Thrilled to have so many fast solutions to put an end to your snoring, you run out and buy the latest pack of nasal strips. The next morning, your wife complains, yet again, that you kept her up all night. Stupid strips. You throw them away and figure you are destined to snore for the rest of your life.
Why is it one snoring solution works for one person and not for another? Is it because all of these products are just money-grubbing, fake scams out to grab a few more of your hard-earned dollars? As much as you might want to believe that (because isn’t everything on the market out to get your money?), anti snoring products aren’t a sham. They’re just not a one-size-fits-all solution.
You’ve got to go back to the reason YOU are snoring. Any type of snoring is the result of some physical symptom in your nose, throat, or mouth that is restricting your airway. If that restriction is in your throat and you slap a nasal strip on your nose, you aren’t fixing YOUR problem. Your throat is still restricted and you will probably still snore. It’s not because strips don’t work – it’s because strips won’t work for YOU.
So, how do you figure out where your own blockage (or blockages, by the way – you might have multiple!) issue lies? A doctor can help you figure that out or you or review the following for clues to the reason you snore:
Signs Your Snoring is Tied to a Blockage in Your Nasal Passages:
- With your mouth closed, inhale deeply through your nose. Do you hear any congestion? Does it sound like you are sniffling?
- Do you have to sniff or blow your nose throughout the day to clear your nose?
- When you inhale through only your nose, do you feel like you get a large amount of air?
- Do you have a problem with nasal drip?
Signs Your Snoring is Tied to a Blockage in Your Mouth:
- Inspect the back of your tongue. Is there a coating of any sort on your tongue?
- Are your tonsils enlarged or larger than normal?
- Lay on your back with a mirror in hand. Open your mouth wide and look at the back part of the roof of your mouth. Does it appear to droop into your airway at all as compared to when you are standing up? This may be difficult to assess on your own. A doctor can better determine whether you have a soft palate issue.
Signs Your Snoring is Tied to a Blockage in Your Throat:
- When you swallow, does it feel like you have to work at it?
- When you lay down on your back with one pillow under your head, do you feel your chin pressing on your neck?
If the problem is your throat, it may not be as much physical as it is the way in which you sleep. Particulary for those who are overweight, the extra skin and fat tissue around the neck can put pressure on your airway if you lay on your back. A change in sleeping position or a device or pillow that props your head in a position that keeps your jaw extended might be the only solution you need.
Taking the time to figure out what is making you snore will help you more quickly find the best solution and can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
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