These nasal dilators work by opening the nostril or nasal passage to improve airflow through the nose, but are they right for you? Can they relieve sleep apnea? Learn more about these devices and whether they would be worth a try.
Basics of Nasal Dilators
There are two types of nasal dilators: those that open the nostrils or nasal passage from the outside and those that dilate the nostrils from the inside.
The external dilator often consists of a stiff strip that is applied to the outside surface of the nose with adhesive, much like a stiffened Band-Aid. One popular brand is Breathe Right nasal strips, though others certainly exist.
This most likely occurs due to increased airflow through the nose. Ideally, a river of air would enter through a fully open nose, pass through the throat and past the base of the tongue, and enter the lungs.
When obstruction occurs in the nose — due to narrowness from anatomy, a deviated septum, or congestion from a cold or allergies—a trickle or stream of air enters instead. This airflow becomes turbulent, much like a shallow and rock-filled stream.
As a result, the tissues lining the throat (especially the soft palate and uvula) may vibrate and cause the sound of snoring. With the use of a nasal dilator, the amount of air that enters the nose can be increased and the turbulent air movement stills.
Do Breathe Right Strips Reduce Snoring?
A study of 30 snorers found that an external nasal dilator, similar to Breathe Right strips, is effective in reducing the intensity of snoring as measured by a sleep study, or polysomnogram, in 73 percent of people.
These dilators worked best if the snorers did not have another condition affecting their breathing during sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnea.
Other studies have found more mixed results in how effective these treatments can be. A comprehensive literature review found no improvement in sleep apnea and a small improvement in snoring when Breathe Right strips were used.
Side Effects of Breathe Right Strips
Aside from a possible skin reaction from the adhesive used with the external nasal dilators, or injury to the skin with the removal, there are likely few risks for adverse side effects with either of these types of products.
Other Devices to Open the Nose
Another alternative is an internal nasal dilator, which is a plug inserted into the nostrils that remains in place during sleep. A literature review found that internal dilators showed a slightly larger improvement in snoring as compared with the external nasal strips.
There is also a prescription option called Provent and a similar non-prescription variation called Theravent. After drawing air into the nose, these reduce the amount of air exhaled. They try to create an increased volume of air in the airway to help stabilize it, thus reducing the vibration of snoring.
If Snoring Persists
In general, nasal dilators are easy to use and they may be a reasonable option in those who snore despite attempting other conservative treatments. They may be worth a trial to see if they are helpful. However, nasal dilators may not be right for you, especially if you have sleep apnea.
What are some other ideas? Consider these options:
Allergy treatment (nasal steroid sprays like Flonase, Nasacort, Rhinocort, etc. or oral allergy pills such as Allegra, Zyrtec, Claritin, Singulair, etc. ) Myofunctional therapy Nasal saline spray Positional therapy (sleeping on the side) Raising the head of the bed Saline rinses (via Neti pot or alternative) Surgery performed by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist
It may be necessary to undergo a sleep study to identify the condition. Treatment may include the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, an oral appliance from a dentist, or even surgery on the nose or throat. All of these may completely eliminate snoring.
A Word From Verywell
If you have persistent snoring, you should seek additional medical evaluation. For more information, speak with your doctor who may refer you to a board-certified sleep medicine physician for testing and definitive treatment.
