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You snore, your father snores, his father snored and your great-grandfather snored. Everyone in your family snores, so it must be a genetic thing, right?

While we often blame genetics for gifting us undesirable traits, the truth is, genetics are not always to blame. This is especially true for those who snore. While hereditary factors are sometimes the cause of snoring, lifestyle choices are often a more likely culprit.

Let’s discuss the difference between snoring caused by genetics vs snoring caused by lifestyle choices. In other words, factors that are in your control vs those not in your control.

When Genetics Causes Snoring

The shape of your face, an airway anatomy or craniofacial abnormalities are some hereditary factors that can contribute to snoring.

For instance, a larger than average tongue can fall backward and cause an airway blockage which may result in snoring. The tongue is directly tied to the back of the throat and airway, which is the site where snoring most commonly occurs.

Those with retrognathia, better known as an overbite, are far more susceptible to snoring because their jaw is shifted back which causes a narrowing of the airway and ultimately snoring or sleep apnea. Retrognathia can sometimes be treated using braces or in some cases, surgery. The good news is that nearly anyone can undergo treatment including children and adults.

Abnormalities in the airway are genetic factors that can also be to blame for snoring. For instance, if you were simply born with an airway that is too small, a restriction of air will occur and snoring may result.

Having a large neck, (over 16.5″ for males) is another genetic factor that causes snoring. If the girth of your neck is larger than average due to being overweight, this would fall under lifestyle factors.

If you have any of these genetic factors, you are three times more likely to suffer from snoring than someone who does not have these abnormalities.

Lifestyle Factors That Influence Snoring

Guy with gut hanging over pantsObesity is by far the most common lifestyle factor that causes snoring. When overweight, fat has a tendency to accumulate around the neck which will place force on the airway and reduces the diameter of the windpipe. In some cases, it may even completely cut off your breathing while asleep (sleep apnea).

“But my whole family is overweight so it must be hereditary.”

While there are several theories as to whether or not genetics plays a role in obesity, most experts agree that environmental factors are more likely to cause one to be overweight. For instance, those who were brought up eating high fat, high calorie, processed foods will likely continue this learned behavior into adulthood and become overweight.

Does your diet consist of mostly vegetables, fruit, lean meat, beans, eggs, and nuts or does it consist of pizza, burgers, fried foods and enriched bread? If you answered yes to the ladder, there is room to improve your diet.

In addition to diet, ask yourself if you are exercising for at least 30 minutes per day. Thirty minutes of exercise can speed up your metabolism which will help to keep your weight in check.

Alcohol use and smoking are also common lifestyle factors that contribute to snoring.

Alcohol is a depressant which causes the muscles in your body to relax. Drinking alcohol before bed can cause the airway to relax which will restrict breathing and often result in snoring. Has your spouse every commented that your snoring worsens after a night of drinking alcohol?

Smoking causes swelling (inflammation) of the airway which will reduce its diameter and cause snoring. Smoke for cigarettes irritates the lining of the airway and causes tissue to swell.

Final Thoughts

While it’s easy to blame our snoring on genetic features, if you want to know the true reason behind your snoring, start by evaluating your lifestyle choices and make changes based on what you find. It’s quite possible that altering your lifestyle will cause a dramatic change in your snoring.

For some, a combination of both poor lifestyle choices along with genetic factors results in a snoring condition. Even if you are genetically predisposed to snoring, maintaining a healthy lifestyle may be just enough to tip the scales and prevent snoring.

Then there are those who practice healthy habits but simply inherited the curse of snoring. For these individuals, there are antisnoring products out there such as these which can provide relief from snoring. If you fall into this category, speak with your doctor who can evaluate your situation and offer treatment options.

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You snore, your father snores, his father snored and your great-grandfather snored. Everyone in your family snores, so it must be a genetic thing, right? While we often blame genetics for gifting us undesirable traits, the truth is, genetics are not always to blame. This is especially true for those who snore. While hereditary factors […] Read more

Thyme leaves laying next to thyme oiilEssential oils seem to be the latest craze when it comes to treating nearly every ailment.

Have a cold? There’s an essential oil for that. A headache? There’s an essential oil for that as well. Insomnia? You guessed it, there’s an essential oil that will cure that as well.

By some estimates, nearly half the adult population snores. Snoring can not only disrupt your partners’ sleep but may also increase your risk for cardiovascular disease and cause high blood pressure.

If you are dealing with a snoring problem, you will be relieved to know that there are several remedies that can put a snoring problem to rest, one of the least expensive and least invasive treatment options is Thyme essential oils.

Using Thyme Essential Oils To Treat Snoring

Do a quick search for essential oils for snoring and you will find a long list of oils that are supposedly a good choice for snoring. There are even several recipes that can be concocted from a blend of different oils.

While there are several oils to choose from, Thyme is often cited as one of the best essential oils for snoring. What exactly is Thyme? How is it used to treat snoring? Lastly, does it really stop snoring?

What is Thyme? 

Thyme is more than just an herb that is used in cooking; its magical properties can help fight infection, enhance mood, suppress a cough, and even prevent snoring.

Thyme is an easy-to-grow plant that is available in more than 350 different varieties and is known for its strong, yet unique taste and fragrance that is occasionally described as “overpowering” by some.

One of the reasons Thyme is used to cure snoring has to do with its known ability to support respiratory wellness. The herb is used by some to relieve upper respiratory issues such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma. It’s even suggested that Thyme has antibacterial properties.

How To Use Thyme To Stop Snoring

Since snoring typically originates in the airway and Thyme is known to support respiratory wellness, it’s quite plausible that this herb may be effective at treating snoring.

