HOW TO SNORE LESS AND SLEEP BETTER
Our In-Depth Wedge Pillow Reviews
We know that wedge pillows are often used to treat symptoms of nighttime acid reflux flare-ups or full-on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The incline helps keep the opening of the esophagus (esophageal sphincter) above the stomach, which prevents digestive acid from bubbling into the throat. But, Wedge Pillow for Snoring are also becoming popoular.
But did you know that wedge pillows can also help with snoring and sleep apnea?
You got it! That same magical incline is the secret to stopping snoring and easing the effects of sleep apnea.
Don’t believe it? Let’s break it down to figure out just how it all works:
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea, or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a chronic condition, most often caused by a collapsed or obstructed airway. This results in brief moments while sleeping where the person will temporarily stop breathing or experience a shortage of breath, sometimes even waking up gasping.
Sleep apnea and snoring go hand in hand, as the person suffering from sleep apnea needs to take a deep breath to make up for the blip of breathlessness. The combination of the deep breath and the obstructed airway creates a loud snore.
Sleep apnea can be dangerous for many reasons, especially due to the fact that the person actually ceases breathing, if only for a moment. In addition to seemingly unavoidable snoring and difficulty breathing, less oxygen over time can also have negative effects on the heart. To try to avoid these pitfalls, many sufferers will invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars into a machine that regulates their breathing during slumber.
Can you still snore without sleep apnea?
You sure can – especially if you sleep on your back (thanks for the narrower airway, gravity!).
You may also snore if you have a head cold, when the mucus obstructs your airways and increases the vibration in your respiratory system, resulting in snoring. You may also snore if you have a deviated septum or some other physical configuration that is prone to greater vibration or obstruction of airways, like a lower soft palette.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also induce snoring because it slackens your throat muscles, as does exhaustion.
How do people combat snoring?
Unfortunately for the most intense cases of sleep apnea or OSA, expensive sleep apnea machines may be necessary, or even costly surgeries (such as surgery for a deviated septum). People also try sleeping on their side instead of their back, which may prove difficult if they’ve habitually slept on their backs.
Some people may notice that their snoring is worse when they sleep lying flat on their backs or stomachs – or even on their sides. In order to combat that, they’ll try stacking a pile of soft pillows to prop themselves up. Unfortunately, they’ll figure out that, although their snoring may have been slightly less, they’re about to experience a lot more neck pain from a lumpy, uneven, and drastic pile of pillows.
None of that sounds great… Is there anything else people can do?
We’re glad you asked! If you recall, there is, in fact, another solution to fighting snoring and sleep apnea: a wedge pillow.
A good wedge pillow is a natural solution to snoring that is virtually free of nasty side effects.
A Wedge Pillow for Snoring sounds much better! How does it work?
If you’re not familiar, a wedge pillow is a standalone pillow that has a triangular sloped surface, much like a wedge you’d see as a door-stopper or a wedge of cheese – except this is way more comfortable! Plus, it’ll help you sleep better.
The Wedge Pillow for Snoring provides a gradual incline to hold you slightly propped up (but not sitting up) while you sleep. It also encourages side-sleeping, which is a win-win for snorers! The people piling their pillows are on the right track, but think of it this way: Why try to reinvent the wheel when there are already wedge pillows scientifically and ergonomically designed to treat excessive snoring? Better to let the experts handle it!
Gravity
Sleeping on a wedge pillow employs gravity to your benefit and can keep you on your side, helping to align your body for the best breathing possible without the jarring neck discomfort of sleeping on multiple pillows.
The best part? You can find wedge pillows just about anywhere – from your local department store to Amazon and beyond – and you can find one that fits both your needs and your budget. Not all wedge pillows are the same, so be sure to compare the slopes, foams, and sizes to find one that makes you want to commit.
In conclusion…
Snoring and sleep apnea can be dangerous and uncomfortable (not to mention disturbing to your partner or spouse). Before emptying your wallet or pinching a nerve in your neck, try sleeping on a wedge pillow for Snoring. You’ll notice a difference in the quality of your sleep and the frequency of your snoring (if any at all) – and your partner will, too!