If you’re someone who snores, this is no longer anything to be ashamed of because we now know that it affects millions of Americans. In fact, 37 million people experience snoring frequently with another 53 million infrequently. Over the years, we’ve learned that both genders are affected, yet overweight males tend to have an increased risk.
These days, the number of anti-snore products entering the market has increased dramatically. For us, our favorite is the anti-snore pillow because it’s so simple and doesn’t make sleep unnecessarily uncomfortable. Today, we’re going to learn everything there is to know about this product including;
- The effectiveness of anti-snore pillows
- Features of a good pillow
- Benefits of the product
- Examples of high-quality pillows
Without further ado, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
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The Best Anti-Snore Pillows of 2020
Picture | Product | Key Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow | - Hypoallergenic and breathable | ||
EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow | - Resistant to dust mites and hypoallergenic | ||
- Supports the neck, head, shoulders, and back | |||
- Provides relief from ear pain and pressure | |||
Nature's Guest Adjustable Cervical Pillow | - Recommended by chiropractors and orthopedic specialists | ||
10Minds Anti Snore Pillow with Memory Foam | - Head pressure detector (patented feature) - Offers no harmful substances |
Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow Review
- Hypoallergenic and breathable
- Eco-friendly (and bio green) US-certified foam
- Adjustable in seconds
Price:
Memory foam pillows can help significantly reduce snoring due to their ability to firmly support your neck and head, allowing you to breathe easier. As we all know, memory foam molds exactly to your body shape to relieve pressure while you sleep, which makes it comfortable for all kinds of sleep positions.
There are many different memory foam pillows available, but the Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is completely different from others. Not only it significantly reduces snoring, it's free from harsh chemicals and has actually been tested for the low VOC; with this, the air quality of your bedroom remains high.
Additionally, it takes just seconds to adjust and supports side, stomach, and back sleepers. Whichever way you like to sleep, the pillow will keep your neck and head at the correct orthopedic position.
The Snuggle-Pedic is very light since it's made up of tiny pieces of foam (as a proprietary mixture). With the interlocking nature of the design, air circulates through the pillow, and it retains its fluffiness and softness in the long-term. Compared to others, we also think this anti-snoring pillow will offer durability as a result of the resilient property of the material. What's more, you can even choose between standard, king, and queen sizes.
The outside of the Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is just as impressive made up of viscose of bamboo; this allows for extra breathability. With the simple zip, it's easy to remove or add foam for quick adjustment of thickness and comfort.
Ultimately, the airflow means you shouldn't wake up with a sweaty shoulder and neck. Meanwhile, the hypoallergenic materials keep you healthy and hopefully allow you to feel energetic in the morning.
EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow Review
- Resistant to dust mites and hypoallergenic
- Wide size for comfort
- Reduces snoring, shoulder and neck pain
Price:
Next up, the EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow has a contoured design in order to support your neck and head and achieve the ideal alignment when you sleep. Thanks to a concave depression in the middle, you'll quickly find a comfortable spot in between the two thicker and firmer edges. This contoured shape is important for keeping the airways open during sleep as well as holding your head in place, preventing you from snoring.
The EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow is wide, comfortable, and provides therapeutic relief for neck and shoulder pain as well. Perfect for support and alignment, another benefit is the ability to encourage blood circulation as we sleep. Made with breathable memory foam, this anti-snoring pillow should keep you cool and dry.
Additionally, the extra foam stuffing allows for adjustment. This means users can test the product and keep adding or removing foam until they get the perfect balance for good sleep and no snoring. While not all pillows accommodate all types of sleepers (side, back, and stomach), this one does.
The hypoallergenic rayon/polyester proprietary blend pillowcase is washable, dust mite resistant and feels great on the skin. You'll be glad to know that the manufacturing process uses absolutely no chemicals. Instead, it's all about health and offering all the benefits it's supposed to for snoring and support.
FitPlus Premium Wedge Pillow Review
- Supports the neck, head, shoulders, and back
- Helps with both snoring and allergies
- Therapeutic and ergonomic
Price:
A wedge-shaped anti-snore pillow is designed more so for back sleepers than any other. As they raise the neck, upper back, and head, the airway is free, and there's little risk of the tongue slipping to the back of the throat and obstructing the airway. This makes wedge pillows a very popular option amongst snorers and allergy sufferers.