If you are considering using Thyme for the treatment of snoring, there are a few things that you should know before giving it a try.

First, Thyme oil should not be applied directly to the skin by itself as it will cause skin irritation. You must first mix it with a carrier oil such as olive oil, Jojoba, Grapeseed oil, Marjoram Oil, or Coconut oil.

Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, and ears as the oil can irritate these sensitive areas.

If you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, you should first speak with your doctor before using Thyme or trying aromatherapy.

There are a couple ways in which Thyme can be used to treat snoring.

The first is by mixing it with a carrier oil and applying it to the wrist and the underside of your big toe upon retiring for the evening.

“Big Toe”, you say? Yes, this area is the reflex area for the neck, which happens to be the area in which snoring originates.

Another way to use this essential oil is by using a diffuser which will fill your bedroom with the scent of Thyme. Inhalation therapy is a popular delivery method for essential oils such as Thyme.

Does Thyme Really Help With Snoring?

Will using Thyme oil really help with snoring or is it really just snake oil?

Like any other snoring solution, it’s not going to help in 100% of cases. There will be instances where it has no effect.

There is, however, a community of essential oil users that swear by its effectiveness and claim that it has greatly reduced and in many cases eliminated snoring.

The only way to know for certain if Thyme oil will work is to pick some up and give it a try. A 4 oz vial typically costs less than $15, which is a small investment considering the cost of other anti-snoring products.

If you have tried essential oils such as Thyme and did not experience relief from your snoring, you may want to consider trying a mouthpiece that is specifically designed to stop snoring. Such devices have been studied and are proven effective at reducing or eliminating snoring. Here you will find more information on such products.

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Essential oils seem to be the latest craze when it comes to treating nearly every ailment. Have a cold? There’s an essential oil for that. A headache? There’s an essential oil for that as well. Insomnia? You guessed it, there’s an essential oil that will cure that as well. By some estimates, nearly half the […] Read more

Is snoring keeping your spouse up at night? Why are you able to sleep at night without being awoken by your own snoring? There’s actually an explanation for this and it has to do with your body’s nervous system.

The Reason Why You Don’t Hear Yourself Snore

man snoring in bed next to woman Your wife or husband reminds you every morning that your snoring kept them up all night. You find this difficult to believe as you have never heard yourself snore. You begin to wonder if you really do snore and if so, why can’t you hear your own snoring while asleep?

This mysterious phenomenon surely has to have an explanation, and it does.

While resting, your nervous system monitors hundreds of different signals in order to sustain life.  Regulating breathing and heart rate are two examples of some of the most important functions that the nervous system handles.

When the body rests, it’s also repairing and rebuilding itself. During this process, certain areas of the brain are momentarily deadened or deactivated. Our ability to hear sound is one function that lessens as we sleep.

In order to get rest and repair itself, the body is able to ignore the non-threatening sound of snoring. Without this capability, the most of us will spend our days sleep deprived.

Why then do we wake up to the sound of an alarm clock, a crying child or an intruder breaking in? Even while asleep, the brain is able to recognize sounds that are out of the ordinary and respond by waking up to evaluate whether or not a true threat is present. In other words, we are able to process sounds selectively while sleeping.

Is Snoring Really A Problem? 

Since you are unable to hear your snoring while asleep, does this mean your snoring is not a problem? Yes, snoring can still be a problem.

If your spouse is unable to fall asleep due to your snoring, they are losing sleep which means that they are waking up less rested which can lead to irritability, daytime tiredness and inability to focus.

Did you know that snoring has consistently ranked as the #1 bedroom nuisance? Over time, a partners snoring can drive them out of the bedroom and onto the couch or a separate bedroom. While sleeping in separate bedrooms was acceptable 200 years ago, it’s far less common today and can lead to marital problems.

The other issue with snoring has to do with your health. In some cases, the act of snoring is a harmless act with the exception of those who it may disturb. In other cases, snoring can be a sign of a more serious condition known as sleep apnea.

While only a doctor can tell you if your snoring is related to sleep apnea, all or some of the following symptoms may be present with sleep apnea:

  • Snoring
  • Breathing pauses and then resumes
  • Daytime sleepiness after resting for 8+ hours
  • Brain fog
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Dry mouth or headaches in the morning
  • Reoccuring awakening

If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, speak with your doctor who can further evaluate your health.

How To Stop Snoring

If your snoring is keeping your significant other up while you remain sound asleep, you may want to consider reducing or eliminating your snoring.

First, give the basics a try.

Instead of sleeping on your back, try sleeping on your side. Many snorers are positional snorers, meaning they only sleep while on their back. By simply changing sleep positions, you may be able to reduce your snoring.

Avoid drinking alcohol before bed. Alcohol is a sedative which causes the airway to relax. A relaxed airway encourages snoring as breathing can become restricted.

If you are overweight, losing a few pounds can be helpful as it will reduce the amount of fat surrounding your airway. Excessive fat in the neck can places pressure on the airway causing a restriction and ultimately cause snoring.

Once you have tried these basics, you may want to consider a more aggressive snoring treatment option.

Snoring mouthpieces are simply a plastic mouthguard that fits into the mouth and holds the tongue, jaw or both forward in order to increase the diameter of the airway and allow for better breathing without snoring. They are fairly inexpensive and are available in a number of different designs.

