How Effective Are Nasal Strips for Snoring?

TL;DR

Nasal strips for snoring offer temporary relief by opening nasal passages and improving airflow. They're most effective for snoring caused by congestion or nasal obstruction, not deeper issues like sleep apnea.

Improve nasal airflow
Work best for congestion-related snoring
Minimal side effects
Not a long-term solution
Help identify nasal-related snoring causes

If you snore or share a bed with someone who does, you’ve probably seen or tried nasal strips. These thin, adhesive strips sit across the bridge of the nose, lifting and opening the nasal passages. They’re marketed as a simple fix, but how effective are nasal strips for snoring?

The answer depends on why you snore in the first place.

How Do Nasal Strips Help with Snoring?

Snoring typically starts in your nose. When your nasal passages are narrow or blocked, you are forced to breathe through your mouth, and that change in airflow can cause vibrations in the throat, which is the sound we recognize as snoring.

Nasal strips for snoring work by gently pulling open your nasal passages from the outside. The small tension bands built into each strip lift the sides of the nose, increasing airflow and reducing resistance. With more space to breathe through your nose, there’s less chance you’ll switch to mouth breathing during sleep.

If your snoring is caused by nasal congestion, allergies, or a deviated septum, this extra airflow can make a noticeable difference.

When Do Nasal Strips Work Best?

Nose strips for snoring are most effective when nasal blockage is the root of the problem. If your snoring comes from swollen nasal tissues or restricted nasal airways, you may see improvement within the first night or two.

That said, they don’t treat deeper issues like sleep apnea or soft palate vibrations. If your snoring is loud, disruptive, or paired with gasping or pauses in breathing, nasal strips might not be enough on their own.

Some people use them as part of a broader plan, along with weight loss, side sleeping, or oral appliances designed to reposition the jaw.

Do Nasal Strips Help with Snoring Long-Term?

While they’re not a cure, nasal strips can give you some temporary relief. Many users find them helpful for occasional snoring or to get through allergy season, but they can also be a useful tool for testing whether nasal obstruction is playing a role in your sleep issues.

If your snoring gets better when using a strip, that’s a clue that your nasal airflow may be restricted at night.

Nasal Strips for Snoring: FAQs

Do snoring nose strips work?

Yes, they can work—especially if your snoring is tied to nasal congestion, a deviated septum, or similar issues. They don’t stop all snoring, but they can help you breathe more easily through your nose.

What are the side effects of nasal strips?

The side effects are pretty minimal. You might experience skin irritation or redness from the adhesive, so it’s best to avoid placing them over broken or sensitive skin.

What are the strongest nose strips for snoring?

The strength could change depending on the brand. You should look for nasal strips that are labeled “extra strength” or state that they’re specifically meant for snoring, as these typically have a firmer band to provide more lift.

Final Thoughts

Nasal strips for snoring can be a helpful solution, especially if you struggle with nasal blockage at night. They won’t work for everyone, and they don’t address every cause of snoring, but they’re simple, drug-free, and worth trying if you suspect your nose is part of the problem.

If snoring is affecting your sleep or your partner’s, schedule a consultation with our doctor at Raleigh TMJ and Sleep. We’ll help you find the best path forward.

Learn more about our snoring treatment services in Cary, North Carolina.