Snoring is caused by your tongue, mouth, throat, or nose vibrating whilst you sleep, as your muscles have relaxed. While snoring is benign, it can be very bothersome – especially if your partner is the one who snores. It can disrupt your sleep, ruin your mood and leaving you fatigued for the rest of the day. In fact, a UK study has found that snoring is the second most common reason why couples have started to sleep separately; the first happens to be duvet hogging.
Fortunately, there is a solution. You can now purchase anti-snore pillows in the UK. These are designed to encourage deeper, lighter sleep and could become a lifesaver for couples.
(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs In Conclusion)
PILLOW | TRIAL & WARRANTY | PRICE |
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Kally Sleep Anti-Snore Pillow | 14 Nights 1 Year | £29.99 |
Silentnight Anti-Snore Pillow | NA Nights 2 Years | £22 |
Slumberdown Anti Snore Pillow | NA Nights NA Years | £14.99 |
Silentnight Luxury Anti-Snore Pillow | NA Nights 2 Years | £25 |
Famooklan Snore Relief Pillow | NA Nights NA Years | £32.99 |
1. Kally Anti-Snore Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• S-shaped foam core • Anti-allergy • BSSAA recommended | • Those who prefer a medium firmness • Sleepers seeking neck support • Back and side sleepers |
The Kally Anti-Snore Pillow has received many positive reviews from customers who bought and tried this product. The pillow is 70 cm x 40 cm x 15 cm and weighs 900g. It consists of hollowfibre technology with a soft polycotton cover. The product has also received an anti-allergy treatment that helps to protect against bacteria, making it a good option for people who suffer from allergies.
The Kally anti-snore pillow has been tested by the British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association, who confirmed that the product could help to reduce snoring volume and frequency by roughly 60%. This is largely due to its ergonomic S-shaped foam core, which provides the neck and head with enough support to open up the airways. Kallysleep also states that their anti-snore pillow is suitable for both back and side sleepers and has a medium firmness.
Regarding the product’s care, you need to regularly plump and fluff it up by hand. The Kally anti-snore pillow should only be hand-washed, and it also needs to dry naturally on a flat surface.
2. Silentnight Anti-Snore Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• Medium firmness • Polycotton outer cover • 2-year gurantee | • Those with allergies • Sleepers wanting to improve their breathing • Those seeking breathability |
The Silentnight Anti-Snore Pillow comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s guarantee, and the standard size of this product is 74 cm x 45 cm. The firmness rating is medium, and it includes a polycotton outer cover that is designed to be smooth and breathable.
Silentnight has specially designed this pillow with a foam core with a hollowfibre filling to give the product a soft and supportive feel. The foam core in the centre of this pillow has been designed to support your neck and head, keeping them in just the right position to improve your breathing. To verify this, the product was tested by the British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association, which found that it helps to reduce the volume and frequency of snoring by 50%.
This anti-snore pillow is also appropriate for people who sleep on either their back or their side. Its materials are also hypoallergenic, meaning they should be appropriate for allergy sufferers. It's worth noting that Silentnight does not claim to cure snoring with this pillow but rather reduce it.
3. Slumberdown Anti Snore Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• Medium support • Ergonomic construction • Designed for back sleepers | • Those on a budget • Eco-conscious individuals • People seeking spinal alignment |
The Slumberdown anti-score pillow is an affordable option that can be purchased in packs of 1, 2, 4 or 6. This product may appeal to eco-conscious people, as Slumberland values sustainability and recycling; they are currently working towards achieving the Environmental Management certification.
The medium support anti-snore pillow from Slumberdown is approximately 74cm x48cm and includes a smooth 100% cotton cover. The pillow is filled with plush hollowfibre, which encourages both comfort and support. Regarding its anti-snore properties, the Slumberdown pillow includes an ergonomic S-shape, which is designed to provide support, improve sleep, and relieve the symptoms of snoring. Its foam inner core can help open your airways, making it easier to breathe whilst also gently supporting the head and neck. As such, this product also claims to help with spinal alignment.
The Slumberland anti-snore pillow is non-allergenic, meaning the materials are unlikely to cause any allergic reactions. It's important to note that this pillow is designed primarily for back sleepers; however, side sleepers may also benefit.