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Is snoring keeping your spouse up at night? Why are you able to sleep at night without being awoken by your own snoring? There’s actually an explanation for this and it has to do with your body’s nervous system. The Reason Why You Don’t Hear Yourself Snore Your wife or husband reminds you every morning […] Read more

Salt Room used for salt therapy Salt Therapy, also known as Halotherapy (Halo, meaning salt in greek), has been in existence since the 18th century, although it wasn’t until 1843 that Polish physician Feliks Boczkowski made an interesting discovery which popularized this type of therapy.

Boczkowski observed that local salt miners experienced fewer respiratory issues and fewer cases of lung disease in comparison to non-miners.

Nearly a century later during World War II, it was discovered by Karal Hermann Spannagel that injured patients who were hiding in the salt caves to avoid heavy artillery attacks had experienced a noticeable improvement in their health.

When word of the benefits of salt therapy got out, it wasn’t long before the idea offering salt therapy to the public caught on across Europe, Germany and eventually the US. Facilities which mimicked salt caves were created and those who were interested could stop by for a session which costs approximately $40 USD. Today, Halotherapy is touted as a non-invasive drug-free treatment that claims to be a cure-all for many ailments.

The dry salt that is used in therapy is identical to that found in salt mines and is much more concentrated than sea salt that is found in the ocean air. In fact, cave salt is 10x – 15x stronger than sea salt, meaning that a 45-minute session in a salt room is the equivalent of 3 days of sea salt exposure.

Today, there are even machines that can be purchased and used in-home to recreate the same conditions of a salt mine. Machines such as the Salinetherapy Ultrasonic Salinizer, Salin Plus, CrystalLitez, WBM Himalayan Salt Lamp, Saltron, and Salitair can be purchased for $200 or less.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Salt Therapy?

It’s said that the microscopic salt particles offer numerous health benefits. A few of the benefits offered include reducing inflammation in the lungs, thinning out mucus and destroying microorganisms. Dry salt contains 84 elements as well as trace elements that are commonly found in the body.

It’s said that those with allergies, sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, snoring and even Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) may benefit from halotherapy.

In addition, it can also reduce headaches, stress, improve energy, detoxify the body, and fight off colds.

Those with skin conditions may also see some benefits. While salt can dehydrate skin, it contains other minerals that can rejuvenate skin and help with rashes, acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

Can Salt Therapy Help With Snoring?

Fat man snoring While there are no scientific studies making a direct connection between salt therapy and snoring, the known anti-inflammatory and mucus-thinning properties of Halotherapy could be beneficial to some who have a snoring problem, depending upon the type of snorer they are.

Snoring originates in one of two areas – the throat or nasal passages.

Those who experience snoring due to narrow nasal passages are referred to as nasal snorers. Narrowing can occur for a number of reasons, inflammation due to allergies being one of them.

For nasal snorers, salt therapy can help to relieve congestion and inflammation by moistening the nasal passages while thinning thick mucus.

Mouth snorers, on the other hand, are by far more common than nasal snorers. With mouth snorers, the airway becomes restricted and tissues collide with each other generating the sound of snoring.

In other words, in order to know whether or not you may benefit from Halotherapy, you need to determine which type of snorer you are.

How To Tell If You Are A Nasal Snorer or Mouth Snorer

Determining exactly where your snoring originates is not always easy. Here’s a simple test that you can try at home to give you an idea.

Give this a try:

  • While lying on your back, create the sound of snoring
  • Continue the sound of snoring while holding your jaw a few millimeters forward
  • Listen for any changes in the sound or intensity of your snoring

If the sound of snoring diminishes or stops when you move your jaw forward, there is a very good chance that your snoring originates from the throat. Probably 90% of snorers experience snoring that originates from the throat.

If there is no noticeable difference in sound when holding your jaw forward, there’s a good chance that you are a nasal snorer.

Is Halotherapy Worth Trying?

Salt therapy is certainly interesting and can be useful in treating some ailments such as snoring. However since the majority of snorers are experiencing snoring that originates from the airway, such treatment is unlikely to help the majority of snorers.

If you are certain that you are a nasal snorer, it may be worth giving Halotherapy a try.

For most snorers, an oral appliance will be a better choice as it targets the most common area of snoring which is the throat. Here you can find plenty of information on all of the over-the-counter mouthpieces that are available.

As always, consult with your doctor first before trying to treat snoring or any other condition with salt therapy.

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Salt Therapy, also known as Halotherapy (Halo, meaning salt in greek), has been in existence since the 18th century, although it wasn’t until 1843 that Polish physician Feliks Boczkowski made an interesting discovery which popularized this type of therapy. Boczkowski observed that local salt miners experienced fewer respiratory issues and fewer cases of lung disease in comparison […] Read more

You may have noticed that there appears to be a relationship between being overweight and snoring. As our weight increases, the sound of snoring also tends to increase. Snoring can be exasperated when sedatives such as alcohol are used.

You may be asking yourself “Why is this the case and will I stop snoring if I were to lose weight?”

Will Losing Weight Stop My Snoring?

The most common cause of snoring can be attributed to carrying excessive fat in the neck area. Men with a neck circumference greater than 17″ and women with a circumference greater than 16″ are at higher risk of being a snorer and possibly developing Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The neck is one of the many areas that we carry extra fat. Unfortunately, this is also the area in which air travels from the nose to your lungs through the airway. With extra fat surrounding the airway, pressure is exerted when we lay down. This pressure can squeeze the airway, causing a restriction. When a restriction occurs, the lining of the airway will vibrate against itself resulting in the sound of snoring.

Does this mean that only overweight people snore? No, although there is an undeniable correlation between the two.

There are actually other reasons why a person who is not overweight may snore, such as a having a nasal obstruction, deviated septum, or simply due to the anatomy of their airway.

