People in search of a quick and easy way to alleviate snoring sometimes start with the pillow on their bed. They replace it with what's called a "snore pillow."
A snore pillow is a convenient, drug- and surgery-free option for people with a snoring problem. The makers of snore pillows claim that the pillow positions the head and neck in a way that helps keep the airway open. And that, they say, can prevent snoring.
A variety of snore pillow models are on the market today, ranging in price from less than $40 to more than $100. Examples include:
•An orthopedic, standard-size support pillow is advertised as being usable by people who sleep on their back as well as those who are side-sleepers. This pillow is supposed to support the neck in a natural position, reduce nerve pressure, reduce muscle stress and tension and help keep the airway open.
•A pillow designed by a doctor aims to improve sleeping posture and align the spine, which its maker says will also keep the airway open. It, too, purports to be usable for both back sleeping and side sleeping.
•An advanced pillow claims to reduce snoring-related insomnia and sleep apnea and to relieve head, neck and jaw tension. It's among the higher-priced options and includes a machine-washable, hypoallergenic cotton and velour cover.
•A highly recommended (though odd-looking) pillow is supposed to be able to reduce snoring and do away with sore, stiff necks. Like the other pillows, it claims to correct spinal alignment and help maintain an open airway. It, too, carries a higher price tag, but it comes with a five-year warranty not to lose shape or resilience.
•A type of pillow that's meant to encourage the user to sleep on his or her side keeps the jaw forward in order to keep the airway open. Its maker says the pillow helps people sleep better overall, as well as reduce or eliminate snoring.