Nasal Strips and Nasal Dilators:  A Complementary Therapy to Prevent Snoring

Sleeping is important. As anyone knows who has experienced a sleepless night next to someone who snores, snoring can be disruptive. Luckily for you (and those around you), some products can reduce your odds of snoring, and potentially eliminate your snoring problem altogether.

Why Do People Snore?

To determine the best solution for your snoring, the best place to start is to figure out what is causing your snoring in the first place. Nasal and sinus problems are a common cause of snoring. These issues can be anything from a temporary cold to a chronic sinus condition.

Another cause of snoring is aging. As you get older, your throat becomes narrower and you lose muscle tone in your throat, which in turn causes a narrowing of the airways, affecting your breathing patterns in such a way that it can cause you to snore.

A common cause of snoring is the use of alcohol or medications that have a muscle-relaxing effect on your body, which leads to snoring. Being overweight or sleeping on your back are additional factors that can contribute to snoring.

While some of these causes are things you have control over,  many of these causes can’t be avoided.  Fortunately, there are some products available that can eliminate, or at the very least, reduce your chances of snoring.

One less common cause of snoring you should be aware of is a condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can be dangerous, and if you believe this could be the cause of your snoring, it is best to see your doctor first before relying on any over-the-counter products.

Is There a Difference Between a Nasal Strip and a Nasal Dilator?

Nasal strips are a form of nasal dilators. Nasal dilators come in two different forms — external nasal dilators and internal nasal dilators. What is commonly thought of as a nasal strip is just the external type of nasal dilator.  Both are effective snoring aids.

A Closer Look at External Nasal Dilators

External nasal dilators, or nasal strips, are one commonly used product that can reduce, or even, in some cases, prevent snoring. Nasal strips are small tabs that contain adhesive material that you attach to the outside of your nose. They look and feel a little bit like a Band-Aid. These strips work by widening the airways, which has the effect of reducing nasal airflow resistance. While this can be an effective method, keep in mind it is a temporary one, and its effectiveness depends on the source or cause of the snoring.

The use of nasal strips is quite common, and these items are sold over-the-counter at various locations, including pharmacies. These products are popular due to their effectiveness in reducing snoring but are also common treatment choices for people since they are also non-invasive and inexpensive.

The Use of Internal Nasal Dilators

Internal nasal dilators are another tool you can use to combat your snoring. Internal nasal dilators are small rubber or plastic devices you insert into your nostrils. The device keeps your nostrils open while you are sleeping, which allows your nasal passageways to remain open and clear. By keeping your nasal passageways open, the device directly reduces snoring.

Nasal Products as Complementary Therapy

Many other products on the market can reduce or eliminate snoring, such as mouthpieces and anti-snoring pillows.  In the past, these products were typically used in conjunction with nasal sprays. Nasal sprays work by reducing inflammation.

Due to the immediate effectiveness of external and internal nasal dilators, these devices have now begun to take the place of nasal sprays as recommended complementary treatment. When used with other anti-snoring products, nasal dilators can be even more effective in reducing snoring.

Using external and/or internal nasal dilators can be a relatively inexpensive and effortless way to stop snoring at night.

These products are even more effective when used in conjunction with other anti-snoring products, such as pillows or mouthpieces.  Not only will you feel much better in the morning after having a refreshing night of sleep with the use of these products, but you’ll also be giving the gift of uninterrupted sleep to anyone sharing a room with you!