Nonetheless, if you are overweight and have developed a snoring problem, simply losing weight might be enough to stop your snoring.

How Can I Tell If Losing Weight Will Help?

So you decided that carrying extra fat may be the cause of your snoring. How can you be certain that losing weight will solve your snoring problem?

While it would be nice to know the answer to this question, it’s actually not possible to know for sure until you give it a try.

It’s entirely possible that weight loss may not remedy your snoring problem. There are however several health benefits that you will gain from loss of weight including:

  • Higher quality of sleep
  • Less stress on joints
  • Lower Blood pressure
  • Improved mood
  • Lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes
  • Increased energy

Even if weight loss doesn’t stop your snoring, you will look better and feel better as a result of your efforts.

How Much Weight Do I Need to Lose To See Results?

Are you considering weight loss as a means to stop snoring but don’t know where to set your weight loss goal?

You may be surprised to hear that losing only 10 lbs may be enough to notice a difference in snoring. Some experts suggest using roughly 5% of your body weight as a starting point.

Ultimately, you should aim for a BMI in the normal range which is less than 24.9%. There are several online calculators that can help to determine your BMI.

If you lose a few pounds and notice a reduction in snoring, you may decide to continue on with your weight loss journey until your snoring is eliminated.

What Else Can I Do to Stop Snoring?

You may have decided to combat your snoring with weight loss, but this can take several months. What do you do in the meantime to stop your snoring?

There are several snoring solutions available, some are more effective than others.

The easiest way to reduce snoring is to try sleeping on your side. If you are not able to remain on your side throughout the night, there are several “bumper” style products that can assist or simply fastening a couple tennis balls to the back of a nightshirt will do the trick.

Positional snoring is very common and sleeping on one’s side can relieve pressure that’s placed against the airway by extra fat.

Using a snoring mouthpiece can also effectively stop snoring. These mouthguards are placed inside of the mouth and hold the jaw forward, which helps to prevent airway collapse.

 

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You may have noticed that there appears to be a relationship between being overweight and snoring. As our weight increases, the sound of snoring also tends to increase. Snoring can be exasperated when sedatives such as alcohol are used. You may be asking yourself “Why is this the case and will I stop snoring if I […] Read more

For years, sleep apnea and snoring sufferers have been prescribed a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Some patients do not tolerate CPAP treatment very well and are left with limited options to treat their sleep apnea.

Electrostimulation is a new treatment option that may soon provide relief to sleep apnea sufferers who are CPAP intolerant. This newer treatment is referred to as Upper Airway Stimulation Therapy or UAST.

As the name suggests, targeted electrical impulses are delivered which stimulate the airway to prevent an apneic event from occurring. How exactly does this work?

How Electrostimulation Works

Before understanding how electrostimulation works, you must first understand the cause of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. As we age, the muscles behind the tongue within the airway lose tone and become weak. This becomes more of an issue for those who are overweight.

While asleep, the tongue and jaw relax which reduces the diameter of the airway, causing a restriction. This restriction does not allow air to travel through the upper airway, to the lungs, and back out. The brain is deprived of oxygen and blood-oxygen levels fall.

The CPAP machine opens the airway using a stream of forced air.

With an electrostimulation device, a sensor is embedded into the chest which monitors breathing. This sensor delivers data to a processor which then sends an electrical impulse to the hypoglossal nerve which leads to the tongue. This surge of electrical energy stimulates the muscle surrounding the airway. This cycle continues with every breath.

The “shock” that’s delivered is not painful and usually goes unnoticed by patients.

A remote control allows the patient to activate the device before going to bed and deactivate it in the morning. A battery within the processor provides power and must be changed out approxmately every 10 years, much like a pacemaker.

Effectiveness Of Electrical Stimulation Therapy

A University of Pittsburgh study with 126 patients who were overweight with moderate to moderately severe OSA were studied for a 12 month period while using an implanted device. Participants were selected from across the US with 17% being female and 83% male.

The results, a notable decrease in apneic events was found while using electrical stimulation therapy. During treatment, 68% of those studied experienced a decrease in apnea-hypopnea while 70% saw an increase in their oxygen desaturation index score.

While this study was funded by the manufacturer, it was reviewed by an independent third party.

This study gives hope to those who are CPAP intolerant and are in need of treatment.

Will UAST Eventually Replace CPAP Therapy?

CPAP therapy has long been considered the “Gold Standard” for the treatment of sleep apnea and will likely continue to be prescribed for many years to come.

If the patient does not tolerate a CPAP machine very well, Oral Appliance Therapy is sometimes prescribed which uses a custom-made mouthpiece which holds the jaw forward and tightens the airway.

In the event both CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy both fail, UAST may be prescribed.

Electrostimulation and Snoring

While electrostimulation therapy has been studied primarily for the treatment of OSA, snorers may also benefit from the same type of technology.

Snoring and sleep apnea are closely related. The most notable difference between the two has to do with the degree in which the airway becomes restricted. With OSA, the airway often becomes quite restricted. When it comes to snoring an individual will experience airway resistance but the supply of oxygen is not completely stopped as with OSA.

Electrostimulation can help to reduce or eliminate snoring in the same way that it prevents sleep apnea.

Since the procedure is somewhat invasive and can be costly, it’s unlikely that insurance will cover electrostimulation for snorers.

Some over the counter products that deliver an electrical charge to snorers have appeared on the market in recent years. However, you should always proceed with caution if you decide to give one a try. Such devices do not directly target the hypoglossal nerve, have not been studied, and are potentially dangerous.