4. Silentnight Luxury Anti-Snore Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• Quilted microfibre cover • DuPont Cotrano fibres • Machine-washable | • Sleepers looking for extra comfort • People seeking durability • Those who prefer a BSSAA recommendation |
The Silentnight luxury anti-snore pillow is marketed as their luxury alternative to the regular anti-snore pillow that the brand also offers. Silentnight has a two-year manufacturer’s warranty on this product, meaning dissatisfied customers can ask for a replacement if they have reason to believe their anti-snore pillow is faulty.
Silentnight’s luxury anti-snore pillow has been recommended by the British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association due to the pillow's ability to help reduce snoring. It does so by supporting the head and the neck with its ergonomically designed foam. For added comfort, the product also includes a luxurious quilted microfibre cover filled with DuPont Cotrano fibres to give a comfortable and cosy feel.
This luxury anti-snore pillow is designed to be suitable for both back and side sleepers and has a medium firmness. Moreover, the product is machine washable at 40 degrees and is hypoallergenic, so it shouldn’t stimulate a reaction in any allergy sufferers. If you are willing to spend a little more money, then the Silentnight luxury anti-snore pillow could be a suitable fit.
5. Famooklan Snore Relief Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• Dipped centre • Mite resistant • Designed by a health professional | • Those with a bigger budget • Hot sleepers • Sleepers seeking orthopaedic benefits |
The Famooklan anti-snore memory foam pillow has received positive feedback from customers who have rated it highly for pain relief, providing sufficient support and improving sleep quality. The pillow's dimensions are 60 cm by 34 cm and 11.5 cm.
Side and back sleepers should benefit from using the Famooklan anti-snore pillow, as it is designed to support both types of sleeping positions. The memory foam supports the head and neck, alleviating tension on the spine and promoting good posture whilst asleep. Famooklan has also designed this pillow to have a slight dip in the centre and sides, which helps to open up the sleeper’s airways, helping to reduce the symptoms of snoring. The pillow is lightly quilted with material that removes sweat and moisture, helping to prevent bacteria growth and make the fabric more breathable.
The anti-snore pillow has been designed ergonomically with orthopaedic benefits. Each angle of the product has been constructed to give your spine a comfortable curve. It comes with a machine-washable pillowcase, so this product stays cleaner for longer, prolonging the lifespan of the memory foam.
Snoring In The UK
As there is a wide range of anti-snore pillows currently on the market, and it’s no surprise that this is due to popular demand. According to the BSSAA (British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association), around 41.5% of the UK population are snorers, equating to around 15 million people. In addition, the BSSAA claims there are approximately 30 million people who are affected by snoring in the UK.
In their research, the BSSAA have also identified specific groups who are more likely to snore than others. They found that there are around 10.4 million male snorers, as opposed to only 4.5 million females. This could be due to the fact men tend to have larger airways with more noise-making soft tissue than women. It was also found that the older generation is more likely to snore, with approximately 58% of snorers belonging in the 50-59 age range.
Causes Of Snoring
There are several factors that could cause snoring, from genetics to lifestyle factors. However, putting it simply, snoring is caused by the vibrations in the mouth and airways; if the airways are disrupted, this can cause a sleeper to experience snoring. Aside from this, there has been plenty of research done into what factors may cause snoring.
Did you know?
A 20-year long study✓ suggested that obesity is linked to sleep apnoea, as both have been proven to have increased significantly over the last 2 decades.
- Sleep Apnoea: For some, snoring could be a sign of sleep apnoea✓, which is a condition that causes the breathing to stop and start whilst sleeping. Sleep apnoea can be caused by numerous factors, such as genetics or having large tonsils.
- Excess Weight: While research linking a higher BMI directly to snoring is limited; Studies✓ have shown that those with a greater neck circumference were more likely to experience snoring.
- Smoking: Research✓ has shown that smoking can lead to airway inflamation caused by the cigarette smoke, this inflamation could cause snoring as it can disrupt the natural airflow.
- Back sleeping: Simply due to gravity, sleeping on your back can cause your head and neck to compress and change the shape of your airways. This can disrupt the airways and cause the vibrations which lead to snoring.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol before bed can relax the muscles in the back of your throat and restrict airflow. Studies✓ show that drinking before bed can also increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnoea.
