Best Pillow for Snoring

At your wits’ end because of your partner’s snoring? Don’t worry, I’ve got a trick up my sleeve that might just save the day: anti-snore pillows. Yes, really!

You (or your partner) have no doubt tried nasal sprays, strips, and all sorts of gadgets to tame the beast of snoring, but if you’re looking to truly open up those airways, an anti-snore pillow could be the answer. They’re not just a load of marketing nonsense – these clever contraptions work by aligning your head and neck in a way that takes the pressure off your air passages.

For those who aren’t aware, snoring occurs when air can’t flow smoothly through your nose or throat during sleep, causing the surrounding tissues to vibrate and produce that oh-so-pleasant snoring sound.

But fear not, science has uncovered a secret weapon: side-sleeping! Studies have shown that snoozing on your side, rather than your back or front, reduces the compression on your airways, resulting in better, quieter breathing.

And that’s where an anti-snore pillow can help and really comes into its own. These pillows are designed to keep you comfortably settled on your side, preventing any sneaky back-roll moves that could trigger a snore fest in the middle of the night.

Now, fair warning, if you’ve been snoozing in the same position since time immemorial, it might take a bit of getting used to.

So even with an anti-snore pillow, give yourself a few nights to fully adjust to the feel and relax into the cozy embrace of the pillow under your neck. It can take a while to really get used to it.

What if I don’t like side-sleeping?

Honestly, I get that side-sleeping isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. 🙂

If you simply can’t find your sweet spot in that position, fear not – there’s another trick you can try. Research has shown that elevating your head by about 10cm can work wonders. It helps ease your breathing and encourages your tongue and jaw to shift forward, opening up those air passages like magic.

Luckily, there are specially-designed pillows out there to help you achieve just that… they work by making sure that your neck muscles stay happy and your head is positioned in the perfect snore-busting way.

Now, let’s get down to business. I’ve put together a list of the best anti-snore pillows and then put them to the test, aiming to conquer those snoring troubles once and for all.

I threw a couple of pillows designed for back sleepers into the mix too, just to see how they measure up against the competition.

1. Simba Hybrid Pillow – Best for anti-snoring

Let’s delve into the Simba Hybrid Pillow, my number one choice in the world of anti-snore pillows. This particular pillow has gained attention for a number of years now, for its potential in fixing snoring, and here’s why it deserves a closer look.

One notable feature of the Simba Hybrid Pillow is its customisability, which means it allows you to adjust its height according to your own preferences. This feature means, in theory, optimal support for the head and neck, accommodating various comfort preferences.

As I touched on above, adjusting the height of the pillow is the key to fixing any snoring problem. So whether you prefer a deeper pillow for enhanced cushioning or a lower profile for a more subtle support, the Simba Hybrid Pillow offers flexibility.

Moreover, the Simba Hybrid Pillow has clearly been designed to accommodate different sleep positions, catering to individuals who prefer sleeping on their back, side, or in a combination of positions. By promoting proper alignment, this pillow aims to minimise potential obstructions in the airways that can contribute to snoring.

Many people on websites like Trustpilot have reported positive results when using the Simba Hybrid Pillow to ‘fix’ their snoring. The combination of memory foam and microfibre fillings provides a mix of support and comfort: the memory foam conforms to the shape of the head and neck, while the microfibre fillings add a touch of softness to the overall feel.

During my testing, the Hybrid Pillow also demonstrated decent breathability, allowing for adequate airflow and temperature regulation (this can contribute to a more comfortable sleep experience, particularly for those who tend to feel hot during the night).

In a nutshell:

The Hybrid Pillow is the hands-down best pillow here, and it isn’t even that expensive any more. Simba often have promotions going as well. It’s been my #1 choice for a while, and for good reason.

2. Eve Sleep Memory Foam Pillow – Best Value

The Eve Sleep Memory Foam Pillow might not be the first one you think of, when you consider anti-snoring capabilities. But bear with me.