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For years, sleep apnea and snoring sufferers have been prescribed a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Some patients do not tolerate CPAP treatment very well and are left with limited options to treat their sleep apnea. Electrostimulation is a new treatment option that may soon provide relief to sleep […] Read more

SnoreRx Mouthpiece with micro adjustment featureIn a February 2018 press release, SnoreRx announced that they will be the first to sell an oral appliance over-the-counter without a prescription at CVS, the largest retail drugstore in the US.

This announcement comes only four weeks after Zyppah launched a crowdfunding campaign in which they also announced that they plan to soon offer their mouthguard prescription-free at a number of different retailers.

An oral appliance is a medical term that is used to describe what is commonly referred to as a snoring mouthpiece or snoring mouthguard. These devices are placed inside of the mouth and are designed to keep the jaw in the forward position which allows for unobstructed breathing and the elimination of snoring.

The History Of The Snoring Mouthpiece

In the 1980’s, oral appliances were custom fitted by dentists and were used to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

In 1994, using the same principle as professionally fitted appliances, SnoreBan became the first self-fitted oral appliance that was sold specifically for the treatment of snoring without the presence of sleep apnea.

The industry remained largely stagnant until 2008 when suddenly an influx of products entered the market which were introduced with heavy advertisement spending. This brought awareness to an industry that received little attention in the past.

Rx Prescription only logo Since these oral appliances are classified by the FDA as a class II Intraoral Devices for Snoring and/or Obstructive Sleep Apnea, they are restricted and can only be purchased on the internet or from a dentist. This prevented many companies from expanding their reach to the retail level.

All of this changed in 2018. Fast forward nearly 25 years after the first snoring mouthpiece was introduced, the FDA seems as if they have loosened up the restrictions by allowing the sale of non-prescription mouthguards to the public. Such mouthguards have been available for sale in retail stores all across Europe for several years now.

While SnoreRx is the first manufacturer to make it to retail stores within the US, it’s only a matter of time before other manufacturers pursue retail shelf space alongside SnoreRx.

SnoreRx Now At CVS

Pricing

CVS Pharmacy storefrontFor many years, SnoreRx has been sold exclusively through their website for $99 plus the cost of shipping and handling.

At the time of the CVS launch, the price was cut 40% to $59.99. CVS offers free shipping on orders over $49.99, so purchasing the SnoreRx alone qualifies the order for free shipping, although you may still be subject to local taxes depending on the state in which you live.

It’s not clear if this is an introductory price or if CVS plans to continue selling the SnoreRx at this price. Their website currently suggests that $59.99 is the “regular” price.

Availability

According to the press release, CVS started carrying the SnoreRx at their store beginning March 2, 2018. This may be exciting news if you have been waiting for the SnoreRx to arrive at your local drug store.

However, at the moment, it appears as though CVS is only carrying the SnoreRx online and in limited supply at only some retail stores across the US. As of this writing, store inventory in most major cities is showing as “unavailable”.

Company president James Fallon offered a possible explanation within their press release as to why snore Rx is not yet widely available at all CVS stores:

“Production is being expanded and is working 24/7 to meet market demand; we hope to have SnoreRx available to all consumers by year end.”

Does SnoreRx Really Stop Snoring?

Several years back, I gave the SnoreRx try and wrote a review. Did it really stop my snoring? It did, along with nearly every other mouthpiece that I have tried. The truth is, nearly all snoring mouthguards work.

My SnoreRx review was originally published in 2013. Since then I have tested and reviewed over thirty different snoring mouthpieces. Needless to say, I have learned a bit along the way.

During this time period, a number of different mouthguards have become available, each with its own unique features. What was once a sleepy industry with few choices has now become a very competitive market with dozens of products to choose from.

With that said, I still believe the SnoreRx is a good product although I have found other mouthguards that are just as effective, more comfortable, and in many cases, more affordable.

You can find a list of mouthguards that I have personally tried and recommended to my readers here.

 

 

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In a February 2018 press release, SnoreRx announced that they will be the first to sell an oral appliance over-the-counter without a prescription at CVS, the largest retail drugstore in the US. This announcement comes only four weeks after Zyppah launched a crowdfunding campaign in which they also announced that they plan to soon offer their mouthguard […] Read more

How Mouth Exercises Prevent Snoring

It’s estimated that up to 50% of Americans experience snoring issues which can disrupt quality sleep and can even lead to marital problems.

As a result of this growing epidemic, the snoring aid industry has boomed in recent years as entrepreneurs are looking to cash in on an opportunity to solve one of the worlds largest bedroom nuisances. It’s estimated that sleep is currently a $32 billion dollar industry which encompasses all types of snoring aids from CPAP machines to mouth guards and nasal dilators.

While there is certainly no shortage of expensive anti-snoring products to choose from, there is a shortage of information on how to stop snoring naturally without a product or medication. As they say, some of the best things in life are free, mouth exercises for snoring being one of them.

How exactly do mouth (Oropharyngeal) exercises help to prevent snoring?

Snoring is typically caused by airway tissues that become loose as we age. As years go by, we lose muscle tone in our throat. As a result, these airway tissues begin to flap against each other as air rushes past. This is how the sound of snoring typically occurs.

By strengthening the muscles surrounding the airway, you can reduce or even completely eliminate the sound of snoring.

How effective are mouth exercises when it comes to preventing snoring? Most experts agree that routinely performing mouth exercises can be somewhere between 30% – 40% effective.

Try spending fifteen minutes per day performing the following eight exercises while at home, on your daily commute, or while at work.

