A summary of the key points
Test winners 2026
somnipax belt
Effective prevention of sleeping on one’s back thanks to vibration pulses. Very comfortable design for peaceful, restorative nights.
Price tip
somnipax shirt
Breathable materials, comfort at a fair price. The perfect, easy solution for people just starting out with positional therapy.
Which type of positional aid for snoring is right for you?
Snoring can cause disturbed nights for a lot of people, particularly those who sleep on their back, as this causes the airways to be constricted. One tried-and-tested solution is to use special products that prevent back-sleeping in favour of side-sleeping. The results of our positional aid test will show you which product is particularly helpful to prevent your positional snoring.
- PRICE
- CUSTOMER REVIEWS
- TYPE OF POSITIONAL THERAPY
- MECHANISM
- MATERIAL
- EFFECT
- IDEAL FOR USERS WHO
- TRAVEL COMPATIBILITY
- SPECIFIC NOTES
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- £148.95
- Active (training)
- Smart training belt: detects when you’re sleeping on your back, gives a gentle vibration to gently prevent you from sleeping on your back
- Textile belt with flat vibration module, adjustable, skin-friendly
- Actively trains you to sleep on your side or stomach, which reduces positional snoring/sleep apnoea
- …want an inconspicuous solution and appreciate comfort
- Very small belt, perfect when travelling
- Not suitable for use with pacemakers or similar devices
- To the product
-
- £46.00
- Passive (physical resistance)
- T-shirt with pocket for wedge (inflatable air cushion for the “Comfort” version)
- 100% organic cotton (GOTS-certified), very skin-friendly
- The wedge prevents back-sleeping and encourages sleeping on one’s side or stomach, which prevents positional snoring/sleep apnoea
- … are looking for a convenient, good-value starter solution
- Air cushion can be compressed, making it the perfect travel companion
- T-shirt also available with hard foam roll for even more stability & effectiveness
- To the product
-
- £79.95
- Passive (physical resistance)
- 5-zone pillow: specifically designed to move the head onto the side
- Memory foam core, cover made from bamboo velour & cotton
- Having the head on its side can prevent the tongue base from dropping and therefore the resulting airway constriction
- … want an inconspicuous, elegant solution with no electronics
- Pillow is slightly bulkier but can still be easily taken along when travelling
- No training effect, only effective in the case of positional snoring
- To the product
-
- £139.95
- Passive (physical resistance)
- Vest with stable back section
- Breathable stretch material
- The wedge prevents back-sleeping and encourages sleeping on one’s side or stomach, which prevents positional snoring
- …want a robust, tried-and-tested solution to prevent positional snoring
- Air cushion and vest can be compressed, making this the perfect travel companion
- Not suitable in the case of certain spinal problems or position-independent sleep apnoea
- To the product
Last updated on: 18/05/2026
Positional aids put to the test: the best products of 2026
Test winner: somnipax belt
Our test winner among the positional aids for snoring is somnipax belt. The tried-and-tested anti-snoring belt is frequently used as a gentle and effective alternative to anti-snoring vests.
Advantages:
- Training effect: gentle vibration impulses train users to sleep on their side
- Individually adjustable for different body sizes and shapes
- Significantly smaller and more comfortable than rigid vests or rucksacks
Disadvantages:
- Only helps with positional snoring
- Can slip if not secured tightly enough in the case of very restless sleepers
- Not suitable for people with pacemakers
Value-for-money winner: somnipax shirt
The winner in the value-for-money category is somnipax shirt. This is an affordable, comfortable alternative to the anti-snoring belt or anti-snoring vest.
Advantages:
- Very comfortable design that feels like a normal pyjama shirt and doesn’t dig in
- The roll or air cushion are placed in an integrated back pocket to prevent slipping
- The integrated wedge means that sleeping on one’s back is virtually impossible, which stops positional snoring and sleep apnoea
Disadvantages:
- The T-shirt must be worn snug enough that the wedge does not slip to the side
- Takes a bit of getting used to, at least at first, due to the wedge on the back
- Only helps with positional snoring
Tried-and-tested and effective: PosiForm high-end anti-snoring pillow
Tried-and-tested positional pillow from a Swiss manufacturer. Used specifically to bring the head onto its side.
