Written by Sosha Lewis, Content Writer
As someone with a partner who snores on a nightly basis, I am constantly on the lookout for any solution to help with this for easier sleep. One relatively inexpensive yet effective method to help with snoring is to try a pillow that either helps alleviate snoring in your regular sleep position or makes it easier to sleep in a different position that minimizes snoring.
There are approximately 37 million people who snore, according to Yale Medicine[1]. If you are also being kept awake by snoring, or you’re concerned that your snoring is keeping your partner awake, check out our round-up of the best pillows for snoring. After we break down the details on these pillows, we will dive further into what causes snoring, as well as what you should look for when buying an anti-snore pillow.
Best Pillows for Snoring
- Luxome LAYR Pillow – Editor’s Pick
- Saatva Latex Pillow – Best Latex Pillow for Snoring
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow – Best Firm Pillow for Snoring
- Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Snoring
- Nolah Squishy Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Snoring
- Cozy Earth Silk Pillow – Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers and Snoring
- Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers and Snoring
- Layla Kapok – Best Adjustable Pillow for Snoring
- Purple Pillow® – Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Snoring
- Avocado Green Pillow – Best Eco-Friendly Pillow for Snoring
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our product reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs.
To provide you with detailed information about the best pillows for snoring, the Sleep Advisor team not only evaluates the firmness, materials, and construction of pillows, but our team also sees how they perform in different sleep positions. Our testing methodology has been established to help you decide if this pillow is a good fit for your snoring.
Editor’s Pick
Why the Luxome LAYR Earned Editor’s Pick
Adjustable pillows are known for their versatility, and the Luxome LAYR takes that versatility to another level — or three to be exact. This adjustability allows snorers to find a height and firmness that is not only comfortable, but one that is also optimal to help prevent snoring. This pillow is manufactured by Luxome, a luxury brand known for their high-end and cooling bedroom accessories.
What’s the Luxome LAYR Pillow Made Of?
The Luxome LAYR pillow has two distinct sides; one side is made up of fluffy, soft down alternative, and the other consists of gel-infused memory foam. You will also receive three inserts that are divided into three firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm. From these three firmness levels, you can create the best loft and firmness to help alleviate your snoring. The quilted cover, made from breathable bamboo viscose, welcomes sleepers with a comforting feel.
Our Take: We think this pillow could help eliminate the jarring noises and disrupted sleep caused by snoring, and it should also provide a cool, luxurious overall experience. We appreciate the versatility, quality materials, and overall opulent experience of the Luxome LAYR.
What We Liked
- Comes with three additional inserts – The inserts have three firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm. By inserting one or a combination of the three, you can change the feel and firmness of your pillow to best suit your needs. These inserts provide a great deal of versatility and give sleepers a customizable experience.
- The two sides consist of two different fillings – This pillow has two distinct sides, one soft and fluffy, and the other more solid and firm. This allows sleepers to easily switch between two different feels depending on what they desire or their preferred sleep position.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Expensive – This is a luxury brand that uses high-quality materials. A Standard pillow will run you around 120 dollars, or an additional 30 dollars for the larger King size. However, the manufacturer does offer a price break if you order a bundle of two pillows.
- Customization can be confusing – There are several ways that you can combine the inserts to customize your pillow. It may take some trial and error to figure out the configuration that works best for you. Luxome provides a video on their website that helps walk you through this process.
Best Latex Pillow for Snoring
Saatva Latex Pillow
A pressure-relieving pillow made with natural latex.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full Review
Why the Saatva Latex Earned Best Latex Pillow for Snoring
If you are someone who sleeps well in hotels, it may be because of the luxurious feel of the pillows the hotel uses. The Saatva Latex pillow may remind you of the ones that you’ve snuggled up with when traveling. It is plush, responsive, eco-friendly, and durable.
What’s the Saatva Latex Pillow Made of?
