I’ve noticed I’m a bit of an on-and-off snorer. Generally, I don’t snore regularly, but over the past few years – especially since moving to London – I’ve found myself occasionally being “that guy” who snores, much to the amusement or annoyance of those around me.
My snoring isn’t your typical loud rattling; it’s a high-pitched whistle. It’s so unusual that my friends persuaded me to use a sleep app to record it, and I’ll admit, it’s woken me up more than a few times.
It’s one thing to irritate others, but when my snoring starts waking me up, it becomes incredibly frustrating, especially while traveling. Fortunately, I’ve identified my triggers: extreme tiredness (the kind that makes us drool) and allergic reactions, especially hay fever. Occasionally, there are random nights of snoring, but usually, it’s one of these two reasons.
Summer is a challenging season for me. Even the best hay fever medication often feels ineffective. My nose gets more blocked in the summer rather than fall or winter, making breathing a nightmare.
A few weeks ago, I spoke to a doctor and learned that my snoring is classified as nasal snoring. Essentially, it happens when my nostrils get blocked, causing me to breathe through my mouth, producing that snoring sound. Understanding this was enlightening and allowed me to tackle the issue head-on as my snoring turned from amusing to irritating as summer continued.
Enter the Rhinomed Mute device. Initially, I learned about a sports version used by cyclists to keep their airways open. Then I discovered they offer a version designed for sleep! Even KLM recommends it to help passengers avoid snoring during flights.
Deciding to try it out, I found the Mute device surprisingly comfortable and discreet. This is high praise coming from me, someone who finds contact lenses unbearable. Since being comfortable while sleeping is crucial, I was delighted to find how natural it felt to wear the device.
What I love most is the immediate sense of relief when it opens up my nostrils. It’s a reminder of how important it is to breathe easily, something we often take for granted until we can’t.
When traveling, you never know when allergens or nasal congestion will strike, so it’s great to have a way to manage them. Another unexpected benefit is better sleep quality and waking up refreshed. For those who know the struggle of sleeping with a blocked nose, this device is a game-changer.
I’ve tried nasal sprays before, but you can only use them for a limited time before risking dependency. Since my hay fever lasts all summer, I need a solution that isn’t bound by a seven-day limit, unlike nasal sprays. The Mute device is a medication-free way to control nasal snoring, and any reduction in snoring is a win in my book.
I found the Mute device on Amazon in the US, and it’s also available at Walgreens. In the UK, it’s at Boots or their website. The device comes in three adjustable sizes, so you’re likely to find one that fits. You might want to start with a trial pack to find your best fit.
If you try it, let me know how it goes! I hadn’t heard about it from anyone else, so I’d love to hear from others who have given it a shot. Maybe we can start a little “Snorers Anonymous” club!