Supporting those who suffer from allergies as well as snoring, the FitPlus Premium Wedge Pillow offers ergonomic support, and it is made entirely out of foam. Although this isn't strictly a pillow just for snorers, we love its therapeutic shape and the fact that it helps with various other ailments.
This model perfectly blends a solid foundation with a more flexible upper section; this comes from a premium-grade polyurethane foam base and two inches of memory foam on top. With this, you have the firm support for your head and shoulders without ever feeling uncomfortable. As a result of this design, the FitPlus Premium Wedge Pillow can help with the following;
Back and neck pain
Snoring
Acid reflux
Breathing problems
Allergies
The cover is soft and breathable, plus it can be stripped and thrown in the washing machine to be cleaned. As it maintains a comfortable temperature while you sleep, you shouldn't ever wake up in the middle of the night hot and sweating.
PureComfort Side Sleeping Pillow Review
- Provides relief from ear pain and pressure
- Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant soft bamboo cover
- Made from CertiPUR-US certified memory foam
Price:
As you may know, one of the drawbacks of a CPAP machine is the discomfort that can come with it. Therefore, some manufacturers have attempted to improve the experience by creating a special CPAP pillow.
For those serious cases where sleep apnea and heavy snoring are common, the pillow will force the airway open by applying pressure on the throat. Whenever we put the oxygen mask on, we know that excess movement during the night may displace the mask and prevent it from working properly. A CPAP pillow is designed to keep the CPAP mask from moving as you sleep and provide adequate support to your head and neck.
Fortunately, pillows in this niche are continually improving, so we have lots of choices. However, we've decided to go for the highest-ranking CPAP pillow - the PureComfort Side Sleeping Pillow. With special design to accommodate back and side sleepers, the filling is CertiPUR-US certified memory foam while the case has been made from a soft bamboo (which resists dust mites and is hypoallergenic).
Rather than forcing you into a specific sleeping position, this anti-snoring pillow allows you to find comfort and then supports you from here. The first time you lay down with the pillow, you'll know that it has been designed by those who are already familiar with the needs of sleep apnea sufferers.
For the side sleepers among us, you'll love the space for your ears; to prevent pain, they've cut out gaps in the pillow. In fact, the manufacturers also wanted to reduce overall facial pressure during sleep, so this has been considered in the design too. Just as we've seen throughout, the PureComfort Side Sleeping Pillow is adjustable, and the height inserts allow to fine tune the pillow to your specific comfort preference.
Earlier, we mentioned the CertiPUR-US certification, and it's important to note that this came after third-party testing; the certification applies to emissions, content, and durability. In the pillow, you will endure no heavy metals, mercury, lead, TCEP flame retardants, PBDEs,formaldehyde, phthalates, and TDCPP. Just to make things even better, this product comes with a five-year warranty.
Nature's Guest Adjustable Cervical Pillow Review
- Recommended by chiropractors and orthopedic specialists
- 100% natural materials
- Adjustable firmness from soft to medium
Price:
Cervical support pillows work best for snorers. The special design allows the spine to relax while cradling the head and neck. For cervical support, we've gone for the Nature's Guest Adjustable Cervical Pillow. Using a contour pillow design, the focus is on optimal cervical support and alignment while you sleep. With a gusseted edge shape, it's particularly good for side sleepers and back sleepers. As you transition from back to side (and vice versa), your sleep isn't interrupted, and the pillow keeps its shape.
If you're looking for a soft and fluffy pillow, this option won't meet your needs because the filling is quite dense and heavy. However, if you are looking for a firm yet comfortable anti-snoring pillow that supports your neck, you've come to the right place.
Elsewhere, we really like the dual zipper because it means you can access the filling with ease. Over time, adjust the firmness by adding/removing microfiber in both back (neck roll cushion) and side sleeping areas and eventually you'll find the formula that yields the best results.
In terms of materials, we're sure you'll appreciate the premium hypoallergenic cotton (not to mention the all-natural filling!). Alongside the snoring, users have praised the Nature's Guest Adjustable Cervical Pillow for relieving neck, shoulder, and back pain.
10Minds Anti Snore Pillow with Memory Foam Review
- Head pressure detector (patented feature)
- Certified by CertiPUR-US and registered with the FDA
- Offers no harmful substances
Price:
These days, technology is everywhere, and our bedding and pillows haven't escaped this trend. That's right, a smart pillow will track your sleep and monitor your breathing sounds. In case snoring is detected, they quietly and gently turn the head to the side to open the gap between throat and tongue.
