There is no cure for snoring, but the best pillows for snoring can help. A pillow to help with snoring is often the first thing people do when they want relief.
Sleep position is a significant factor in snoring. A good pillow that lifts the upper body can help to reduce the risk of airway compression due to the head being pulled forward or falling back from an unsupportive pillow.
I will share the top pillows for snoring and discuss how they can help. I will also discuss factors that may influence which pad is best for you, as well as possible causes and other ways to reduce your snoring.
Snoring is a common problem, but it could also signify that you have a severe condition. It’s important to talk with your doctor about your symptoms; only a qualified physician can advise you on your health’s best course of action.
The Most Comfortable – Layla Kapok Pillow
To find a comfortable position that reduces snoring, you must determine the best pillow loft. Layla Kapok Pillow makes this easier by allowing owners the ability to personalize the loft to suit their preferences and needs.
The pillow has a full fill of plush memory foam, kapok tree fiber, and other fillings. To make it thinner, you can zip the cover and take out some of the fill. You can adjust the loft to suit your snoring. It is highly moldable, so sleepers can bunch the pillow and move it as they wish.
The fill is protected by a soft, viscose-blend cover made with CuTEC fibers. CuTEC is a proprietary copper fiber technology that wicks away heat and limits odors.
The pillow is soft and can be removed to make it plusher. Snoring people who sleep on their sides or backs will not get enough support. To prevent their heads from being pushed backward, stomach sleepers need to reduce the amount of fill. This could lead to more pressure on their airways.
The standard rectangular shape of this pillow is available in queen and king sizes. After using the pillow for at least 2 weeks, you can return it for a full refund or a money-back guarantee of 120 nights. A 5-year warranty covers defects such as faulty seams or flattening of fill.
Best for Neck Support – Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
The TEMPUR-Neck is one of Tempur-Pedic’s most loved pillows. It features a contoured design that provides ergonomic support. To lift the neck and decrease pressure, the bottom is slightly higher while the top is lower to cradle your head gently.
The core comes from solid, high-density TEMPUR foam memory foam. The core is made of durable material that contours well without causing deep sinkage like low-density foam. This gives the foam a firm feel. A breathable knit cover protects the foam. You can remove the cover and wash it in the machine, but it is best not to wash the foam.
There are three sizes available for the pillow: small, medium, and large. Tempur-Pedic suggests choosing a size based on your preferred sleeping position and neck-to-shoulder measurements.
- Side sleepers who have less than 4 inches between their necks and shoulders and back sleepers who have less than 6 inches should consider the 3.5-inch loft size.
- Side sleepers with a height of more than 6 inches between their neck and shoulders may prefer the larger size with a loft of 4.75 inches.
- Back sleepers with a greater length of 10 inches or more will also benefit from the large size of 4.5 inches. The 4-inch medium size is best for those who fall in the middle.
The sticker price of the TEMPURNeck is reasonable, considering its expected longevity and thoughtful pressure-relieving design. However, all sales are final, and a 5-year warranty covers the pillows.
The Best for Adjustable Firmness – Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow
A thicker pillow can reduce snoring. Most pillows have a fixed loft that isn’t adjustable, but the Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow makes this a noteworthy exception. The pillow has three inserts, each offering a different level of support and firmness.
You can use either one, two, or all three inserts to bring the pillow’s loft up to your desired level.
The down alternative fibers that make the softest insert are light and fluffy, mimicking real down without triggering allergy symptoms.
The insert is cushioned with shredded memory foam and contours evenly around your head and neck. The third insert includes two memory foam blocks measuring 1 and 2 inches, respectively.
Both inserts have a firm feel. Two of the inserts can be used to create a reversible pillow with a different feel on each side. Two or more inserts are sufficient to provide enough loft if you sleep on your stomach and snore often.
The pillow cover comes from viscose derived from bamboo. This fabric is breathable and has moisture-wicking qualities to keep you dry at night. Vents on the cover’s side panels allow for airflow within the pillow. The cover and the insert liners can be machine washed.
The LAYR Customizable Pillows are affordable due to its versatility. All pillows come with a 30-night trial period.
Best for Neck and Shoulder Pain – Cushion Lab Neck Relief Cervical Pillow
While many pillows can be used to reduce snoring and obstructive sleep, the Neck Relief Cervical Pillow by Cushion Lab has an ergonomic design that can reduce pressure and aches around the neck, shoulders, and neck. The pillow’s center is concave to support the head.
A sloped divot offers neck support and supports the neck. The pillow has a slightly elevated side to allow side sleepers. However, back sleepers will find the pillow comfortable for their pressure relief and pain management needs.
