What the best snoring remedy does

  • Works for your type of snoring. For example, Breathe Right Nasal Strips (Est. $5 for a box of 10) only help nasal-related snoring, while a custom-fitted mouthpiece (Est. $3,000 to $6,000) works for more types of snoring and sleep apnea, as well.
  • Relieves snoring without much fuss. The easier it is, the more likely you'll actually use it. This is why many mild-to-moderate sleep apnea patients prefer to use a small, relatively discreet mouthpiece instead of a bulky, intrusive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

Know before you go

Have you tried behavioral changes? Before you buy any snoring remedies, doctors say you should try these four things: stop smoking, lose weight (if necessary), sleep on your side (try using a body pillow, or taping or sewing a tennis ball to the back of your pajama top) and avoid alcohol within four hours of bedtime. They're free (for the most part), and they're proven to help eliminate snoring.

Do you snore because you're congested? If so, experts say opening up nasal passages can do the trick and eliminate snoring. To start, get rid of allergens in your bedroom (an air purifier can help), use a saline nasal rinse and/or try Breathe Right Nasal Strips.

Have you researched products that actually work? Most over-the-counter snoring remedies simply don't work -- or don't have scientific evidence to back them up. Although some users say they get relief from special pillows, throat sprays and the like, sleep doctors don't recommend them.

How much do you want to spend? Expensive snoring solutions may be overkill. You might just need to clear nasal congestion or sleep on your side to solve your snoring problem.

Do you really need a doctor? If your snoring is so severe that you wake up numerous times during the night, you may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a potentially serious condition which requires treatment from a doctor. For symptoms to watch for, see our section on sleep apnea.

Back to top