Of course, snoring can have various underlying causes (which I’ll cover later – including anatomical factors and sleep apnoea). But the design of the Eve Memory Foam pillow aims to provide optimal head and neck alignment, which can potentially help in reducing snoring according to testing.

One of the biggest features of the Eve Sleep Memory Foam Pillow is its grid of air holes that assist in regulating heat and preventing excessive warmth retention. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who tend to sleep hot.

In terms of value, the Eve Sleep Memory Foam Pillow offers an attractive price point compared to the Simba Hybrid Pillow, and remember that Eve often run discounts too. This makes it a more affordable option for those seeking a memory foam pillow with similar features.

During my testing, I found that the Eve Sleep Memory Foam Pillow provided a plush and comfortable feel, which will be appreciated by individuals who enjoy the support of memory foam without a overly firm sensation. This one’s on the softer side.

Plus, it’s worth noting that the Eve Memory Foam Pillow comes with a removable cover made of durable 100% polyester, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance. Lastly, memory foam pillows are generally hypoallergenic, making them suitable for individuals with allergies or sensitivities too.

In a nutshell:

While it doesn’t offer quite the same level of adjustability as the Simba Hybrid Pillow, the Eve Sleep pillow’s comfortable squishiness and supportive qualities make it a compelling choice, especially for individuals looking for a more affordable anti-snoring option.

3. Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow – Best Firm Choice

No, you aren’t going mad, I haven’t already covered this. My top choice is the Simba Hybrid Pillow, but this is the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow.

Despite the similarity in the naming, they’re actually quite different.

The key difference lies in the construction and design of these pillows. The regular Simba Hybrid Pillow features hundreds of memory foam cubes, also known as “nanocubes,” that can be added or removed to adjust the pillow’s firmness and height/thickness. This allows for a high level of customisation, giving you the flexibility to create the perfect anti-snore sleeping surface tailored to your needs.

On the other hand, the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow takes a different approach – it incorporates three removable layers: two softer “Renew” layers and one firm “Aerocoil” layer.  However, the adjustability is limited to the removal of the two inserts, which can alter the firmness to a certain extent. While it does offer some customisaation options, it’s not as extensive as the regular Hybrid Pillow with its memory foam cubes (and it’s also a bit dearer).

The Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow focuses on offering firm support (hence the name…), specifically for the head and neck, helping to maintain proper alignment and reduce airway compression, which can be hugely beneficial for those who snore. Its firmer structure helps to keep the airways open and promote better breathing during sleep, thereby reducing snoring.

In a nutshell:

If you aren’t sure which is best, but generally want a firmer pillow – for example if you have a larger head or just prefer the feel of one – then this is the pillow to go for.

What actually causes snoring?

Snoring can have multiple underlying causes:

• The primary culprit is the vibration of tissues in the airway, triggered by factors such as muscle relaxation, allergies, and certain physical conditions like a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Any condition that causes inflammation or narrowing of the airway is likely to contribute to snoring.
• Age and weight are often associated with snoring. As we grow older, our throat muscles tend to relax more during sleep, leading to those not-so-melodious vibrations. Carrying extra weight can also play a role, as it may result in reduced muscle tone and increased tissue around the neck, making snoring more likely.
• Other factors within our control can contribute to snoring as well. Many people find they snore more when sleeping on thier backs, as gravity can cause the throat to narrow. Alcohol acts as a muscle relaxant, potentially causing the airway to relax and increasing the likelihood of snoring. Smoking can irritate the airway, triggering inflammation that leads to throat vibrations.
• A suitable pillow can make a significant difference for many snorers. By elevating the head and neck, gravity can work in their favour, allowing the throat muscles to relax without obstructing the airway.
• While finding the right pillow is important, it’s always recommended to seek guidance from a medical professional. Consulting with your doctor can help identify the underlying cause of your snoring and develop an appropriate course of action to address the issue an dimprove your sleep quality.