The pillow’s core is made of memory foam that has a firm feel. The outer shell of the pillow is made from breathable organic cotton, and a polyester mesh liner protects the foam. These materials encourage air circulation and prevent foam from absorbing too much heat. The outer cover can be washed in a machine for ease of care.
The Neck Relief Cervical Pillow costs less than other ergonomic models with this level of detail.
Best Eco-Friendly Pillow – Sijo FluffBase Eucalyptus Pillow
Tencel, a soft and durable fabric made from eucalyptus, is exceptionally soft and durable. It retains the natural breathability of its botanical source. Tencel is used in Sijo’s FluffBase Eucalyptus Pillow.
These fibers feel like down but are also lightweight and soft. The shell’s soft feel is excellent for those with sensitive skin. It shouldn’t be too rough.
The loft should measure 5.5 inches thick to reduce snoring and offer adequate support for back and side sleepers. Tencel fabric is known for its breathability. The pillow’s fibers retain very little heat, and the shell has moisture-wicking capabilities to keep you dry and cool at night.
The pillow can be machine washed for added convenience. Separate the shell and the liner that contains the fibers. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. Dry on low heat. There are standard/queen and large sizes.
The FluffBase Eucalyptus Pillow has a competitive price. Additionally, Sijo will cover shipping costs for exchanges and returns during the trial period of 30 nights.
These five pillows are the best for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. If you want to reduce snoring, these pillows can help you get a better night’s sleep. Choose from various pillow types and materials to find the perfect pillow for you.
How to Choose a Pillow For Snoring
When buying a pillow to help with snoring, you should consider the following factors: loft, support, firmness, and sleeping position. These factors can affect your comfort and the possibility of soft tissue vibrating throughout the night.
Many pillows made for snoring are suitable for all types of sleepers. These options might be ideal for most people, but they may not be the best because everyone is different and has their preferences.
You can find the best snoring pillows for you by weighing the individual factors that impact your sleep and comparing them with the pillow’s design.
Sleeping Position
How you sleep can impact your comfort, alignment, and snoring. A pillow that aligns the neck is the best choice for most sleepers.
Allowing the head to slump or push it upward could cause more pressure on the airway, triggering snoring.
Due to gravity’s impact on the soft tissues of the airway, back sleepers are more likely to snore. Some prefer a wedge pillow to elevate their position.
Loft
A pillow with the right loft can help you sleep better and maintain a healthy spine alignment. Too thick pillows can push the head upwards, while too thin pillows could cause the head to droop. This could lead to increased snoring and airway constriction.
The best loft is dependent on your body type and sleeping position. For those with wider shoulders or heavier heads, they will need a thicker pillow to fill the space between the mattress and their head and neck. Those with smaller shoulders or heads may need a thinner model to support and not add too much lift.
Support
Support is vital for maintaining spinal alignment. It can also help prevent snoring. The neck can bend if the pillow is too flat to support the weight of the back or side sleeper’s heads. This could cause airway constrictions. If the pillow is too supportive, the pillow may cause the neck to curve in the opposite direction.
This could also put pressure on the soft tissues. It is not always easy to find the right amount of support. This can depend on weight, sleeping position, shoulder depth, and other factors.
Firmness Level
The level of firmness affects the pillow’s firmness and comfort. Firm pillows are best for people who weigh more and require extra support. A softer pillow is better for those who sleep smaller and want to sink in.
When determining firmness, you should consider your sleep position and pillow loft. Firmer pillows are more appropriate for stomach and side sleepers than those who sleep on their stomachs. Depending on the pillow’s fill, a thicker pillow might not be necessary to provide support.
Pressure Relief
Although pressure relief doesn’t affect snoring significantly, it can make a big difference to your comfort. Pressure relief pillows that conform to the neck and head to distribute weight may help to reduce pressure accumulation around one area. This can limit pain, aches, and other symptoms caused by pressure buildup.
Shape
Many pillow styles can be useful to prevent snoring depending on your sleep position and personal preference. While some prefer rectangular-shaped pillows, others may prefer a wedge-style or contoured pillow.
Wedge pillows raise the upper body and not just the neck. This decreases the chance of gravity compressing the soft tissues in the airway. The contoured, ergonomic pillows can be adjusted to support the spine and may reduce snoring.
Price
Prices for snoring pillows are as varied as any other pillow. While budget-friendly options are available starting at $40, more expensive and technologically advanced options can cost upwards of $150.
It would be best to consider the overall value when weighing the price. You may find that more durable options are less likely to need replacing, making them worth the investment over time.