Advantages:
- Having the head on its side can effectively prevent snoring and (mild) positional sleep apnoea
- Very comfortable thanks to the ergonomic 5-zone design and memory foam
- Breathable, easy-care cover made from cotton and bamboo velour
Disadvantages:
- The shape can take a bit of getting used to at the start, and may initially bother some users
- Only works with snoring caused by sleeping on one’s back
- No option to adjust the height
Non-slip and stable: Nachtwaechter vest 2.0
Well-known anti-snoring vest from the Nachtwaechter brand, often used as a particularly non-slip and stable solution to positional snoring.
Advantages:
- High stability thanks to the vest design with shoulder straps
- The Velcro fastenings mean that it can be flexibly adapted to different body sizes and shapes
- With regular use, the body learns to sleep in a side position, in which case it is possible to stop using the vest
Disadvantages:
- Familiarisation period required due to the firm vest that some users may find bulky
- Can lead to pressure points if the vest is done up very tightly
- Higher price compared to pillow or T-shirt
Why do I need a positional aid?
Sleeping on your back is one of the main causes of snoring. In this position, when the muscles relax during sleep, the tongue falls back into the throat area and constricts the airways. This leads to irritating snoring noise – known as tongue base snoring – and in a worst-case scenario can lead to breathing stops (sleep apnoea). A positional aid ensures that these types of snorers stay on their sides or stomachs, which means that the tongue no longer drops into the throat, and breathing is improved.
The benefits of positional aids are clear:
- Positional snoring is significantly reduced
- Sleep quality is improved
- Positional sleep apnoea can be prevented
Not sure what’s causing your snoring? Take the tongue base snorer test
Still not sure if you’re a positional snorer? Take the free SomniShop snoring test.
Which type of positional aid is right for me?
The right positional aid depends on your individual snoring behaviour and your personal preferences:
- Mild snoring: For people who only snore occasionally or who do not want any electronic support, the PosiForm pillow or somnipax shirt are a good choice. Both passively promote sleeping on one’s side, and are comfortable solutions.
- Moderate snoring: For more severe, positional snoring, the Nachtwaechter vest 2.0 is a recommended option. Its robust design is particularly effective at preventing back-sleeping.
- Severe snoring or sleep apnoea: In the case of pronounced snoring or breathing stops, the somnipax belt anti-snoring belt is the recommended choice. The vibration belt trains the user to sleep on their side, which reduces snoring in the long-term.
When is a positional aid sufficient, and when should a doctor be consulted?
A positional aid may be sufficient in the case of:
- Snoring noise only when sleeping on one’s back
- Mild to moderate, positional obstructive sleep apnoea that exclusively or mainly occurs when sleeping on one’s back (prerequisite: medial diagnosis and medical recommendation to use positional therapy)
- Significant reduction in symptoms when sleeping on one’s side (e.g. more peaceful sleep, less snoring)
A doctor should always be consulted in the case of:
- Suspected sleep apnoea that has not yet been medically investigated
- Breathing stops that also occur when sleeping on one’s side (position-independent apnoea)
- Severe tiredness during the day, concentration problems or nodding off during the day
- Comorbidities for severe snoring such as:
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Loud, irregular snoring with observed breathing stops
- No improvement despite using a positional aid
Important note:
In the case of severe or position-independent sleep apnoea, therapy with a CPAP device is usually required. In these cases, positional therapy is usually not a sufficient alternative, but is at the most a supplementary measure. If you suspect that you have severe sleep apnoea, please contact a doctor or a sleep laboratory.
How an electronic positioning belt works
The electronic positioning belt is fastened around the chest or stomach. The belt registers whether you are sleeping on your back or side. If you are sleeping on your back, the device gently vibrates. The vibrations stop as soon as you are on your side or stomach.
How to use an anti-snoring T-shirt
The wedge (hard foam roll or air cushion) must be inserted into the designated pocket. This means that it is no longer possible to sleep on one’s back, and positional snoring is prevented.
How was the test carried out?