This pillow has a soft, fluffy outer layer that uses a microdenier fiber that provides a luxurious feel. Directly under this layer is a firmer inner core that is made from shredded Talalay latex. Saatva added side gussets that not only add an elegant touch but also help maintain the pillow’s shape. Another quality we like about this pillow is that the removable sateen weave cover and outer layer are machine washable.
Our Take: We appreciated the 8-inch loft (when fully fluffed) of this pillow because having your head elevated should keep snoring down by keeping the airways more open. Also, we were fans of Saatva shredding the latex to help promote airflow which can reduce heat retention.
What We Liked
- Fluffy luxurious outer layer with a supportive inner core – By combining a supportive core of shredded Talalay latex with a soft outer layer microdenier fiber, this pillow provides two popular combinations into one pillow. This design also adds to the versatility and appeal of this pillow as you can get the comfort of the outer layer with the supportiveness of the inner core.
- Latex is naturally cooling – Latex is a temperature-regulating material, though Saatva takes it a step further by shredding the latex, which allows air to circulate more easily. For those who are concerned about it making them feel too cool, this pillow has more of a temperature-neutral feel than one that is cool to the touch.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Must be fluffed frequently – This soft outer layer of microdenier fiber can become compressed through the night. This may negate this portion of the pillow’s comfort. It could also mean that you may have to fluff it to keep it at its full loft.
- Could be too high for stomach sleepers – Stomach sleepers typically sleep best on flatter, softer pillows. While the Saatva Latex has a soft layer, the loft is likely too high for them to sleep comfortably. A pillow with a lower profile can help stomach sleepers from straining their necks.
Check out our Best Latex Pillows for more pillows picks.
Best Firm Pillow for Snoring
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
A firm pillow available in multiple sizes.
Sleep Advisor Score
3.90 / 5
Read Full Review
Why the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Earned Best Firm Pillow for Snoring
Fluffy, soft pillows have a lot of worthwhile attributes, but many people who snore are often better served by a firmer pillow. The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck is a high-quality memory foam pillow with an ergonomic design and a firm feel. The combination of firmness and supportive contouring could be a great solution to help reduce snoring.
The Sleep Advisor crew chose the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck pillow as the best firm pillow for snoring because its ergonomic design should provide comfortable neck support.
What’s the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Made Of?
There are times when a simple design is the best design, and that is the case when it comes to the materials and construction of this pillow. The TEMPUR-Neck consists of a hypoallergenic and machine-washable cover that is made from polyester. The firm, ergonomic inner core is made entirely of Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary memory foam and it is covered with a thin polyester netting.
Our Take: Tempur-Pedic labels this pillow as “extra firm”, and while it wasn’t necessarily the firmest pillow that we’ve ever reviewed, it is still considerably firm.
What We Liked
- Firm contouring design – With a firm and ergonomic design this pillow is a great choice for those who fall in this category. Although his pillow is firm, it is still comfortable and responsive thanks to the proprietary memory foam. This pillow should provide firm support, but it should also give sleepers the kind of cozy and gentle contouring that memory foam is known for.
- Great for back sleepers – People who sleep on their back are thought to be the ones who are most likely to snore. This is because of how this position affects the opening in their airways. The sloping design and supportive firmness should provide back sleepers with an effective tool to combat their snoring.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- May trap heat – Memory foam has a reputation for retaining heat. This can cause sleepers to get hot and sweaty. Given that the TEMPUR-Neck is made with a solid block of memory foam, sleepers who get hot through the night may want to avoid it or at least know they may have to add a cooling pillowcase to regulate the temperature.
- Possibly too firm for stomach sleepers – Those who sleep on their stomach often reach for soft, low-profile pillows. These types of pillows can help keep stomach sleepers’ spines better aligned to prevent pain. Stomach sleepers will probably want to look for pillows with a more plush firmness.
If you’re looking for more pillows, check out our Best Firm Pillows.