- Genetics: It isn’t just lifestyle habits that can causing snoring, research✓ has found a strong connection between snoring and having a family history of those who snore - particularly in the immediate family.
Anti-Snore Pillow Features
If you experience snoring, an anti-snore pillow could be a good way to stop the snores without making any significant lifestyle changes. Before purchasing, it’s useful to be aware of the various features found in anti-snore pillows to help you identify which product could be the most beneficial for you.
- Shape: Anti-snore pillows often use foam to create certain shapes, curves and inclines to help support your head and neck, with the purpose of opening up the airways. Many anti-snore pillows are described as being ergonomic while some have a natural curve to allow for your head to roll to the side.
- Materials: Many anti-snore pillows consist of foam and hollowfibre. The hollowfibre can help provide comfort while the foam can be shaped to support the head and neck in the correct position to help reduce snoring.
- Certifications: It can be worth checking which anti-snore pillows have been tested and approved by the BSSAA (British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association). The association can confirm whether or not the pillow reduces snoring alongside statistics. Additionally, some anti-snore pillows can be medically or orthopedically approved.
- Sleeping position: Some anti-snore pillows are tailored to suit certain sleeping positions and are designed with this in mind. Snoring is associated with back sleepers, so many target this sleeping position in particular.
- Firmness: If you prefer extra support for your neck and head, a firm pillow could be beneficial. However, if you prefer a balance of comfort and support, a medium feel is recommended.
- Price: It’s possible to find many good quality anti-snore pillows ranging from £20 to £50. Although, there are more luxury options on the market for around £100 or more.
Reasons To Purchase An Anti-Snore Pillow
For many, snoring is a normal part of life and doesn’t affect them personally. Indeed, there’s a lot of information regarding how snoring can affect spouses and partners, yet research is lacking to indicate it affects the snorer themselves. Despite this, some medical organisations state that snoring can cause individuals to experience daytime sleepiness, difficulties concentrating and increased frustration.
With that being said, it is often the person sharing the bed with a snorer who is more likely to suffer. In fact, a study✓ involving 10 married couples found that by eliminating the snoring, the spouse experienced a 13% improvement in sleep efficiency and approximately 62 extra minutes of sleep. Whatsmore, further research✓ has shown that having a partner who snores can lead to increased daytime stress, depression and fatigue. This research also found that two-thirds of those who share a bed with a snorer reported poor sleep quality.
Snoring Solutions
Purchasing an anti-snore pillow is an easy and comfortable way to help reduce snoring. However, there are other solutions for those who experience snoring or those who share a bed with a snorer.
- Diet & Exercise: Having extra weight, particularly around the neck, has been linked to snoring. Therefore, if you’re currently overweight, developing a healthy lifestyle could help to lose some pounds and decrease the likelihood of snoring.
- Side sleeping: Back sleeping has been linked to snoring due to airway compression. However, training yourself to side sleep can help to avoid this. There are several anti-snore pillows which are designed with a curve to help facilitate side sleeping.
- Nasal Strips: If snoring is caused by nasal congestion or allergies, nasal strips can improve airflow by opening up the nasal passages.
- Avoiding alcohol: If snoring is affecting your life, it could be worth cutting down on alcohol, especially before going to bed.
- Earplugs: If the problem is with a snoring partner, you can purchase specially designed sleeping earplugs which are shaped to fit comfortably in your ear. Many have anti-bacterial and noise cancelling features.
- Sleep Headphones: Another solution for a snoring partner could be sleep headphones. There are many options available which often consist of many beneficial features, such as soft materials and black out eye masks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an anti-snore pillow work?
Anti-snore pillows are often designed with shapes and curves to help support the head and neck while opening up the airways.
Where to buy an anti-snore pillow?
There are many anti-snore pillows being sold by established mattress companies, both online and in-store. You can also find various options on Amazon, although it’s worth checking verified reviews before purchasing.
Which is the recommended anti-snore pillow?
The right anti-snore pillow for you can depend on your own personal needs and preferences. Some pillows have been medically, or BSSAA approved, which can give the product more legitimacy. It’s also worth checking the firmness and materials to ensure the pillow meets your comfort needs.