The Complete Guide to Snoring Solutions

A balanced overview of what works, who it helps, and how to choose the right option

Snoring affects millions of people, but the causes can be very different from person to person. Tongue based snoring, throat vibration, nasal blockage, sleep position, and structural airway issues all play a role. Because of this, there is no single universal fix.

This guide explores the most common snoring solutions, how they work, who they are suitable for, and the science behind them. It also includes an accurate look at Zeus, the non invasive electrical stimulation device developed through more than fifteen years of research with King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

This is your complete, evidence based comparison.

1. Mandibular Advancement Devices

These dental devices move the lower jaw slightly forward to help prevent airway collapse at the back of the throat.

Pros

Evidence based
Effective for many people with mild to moderate snoring and mild sleep apnoea

Cons

Can cause jaw discomfort or dental changes
Requires custom fitting for best results

Best for

Jaw based snorers
People with mild or moderate airway collapse

2. Positional Sleep Aids

Some people only snore on their back because the tongue falls toward the airway. Positional devices help keep the sleeper on their side.

Pros

Non invasive
Useful when snoring is positional

Cons

Not effective for snorers whose airway collapses in all positions
Can be uncomfortable

Best for

Back snorers

3. CPAP

Continuous positive airway pressure is the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. It uses air pressure to keep the airway open.

Pros

Highly effective for moderate and severe sleep apnoea
Reduces snoring caused by airway collapse

Cons

Mask discomfort
Noise
Not typically used for simple snoring

Best for

Moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea

4. Genio

Genio is a treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea. It is designed for people who cannot tolerate or have failed CPAP therapy.

How Genio Works

Genio uses hypoglossal nerve stimulation to activate the genioglossus muscle, which pushes the tongue forward and prevents it from blocking the airway. The system includes a small implanted neurostimulator under the chin and an external activation chip worn on an adhesive patch during sleep.

When the user falls asleep, the system identifies breathing patterns and sends stimulation cycles to help maintain airway openness throughout the night.

Evidence

Clinically proven to
Improve the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea
Reduce snoring related to OSA
Improve daytime alertness and quality of life

Pros

No mask needed
Clinically proven
MRI compatible
Designed for people who cannot tolerate CPAP
Customisable because the external chip can be upgraded without further surgery

Cons

Requires surgery to implant the neurostimulator
Higher cost
Not suitable for simple snoring
Requires specialist assessment

Best for

People with moderate or severe OSA
People who cannot tolerate CPAP

5. Zeus

Zeus is designed for primary snoring and mild sleep disordered breathing. It is non invasive, clinically tested, and developed through fifteen years of research with King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

How Zeus Works

One of the biggest breakthroughs in snoring science is the use of electrical stimulation to target the muscles that keep the airway open. Zeus uses TENS technology under the chin to stimulate the genioglossus muscle, which is the strongest dilator of the upper airway and a key contributor to snoring when it relaxes during sleep.

Zeus also stimulates other surrounding muscles in the upper airway. This makes it different from implantable hypoglossal nerve stimulators, which are highly selective. Zeus is non selective and non invasive. Because the hypoglossal nerve carries the signal to the genioglossus muscle, Zeus likely stimulates the nerve externally as well. The nerve acts like a power cable and the muscle acts like the device. When the current reaches the nerve, the genioglossus contracts and helps keep the airway open.

The result is gentle muscle activation that helps maintain airway openness throughout the night.

Pros

Non invasive
Clinically tested
Backed by NHS linked academic research
Soft, comfortable, easy to use
Targets tongue and throat based snoring
No surgery
No mask
Automatic stimulation that adapts to comfort

Cons

Requires nightly use
Not designed for moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea
Results vary for people with significant structural airway issues

Best for

People with primary snoring
Tongue and throat based snorers
People wanting a comfortable and non surgical option

Choosing the Right Snoring Solution

Because snoring has more than one cause, the best approach is to match the solution to the underlying problem.

Nose based snoring
Try nasal strips, saline sprays, allergy treatment, or mouth tape

Jaw based snoring
Consider mandibular advancement devices

Back sleeping snoring
Try positional therapy

Tongue and throat based snoring
Zeus is designed for this group

Snoring linked to obstructive sleep apnoea
Assessment is essential
CPAP or hypoglossal nerve stimulation may be required
Genio may be suitable for those unable to tolerate CPAP

If snoring is disruptive, worsening, or linked to choking, gasping, or breathing pauses, a sleep assessment is always recommended.