Best Memory Foam Pillow for Snoring
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow
A pillow with dual-action cooling for hot sleepers.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.60 / 5
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Cooling Memory Foam Earned Best Memory Foam Pillow for Snoring
The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling pillow has a core made entirely of memory foam, and as such, you’ll likely notice the pressure-relieving contouring gently cradling your head. The medium-firm feel of the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam pillow should be particularly appealing to back sleepers, who are more prone to snoring.
What’s the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow Made Of?
The first part of the pillow that you will come in contact with is the cover, which is made from a breathable, moisture-wicking cotton-polyester blend. It’s soft to the touch but should prove to be strong and durable.
The inner portion of this pillow is made from memory foam with an open-cell design that allows for ventilation and breathability. Graphite and copper are also infused throughout the foam to assist in drawing heat away from the sleeper.
Our Take: Unlike many memory foam pillows that have a tendency to sleep hot, we found that this one sleeps exceptionally cool, which could also benefit people prone to overheating at night.
What We Liked
- Cooling properties – Memory foam can retain a lot of heat. However, this pillow has several cooling elements that will make it optimal for hot sleepers. Brooklyn Bedding implemented an open-cell design that promotes breathability, along with copper and graphite, which will draw heat away from you.
- Bouncy and responsive – The memory foam should quickly bounce back to its original shape when sleepers change positions throughout the night. Its responsiveness makes it great for combination sleepers who change positions or those who don’t want to fluff their pillows.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Not for all budgets – The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Foam pillow is made with premium materials. It also has a durable construction. As such, this pillow may cost more than some people want to spend.
- Can only spot clean the interior foam – For those who like pillows that can be easily and thoroughly cleaned by tossing it all in the washing machine, this may not be an ideal pillow. This pillow is not particularly easy to clean, and the interior should only be spot cleaned with gentle detergent. However, you can add a pillowcase to help protect your pillow.
Looking for more? Check out our Best Memory Foam Pillow picks.
Best Cooling Pillow for Snoring
Nolah Squishy Pillow
Adjustable foam filling and machine-washable.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.50 / 5
Why the Nolah Squishy Pillow Earned Best Cooling Pillow for Snoring
If you want to try a cooling pillow that could keep you comfortable and help alleviate your snoring, we recommend the Nolah Squishy pillow. When it comes to dissipating heat when you sleep, this pillow uses a variety of materials to ensure that you stay cool throughout the night. Additionally, the adjustability of this pillow should allow sleepers to get the loft to a height that can keep snoring down.
What’s the Nolah Squishy Pillow Made Of?
The pillow has an inner and outer cover. The outer cover assists in the cooling effect because it is made from polyester and bamboo-derived viscose. The inner portion is filled with loose cubes of foam, and this design promotes airflow to help body heat from becoming trapped, which can happen with single sheets of foam.
Our Take: We appreciate that Nolah added several cooling elements to ensure that body heat is dissipated and sleepers actually can settle into a pillow that is cool to the touch.
What We Liked
- Dissipates heat well – The loose foam cubes allow air to circulate more easily, which, in turn, helps body heat dissipate. As such, we think this could be a great find for hot sleepers looking for more comfortable sleep.
- Adjustable fill – This pillow comes with a highly convenient adjustable fill. By being able to add or take away some of the cubes of foam, sleepers can more easily find the loft that works best for them, as well as a loft that helps curb snoring.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Only offered in a set of Queen-size pillows – Those looking for either Standard or King-size pillows may be disappointed that this pillow is only offered in Queen size. That being said, you don’t have to only get a Queen-size pillow if you have a Queen-size mattress. If you’re someone who has a Full-size bed and wants a bigger pillow, you may find this size works well for you, especially if you’re a solo sleeper.
- Too firm for stomach sleepers – Even if stomach sleepers take out a good ample amount of the filling, this pillow is likely to still be too firm for them. Often, stomach sleepers are better off with softer, flatter pillows that don’t allow their head to rest at an uncomfortable angle as this could lead to neck strain.
