Snoring is not only annoying for your partner, snoring can also be very dangerous. There are therefore numerous products on the market that supposedly promise improvement. Stiftung Warentest tested 23 of these products. We tell you which gadgets really help and which products are wasted money.
Roughly speaking, around 60 percent of men and 40 percent of women snore. Above all, partners of those affected suffer from the nocturnal disturbance of the peace. And the solution to the problem is often in their hands. But wearing earplugs every night or sleeping in separate rooms isn’t for everyone.
Stiftung Warentest has recently dealt intensively with the topic and tested a total of 23 aids against snoring. Five areas were examined more closely:
- prevent supine
- keep your nose clear
- Advance the lower jaw
- keep mouth closed
- Headrest & Acupressure
In order to find the right solution for everyone affected, it is particularly important to first determine the cause of snoring with a doctor. Only then can you take targeted action against it.
In the following, we will tell you which products really put an end to snoring and which purchases are not worthwhile.
To the detailed test report at Stiftung Warentest.
1. Prevent supine position
Stiftung Warentest has examined six products that are intended to prevent the person concerned from turning on their back or sleeping on their back. Vests, backpacks or shirts are provided with a foam or air cushion in the back area and thus prevent the supine position.
Chest straps, on the other hand, work a little differently. With the help of position detection, the belts give an impulse, for example through vibration, so that the sleeper turns back onto his side or stomach.
The last product from the category is a snore stopper pillow. If the sound sensor detects snoring, the pillow inflates with air and is intended to move the sleeping person to a different position.
The judgment: With limitation suitable
The above products can help prevent snoring. However, only for people who really only snore on their backs.
Stiftung Warentest examined these products in this category:
prevent supine
Source: night watchman Night watchman sleep vest
Source: Somno SomnoCushion
Source: Somno Somno Shirt
Source: Beurer Beurer snoring belt SL 40
Source: Phillips Philips SmartSleep Snoring Relief Band
Source: Newgen Medicals Newgen Medical’s Snore Stopper Pillow
2. Keep your nose clear
So-called dilators are intended to spread the nostrils while sleeping and thus ensure that the air flow is sufficient and noiseless. They are suitable for people who, for physical reasons, cannot get enough air through their nose and snore as a result.
There are also differences here: Internal dilators, such as plastic clips, are pushed into the nostrils from below and thus spread the nostrils from the inside.
External dilators such as nasal plasters and strips are glued over the bridge of the nose with a little tension and thus lift the nostrils.
The judgment: With limitation suitable
If consultation with an ear, nose and throat doctor reveals that the snoring is caused by a respiratory impediment in the front part of the nose, internal dilators can help.
External dilators, on the other hand, are less suitable; they can only slightly spread the nostrils and therefore do not provide as reliable results as the solid plastic alternatives.
Stiftung Warentest examined these external dilators in this category:
keep your nose clear
Source: dr Breathe Well dr Breathe Well snore stopper nose spreader (16 pieces)
Source: Nozovent Nozovent nose clip (2 pieces)
around 14 euros
To shop pharmacy
Source: WoodyKnows WoodyKnows Ultra Thin Nasal Dilators (Pack of 3)
Source: Airmax Airmax Nasal Dilator Medium (2 pieces)
Source: Pamura Pamura snore stopper (3 pieces)
3. Advance the lower jaw
When we sleep, our muscles relax. It can happen that the lower jaw and tongue slip further back and the airways in the throat area are narrowed as a result. The result: snoring. Appropriate sleep braces or splints should prevent this. However, before you test these products, you should clarify with your dentist whether braces or splints are an option.
The splints can be individually fitted and adjusted so they can be worn comfortably all night long.
The judgment: With limitation suitable
If the products are suitable for the cause and have been approved by a doctor, they can help those affected. However, adjusting the clasps is somewhat complicated and requires skill.