How to Sneeze Quietly

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Some people sneeze more loudly than others due to lung capacity, allergies, and natural tendency. No matter the reason, a loud sneeze can be embarrassing and disruptive in an otherwise quiet setting. You can try to muffle the sneeze, or you can try to stop the reflex altogether. Be prepared!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Muffling the Sound

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    Keep a tissue or a thick handkerchief with you at all times. A tissue is portable and disposable, but a handkerchief will do a better job of muffling the sound. If you have no other choice, bury your nose into your shoulder, your arm, or the crook of your elbow. Any fabric or solid body part will help keep your sneeze quiet.
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    Leave your mouth slightly open so that you don't build up too much pressure in your sinuses. Done correctly, this move should lessen the intensity of your sneeze. [1]
    • If you hold your breath at the same time, you might even be able to stop the sneeze from coming.
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    Make sure to get the timing just right. By mixing up the reflex to sneeze with the reflex to cough, you might lessen the sound and severity of each noise.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Stopping the Sneeze

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    When you feel a sneeze coming on, inhale powerfully through both nostrils, and hold in your breath until the urge has passed. You may be able to counteract the sneeze reflex. [2]
    • Do not plug your nose. Holding your breath can be effective, up to a point, but plugging your nose during a sneeze can have serious health consequences. Among other disturbances of the ear and nasal passages, this can cause larynx fractures, ruptured eardrums, voice changes, bulging eyeballs, and bladder incontinence.
    • Bear in mind that while holding a sneeze back might be effective, it also might leave you feeling somewhat stuffed-up.
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    Press the tip of your tongue firmly into the roof of your mouth, right behind your top two front teeth. This should hit the spot where the alveolar ridge or "gum palate" reaches up to the roof of your mouth. Push as hard as you can until the urge to sneeze goes away. Done correctly, this can stop a sneeze in its tracks. [3]
    • This strategy is most effective if you do it the moment that you feel a sneeze coming. The longer the sneeze has to build, the harder it will be to stop.
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    When a sneeze is coming, place your index finger beneath your nose and push up slightly. If you time it right, you might be able to suppress the sneeze. At the very least, this move should lessen the intensity of the sneeze. [4]
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      Tips

      • Don't sneeze. Push up on the bottom of your nose. There are some situations, like changing lanes when you are driving, when sneezing can actually be dangerous because you involuntarily shut your eyes.
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      • Sneeze into a handkerchief or tissue, when possible. You don't want to spread germs and make other people sick! This is a matter of common courtesy.
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      • Go to the bathroom afterward to check that there is no snot on your face.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • After you sneeze, check your phone camera or a mirror to see if you have snot on your face.
      • If you sneeze into your hands, wash your hands immediately after. Sneezing spreads germs.
      • If you breathe out when you feel a sneeze coming on, the sneeze will be quieter.
      • Right when you think you're about to sneeze, take a deep breath and hold it in.
      • If you say "Las Vegas" before you sneeze, you won't sneeze. It honestly works!
      • Sneeze into your elbow to quiet it and keep the germs off your hands.
      • Try saying "Giraffe" next time you have to sneeze.
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      Warnings

      • Sneezing is your body's way of cleansing your nose and sinuses. Do not hold in sneezes all the time!
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      • Do not plug your nose! This can quickly build internal pressure in your ears and air passages. Plugging your nose during a sneeze can cause larynx fractures, ruptured eardrums, voice changes, bulging eyeballs, and sudden bladder incontinence. [5]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304724404577299502885697704
      2. ↑ https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304724404577299502885697704
      3. ↑ https://www.enkiverywell.com/how-to-stop-sneezing.html
      4. ↑ https://www.pattiwood.net/article.asp?PageID=11594
      5. ↑ https://lifehacker.com/learn-to-quiet-your-high-volume-sneezes-5897392

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