Looking to stay cool? Check out our Best Cooling Pillows.
Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers and Snoring
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
The pillow has a premium bamboo viscose shell that’s naturally breathable and has temperature-regulating properties.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.90 / 5
Why the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow Earned Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers and Snoring
According to Johns Hopkins[2], sleeping on your stomach may help reduce snoring because this position can help your airways stay open. Therefore, if you want to try out this position to see if it will help with your snoring, it is a good idea to find the best pillow for stomach sleeping.
For that, we recommend the Cozy Earth Silk pillow. Stomach sleepers generally need a soft, low pillow so that their necks won’t strain from too much elevation, and this pillow will keep sleepers close to the bed.
What’s the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow Made Of?
Although it may seem simple, we just loved how this pillow felt. The bamboo cover keeps it incredibly cool and helps wick any moisture away. The filling, made with 100 percent long-strand Mulberry silk, is highly breathable and has a luxurious, fluffy feel that may remind you of a less puffy down pillow.
Our Take: We like that this pillow also compresses easily, which allows your head and neck to sink in and makes the pillow seem even lower.
What We Liked
- Compresses easily – The long-strand Mulberry silk has excellent moldability, which should allow you to get the exact shape that you want. This is great for those who like to change positions during the night and want a pillow that can easily accommodate them on their back, stomach, or side. This is also handy for those who may want to read or watch TV in bed and need it in a different shape for these activities.
- Uses luxurious cooling materials – This pillow takes its cooling elements up a notch. Not only does this pillow do a great job keeping you cool, but it also does so by using materials that are luxurious and elegant.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Expensive – Cozy Earth spared little expense when making this pillow. This dedication to using top-of-the-line materials shows and makes this a terrific pillow for many people. However, those who are keeping their budget in mind may be better suited to another selection.
- Can only be spot cleaned – Some high-end pillows have machine-washable covers, and there are others in which you can throw the whole pillow in the washing machine. However, this pillow does not fall into either of these categories. You will need to spot-clean any stains with a mild detergent.
Looking for more options? Check out our Best Pillows for Stomach Sleepers picks.
Best Pillow for Side Sleepers and Snoring
Eli & Elm Side-Sleeper Pillow
A contoured designed pillow for side and back sleepers.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.30 / 5
Why the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow Earned Best Pillow for Side Sleepers and Snoring
When it comes to alleviating your chances of snoring Dr. Rachel Salas, an associate professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins Medicine, states that side sleepers aren’t as likely to snore as those who sleep on their backs2. Considering that this is a better position to help eliminate snoring, why not get a pillow specifically designed for side sleepers?
The Eli & Elm Side Sleeper pillow supports and contours your neck and head, which should help keep your spine aligned and further aid in keeping your airways open to prevent the vibrations that cause snoring.
What’s the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow Made Of?
Your body will first come in contact with the pillow’s soft and welcoming cotton, spandex, and polyester blend cover. Underneath that is a partially-zippered polyester blend liner where you can add and take out the filling made of polyester fibers and latex.
Our Take: The Sleep Advisor team likes how the U-shaped design gives your shoulder enough space to prevent pressure from building up around this area.
What We Liked
- Specifically designed for side sleepers – Side sleepers aren’t as likely to snore as those who sleep on their back. This pillow’s U-shape design provides room for side sleepers shoulders, and the supportiveness should contour your head and neck. This can help keep your spine aligned.
- Hypoallergenic – Allergy symptoms can disrupt sleep and exacerbate your snoring. As such, sleeping with a hypoallergenic pillow such as the Eli & Elm could help you sleep sneeze-free.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Expensive – The Eli & Elm is specifically designed for side sleepers, and it uses several premium materials. This may make the price tag too high for some consumers. However, there is a 45-night sleep trial that will allow you to be certain that it is the pillow for you.
