Scientists have developed a high-tech pillow which cancels out snoring.
A microphone placed close to the snorer is used to pick up every grunt and rumble.
The audio is then analysed by an algorithm which calculates its cancelling “anti-noise”.
When this sound is played through speakers in the non-snoring partner’s pillow, snore disturbance is reduced by 31 decibels.
The system has been developed by researchers at Northern Illinois University in the US and Chung Yuan Christian University in Taiwan.
It involves microphones and speakers inside the non-snoring partner’s pillow and a mic close to the snorer.
A computer program then creates sounds of exactly the same amplitude, but with the waveform inverted which has a cancelling effect.
The e-pillows could offer hope to people living with Britain’s 15 million snorers, who currently rely on devices such as nose clips and earplugs.
Tests showed that some people endure noise levels equivalent to sleeping beside a coffee grinder.
Dr Lichuan Liu, of the US university, said: “I snore myself and my husband complains about it. Living with a snorer can be really tough.
“We believe our project can really help partners of snorers.
“It’s not a cure but it can reduce the levels.”
The researchers tried mics in various locations.
Those in pillows reduced disturbance by 31 decibels, while technology built into a headboard gave a reduction of 21 decibels.
The device could be operated by a special app.
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