Breathe Right for Snoring: What to Know

The adhesive strip sits across the outside of the nose and gently lifts the nasal passages. This can help when congestion or narrow nasal openings make airflow feel restricted. It will not open the throat or prevent pauses in breathing. Nasal blockage may be linked with Allergic Rhinitis or Chronic Sinusitis, while snoring with gasping, witnessed pauses, or marked daytime sleepiness can be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. Snoring itself is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

Choose a size that fits your nose, wash and dry the skin, and place the strip across the bridge according to its instructions. Remove it gently if the skin becomes sore, itchy, or blistered. Avoid putting it on broken skin. Notice whether the sound, nasal airflow, and sleep quality change, and record whether anyone observes pauses or choking. Treating nasal triggers and discussing a Weight Management Programme may be useful when those factors are present.

Arrange an assessment if snoring is loud and persistent, disrupts a bed partner, or occurs with morning headaches, waking unrefreshed, choking, or witnessed breathing pauses. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion, or chest pain. A strip should never delay care for breathing that stops or becomes difficult.

Could nasal congestion be contributing to my snoring? Do my symptoms suggest a sleep-breathing problem? Which treatments are suitable if a nasal strip does not help?