What factors do I need to consider?

When looking for a pillow to help with snoring, it’s important to take into account thingfs including sleeping position, pillow depth, support, firmness, and pressure relief. These elements not only affect ease of use, but also help reduce the possibility of soft tissue vibrations occurring while you sleep.

The way you lay your head to sleep has a significant impact on your comfort, spinal alignment, and snoring. If you want to avoid snoring due to blocked airways, consider a pillow that keeps your neck in a neutral position. If you tend to snore when sleeping on your back, a wedge pillow may help you get a better night’s rest.

The degree of firmness is also a major consideration (or it should be, anyway!). People of greater stature or heavier people may benefit from a harder pillow in order to keep their necks in a neutral position while sleeping, while those of lighter build may find that a softer pillow is more to their liking. The appropriate level of firmness also depends on factors including sleep position and pillow thickness of course.

Although pressure relief has little to do with snoring, it will have a major effect on general comfort. A pillow that adapts to the shape of your head and neck can assist disperse your body weight and avoid pressure points from forming. This function can alleviate soreness and prevent “hot spots” from forming due to concentrated pressure.

While many anti-snoring pillows claim to be comfortable for everybody, finding the right one requires thinking about your specific situation at night. The greatest anti-snoring pillow for you will depend heavily on aspects such as your size, sleeping position, and desired firmness – but don’t worry, because a lot of them come with free sleep trials, meanig you can return it if not happy.

If in doubt, just le me know in the comments area below. 🙂

How else can I prevent snoring?

• Pillow choice is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to reduce snoring, but there are other options worth considering.
• Talk to your doctor about sleep apnea: Snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea, a condition that causes abnormal breathing during sleep. It can lead to disrupted sleep and lower oxygen levels in the body. Consulting with your doctor will help determine if you have sleep apnea and what steps should be taken to protect your health.
• Try an anti-snoring mouthpiece: These devices are designed to hold the lower jaw or tongue forward, preventing them from falling back and obstructing the airway. While many of these mouthpieces are available over the counter, it’s advisable to seek guidance from your doctor to determine if they are suitable for you.
• Sleep on your side: If you typically sleep on your back, switching to a side-sleeping position may help reduce snoring. This position helps prevent the tongue and lower jaw from falling towards the back of the throat and exerting pressure on the airway. If staying on your side is challenging, using a body pillow positioned behind you can provide additional support and discourage you from rolling onto your back unintentionally.
• Cut down on alcohol and tobacco: I know, I know. But alcohol can relax the muscles, while tobacco can irritate the throat, both of which contribute to snoring. Reducing or eliminating alcohol and tobacco consumption can help alleviate snoring and improve sleep quality.
• Consider an adjustable bed: Elevating the upper body can relieve snoring by reducing airway pressure. While using the right pillow can achieve this, an adjustable bed offers greater flexibility in finding the most comfortable position for you.

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Conclusion – Which is best?

All of these pillows have their unique features and benefits, catering to different preferences and needs. Whether you prioritise customisability and premium quality or affordability and comfort, the Simba Hybrid Pillow and the Eve Sleep Memory Foam Pillow offer potential solutions for reducing snoring.

Note that, in addition to choosing the right pillow, it’s worth exploring other options for preventing snoring, such as consulting with your GP about sleep apnoea, considering anti-snoring mouthpieces, adopting side-sleeping positions, reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption, and even exploring the use of adjustable beds. These additional measures can complement the benefits provided by anti-snoring pillows and further improve sleep quality, but there’s no magic bullet sadly.

Remember, snoring can have various underlying causes, and if the issue persists or is accompanied by other health concerns, it’s advisable to seek professional medical advice – we aren’t medically trained here at WhatMattress.

In short, by taking a comprehensive approach and considering the various factors contributing to snoring, you can make an informed choice to achieve a better night’s sleep, with any luck. Let me know below whar you think!

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