Nasal dilators and nasal strips are often promoted as a simple way to reduce snoring. They are easy to buy, non-invasive and can sometimes help people feel they are breathing more easily through the nose at night.
But do nasal dilators actually work for snoring?
The answer depends on why you are snoring. If snoring is partly caused by poor airflow through the nose, a nasal dilator may help in some cases. If the main cause is coming from the throat, soft palate, tongue position, weight, alcohol, sleep position or possible sleep apnoea, a nasal dilator is unlikely to solve the problem on its own.
Snoring can have more than one cause, so it is important to understand what is happening before relying on any quick fix.
What are nasal dilators?
Nasal dilators are devices designed to open the nostrils or improve airflow through the front part of the nose.
There are two main types.
External nasal strips are placed across the outside of the nose. They gently pull the nostrils open and may reduce resistance in the nasal airway.
Internal nasal dilators sit inside the nostrils and help keep the nasal passages open while you sleep.
Both are designed to make nasal breathing easier. They do not treat the throat, soft palate or deeper airway.
Can nasal dilators help snoring?
Nasal dilators may help if snoring is made worse by nasal blockage or narrowing at the front of the nose.
For example, some people snore more when they have a cold, hay fever, sinus congestion or mild nasal narrowing. If the nose is blocked, the mouth may open during sleep, which can increase vibration in the throat and make snoring worse.
In these cases, improving nasal airflow may reduce mouth breathing and may make snoring less noticeable.
London ENT explains more about the causes and treatment options for snoring, including how nasal blockage can contribute to night-time breathing problems.
Also please see this article from WHICH! In which a number of snoring devices are compared.
When are nasal dilators unlikely to work?
Nasal dilators are unlikely to help if the main cause of snoring is not in the nose.
They may be less useful if snoring is caused by vibration of the soft palate, enlarged tonsils, throat narrowing, tongue position, excess weight, alcohol before bed or obstructive sleep apnoea.
They are also unlikely to solve snoring if the nasal blockage is caused by a deeper structural issue, such as a deviated septum, significant turbinate swelling, nasal polyps or chronic sinus disease.
If snoring is loud, persistent or associated with pauses in breathing, gasping, choking, morning headaches or daytime tiredness, it is important to seek medical advice rather than relying on a nasal strip.
Nasal breathing and mouth breathing at night
Many people who snore also breathe through their mouth during sleep. This can happen when the nose does not allow enough airflow.
Mouth breathing at night can lead to a dry mouth, sore throat, bad breath and disturbed sleep. It can also make snoring worse because the throat tissues are more likely to vibrate when the mouth is open.
If you regularly wake with a dry mouth or blocked nose, a nasal dilator may give short-term relief, but it will not explain why the problem is happening.
Common causes include allergy, rhinitis, sinus problems, enlarged turbinates, a deviated septum or nasal valve weakness.
Could allergies be causing nasal blockage?
Allergies are a common reason for blocked nose and night-time snoring. Allergic rhinitis can cause swelling inside the nose, mucus, sneezing and congestion. This can make nasal breathing harder, especially when lying down.
If allergy is the main problem, treatment may include avoiding triggers, using nasal sprays correctly, antihistamines or other medical treatment. A nasal dilator may help airflow temporarily, but it will not reduce the allergic swelling inside the nose.
London ENT provides more information about allergies and how they can affect the nose, throat and breathing.
What if the problem is the structure of the nose?
Some people have a structural reason for poor nasal airflow. This may include a deviated septum, a crooked nose, narrow nasal passages or weakness of the nasal valve area.
The nasal valve is one of the narrowest parts of the nasal airway. If this area collapses or narrows during breathing, it can make the nose feel blocked, especially during sleep or exercise.
Nasal dilators may temporarily support the nostrils in some people, which is why they can sometimes feel helpful. However, if there is a clear structural problem, the benefit may be limited or short-lived.
Patients with nasal obstruction, previous injury or concerns about nose shape and breathing may benefit from assessment for nose surgery in Essex or rhinoplasty in London where appropriate.
Nasal dilators vs medical treatment
Nasal dilators are not the same as medical treatment. They may improve airflow temporarily, but they do not treat inflammation, infection, allergy, polyps or structural obstruction.
If congestion is occasional, such as during a mild cold, a nasal dilator may be reasonable to try. If symptoms are regular, one-sided, worsening or linked with poor sleep, it is better to understand the cause.
An ENT assessment may include examination of the nose and throat, discussion of sleep symptoms and, where needed, nasal endoscopy. This can help identify whether the problem is nasal, throat-related or part of a wider sleep breathing issue.
London ENT’s otolaryngology specialists in London assess ear, nose and throat conditions, including snoring, nasal obstruction and throat symptoms.
Could snoring be linked to the throat?
Although the nose can contribute to snoring, many cases involve the throat. Snoring often happens when soft tissues vibrate during sleep. This may involve the soft palate, uvula, tonsils, tongue base or surrounding throat tissues.
If snoring seems to come from the throat, or if there are symptoms such as choking, swallowing discomfort, persistent hoarseness or throat tightness, a throat assessment may be appropriate.
London ENT provides specialist assessment for patients looking for a throat specialist in London, particularly where throat symptoms are persistent or unexplained.
What about sinus problems?
Sinus and nasal problems can overlap. Some people with sinus inflammation experience congestion, facial pressure, post-nasal drip and poor nasal airflow. This can make night-time breathing feel worse and may contribute to snoring in some cases.
If snoring is worse during sinus flare-ups, or if you have repeated sinus symptoms, it may be worth seeking advice from a sinus specialist in London and Essex.
A nasal dilator may help the sensation of airflow at the nostrils, but it will not treat sinus inflammation or infection.
Are nasal dilators safe?
For most people, nasal dilators are low risk when used as directed. However, they can sometimes cause skin irritation, discomfort, pressure inside the nostrils or poor sleep if they feel intrusive.
They should not be seen as a replacement for medical advice if snoring is severe or linked with other symptoms.
You should be especially cautious if you have signs of possible obstructive sleep apnoea, such as pauses in breathing, gasping, choking, waking unrefreshed, morning headaches or excessive daytime tiredness.
When should you see an ENT specialist?
You should consider seeing an ENT specialist if snoring is persistent, disruptive or associated with other symptoms.
It is particularly worth seeking advice if you have:
- Loud snoring most nights
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Gasping or choking episodes
- Daytime tiredness
- Morning headaches
- Persistent blocked nose
- One-sided nasal blockage
- Mouth breathing at night
- Reduced sense of smell
- Repeated sinus symptoms
- A history of nasal injury
- Throat symptoms alongside snoring
An ENT specialist can assess whether the problem is related to the nose, throat, sinuses or a combination of factors.
So, do nasal dilators actually work?
Nasal dilators can help some people breathe more easily through the nose at night. If snoring is partly caused by mild nasal narrowing or temporary congestion, they may reduce snoring or make sleep feel more comfortable.
However, they do not work for everyone. They are unlikely to solve snoring caused mainly by the throat, soft palate, tongue position or sleep apnoea. They also do not treat underlying causes such as allergy, sinus disease, deviated septum or nasal polyps.
If nasal dilators help, that may be a useful clue that nasal airflow is part of the problem. If snoring continues, or if symptoms suggest a more significant breathing issue, a proper ENT assessment is the best next step.
London ENT provides consultant-led assessment for snoring, nasal obstruction, allergies, sinus problems and throat symptoms across London and Essex.