Snoring is a common sleep disturbance caused by the vibration of soft tissues when airflow is restricted during sleep. Nasal strips are non-medicated, external devices designed to improve nasal breathing. They are a popular over-the-counter option for mild to moderate snoring. This guide details how these devices function and provides instructions for their effective use in reducing snoring.
The Physical Mechanism of Nasal Strips
Nasal strips, also known as external nasal dilators, work through mechanical action to increase the space for air travel through the nose. High air resistance in the nasal passages often initiates snoring, sometimes forcing mouth breathing and increasing airway turbulence. The strips are simple adhesive bandages containing flexible, spring-like bands embedded within them.
When applied across the bridge of the nose, the flexible bands conform to the nose’s curved shape. The bands attempt to straighten back to their original configuration, generating an outward pulling force on the external sides of the nose. This gentle tension lifts and pulls open the sides, specifically targeting the nasal valve area, the narrowest point of the nasal passage. Widening this area mechanically reduces resistance to airflow.
Research suggests this mechanism increases the cross-sectional area of the nasal valve by a measurable amount, significantly reducing nasal airflow resistance. According to Poiseuille’s Law, a small increase in the diameter of an airway results in a proportionally much larger increase in flow. The strip’s adhesive is an integral component, as it must securely anchor the device to the skin to maintain this constant outward force throughout the night. Improved airflow decreases the velocity of air traveling through the throat, minimizing the tissue vibration that produces the snoring sound.
Step-by-Step Guide for Effective Application
Proper application is necessary for maximizing the strip’s mechanical effect on the nasal passages. Before applying, the skin of the nose must be clean and completely dry to ensure the adhesive forms a secure bond. Oil, makeup, or moisturizer prevents the strip from adhering correctly, causing it to peel off during the night and rendering the device ineffective.
Peel the protective liner from the strip to expose the adhesive surface. Correct placement is centered across the bridge of the nose, just above the flare of the nostrils, corresponding to the nasal valve location. Press the strip down firmly along its entire length to secure the edges and activate the adhesive. Ensure the flexible bands are positioned to lift the sides of the nose.
The strip is intended for single-use only and should be disposed of after one night’s sleep. To remove the strip in the morning, use warm water to soften the adhesive before gently peeling it off. Applying warm water minimizes the risk of skin irritation or discomfort that can occur when removing a strong adhesive.
Identifying Nasal Snoring and Suitability
Nasal strips are designed to address snoring that originates from restricted airflow in the nose, either due to temporary congestion or a structural issue like nasal valve collapse. They are only effective for individuals whose snoring is primarily nasal in origin. To gauge if your snoring is nasal, perform a simple at-home test: press a finger against the side of your nose and gently pull outward on the cheek, simulating the strip’s lifting action.
If this action allows significantly easier nasal breathing, or if your snoring stops when you pinch one nostril closed, you likely have nasal-based snoring. Nasal snoring is often described as a whistling or high-pitched sound, frequently occurring when a person is congested from a cold or allergies. Conversely, if your snoring is loud, low-pitched, and guttural, it is more likely caused by tissue vibration in the soft palate or throat.
Nasal strips are not effective for snoring originating from the back of the throat, such as tongue-based or palatal snoring, caused by the relaxation of soft tissues in the airway. Understanding the origin of the snoring is necessary for managing expectations, as the strips only target the restriction at the front of the nose. If you continue to snore loudly even with a properly applied strip, the cause is likely located deeper within the airway.
When to Seek Further Medical Advice
While nasal strips are a helpful first step for mild snoring, persistent or severe snoring can signal a more serious underlying medical condition requiring professional attention. If snoring is extremely loud, chronic, and accompanied by distressing symptoms, a consultation with a healthcare provider or sleep specialist is necessary. Signs that warrant a medical evaluation include observed pauses in breathing during sleep (apneas), or episodes of gasping or choking.
Excessive daytime fatigue, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, or unrefreshing sleep despite adequate time in bed are significant indicators that snoring may be a symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA is a disorder where the airway repeatedly collapses, causing breathing to stop and start. Untreated OSA affects cardiovascular health and overall well-being, so relying solely on an over-the-counter device may be insufficient. A professional can conduct a thorough evaluation, often involving a sleep study, to diagnose the cause of the sleep disturbance and recommend appropriate treatment options.