Snoring is the harsh, rattling sound produced when air flows past relaxed tissues in the throat during sleep, causing them to vibrate. This occurs because the airway partially narrows, forcing air to move turbulently. Nasal clips and similar over-the-counter devices aim to address snoring caused by obstructed nasal breathing. These products are designed to improve airflow through the nose, which may help reduce the vibrations that lead to snoring.
How Nasal Clips Are Designed to Reduce Snoring
The primary goal of a nasal clip or dilator is to reduce nasal resistance, the effort required to move air through the nasal passages. The nose is responsible for approximately half of the total resistance to airflow. The nasal valve area, the narrowest part of the nasal airway, is a key point of potential collapse and narrowing.
These devices work by applying outward pressure to the soft cartilage of the nostrils, physically propping open the nasal valve. Mechanically widening this passage decreases the speed and turbulence of the air entering the body. Less turbulent nasal airflow can reduce negative pressure in the upper airway, potentially lessening the vibration of throat tissues that causes the snoring sound.
Scientific Findings on Snoring Reduction
Research confirms that nasal dilators produce measurable physiological improvements in the nasal airway. Studies show that nasal dilation can increase the nasal cross-sectional area by 14% to 25% and reduce nasal resistance by up to 65%. This anatomical improvement translates directly into easier breathing through the nose.
The effectiveness of nasal clips in reducing snoring depends highly on the origin of the snoring. For individuals whose snoring is caused purely by nasal obstruction, such as from allergies or a narrow nasal passage, these devices often show success. Clinical observations indicate that internal dilators can significantly reduce the time spent snoring for some users.
Sleep specialists generally agree that these devices have a weak or inconsistent effect on the overall intensity and frequency of snoring for the general population. This is because most loud, disruptive snoring originates lower in the throat, from the vibration of the soft palate and tongue base. When the cause is throat-related, a nasal clip will not address the root issue, limiting its clinical benefit.
Comparing Different Nasal Devices
Nasal devices designed to combat snoring fall into a few distinct categories.
External Dilator Strips
External dilator strips are adhesive bands placed across the bridge of the nose. These strips contain stiff, spring-like material that gently pulls the nostrils outward, improving airflow.
Internal Dilators
Internal dilators, often made of soft plastic or silicone, are inserted directly into the nostrils. These devices usually come as cones, cages, or stents and work by exerting pressure from within to prop open the nasal valve area. They are reusable and sometimes preferred for their discretion and stronger internal support.
Magnetic Clips
Magnetic clips are a type of internal device, typically consisting of a horseshoe-shaped silicone piece with small embedded magnets. These clips are placed inside the lower part of the nostrils. The magnets primarily serve to hold the device in place.
When Nasal Clips Are Not the Right Solution
Nasal clips and dilators treat snoring resulting from nasal airway restriction, but snoring frequently stems from other anatomical factors. The vibration is commonly caused by the relaxation of soft tissues in the throat, such as the soft palate, uvula, or the base of the tongue. When these structures relax during sleep, they collapse and obstruct the airway, a problem a nasal device cannot resolve.
If a person’s snoring persists despite consistent use of a nasal clip, the cause is likely pharyngeal or palatal, requiring a different approach. Interventions like positional therapy to prevent sleeping on the back, or mandibular advancement devices that reposition the jaw and tongue, are treatments aimed at these lower airway obstructions.
Loud, persistent snoring can also be a symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a serious medical condition involving repeated breathing pauses. Nasal clips do not treat OSA. If snoring is accompanied by daytime sleepiness or witnessed breathing pauses, a medical consultation is necessary to rule out this more severe disorder.