- Can only be spot cleaned – For those who want a pillow that’s fully machine washable, this pillow may not be your best bet since can’t be put in the washing machine. Eli & Elm recommends spot-cleaning it with a mild detergent. However, the pillow’s cover is still machine washable, which should still help with allergens.
For more on this pillow, visit our Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow review. Or, check out our Best Pillows for Side Sleepers.
Best Adjustable Pillow for Snoring
Layla Kapok Pillow
The shredded inner materials of the pillow effectively reduce heat during the night.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
Why the Layla Kapok Earned Best Adjustable Pillow for Snoring
Adjustable pillows are a great way to get a pillow that is perfect for you. These versatile bedroom accessories could also help you prevent or minimize snoring because the loft can be lifted or lowered to achieve optimal elevation. Furthermore, keeping your head slightly elevated helps keep your airways open, which is useful for reducing snoring. The Layla’s easy adjustability is why it earned Best Adjustable Pillow for Snoring.
What’s the Layla Kapok Pillow Made Of?
The Layla Kapok pillow has shredded materials that are packed into a zippered case that allows you to add and subtract the mix of kapok, an all-natural and sustainable material made from the seed pods of the rainforest-native Kapok trees, and shredded foam anytime you desire.
The thick cover is made of a quilted blend of polyester, viscose, and lycra that is both stretchy and durable. Additionally, the threads of the cover are infused with copper to help regulate the surface temperature. With a filling made with soft kapok and contouring foam, we’d say this pillow has a similar fluffiness as down.
Our Take: While lying on her back, our reviewer, Emma, initially had to take some stuffing out. Once she removed some of the fill, she shares, “The blend of fluff and firmer support foam really supports me nicely. It feels cozy and not at all hot.”
What We Liked
- Eco-friendly and sustainable materials – For those who want an environmentally-friendly pillow, we think this could be a great pick. It is made from sustainable, all-natural materials. The filling is made from the Kapok tree seed pods that fall to the ground.
- Uses copper to mitigate heat retention – Copper is used in the threads of the quilted cover. This material will help draw heat away from the head and upper back, keeping sleepers cool at the same time.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Adjusting the filling can be messy – Although adjustable pillows offer a lot of benefits, they can be messy. The kapok filling is shredded, and it can be tricky to add or take it out without some escaping into the room. Cleaning up stray stuffing can also add to the time it takes to adjust this product.
- Not ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers – Stomach sleepers generally do best on soft, low pillows. While Emma was able to adjust it in order to get it to be low enough that her head wasn’t raised too high, some shoppers may prefer to get something that already comes with a lower profile.
For more on this pillow, visit our Layla Kapok pillow review.
Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Snoring
Why the Purple Pillow® Earned Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Snoring
According to Harvard Health Publishing’s Chief Medical Editor, Dr. Howard E. LeWine[3], allergies that cause nasal congestion can increase the frequency and severity of snoring. Hypoallergenic pillows such as the Purple Pillow® can help keep your allergy symptoms at bay, which could then lead to a reduction in snoring. Another factor that can help decrease snoring is how elevated your head is when you sleep.
What’s the Purple Pillow® Made Of?
The Purple Pillow® core is made from Purple’s proprietary GelFlex Grid. This polymer grid is 3 inches tall and has a unique, squishy, and surprisingly firm feel. Covering this breathable center is spandex mesh, bamboo, and polyester blend. We were fans of its breathability and overall cooling ability. However, for this category, what we really liked was how all of the materials were allergen-resistant.
Our Take: Our editorial team liked that the Purple comes with two boosters that can be added in to change the height of your pillow. These inserts are also made from hypoallergenic materials.
What We Liked
- Made with hypoallergenic materials – Allergies can exacerbate snoring. The Purple Pillow® is made up of entirely hypoallergenic materials that can help prevent allergy symptoms.
