape.
At Mattress Miracle, we see the tired partners of snorers every day. They come in looking for a new mattress, hoping it will silence the noise. While a supportive mattress helps, often the issue is airflow.
Before you spend money on gadgets, you need to know where the sound is coming from. Not all snores are created equal.
The "Nose Snorer" vs. "Throat Snorer" Test
Brad, our senior consultant, recommends this simple test to identify the source of the noise:
- The Nose Test: Look in a mirror. Press one nostril closed and breathe in. Then the other. If you struggle to breathe through your nose while awake, you are likely a "Nose Snorer." Your snoring sounds like a high-pitched whistle or sniffle.
- The Throat Test: Open your mouth and make a snoring noise. Now, stick your tongue out as far as it will go and try to make the same noise. If the noise is quieter or impossible to make with your tongue out, you are a "Throat Snorer." This is the most common type, sounding like a low rumble or growl.
Do Breathe Strips Work?
Best for: Nose Snorers, allergy sufferers, deviated septums.
Nasal strips (like Breathe Right) are simple springs. You stick them across the bridge of your nose, and they physically pull your nostrils open. It is mechanical, drug-free, and immediate.
The Verdict: They work wonderfully if your snoring is caused by congestion or narrow nasal passages. They do absolutely nothing if your snoring comes from your throat collapsing. If you have seasonal allergies in Brantford, these are a great first step.
The Truth About Mouthguards
Best for: Throat Snorers, back sleepers.
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) look like sports mouthguards. They lock your lower jaw in a forward position. By pulling the jaw forward, they pull the tongue forward, preventing it from falling back into your airway.
The Verdict: They are highly effective at silencing the noise, but they come with a "comfort tax." Many users report:
- Morning jaw soreness (TMJ pain)
- Excessive drooling
- Changes to their bite over time
If you value silence over comfort, they work. But many people give up on them after a week because waking up with a sore face isn't much better than waking up tired.
Mouth Taping: Trend or Danger?
You may have seen this on social media: taping your mouth shut to force nasal breathing.
The logic is sound,nasal breathing is healthier and quieter. However, taping your mouth shut can be dangerous if you have undiagnosed sleep apnea, congestion, or vomit in your sleep. We do not recommend this without consulting a doctor.
The Gravity Solution
Instead of taping or pulling your face, try gravity. Throat snoring happens because gravity pulls soft tissue backward when you lie flat. Elevating your head 10-15 degrees stops this collapse.
An Adjustable Base (like our Restonic models) allows you to sleep in a "snore-free" position silently, comfortably, and without wearing plastic. It fixes the mechanics of the airway without touching your face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do chin straps work for snoring?
Chin straps wrap around your head to keep your mouth closed. They are helpful for "mouth breathers" who snore because their jaw falls open. However, if you have a stuffed nose, a chin strap can make you feel like you're suffocating.
Can a pillow stop snoring?
Sometimes. A wedge pillow can elevate your head (mimicking an adjustable bed), reducing throat collapse. However, wedge pillows often cause you to slide down during the night, straining your lower back.
Why do I snore more in the winter?
In Brantford, winter means dry furnace air. This dries out your nasal membranes, causing them to swell and create congestion. Running a humidifier in the bedroom can often reduce "seasonal snoring."
Are custom dentist mouthguards better than store-bought?
Yes, significantly. A dentist can create a device that fits your specific teeth and minimizes jaw strain. Store-bought "boil and bite" guards are bulky and often uncomfortable, leading to poor compliance.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, ON N3R 3V9
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Tired of gadgets? Come try the "Anti-Snore" button on our adjustable bases. It's the most comfortable way to silence the noise.
Browse Our MattressesRelated Reading
Sources
- Jacobson BH, Boolani A, Smith DB. Changes in back pain, sleep quality, and perceived stress after introduction of new bedding systems. J Chiropr Med. 2009;8(1):1-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcm.2008.09.002
- Radwan A, Fess P, James D, et al. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain. Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
- Kovacs FM, Abraira V, Peña A, et al. Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain: randomised, double-blind, controlled, multicentre trial. Lancet. 2003;362(9396):1599-1604. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14792-7