Our sleep expert Dr. Grätz thoroughly tested and evaluated a range of different positional aids. He drew on his many years of experience with snoring and CPAP patients, the customer reviews in SomniShop and the technical data from the manufacturers. The result is a well-founded assessment designed to help you choose the best positional aid for you.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about positional aids
For positional snoring, there are special anti-snoring pillows such as the PosiForm high-end anti-snoring pillow with special zones. These move the head gently onto the side to prevent positional snoring.
Important: Standard side-sleeper pillows do not specifically move the head onto the side. They are therefore not usually suitable for preventing or relieving snoring (despite regularly being advertised online as anti-snoring pillows).
An anti-snoring pillow usually has a special shape that makes it uncomfortable to sleep on one’s back, gently bringing the head onto its side and promoting side-sleeping. This prevents the tongue base from falling back into the throat area and constricting the airways. The pillow also often provides targeted neck support in order to maintain a neutral head position when sleeping on one’s side and to improve sleep comfort.
Anti-snoring pillows are primarily intended for side-sleepers and back-sleepers who suffer from positional snoring. The pillow promotes side-sleeping and provides stability in this position.
The costs for anti-snoring pillows are not usually covered by health insurance as they are considered comfort products. Ideally, contact your health insurance provider before buying an anti-snoring pillow to see whether cost-sharing is possible.
An anti-snoring pillow alone cannot usually fully prevent genuine, obstructive sleep apnoea but can improve minor, positional breathing stops. In the case of severe sleep apnoea, an anti-snoring pillow is not usually sufficient. This requires a different therapy type (e.g. Positive Airway Pressure therapy or CPAP therapy). Always consult your doctor for information before use.
The best positional aid for you depends on your personal preferences. Anti-snoring T-shirts are a popular solution that are relatively affordable. Electronic belts such as somnipax belt are one of the modern solutions that are recommended by ENT physicians but are also more expensive. It is advisable to try out various positional aids to find the best option for you.
Yes, positional aids are very effective if the snoring is caused by the base of the tone falling back when sleeping on one’s back (known as tongue base snoring). If back-sleeping is prevented, the tongue does not fall back into the throat, and the airways are kept clear.
Vests usually have the most stable fit, so slip the least while wearing. Backpacks are a good and usually more affordable alternative, but can dig in slightly with restless sleepers. Electronic positioning belts are ideal for people who do not want an irritating cushion or wedge on their back.
One very effective method is positional therapy using aids that make it uncomfortable to lie on your back or that disturb you by means of vibrations when you lie on your back. These often bring about a learning effect after a few weeks or months. Your body learns to stay in a side-sleeping position automatically.
Yes, with minor to moderate positional obstructive sleep apnoea (POSA), they are a recognised and often effective type of therapy. They can drastically reduce the number of breathing stops experienced by users. In the case of severe or position-independent apnoea, however, they are not usually a suitable type of therapy.
The electronic positioning belt is fastened around the chest or stomach. The belt registers whether you are sleeping on your back or side. If you lie on your back, the device gently vibrates. The vibrations stop as soon as you turn onto your side or stomach. This gently trains you to sleep on your side.
For the first few nights, you may be briefly woken up by the vibrations until you get used to them. However, modern devices start with gentle vibrations and only increase in intensity if the user does not react. The aim is to trigger a subconscious change in position without waking the user.
An anti-snoring T-shirt is a special T-shirt with an integrated foam roll or air cushion in the back pocket which makes it uncomfortable or physically impossible for you to lie on your back.
When sleeping on one’s side, the T-shirt is very comfortable, as it fits like a normal, comfortable item of clothing. When first starting to use the T-shirt, however, users may find the integrated wedge at the back irritating when attempting to turn onto the back while sleeping. After a brief familiarisation period, users often find the T-shirt more comfortable than a bulky backpack.
When changing sides, you should consciously turn from one side to the other on your stomach, which can take a bit of getting used to at first. This is, however, precisely the purpose of the T-shirt: to prevent you from subconsciously turning onto your back.
Dr. Daniel Grätz
Dr. Grätz is the Managing Director of health.On Ventures GmbH, a specialist provider of products to help with snoring and sleep apnoea. He has advised thousands of customers and potential customers on CPAP and snoring products. Thanks to his many years of consultancy experience, Dr. Grätz is very familiar with the typical problems experienced by CPAP users and knows what actually helps. He also regularly posts videos relating to CPAP on YouTube.
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