For most of us, our bed is a relaxing place, which is quiet, peaceful and a sanctuary for revitalising rest. For some of us however, it’s a little noisier than that…

Snoring is a hugely common problem all around the world – almost half the UK population (41.5%) are reported to snore – presumably by long-suffering partners, housemates or family members!  Usually snoring causes no disturbance for the sleeper acting as a soothing repetitive noise; for others in the vicinity it can, as many of us can attest, be a tad more irritating… If you live with someone whose snoring is affecting your ability to obtain a full night of undisturbed sleep, there are all sorts of tips and tricks that are on offer to help. Here at The Odd Company, we have good news for you – it may be a lot simpler than you might think. 

What is snoring? 

First, let’s get back to basics: what actually is snoring? The simple answer is that snoring is the noise that results from vibrations of the sleeper’s soft palate, along with vibration of other tissues of the mouth, nose and throat (also known as the upper airway). Snoring can also be caused by a partial blockage of the upper airway – but all result in a similar sound: either a gentle rolling ‘purring’ sound – or something a little louder! 

This noise doesn’t happen when you’re awake, because the conscious body ensures the muscles in the throat keep our airway open, letting air travel through easily (and silently!). When we’re asleep, muscles relax and slacken – letting the airway narrow. For most of us, this doesn’t impact on our sleep in any way – but for some of us, it’s all that’s needed for snoring to commence. 

 

How can a mattress affect my snoring? 

So, is there anything you can do about this? Purported remedies range from nose strips, guaranteed to provide the wearer a quieter night, all the way to nasal sprays to reduce allergies – and even a wearable jaw guard designed to keep the chin in place. 

If these don’t appeal – don’t fret: there may well be a simpler solution to a silent sleep. An area left untouched by snoring solution-seekers is right under your nose – literally! Your mattress can play a huge role in whether or not you’ve got a tendency to snore whilst asleep.  Though pillows are often thought to be a contributing factor to whether the sleeper snores or not, your mattress may well also hold the answer. 

A recent study found that mattresses can gather as many as between one million and ten million dust mites in their lifetime. Beds are a prime habitat for dust mites – and the older your mattress, the more likely it is to be housing a few unwanted guests. Though it is normal for mattresses to gather dust and dust mites, the more of these housed in your mattress, the greater the impact on your health.

One of the most common allergens in the bedroom are dust mites which create an allergic reaction of some sort in close to half of the UK’s population. These reactions can include congestion, which makes it harder for sleepers to breathe and can therefore lead to snoring. 

A build-up of sweat in older mattresses is not uncommon, especially where a mattress protector hasn’t been used and the mattress hasn’t been regularly aired. Sweat creates a breeding ground for bacteria which can again cause a reaction which leaves the sleeper suffering from congestion resulting in snoring and nightly disturbances to their partner and wider household. 

Another way in which an older mattress can contribute to a noisy night is through the lack of support it provides the body. Over time, on account of daily use, a support offered by the mattresses springs naturally decreases as a result of  wear. At the end of your mattress’s life the sleeper’s muscles will therefore not be correctly supported. With poor support of the spine and head, muscles in the jaw and throat soften and slacken at rest, letting the sleeper’s lower jaw loll open. This slackening further obstructs the sleeper’s airway, resulting in the dreaded sound. 

 

How can a mattress stop me from snoring? 

A mattress can help with snoring if it is of sufficient quality to support the head and neck while you sleep. A fully sprung mattress from The Odd Company is the best way to ensure your whole body, including the lumbar curve of your spine, is supported. As we increase the spring count in our mattresses, the spring diameter becomes smaller – which allows the mattress to mould more intricately around and support your body while you rest. With the spine supported, the muscles around your ribcage and spine aren’t fighting to correct your posture and can relax, in turn allowing the muscles of the head and neck to be at rest. 

Our high spring count is compounded by our comfort filling layer – our selection of cotton, curled horsehair, and lambswool has been chosen for each fibre’s ability to regulate heat, breath and wick away moisture – helping to keep you cosy, comfortable, and helping your muscles to relax fully. Find true head and neck support with a handmade Odd mattress – and banish the boombox from the bedroom once and for all. 

Finally, we would recommend always using a mattress protector and replacing your mattresses every ten years. By following these two simple rules, you significantly reduce the possibility of bacteria growth within your mattress which can create congestion within the sleeper’s airways, leading to snoring. 

To browse our range of standard-size mattresses, or speak to our expert sleep consultants about creating a bespoke mattress, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.