I’ve always been a bit of an on-and-off snorer. Generally, I don’t snore regularly, but in recent years, especially after moving to London, I’ve had moments where I become that person who amuses or frustrates others with my snoring. It’s not so much a loud noise as it is a high-pitched whistle, which is quite odd. My friends encouraged me to use a sleep app to record it, and I must admit, it has woken me up several times.
It’s one thing to annoy others, but when it starts to wake me up, it becomes a travel-related frustration. Fortunately, I know what triggers my snoring: either extreme tiredness (the kind that turns even the best of us into droolers) or allergic reactions like hay fever. Occasionally, there’s an unexplained snore-fest, but usually, it stems from one of these two causes.
Summer is particularly challenging when even the best hay fever medication seems ineffective. Instead of dealing with blocked noses in autumn or winter, for me, it’s a summer-long issue. A couple of weeks ago, after chatting with a doctor, I discovered my type of snoring is called nasal snoring. This happens when your nostrils are restricted, making you breathe through your mouth, and the sound of air hitting your throat causes that snore.
Until then, I hadn’t really thought about it, as I usually turned to nasal sprays or eye drops to combat a blocked nose. However, understanding the cause helped me address the problem effectively, as the snoring became less amusing and more irritating as summer went on.
Enter the Rhinomed Mute Snoring device. I discovered it after learning about its use in sports, like cycling events such as the Tour de France, to keep airways open. The same technology applies to sleeping, helping to reduce snoring. Even KLM recommends it for better sleep during flights, so I was convinced to give it a try.
Surprisingly, the Mute snoring device is comfortable and discreet. This is significant for someone like me who avoids uncomfortable products—I’ve tried contact lenses multiple times but couldn’t get used to them. So finding a product like this, which fits naturally and enhances sleep comfort, was a welcome relief.
The best part is the immediate sensation of relief as it opens your nostrils, making you realize how precious effortless breathing is. Being able to manage nasal congestion is valuable, especially when traveling and encountering different allergens.
I wasn’t initially looking for this, but a bonus is the improved quality of sleep, allowing me to wake up more refreshed. When hay fever is at its worst, the device truly shines, helping avoid the poor sleep often associated with a blocked nose.
While I’ve tried instant nasal sprays before, their effectiveness is limited since you’re advised to stop after a week of use. Also, antihistamines seem inconsistent. On the other hand, the Mute device empowers me to control nasal snoring without medication, offering significant improvement and making it a travel essential.
I found this product on Amazon, and it’s available in places like Walgreens in the US and Boots in the UK. The device comes in three adjustable sizes to suit different individual needs. I recommend starting with a trial pack to find your best fit.
If you decide to try it, I’d love to hear your thoughts! I’ve never discussed them with friends before, so it would be interesting to hear from anyone else who has tried them. Maybe we can start our own little “Snorers Anonymous” club!