For this category, we went with the 10Minds Anti Snore Pillow with Memory Foam, and it's another option that will help you stop snoring for good. It has been certified by CertiPUR-US (it's also registered with the FDA). We chose this product because it's safe but also because of its unique features. For example, the head pressure detector has a patent.
In total, the manufacturers spent four years of research and development and now can offer advanced technology that has a 90% efficiency rate in detecting snores. You don't have to wear anything on your face or nose, plus the 10Minds Anti Snore Pillow with Memory Foam is extremely comfortable and completely electricity and radiation-free.
How does it work? As soon as snoring is detected, the small inflatable airbags inside the pillow will silently inflate to roll the head over. With the brilliant app that accompanies the pillow, you can record your snoring patterns and the sleep schedule as a whole. Over time, the snoring reduces, and you (and your partner) get the sleep you deserve.
Do They Work…And How?
First things first, what’s the science behind these types of pillow? Essentially, they’re designed to aid our breathing. As orthopedic pillows, they remove the cause of snoring which is an obstructed airway. With the head and neck aligned properly, the airway is clear, and you avoid snoring.
The question of whether or not they work is an interesting one. While some will wax lyrical about the product, others are yet to experience any changes, and this is why they aren’t considered a guaranteed solution to the problem of snoring.
If snoring is starting to affect your life or relationship, they’re certainly affordable enough to test. Even if they don’t yield results, their memory foam design allows for increased comfort. What’s more, the cover is soft on the skin and you won’t wake up with chin strap marks like with some other products.
The Theories
For those interested in the science, allow us to go a little deeper before we explain some benefits of the product. With anti-snore pillows, we mentioned that they keep the head and neck aligned. By doing this, the body gets the right amount of oxygen as you sleep. With the majority of snoring cases, the cause is air constriction due to the way we sleep.
With this pillow, a straight line is formed, and our chin cannot drop. With the airway open, oxygen flows freely and we (and our partners!) shouldn’t have to worry about snoring.
Elsewhere in the market, you may have seen so-called anti-allergenic pillows, and these are slightly different. Since snoring is also caused by allergies, scientists have discovered that our normal pillows could contribute to this. Therefore, many people have found a resolution with hypoallergenic materials. We should note that this will not replace any prescribed medication from a doctor.
Benefits of Anti-Snore Pillows
Now we understand the science, let’s look at some of the benefits of the product.
Open Airway
We won’t talk about this too much since we’ve covered it already, but the main benefit is the improved head and neck positioning for breathing. As a result, the vibrations in the throat reduce as air passes through.
Better Posture
We’ve all woken up with a stiff neck or an aching shoulder. With an anti-snore pillow, the idea is to help all types of sleepers. Whichever way you normally sleep, the pillow will improve your posture and keep the airway open. This way, the chances of snoring reduce significantly.
Achieve Better Sleep
Often, it’s the partner of a snorer that has to struggle through the loud noise. Therefore, it’s fair to say that this product will help to improve their sleep just as much as the sufferer themselves. Although snoring is always taken lightly, it is something that forces couples into separate beds and can actually push two people in love apart.
Simple Solution
Finally, we also want to talk about the simplicity of the pillow. If you can avoid tongue-restricting devices, mandibular advancement equipment, and even surgery, isn’t it worth a shot? As a non-intrusive and affordable solution, it’s no wonder so many people are pleasantly surprised by the positive results.
Features of a Good Anti-Snore Pillow
In just a moment, we’re going to look at the different types of anti-snore pillow and the many fantastic products on offer. Before that, what makes for a good product in the first place? What separates the good from the bad?
Washable
In our opinion, the pillow needs to be washable because it’s something you use every night (who wants a trip to the dry cleaners every so often, right!). If it’s washable, you’re more likely to keep it clean and extend its life.
Correct Alignment
Since it’s the alignment that reduces the snoring, this is incredibly important with any potential product you choose. It’s one thing to keep the airway open, it’s another to do it in a comfortable way.
Hypoallergenic Materials
Whether you have an active problem with allergies or just want to avoid potential problems, we also recommend choosing a pillow with hypoallergenic materials.
