Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)

Guard was a bit uncomforta­ble

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I started snoring five years ago. I’m not really sure why. I gained a little weight but that’s all. I snore with my mouth open and, according to the family, I sound like a jumbo jet. Poor Nigel can’t even get away from planes at home!

It’s worse when I’m in a really deep sleep. Even the kids can hear it from their rooms. Nigel often goes into the spare bed.

It can be really embarrassi­ng. I went away with a friend a couple of years ago and felt I had to warn her. Even so, the next morning she looked horrified and said ‘My gosh, you weren’t joking about the snoring were you?’

I’ve been to the GP and he prescribed a nasal spray but it gave me a headache. I am considerin­g going private to see what else can be done. I then tried the mouthguard which I had to soften in hot water to mould to my mouth, and a chinstrap kept it all in place.

I can’t say it was very attractive and I was worried about scaring my little boy. It wasn’t wildly comfortabl­e either. I suppose it was a bit like when you have a brace fitted – it rubs a bit until you get used to it.

For the first week I struggled to get to sleep because it felt so unnatural.

It did get easier and I’m pleased to report it was fairly successful. Nigel said I definitely didn’t snore as often or as loudly.

The guard went out of shape quite quickly. By the end of the third week it didn’t fit as well and wasn’t doing the job as effectivel­y.

Because I’d have to keep replacing it and it’s quite expensive I might not use it all the time. But it is great if you’re going away with new people or are sharing a room with the kids on holiday.

 ??  ?? Allison Alder, a 45-year-old administra­tor, lives in West Malling, Kent, with pilot husband Nigel, 49, and their three children – Emily, 21, Molly, 19, and Tom, seven.
Allison Alder, a 45-year-old administra­tor, lives in West Malling, Kent, with pilot husband Nigel, 49, and their three children – Emily, 21, Molly, 19, and Tom, seven.
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