- Comes with boosters that can adjust loft – This pillow comes with two additional inserts. These can allow you to adjust the loft which may help you snoring. The inserts are also made from hypoallergenic materials.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Only comes in one size – Despite its benefits, some people may pass on the Purple Pillow® because it only comes in one size. If you’re looking for Queen or King-size pillows, unfortunately, you won’t find them with this model.
- Doesn’t have a fluffy feel – This pillow has a unique feel. The polymer grid is squishy and comfortable. However, if you are a fan of fluffy, down pillows, this may not be the best pick for you.
If you’d like to know more about this pillow, read our Purple Pillow® review.
Best Eco-Friendly Pillow for Snoring
Why the Avocado Pillow® Earned Best Eco-Friendly Pillow for Snoring
What if you could reduce your snoring and your carbon footprint at the same time? With the Avocado Green pillow, you very well may accomplish both. This pillow is produced by Avocado, a company that is dedicated to producing high-quality, ethically-sourced products that are made with natural and organic materials.
Additionally, we rate this pillow well for back sleepers, which is the position most associated with snoring. Although the loft may seem a little high for those who sleep on their back, thanks to the Avocado Green’s adjustability, the pillow’s overall height can be adjusted.
What’s the Avocado Green Pillow® Made Of?
The Green contains certified organic cotton, latex, and kapok, which is a sustainable material that is made from the seed pods of the kapok trees that grow in the rainforest. The latex is Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified organic, and the kapok that Avocado uses is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic.
Our Take: Along with being eco-friendly, we appreciate that the materials used in the core are fairly moldable to allow your head to sink down some while still being supported.
What We Liked
- Made with sustainable and certified organic materials – Avocado really checks all of the boxes when it comes to making an eco-friendly product. The company uses certified organic cotton, latex, and kapok. However, they take it a step further by ensuring that the latex is Global Organic Latex Standard certified organic, and the kapok is Global Organic Textile Standard certified organic.
- An extra bag of fill is provided with each purchase – The adjustability of this pillow makes it incredibly versatile. We love that Avocado provides an extra bag of their organic fill with every purchase. This way you can ensure that you’re adding only sustainable products back into your pillow.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Not ideal for stomach sleepers – Although you can adjust this pillow so that it has a low profile, it may still be too high and firm for stomach sleepers. These sleepers may be served better by pillows that are designed with a low loft or use materials that easily compress.
- Fans of traditional memory foam may not like the feel of this pillow – Fans of memory foam tend to like the gentle contouring, responsiveness, and firmness of traditional memory foam. The mix of materials isn’t likely to provide this feel. However, if you are curious about this pillow, Avocado does provide a 100-night sleep trial.
Looking for more options? Check out our Best Organic Pillows.
What Causes Snoring?
According to the Mayo Clinic[4], snoring can be caused by different factors, including your body weight, back sleeping, the shape and anatomy of your mouth and nasal cavities, allergies, alcohol consumption, and illnesses such as the flu or the common cold.
Snoring typically occurs when you transition from light sleep to a deeper sleep because this is when your soft palate (the muscles in the roof of your mouth), tongue, and airways relax. If the tissues in your airways relax enough, they can partially block your airway, and this can cause vibrations, which is the noise we associate with snoring. The more blocked your airway becomes, the louder the snoring gets.
How Do I Know if I Need An Anti-Snore Pillow?
If your partner is unable to sleep because of your snoring or if you are tired during the day because your snoring is preventing you from getting restful sleep, it is probably time to look into an anti-snore pillow. These pillows can help keep the airways in your throat open by elevating and positioning the head so that airflow is less obstructed.
Although back sleepers are the most likely to snore, and many of the anti-snore pillows are designed for them, there are also ones suitable for those who snore when sleeping on their sides or stomachs.