Return Policy and Manufacturer
When buying any product, it’s easy to concentrate on the product so much that we ignore the manufacturer. Therefore, make sure they’re reputable and have a returns policy of at least 30 days to protect your investment and test the pillow.
Travel
This won’t apply to everybody, but those who travel frequently will want to look into travel-sized options.
Different Types of Anti-Snore Pillow
When first researching the market, we understand that it’s confusing looking at all the different products. They actually come in various shapes and sizes, so choosing one to match your needs can seem like an impossible task. Below, we’re going to cover;
- Cervical Support
- Contour
- Memory Foam
- CPAP
- Smart
- Wedge
Neck Cervical Support Pillow
First up, many experts will tell you this is the best option and the idea is to allow the spine to relax while cradling the head and neck.
Contour Pillow
Next up, the name probably gives this one away, but it has a contour design in order to support not only the neck and head but the shoulder and back too. Thanks to a concave depression in the middle, you’ll quickly find a comfortable spot in between the two thicker edges.
Memory Foam Pillow
These days, all forms of memory foam pillow are considered good enough for those in the anti-snoring market because it nicely supports the neck and head. As we all know, memory foam is brilliant for shaping to the individual, so this is a great advantage to have in an anti-snoring pillow.
CPAP Pillow
As you may know, one of the drawbacks of a CPAP machine is the discomfort that can come with it. Therefore, some manufacturers have attempted to improve the experience by creating a special CPAP pillow.
For those serious cases where sleep apnea and heavy snoring are common, the pillow will force the airway open by applying pressure on the throat. Whenever we put the oxygen mask on, we do so while knowing that excess movement will displace the machine and prevent it from working properly. With a CPAP pillow, you’ll have the necessary support to keep the mask in place and help the neck and head.
Smart Pillow
These days, technology is everywhere, and our bedding and pillows haven’t escaped this trend. That’s right, a smart pillow will track your sleep and detect breathing sounds and snoring. With some, they even turn the head automatically and attempt to open the gap between throat and tongue.
Wedge Pillow
Finally, we come across a wedge-shaped pillow designed more so for back sleepers than any other. As they raise the neck, upper back, and head, the airway is free and there’s little risk of the tongue slipping back as you sleep.
How Do You Sleep?
In the next two sections, we’re going to look at some purchasing considerations and FAQs, but we first want to talk about the different ways of sleeping.
Side Sleeping
As we’ve seen throughout, anti-snore pillows for those who sleep on their side will be designed to correct posture. Although this is difficult to correct when we like to curl ourselves up on our side, the pillows will try to keep the head at an angle. As your head points down slightly, the tongue should never block the airway as you sleep.
Back Sleeping
For those who sleep on their back and struggle to get comfortable when on their side or stomach, there are some snoring pillows you can try. For light snorers, they’re more likely to yield a result. To remain comfortable and not disrupt your sleep, we recommend going for a pillow with lots of support under the back of the neck; ideally, it will also offer a concave design for the head.
Your risk of snoring is higher when sleeping on the back, so get a pillow that pulls the head back and opens the airway.
Stomach Sleeping
As a stomach sleeper, you may be confused by what the internet is telling you. Can you prevent snoring with a pillow when sleeping on the stomach? Well, it’s difficult. Since pillows are designed to support back or side sleeping, not many products cater to this market. However, you may find improvements with a flat pillow to maintain the neck and head alignment.
When you use pillows that are too plump, the head is elevated too much, and this strains the airway and neck muscles. If you can keep the neck in a neutral position and aligned with the torso, you’ll decrease the risk of snoring significantly.
Considerations When Buying an Anti-Snore Pillow
We’ve suggested some excellent products so far, but how do you continue the research on your own? With so many different products out there claiming to help snorers, it can be a treacherous path that ends in disappointment if you don’t get it right.
Rather than listening to the outlandish promises of companies, we believe there are certain considerations you should make before any purchase. As long as you keep these in mind and select a pillow that suits your needs, you’re more likely to make the right decision first time around.
Not Everybody Benefits
Firstly, we want to note that not everybody is able to see a marked improvement in their snoring after investing in a pillow of this type. Though they work for many, others are left with no change and you need to be prepared for this.