8 Exercises That Will Strengthen Your Airway Muscles and Prevent Snoring

Flat Tongue Press

  • Place the tip of your tongue firmly against your lower incisors
  • Press and hold your tongue against the bottom of your mouth
  • Hold this position and then briefly relax before repeating
  • Perform 2 sets of 10

Switch

  • While eating, chew all of your food on one side
  • Switch side every other bite
  • Repeat throughout your meal

Palate Stroke

  • With your mouth open, press the tip of your tongue firmly against your upper incisors
  • Slowly move from front to back while keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth
  • Perform 2 sets of 10. Take a short break between sets

The Chipmunk

  • Using clean hands, place your index finger against your inner cheek
  • Press outwards with your finger
  • Use your cheek muscles to resist the force from your index finger
  • Hold for 5 seconds and then release
  • Repeat 10 times
  • Switch to the other cheek and repeat

Raise The Roof

  • Open your mouth widely
  • Using suction, draw the entire tongue up towards the roof of your mouth.
  • Hold for 5 seconds and release.
  • Perform 2 sets of 10

The Doctor

  • Look in the mirror, open your mouth and say “ah”
  • Focus the movement of the rear of the throat
  • Raise and hold this area for a few seconds
  • Perform 2 sets of 10

Vowel Rehearsal

  • Rehearse your vowels – A, E, I, O U
  • Do so slowly while ensuring that you enunciate each letter clearly
  • Spend two minutes cycling through your vowels
  • While performing this exercise, focus on the movement of muscles within the mouth and airway

This Little Piggy

  • Open your mouth and stick out your tongue as far as it will go
  • Take a deep breath
  • Create a high-pitched squeal while letting the air out over thirty second
  • Repeat four times

How Long Before I Notice Results?

The question that everyone asks: How long do I have to perform these exercises before I see results?

The answer is – it depends.

It depends on your age and just how loose and worn your airway muscles are. In general, you should notice an improvement in snoring within the first 4 weeks of performing these exercises. Some may see results sooner, while others may not notice any difference until after 4 weeks.

If you have been performing these exercises daily for several weeks and your snoring remains the same, it’s likely that the mouth exercises are not going to work and you will need to experiment with an anti-snoring product such as a mouth splint or a tongue stabilizer. These products are relatively inexpensive (typically cost under $100) and are greater than 70% effective. Many come with a trial period which includes a money back guarantee.

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How Mouth Exercises Prevent Snoring It’s estimated that up to 50% of Americans experience snoring issues which can disrupt quality sleep and can even lead to marital problems. As a result of this growing epidemic, the snoring aid industry has boomed in recent years as entrepreneurs are looking to cash in on an opportunity to […] Read more

4.25 Star Rating

All About the Casper Pillow

What Makes Casper Pillow Unique?

Casper pillow unzipped showing inner pillow

Casper Retails at $55 for a queen pillow and $65 for a king

In the olden days, if you wanted a higher end pillow, you would visit Macy’s, Sears, or a number of other retail department stores and search for the most comfortable down feather pillow that you could find displayed on a shelf. It wasn’t long ago that there were only two pillow choices – down or polyester.

Today, there are more pillow options than ever. Each pillow is filled with a different material from memory foam to hyperelastic polymer. To make matters even more complicated, manufacturers are all making the same promise – their pillow will be the coolest and most comfortable pillow that you have ever slept on. While these claims sound promising, the truth is that not all manufacturers live up to their claims.

The Casper Pillow is a relatively new addition to the growing number of luxury pillows that are available on the market. It’s fairly unique because it combines two features that shoppers typically look for when buying a pillow. Many people are torn when it comes to choosing between a soft pillow and firm pillow.

Firm pillows offer the support necessary to keep your head, neck, and body supported and aligned while soft pillows provide a soft comfortable surface to lay your head on. The issue is, the shopper must choose between the two and often end up dissatisfied with their purchase because their pillow is either too soft or too hard. This is where Casper Pillow makes the decision easier.

The outer layer of the pillow contains a fine wispy synthetic fill which makes the pillow very soft to the touch. It’s said that these fibers are about 1/20th the thickness of human hair and the outer portion of this pillow contains billions of these fibers.

At the center is a pillow that is a bit firmer, containing a different type of synthetic material that’s denser than the outer layer. This layer provides support for the head. The cover which contains both layers is made from 100% Supima cotton. In essence, you are able to experience both firmness and softness at the same time.

Instead of having to choose between soft and firm, you get both with the Casper Pillow. It’s actually a pillow within a pillow.

100 Night Money Back Guarantee 

Money Back Guarantee badgeIf you have ever been let down by a product that over promises and under delivers, you will be glad to know that the Casper pillow comes with a 100-night risk-free guarantee.

According to the company’s website, the return process is simple and straightforward. If within the 100 day period you decide not to keep the pillow, simply contact Casper customer support and request a prepaid shipping label which you will adhere to the box and drop off at the UPS store. Once received, you will receive a complete refund back to your credit card.

It’s good to know that Casper either recycles or donates their returns, so nothing goes to waste.

Is It Machine Washable?

Machine Washable checkYou lay your head on the pillow every night. Oils, sweat, and dirt from your scalp make their way onto your pillowcase and ultimately into your pillow. Dead skin falls off and dust mites invade. Nobody wants oil, sweat, dirt, dead skin and dust mites hanging around their pillow.

There are two choices when it comes to maintaining a fresh pillow. You can either replace or wash it. In most cases, pillows are not machine washable, making replacement the only option.