What to Look For in a Pillow for Snoring
If you’ve decided that it is time for an anti-snore pillow, there are multiple factors you will want to consider before you make your purchase. We will break down the ins and outs of what you should consider when shopping for a pillow to help decrease your inclination to snore.
Materials
Pillows for snoring are made with a variety of materials, giving you options that fit your personal preferences. Memory foam is a popular core material for anti-snore pillows. However, one consideration with memory foam is that it can sleep hot, but many manufacturers have addressed this by either shredding the foam so that air can flow through it or infusing it with cooling materials such as gel or copper. Memory foam can offer gentle contouring, but it is also incredibly supportive, which allows it to keep your head and neck elevated.
Latex is also a good choice for pillows to curb snoring. Plus, it’s a temperature-neutral and durable material, though those with latex allergies should make sure the pillow they want is safe for them to use.
For those looking for an eco-friendly pillow for snoring, you may be interested in pillows made with kapok. Those who love the fluffy feel of down and down alternative pillows, though, may be disappointed because those materials aren’t widely used in anti-snore pillows as they are usually not firm and supportive enough to keep the head elevated enough for side and back sleeping.
Support
Anti-snore pillows should be supportive because not only does this help with proper spinal alignment, but it can also play a large role in keeping you from snoring. If you have a soft, fluffy pillow that allows your head to sink and then bend, it may compromise your airway. However, you also want to make sure that your pillow isn’t overly supportive because this could tilt your head too far and this could put extra pressure on the soft tissue in your mouth, nose, and throat.
Finding the type of support that works best for you will largely depend on your preferred sleep position, as well as the size and weight of your head.
Sleep Position
Sleep position has a big impact on your chances of snoring. Those who prefer to sleep on their backs are more likely to have the tissue in their throats relax, which can then lead to the type of airflow obstruction that causes the vibrations of snoring. If switching to sleeping on your side or stomach, both of which are better for preventing snoring, finding a supportive and comfortable pillow is your goal.
Firmness
As mentioned, back sleepers are more likely to snore than those who prefer sleeping on their stomach or side. Those who enjoy sleeping in a supine position typically do best with pillows that have a medium firmness as this helps keep their spines neutrally aligned. Whereas side sleepers tend to do well with medium-firm to firmer models, and stomach sleepers are generally most comfortable with soft pillows. Most of the pillows that are on our best pillows for snoring are those with a medium firmness.
Feel
Feel, perhaps more than anything, is often what prompts people to buy pillows. While there is no right or wrong when it comes to this characteristic, those looking for an anti-snore pillow will likely want to look for those that have a sturdier structure to them, with the exception of stomach sleepers.
Memory foam is often associated with this kind of feel, but that doesn’t mean that it is the only material out there that can provide this. Latex can also be a solid choice, as well as some proprietary materials from various companies.
Loft
The loft of a pillow plays an important role when it comes to preventing snoring. A pillow’s loft refers to how tall the pillow is.
Those who sleep on their back, who are also the ones most likely to snore, need to look for a pillow with a medium loft. This will help keep the neck not only supported and elevated, but it will also ensure that the spine is aligned. Those in the market for an anti-snoring pillow for side sleepers will want one with a higher loft, while stomach sleepers tend to do best with low-loft pillows.
Some pillows for snoring feature adjustable lofts, which should allow you to adjust the height of the pillow until it is optimal for preventing snoring for your preferred sleep positions and body type.
Comfort
Even if a pillow helps prevent you from snoring, if it is uncomfortable, you are not likely to continue to use it. Therefore, you have to ensure that your pillow is comfortable for you. You’re not likely to know the full scope of your pillow’s comfort until you’ve slept on it for a while. However, the majority of pillows on our list have at least a 30-day sleep trial that should allow you to try out anti-snore pillows relatively risk-free.
Budget
Pillows for snoring are generally made with high-quality materials and therefore, tend to come with a higher price tag. Additionally, the size can affect the cost. It will likely be helpful to set a budget that you’re able to afford for pillows and search within those perimeters. Oftentimes, companies will run sales or offer savings when you buy two or more pillows so be sure to keep an eye out for those.
