Snoring affects approximately 90 million Americans, and many snorers do not have access to expensive medical interventions. Fortunately, a variety of over-the-counter remedies offer relief to individuals suffering from snoring.
Nasal strips are celebrated for their ability to non-invasively improve air circulation and reduce snoring. In fact, nasal strips feel so connected to snoring relief that they’re also known as “snore strips.”
But do these thin, band-aid lookalikes actually work to reduce snoring and improve sleep? Below, we’ll cover the basics of what nasal strips are, how they work, and whether they’re an effective anti-snoring solution.
Although you can choose from many different kinds of nasal strips, their basic format remains consistent between brands. In their simplest form, nasal strips are small, bendable bands of material worn outside of the nose and attached via adhesive.
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The popularity of nasal strips can be attributed to their comfort, affordability, and non-invasive nature. Compared to other anti-snoring devices, nasal strips are barely detectable when trying to fall asleep. By applying treatment to the outside of the nose, nasal strips offer a safe, drug-free solution to snoring.
As you already know, snoring is the noisy breathing that occurs during sleep. Snoring can be caused by a variety of specific causes, but generally snoring happens when an obstruction or narrowing in the airways limits airflow. Airflow through the nose and/or throat becomes disturbed and causes vibrations, which are responsible for the sounds of snoring.
In their essence, nasal strips are a form of nasal dilator that work from the outside. By gently pulling the nostrils open from the outside, nasal strips create more space for air to flow during sleep. With the nasal passages widened, air turbulence decreases which reduces or even eliminates snoring.
Nasal strips work differently than nasal dilators that rest inside the nose to open the airways. Many individuals find nasal strips far more comfortable than the internal dilators.
The most common question around nasal strips is whether or not they actually work to reduce snoring. In short, yes nasal strips work if they tackle the true source of your snoring and if the quality of the product is sufficiently high.
First, nasal strips alone likely won’t provide anti-snoring relief if your snoring is caused by sleep apnea or throat snoring. Nasal strips most effectively treat snoring caused by narrow nasal passages and nasal blockages. Always consult with your physician to determine if your snoring is a symptom of a more serious sleep disorder such as sleep apnea.
But even when nasal strips tackle the source of your snoring, not all products provide the same levels of relief. A strong but skin-safe adhesive is essential to make sure the strips remain put all night without causing pain upon removal.
The size and design of the nasal strips also play a role in the effectiveness. Make sure that your nasal strips are large enough and provide enough coverage to actually widen the nasal passageways.
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But in short, yes medical studies have found nasal strips to be effective against snoring. UC Irvine medical student Christopher Badger found in his research that, “…nasal strips and nasal clips effectively relieve obstruction of the internal nasal valve and we recommend that patients explore their use before they turn to surgical intervention.”
So there you have it! If you’re on the fence about trying out nasal strips for the first time, give it a go. Since nasal strips are drug-free and non-invasive there is literally no risk. Check out our full line of Inhale Nasal Strips to start your journey to quieter sleep today.
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