While a pillowcase catches some of the contaminants, the remaining residue makes its way through the pillow case and into the actual pillow.

One nice feature of the Casper Pillow is the fact that the outer pillow is machine washable. Simply remove the pillowcase, unzip it and remove the inner pillow. The outer pillow and pillow case can be washed, so you can enjoy a clean pillow without having to replace it every couple of months.

How Much Does The Casper Pillow Cost? 

Green dollar signIn order to take advantage of the 100-night guarantee, you will need to purchase the Casper Pillow directly from the company that produces it. The current price of one pillow is $55 for a standard size and $65 for the queen size. They offer free shipping on all orders which is a nice feature. Additionally, they occasionally offer promotional codes which makes this luxury pillow even more affordable.

You can find this pillow at retailers such as Target for about the same price.

When compared to other luxury pillows, Casper is priced slightly below average which makes this product appealing.

My Review of The Casper Pillow

Person looking at review with magnifying glassWhen ordering the Casper pillow, my hopes were very high as the idea of a pillow inside of a pillow sparked my interest. The design seemed as if it would be functional and I liked the idea of having a pillow that is machine washable.

The pillow arrived in a plain box, which when opened revealed a colorful night sky display complete with stars. The pillow was gently nestled inside with a welcome card resting on top. The card contained information on the pillow.

After removing the plastic wrapping that covered the pillow, the first thing that I noticed is just how soft the pillow was.  The synthetic fibers that filled the outer layer of the pillow could not be any softer. I unzipped the pillow and noticed that the cover was stuffed with filler on both sides. Inside the pillow was the firmer inner pillow which was a bit smaller than the outer pillow. The inner pillow was still very soft, but noticeably firmer. The pillow smelled fresh with no foul manufacturing odors. I laid my head on the pillow and it sunk in, gently cradling either side of my head. I then tried to use the pillow on my stomach, side, and back. The pillow was comfortable, yet supportive in each position.

I slept with the Casper pillow over the next three nights and found it to be quite comfortable and supportive. It did provide just the right amount of support without compromising comfort. I did notice that the pillow required fluffing ever few days. The Casper Pillow lived up to all of its promises and is a product that I would recommend.

Pros: 

  • Supportive yet soft
  • Machine washable
  • Affordably priced
  • 100-day money back guarantee
  • Good quality

Cons: 

  • Requires periodic fluffing
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☆☆☆☆☆ 4.25 Star Rating All About the Casper Pillow What Makes Casper Pillow Unique? In the olden days, if you wanted a higher end pillow, you would visit Macy’s, Sears, or a number of other retail department stores and search for the most comfortable down feather pillow that you could find displayed on a shelf. […] Read more

4.5 Star Rating

The Purple Pillow

The Purple Pillow

Purple Pillow Retails for $99 + Free Shipping

Purple Innovations LLC, is a Utah based company that manufactures and sells products under the trade name “Purple”. Their product line is comprised of a pillow, seat cushion, mattress protector, sheets, and even a bed. Purple also manufactures and sells a standard bed base as well as an adjustable one.

Incredibly, the purple pillow weighs over 10 lbs and measures 24″ X 16″ X 3″. It’s advertised as the “The worlds first no-pressure bed for your head”.  Due to its design, the pillow stays cool because it’s breathable. The company claims that it’s a suitable choice for any sleeping position including side, back, or stomach.

What makes this pillow so special is the Hyper-elastic Polymer material which is arranged in what they refer to as a “Smart Comfort Grid”, a fancy name for their triangular honeycomb design.  The pillow contains a firm edge to provide support while being soft at the center to provide comfort.

The hyper-elastic polymer is coated with a polyethylene copolymer powder coating, which is non-toxic. The pillow cover is made from a blend of spandex, polyester, and Bamboo.

Purple pillow gently supports the head, allowing the neck and head to align properly with your spine.

This pillow promises to put an end to common issues associated with other pillows such as memory foam, polyester, and down feathers.

It’s worth noting that this pillow comes with a “booster”  which can be used to increase the pillow height. The Pillow itself arrives 3″ thick, which means that you will have to inflate this air bladder and insert inside of the cover, under the purple pillow to increase the height, if you desire. 

UPDATE: It seems as if Purple decided to discontinue the booster. Some suggest that there were too many deflation issues with the booster, which may be the reason why it’s no longer included.

Who’s Behind The Purple Pillow? 

Terry Pearce and Tony Pearce Inventors or Purple

The company was founded by brothers, Terry and Tony Pearce. Terry has a background in manufacturing and design while his brother Tony has a background in aerospace materials.

In the early 1990’s the duo created a product called Floam, a cushioning material that was originally designed to assist wheelchair users with pressure sores. The product was a success and it was eventually used by manufacturers such as Nike, Johnson & Johnson, Top0-Flite, and Hill-Rom.

The brothers didn’t stop there. They wanted to develop an effective cushion product at an affordable price. They eventually invented a stretchable material called Hyper-Elastic Polymer which is stretchable, durable and will return to its original shape after pressure is removed. This material was molded into a triangle honeycomb type shape and was eventually licensed to a number of other companies including Jansport, Dr. Scholl’s, Styker Medical, and others.

It wasn’t until 2013 that the brothers used this Hyper-elastic polymer material to create a bed. Creating a sheet of material large enough to span the width of a bed was a challenging task because at the time no machinery had existed to do so, but the Pearce’s were up for the challenge.  Two years and millions of dollars later, they had created a machine that could do so.

In 2015 they pitched the idea on Kickstarter and raised $171,000 within 45 days. This campaign introduced the Purple bed, mattress topper, and seat cushion.