Elsewhere, we’ve spoken to people who couldn’t get comfortable with an anti-snore pillow and others who persisted and eventually found a pillow that changed their life. As these pillows continue to improve in design and material, we believe every snorer should at least try with anti-snore pillows because you might be in the group that finds success with them.
Sleeping Position
Next, in what position do you sleep? As we’ve seen in this guide, the different products cater to different types of sleeper. Don’t make the mistake of buying a well-known brand without even looking at who can use the product. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended pillow based on sleeping position;
- Back Sleeper - Contour or Wedge
- Side Sleeper - Neck Cervical Support or Contour
Material
From latex foams to polyester, you’re likely to come across all sorts of materials in this niche. This can be confusing, but it’s also an indicator of the quality and durability of a product. For example, most people will prefer memory foam pillows over any other foam. Considering this is something we use every night, having the pillow remember our shape to keep us comfortable is a huge advantage.
You might spend more money initially, but higher quality materials will normally prove the better investment because it will last longer.
Support
Without support, a pillow would be useless, right? Well, with those attempting to help snorers, support is even more important not only for the head and neck but for the back too. If a pillow fails to give a basic level of support, you won’t be able to open the airway and snoring will continue. In fact, it can actually exacerbate the problem. Therefore, this is essential when choosing a product.
Comfort
The reason anti-snoring pillows are so popular is because they allow us to deal with the snoring issue without taking away essential comfort. When you choose a pillow, there’s no need to sacrifice comfort because there are so many good options on the market. When people treat their snoring in an uncomfortable way, what they’re actually doing is increasing shoulder, neck, and back pain. Why trade one problem for another?
Size
Does size matter? Yes, especially if you’re someone who likes to travel around (or is required to for work). In this case, you don’t want to haul around a huge pillow. Instead, you want a small one that fits into a bag or can even be used on the plane. If you’re simply purchasing for home use, you have more of a selection and can focus on the other considerations in this list.
Budget
Finally, when buying anything in life we need to consider our financial position and how much we can afford to spend. Often, this is the starting point because you can narrow down the market to a specific price range and then compare material, support, size, comfort, and sleeping position from here.
FAQs
As promised, let’s finish with couple of common questions you might have regarding anti-snore pillows.
Can anybody use anti-snore pillows?
Although those with sleep apnea may not benefit, there’s no reason why everybody else shouldn’t give them a go. In the past, we’ve learned that OSA symptoms reduce with anti-snore pillows, but the pillows struggle to do anything with most other types of sleep apnea. If you’ve recently had a diagnosis of sleep apnea, we recommend talking to your doctor. With a simple conversation, you can discuss which products may or may not work. If in doubt, talk to a professional.
What’s the success rate of anti-snore pillows?
Unfortunately, there’s no single statistic that we can point to in order to answer this question. However, what we can say is that the results will depend on the extent of your snoring and your sleeping position. For back sleepers and heavy snorers, you should be looking towards wedge pillows and perhaps even inflatable pillows.
On the other hand, moderate snorers should try contour pillows and side sleepers can use most designs. For side sleepers who experience heavy snoring, the results with shaped pillows may disappoint.
My sleeping pillow didn’t work. What next?
After getting excited about an anti-snore pillow and then finding it doesn’t work, we understand that this can be frustrating. However, we urge you not to give up.
Previously, we’ve spoken to several people who didn’t find the right pillow at the first attempt. Every year, new and innovative pillows enter the market so keep going and have faith that you’ll eventually come across the right design and product for you.
While on this note, don’t ever sacrifice comfort for snoring relief. Even if an uncomfortable pillow does prevent snoring, you’ll eventually end up with muscle strain and pain. Make sure a pillow supports your sleeping posture, prevents snoring, and remains comfortable.
Summary
At a basic level, anti-snore pillows are designed to open up the airway and therefore stop or reduce snoring levels. Although success depends on the extent of the problem and how we sleep, many people have found joy with this innovative product.
In a handful of cases, using a pillow such as this has caused more problems than it’s resolved, and this is why we advise heavy snorers to contact a professional. Sometimes, it’s better to get diagnosed with sleep apnea before trying solutions. If the doctor picks up on the issue and you are diagnosed, they can suggest proper treatments because, left untouched, sleep apnea is incredibly dangerous.
If the problem is snoring alone, then you can look at these fantastic products. As long as you consider price, support, comfort, and all the other factors we listed earlier, you’ll find a pillow that works for you!