Does your partner snore? If so, it might be putting a lot of strain on your relationship. Luckily, there are some solutions to help.
Here are 5 things you can do to help your snoring partner.
#1 – Work With Them to Find Solutions
These days, there are a variety of anti snoring products and solutions to choose from such as Smart Nora. Take some time to sit with them and find a solution that looks like it will work for you.
Some of the most popular types of snoring remedies are snoring mouthpieces. There are two main types of snoring mouthpieces to choose from.
Tongue Restraining Device (TRD)
One common snoring cause is your tongue relaxing into and blocking part of your airway. Tongue restraining devices hold your tongue between your front teeth to prevent it from falling to the back of your throat.
The main downside to a TRD is that you must be able to breathe through your nose to use it. If you are often congested or have narrow nasal passages, then a TRD may not be right for you. One benefit of a TRD is that you can use it if you have dentures.
Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
Instead of moving just your tongue forward, a mandibular advancement device pulls your entire lower jaw forward. A MAD can usually be molded to your teeth to get just the right fit.
One advantage of the MAD is that you can still breathe through your mouth. On the downside, you can’t use it if your wear dentures. Additionally, some people report jaw pain and discomfort.
#2 – Communicate with Your Partner
If your partner snores, you probably either never mention how much it bothers you or nag them constantly about it. The key is to make sure your partner is aware of the fact that their snoring bothers you. However, you shouldn’t nag them or make them feel guilty for something they can’t control.
It can be difficult to be supportive of your snoring partner. However, it is possible to work together to find solutions that are acceptable for both of you.
One effective way to handle this is with a “complaint sandwich.” You start by saying something nice, then mention your complaint, and end with another compliment. This helps cushion the blow of negative topics.
#3 – Ask Them to Sleep on Their Side
Many people only snore when they sleep on their back. If that’s the case with your partner, work together to find a way to help them sleep on their side.
One easy way to encourage somebody to stay on their side at night is to sew a tennis ball into the back of their shirt. If they try to roll onto their back, the pressure of the ball will encourage them to roll back onto their side. Another option is to build a barricade of pillows behind them so they can’t roll over.
#4 – Buy Earplugs
If you can’t find a solution to your partner’s snoring, you can try to block it out with earplugs. Foam earplugs are cheap and easy to find. Beeswax earplugs block the most noise, although they may cost more.
When choosing earplugs, make sure you can still hear things like a smoke detector or your alarm.
It’s important to note that if you have kids, you may not want to use earplugs. You should be able to hear them make unusual sounds. Try other snoring solutions first.
#5 – Sleep in Separate Rooms
This is the most controversial idea on the list. Sleeping in separate rooms can either save or destroy a relationship.
The downside to sleeping in different rooms is that it can be tough to maintain a healthy sex life. Without significant effort, that can tank a relationship.
One good thing about sleeping in separate rooms is that it can help with other nighttime issues. For example, say one partner likes the room colder than the other or one needs a firmer mattress. Sleeping in separate rooms can solve multiple issues at once and maybe save your relationship.
A Final Word on Things You Can Do to Help Your Snoring Partner
Snoring can be one of the most complicated issues in a relationship, with one person feeling guilty or ashamed and the other losing sleep. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to stop snoring or better tolerate it. Hopefully, one or more of these suggestions will help end the strain of having a snoring partner.
