Snoring is a widespread issue caused by the vibration of soft tissues as air forces its way past a narrowed airway, creating a turbulent flow. Nasal strips are a popular, non-invasive, over-the-counter option for individuals seeking a simple remedy for this nighttime disturbance. This article evaluates the scientific basis of the claim that these external devices can effectively reduce or eliminate snoring.
How Nasal Strips Improve Airflow
Nasal strips are flexible, adhesive bands placed externally across the bridge of the nose. These devices contain stiff, spring-like bands that attempt to straighten out once applied to the skin. This restorative force gently pulls the sides of the nose upward and outward, physically widening the nasal passages.
The primary anatomical target of this action is the nasal valve, the narrowest part of the airway and the site of greatest resistance to airflow. By lifting the flexible cartilage of the nose, the strip increases the cross-sectional area of the nasal valve. This reduction in resistance encourages smoother, quieter nasal breathing. This improved airflow may prevent the individual from resorting to mouth breathing during sleep.
Determining Efficacy: Who Benefits Most
Scientific studies on nasal strips show mixed results, but they are most effective when snoring is directly caused by a nasal obstruction. Nasal snoring often results from temporary conditions like congestion from allergies or a cold, or a structural issue such as a deviated septum. In these cases, the strip’s ability to mechanically hold the passages open can significantly reduce the turbulence that leads to snoring.
The strips work best for individuals whose nasal tissues collapse slightly upon inhalation or those experiencing temporary swelling of the nasal lining. Users can assess potential benefit using the “sniff test”: place a finger on the side of the nose and gently pull outward while breathing in. If breathing feels notably easier and clearer, the snoring is likely nasal in origin and responsive to the strips. While some studies show bed partners report reduced snoring intensity, objective evidence regarding clinical improvement in sleep quality remains limited.
Snoring Causes That Nasal Strips Cannot Address
Nasal strips are ineffective for the majority of chronic, loud snoring because the obstruction occurs much lower in the airway, specifically in the throat or pharynx. The most common cause of disruptive snoring is the vibration of soft tissues, such as the soft palate and the uvula, which relax and partially collapse during deep sleep. Since the nasal strip only acts on the external nose, it cannot physically brace the structures in the throat.
Nasal strips provide little to no benefit for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a serious medical condition where the airway repeatedly closes completely, leading to pauses in breathing. OSA is primarily caused by the collapse of soft tissue at the back of the throat, and the strips do not address this fundamental problem. If snoring is loud, persistent, and accompanied by gasping, choking, or excessive daytime fatigue, consult a healthcare provider. Relying on nasal strips for these symptoms delays necessary medical evaluation and treatment for a potentially serious sleep disorder.