It might not be the best idea as a Valentine's Day gift, but the Snore Activated Nudging Pillow could well prove to be a purchase that helps to increase the romance in a relationship in the long term.

It does exactly what its name suggests. When the pillow registers a snore, it inflates sufficiently (7.62cm) to move the snorer's head and change his or her -- but let's face it, usually his -- sleeping position.

It means there's no need to convince your partner to sleep in pajamas with tennis balls stitched into the waistband; to dispatch a 'gentle' kick; or to engage in a conversation about the health benefits of sleeping on a sofa or in another room.

The pillow uses a built-in microphone to listen for snoring-related sounds and its sensitivity can be adjusted -- some people's snoring is louder than others -- as can the amount its internal bladder inflates.

Its makers believe that 7.6cm (3 inches) is optimum but that can be dialed right up to 17.8cm (7 inches) if must.

It also plugs straight into the mains so there's no need to worry about recharging batteries, although it does mean that the bed will need to be near a power socket.

The only downside seems to be that it comes with a machine-washable polyester cover as standard, which could cause some users to perspire.