Quality Materials
The quality of your pillow materials will impact comfort, performance, durability, support, and comfort. Choosing a high-quality model can make a huge difference in your sleep experience.
While lower-quality pillows may cost less, it’s worth paying more for high-quality anti-snore pillows that are more effective, more comfortable, and last longer. Allergy sufferers should weigh the benefits and risks of allergic reactions when choosing a pillow.
Moldability
Moldability is the ability to change the shape of the pillow. Some people who snore may prefer to make their pillows fit under their necks and allow them to choose the position that suits them best. This may require extra effort to align the spine and reduce airway compression.
Temperature Regulation
Although little research has been done on the effect of temperature on snoring. However, experts agree that sleeping in a cooler area is better. A pillow that regulates temperature well can help reduce the risk of the sleeper becoming too hot.
Breathable pillows allow heat to escape, which provides strong temperature control. Cooling effects can also be claimed by advanced components like phase change material or gel-infused foam.
Which Pillow Styles Are Best for Snoring
Your sleep position and preferences will determine the best pillow for you. However, wedge pillows, ergonomic models, and adjustable options are all popular choices. Memory foam varieties and memory foam are also good choices.
- Wedge: Wedge pillows get their names from their unique wedge-shaped shape. These pillows are usually made of foam and designed for the upper body to lift, reducing soft tissue compression and leading to snoring.
- Adjustable: Adjustable options let users adjust the loft and/or firmness to suit their individual preferences. These models can be helpful for those who snore because they allow them to try different feel to find the best one. If symptoms do change, owners can adjust their pillows accordingly.
- Memory Foam: Solid memory foam pillows mold the shape of the head and neck according to heat and weight. This could help to maintain a natural curvature of their neck that is banana-like. It may also reduce the risk of poor posture leading to throat vibrations. Also, you can find memory foam pillows made from shredded material. These pillows are more flexible than regular memory foam but offer less support for the night.
- Polyfoam: Similar to memory foam pillows, polyfoam models can contain either shredded or solid material. The solid options are more stable and moldable, while the shredded ones retain better shape. Polyfoam is more breathable than memory foam and may be an option for those concerned about sleep quality. Low-quality pillows may develop indentations over time that affect the pillow’s ability and strength to align the spine.
- Latex: A pillow made from latex can use either shredded or solid latex foam. Latex is a dense material, so both shredded and solid pillows should be strong and sturdy. Shredded models, however, will be easier to mold. Natural latex is resistant to dust mites which are a common allergy trigger. Pillows made from the material might be ideal for people who snore because of their allergy symptoms.
- Feather: feather pillows can be supportive and moldable, making it easier for snorers to find a position that minimizes their snoring. Some feather pillows contain allergens, so you should not use them if you have allergies.
- Down: Down is a lighter, softer feather with exceptional moldability and a plush feeling. Down models can trigger some people’s allergies, aggravate snoring, and resemble feathers.
Additional Tips to Reduce Snoring
While choosing the right pillow can make snoring less severe, it is also one of the most cost-effective and affordable options. You can combine these tips with selecting the best pillow for you.
Ask your doctor about sleep apnea
Sleep apnea causes irregular breathing and snoring. Sleep apnea can temporarily cause a person to stop breathing. This can reduce the oxygen supply to the body and make sleeping less comfortable.
This condition can have serious consequences for your health. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you have sleep apnea.
Use an anti-snoring jaw piece
These mouthpieces reduce snoring by holding the lower jaw forward or the tongue forward. This prevents them from falling back and puts pressure on the airway. You can purchase these devices over the counter, but your doctor may recommend them.
Lay on your Side
If you are a back-sleeper, repositioning your sides may reduce snoring. As the lower jaw and tongue are less likely to press against the airway and fall towards the back, many people snore more when they sleep on their side than on their backs.
A body pillow placed behind you may help you to remain on your side if you have trouble staying upright.
Limit Alcohol Use and Tobacco Use
Tobacco can irritate the throat, leading to vibrations in your airway. Snoring can be reduced by reducing or eliminating alcohol and tobacco use.
Adjustable beds
Lifting the upper body can help relieve snoring and reduce pressure on the airway. An adjustable mattress allows you to try different positions and is a great alternative.
RELATED: Latex Vs. Memory Foam Pillows: What’s the Difference?
Final Thoughts
Many things go into finding the best pillow for you to reduce snoring. First, you must identify what type of pillow will work best for you. Different types of pillows offer different levels of support and comfort.
Therefore, ensure you consider everything I’ve covered in this article when making your decision. From there, you can focus on finding the perfect pillow to reduce snoring and get a better night’s sleep.