Off-Gassing
When some pillows are compressed and sealed for delivery, they can have an initial chemical scent, known as off-gassing, that can occur when the pillow begins to decompress. This reaction typically happens with memory foam, and, although some people may notice a faint smell on some of these pillows, for the most part, there was little off-gassing with the anti-snoring pillows on this list.
Also, if this is a concern, you can look for pillows with fillings that don’t go through this process.
Cleaning & Care
Some people prefer anti-snoring pillows that are fully machine washable and others are perfectly fine with ones that can only be spot cleaned. Depending on your personal preference on this matter, you will need to look for pillows that suit your needs. Most often, pillows will at least have a removable cover that’s machine washable.
Tips to Reduce Snoring
Sleep on your side – According to the Mayo Clinic, one way to help prevent snoring is to sleep on your side instead of your back4. Sleeping on your side can prevent the airways in your throat from collapsing.
Use an adjustable bed – Adjustable beds are an excellent option when it comes to decreasing snoring. Often with just a touch of a button, these beds can elevate your head to open up your airways. If you don’t have access to an adjustable bed, you can also try a wedge pillow to keep yourself propped up.
Limit alcohol and tobacco consumption – Avoiding alcohol and tobacco[5] could help with snoring. Alcohol can relax the throat muscles which can cause them to obstruct your airways. Tobacco products, particularly cigarettes, can inflame the tissues in the upper airways, and the inflammation can restrict airflow and create additional mucus.
Consider allergy medications – Those with allergies have an increased chance of snoring because they often produce nasal congestion that restricts airflow3. Allergy medicines, such as nasal sprays and non-drowsy antihistamines, are often helpful over-the-counter medications to try.
Talk to your doctor – If you have tried anti-snore pillows and are following the other tips provided, and your snoring persists, it may be time to talk to a doctor as you may have a more serious condition such as sleep apnea.
Our Final Thoughts
Snoring can cause irritated, tired partners, and it can lead to disrupted sleep for those doing the snoring. Anti-snore pillows designed to combat snoring are a relatively inexpensive and effective way to combat snoring. There are pillows designed for all different sleep positions, but since most snoring is done by back sleepers, most pillows for snoring will be devoted to those sleepers or designed to make other positions that are better for snoring, like side sleeping, more comfortable.
Best Pillows for Snoring FAQs
Are wedge pillows good for snoring?
Yes, wedge pillows can be good for snoring because they can help keep your head elevated while back sleeping. However, we don’t recommend these pillows for stomach sleepers.
What type of pillow is best for snoring?
The type of pillow that will work best for you depends on your preferred sleep position, as well as the kind of feel and firmness that you prefer. Generally, those who sleep on their backs are more prone to snoring, and they can benefit from loftier pillows that keep their heads elevated to open the airways.
Are memory foam pillows good for snoring?
Yes, memory foam pillows can be good for snoring as they offer excellent support and gentle contouring. This material can come in the form of a solid block or shredded up. One consideration of memory foam is that it can retain heat, but fortunately, many manufacturers have found ways to fight this and make memory foam pillows sleep cooler.
References:
- “Snoring”. Yale Medicine. Webpage accessed May 24, 2024.
- “Choosing the Best Sleep Position”. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Webpage accessed May 24, 2024.
- LeWine, MD, Howard. “Do allergies make snoring worse?” Harvard Health Publishing. 2022
- “Snoring”. The Mayo Clinic. Webpage accessed May 24, 2024.
- Taveira, Karinna Veríssimo Meira., et al., “Association between obstructive sleep apnea and alcohol, caffeine and tobacco: A meta-analysis”. 2018.
Sosha Lewis
Content Writer
About Author
Sosha Lewis is a staff writer for Sleep Advisor. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing.
Combination Sleeper