The following year, they launched another Kickstarter Campaign for their Purple Pillow. This time they were able to raise an incredible $2.6 million.

While their bed and pillow are their two most popular products today, this review is going to focus on the pillow exclusively.

What Are Others Saying About The Purple Pillow? 

Purple Pillow with coverBeing such a popular pillow, it’s not difficult to find hundreds of reviews scattered across the internet. Before purchasing, I took a look at what was being said and found the reviews to be somewhat divided between those who love their Purple pillow and those who were not satisfied with their purchase.

For those who were not satisfied, the number one complaint had to do with the air booster which at one time came with the pillow. According to several reviewers, the booster seems to lose air after using it for only a few nights. Several who have used the booster complained of having to inflate it repeatedly throughout the week.

Many have contacted Purple customer support who gladly sent them a replacement free of charge. Others claim that their customer service representative suggested stuffing a pillow or towel inside in order to increase the pillow height. In general, this advice was not very well received by the reviewer.

In addition to the booster issue, there were a few complaints about the white powder inside of the pillow. After doing a little research, it seems as if the white powder is used during the manufacturing process and is not cleaned off prior to being sold.

It’s said that it’s a non-toxic polyethylene powder which doesn’t seem to escape the pillow enclosure that the polymer is encased in.

Aside from these two complaints, the majority of reviews seemed to be positive in nature.  Most who have purchased this pillow seem to agree that it provides great support and a restful night’s sleep. Several reviewers said that they prefer the feel and support of the Purple Pillow over any memory foam pillow that they have tried in the past. Some claim that they no longer wake up with a sore or stiff neck as they had experienced before.

Money Back Guarantee 

One very desirable feature of this pillow is the fact that it comes with a 100 night 100% money back guarantee.

Other pillows on the market offer a similar guarantee with one catch – you are required to pay return shipping which means that in the event that you are not satisfied with your purchase, you will have to send the product back at your expense. Return shipping on a pillow this size and weight can cost up to $20. The cost of return shipping often deters buyers from returning the product.

The Purple guarantee allows you to return the pillow free of charge and receive all of your money back within 100 days of purchase. If you are not satisfied, you literally have no money to lose.  I have yet to see a pillow company that offers such a generous guarantee.

How Much Does The Purple Pillow Cost? 

Purple money bagThe cost of the Purple Pillow is fairly consistent regardless of where you purchase it.

It can be purchased directly from the company or Amazon for $99 with free shipping. While the Amazon 2 day Prime Shipping is a nice feature, there is one thing to consider before purchasing through Amazon.

Purple advertises a 100-day money-back guarantee. Amazon will allow you to return your purchase for up to 30 days. Buying directly from the manufacturer allows you an additional 70 days to return your purchase if you are not satisfied, which is a good reason to order directly from the manufacturer.

My Experience Testing The Purple Pillow

Purple pillow reviewWhile I typically review snoring mouthpieces, the Purple Pillow captured my interested, so I had to give it a try. I’m always up for a good night’s rest and anything that helps is always a welcomed addition to my home.

After taking a look around, I was not able to locate the pillow locally, so I had to order it online.

When the package arrived at my doorstep, I was somewhat surprised that the box weighed almost as much as a bowling ball!  I opened up the package and found the Purple Pillow inside.

Before putting it to use, I took a close look at it and was satisfied with the quality of the product that I had received. The pillow liner was soft to the touch and seemed well made with a U-shaped zipper that allowed me to access the interior.

Inside, I found the Smart Comfort Grid which was jelly-like and sort of fun to play with. It did have a somewhat firmer outer ring while the rest of the pillow was soft. There was a white powder inside which was not a concern of mine. For those who are concerned about the powder, I would suggest rinsing it off and allowing to air dry prior to use.

I zipped the pillow back up and tossed it inside of a pillowcase before laying my head down.

I noticed at first that my head did not raise up as high as I would like, so I added a couple folded towels inside the pillow at the bottom in order to achieve the desired height. After a few adjustments, the pillow was just right. It supported my head nicely and felt great!

Bedtime was still a few hours away, so I placed the pillow at the head of my bed and awaited my retirement for the evening.

Over the next 3 nights, I tested out the Purple Pillow and found that it provided just the right amount of support and remained cool and comfortable as advertised. I was able to sleep on both my back and side comfortably and with no issues.

The only complaint that I have with this pillow is the fact that you must prop it up in order to make it higher. It would be nice if they manufactured it an inch or two higher so that you don’t have to add anything to increase the height. Otherwise, I give this pillow an excellent rating.

Purple pillow offers a unique design that is like no other and provides an alternative to memory foam or feathers. If you would like a cool, comfortable pillow that doesn’t collapse and will not need to be replaced every few months, I would recommend this product. If you are unsure, you can always give it a try and request a full refund if it doesn’t work out.

Pros weighted against cons

 

 

 

 

Pros:

  • Unique patented design is like no other
  • Made in The USA
  • Does not go flat like a traditional pillow
  • Provides excellent support
  • 100-day full money back guarantee
  • Eliminates the need for fluffing
  • Priced similar to other luxury pillows

Cons:

  • Additional support may be necessary to achieve the desired height
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☆☆☆☆☆ 4.5 Star Rating The Purple Pillow Purple Innovations LLC, is a Utah based company that manufactures and sells products under the trade name “Purple”. Their product line is comprised of a pillow, seat cushion, mattress protector, sheets, and even a bed. Purple also manufactures and sells a standard bed base as well as an […] Read more

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