Nasal Strips One Of Many Options To Cut Down On Nighttime Congestion Snoring
Snoring and having nasal congestion can be frustrating for both you and your family.
The congestion and snoring can keep both you and your partner from getting a restful nights sleep.
One option to help with nighttime congestion and snoring is over-the-counternasal dilator strips, according to the American Rhinologic Society .
The strips are worn across your nose to open your sinus passages and help you breathe. Each flexible strip is spring-like and fits on the outside of your nose just above where your nostrils flare out.
Put the strip on your nose using the sticky side, and it should stay in place through the night. Because the strips are flexible, they try to straighten back out once stuck to the natural curve of your nose. When they do this, they lift both sides of your nose. The lifting is what helps you to breathe easier. The lifting opens your nasal passages, reduces snoring, and eases nighttime congestion.
According to the National Institutes of Health , one study of nasal strips showed they help decrease snoring and reduce sleepiness. The study did not include anyone withsleep apnea or any other serious sleeping or breathing issues.
Though nasal strips can help improve nighttime congestion and snoring for some people, they arent the right fix for everyone.
Your doctor can help you decide what options might be the best for you to combat nighttime congestion and reduce snoring.
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Breathe Right Nasal Strips
These clear plastic adhesive strips are worn over the bridge of the nose and have spring-like bands that lift the nasal passages, supposedly opening them wider to improve airflow.
Each strip is individually packaged and has a peel-away backing for easy application over the nose.
However, because these disposable strips are only good for one use each, theres quite a bit of unnecessary waste associated with this product.
Though the Anti Snore Chin Strap is advertised on its packaging as being made from a breathable and comfortable material, John found the device made his head feel a little too warm in the spots it covered about 15 minutes after he put it on.
He described it as, not the worst thing, but definitely not comfortable either.
Shortly after John fell asleep that night, he began to snore. However, I quickly noticed the sound of his snoring was different. It came in starts and stops, a choppy noise that wasnt like his normal snoring at all.
In fact, it sounded like he was having a more difficult time breathing.
Concerned, I woke him up and had him take it off. Not only did the Anti Snore Chin Strap fail to stop Johns snoring, it was now keeping me awake with worry it would interfere with his breathing while he slept.
Do Snoring Strips Work
The effectiveness of snoring strips may vary depending on the cause and extent of the obstruction. While the strips may lift the side of the nose, they do not help in every instance. For example, its possible they may fall off in the middle of the night.
They also do not treat underlying sleep disorders in which snoring is a symptom, such as sleep apnea . But when they work, they are a simple and noninvasive way to reduce snoring.
One advantage of snoring strips is they are drug-free. They are also available without a prescription, which is convenient. Snore strips usually have little to no side effects. Usually, the only side effect is possible skin irritation, and that is often mild. The adhesive on the underside of the strip has the potential to injure the skin when it is removed. But gently removing the strip may decrease the risk of irritation.
Studies appear to be mixed on the effectiveness of snore strips. So, are they worth a try? Maybe. Although snoring strips will not treat sleep disorders, they may decrease snoring in some cases. Since they usually do not cause side effects and are relatively affordable, it might be worth a try.
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Will It Leave A Mark On My Nose After I Remove It
Always remove your nasal strip while washing your face with warm water or when youre in the shower. Always remove the strip gently.
An application site reaction may occur, such as redness, irritation, pain, peeling, or bleeding. Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, itching, and swelling may occur when using the nasal strips. If this occurs, discontinue use.
Side Effects Of Mouth Taping
Side effects of mouth taping have not yet been fully studied, but anecdotally reported side effects include:
- Irritation on or around the lips
- Pain when ripping off the tape, especially for those with facial hair
- Disrupted sleep due to irritation from the tape or difficulty breathing through the nose
- Anxiety, for those who feel uncomfortable having their mouth taped shut
- Discomfort or difficulty breathing
Future research could uncover additional potential side effects related to mouth taping.
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A Nightly Struggle: Sleep Apnea Symptoms
If you have sleep apnea, your breathing can be affected for 10 to 30 seconds during each apnea. This can happen up to 400 times in one night.
For those who chronically suffer from sleep apnea, each morning/day youll experience symptoms from the above list. The best way to figure out how often your sleep apnea is impacting you, though, is by relying on a partner. If they arent already, ask your partner to inform you of these sleep disturbances.
Despite the severity of your sleep apnea on any given night, receiving treatment prevents future health complications. Leaving your sleeping disorder untreated can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and more.
The most common sleep apnea symptoms include:
- Dry mouth
- Morning headaches and sore throats
- Fatigue during the day
What Is A Cpap Device And How Does It Work
A CPAP device is a machine that uses a hose and airtight nosepiece or mask to deliver a steady stream of air as you sleep. The air pressure helps keep your airway open, preventing pauses in breathing.
CPAP technology is constantly being updated and improved, and the new CPAP devices are lighter, quieter, and more comfortable than they used to be. So even if youve given up on them in the past, you owe it to yourself to give them a second look.
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The Impact Of Nasal Breathing On Obstructive Sleep Apnea
by DreamClear | Apr 28, 2021
Sleep apnea is a common problem that affects many Americans, but nasal breathing can result in improved sleep quality. In this breathing technique, smaller hairs seen in the anterior part of the nasal cavity, called cilia, move back and forth to move the mucus out of the sinuses and back of the nose. Cilia can also be found lining the air passages, where they help move mucus out of the lungs. Cilia also protect the nasal passages and other parts of the respiratory tract, filtering out dust and other particles that enter the nose through the breathed air.
According to the Ciliopathy Alliance, cilia range from 1-10 micrometers and the width is less than 1 micrometer. It is estimated that cilia protect our bodies against about 20 billion particles of foreign matter every day. Air travels from the nose through the windpipe to the lungs. Nasal breathing keeps air in your lungs longer than mouth breathing and provides up to 20% more oxygen in your bloodstream at any given time. Nasal breathing also warms the air by as much as 40 degrees before it gets to the lungs, this is especially important in cold weather. Most importantly, patients minimize the effects of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that affects over 26% of American adults ages 30-70.
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Does Altitude Affect Sleep Apnea
July 02, 2020obstructive sleep apneasleep apnea
Depending on what type of sleep apnea you have, there will be different factors to account for, such as weight loss to help with obstructive sleep apnea and changing medication to help with central sleep apnea. But something that affects all types of sleep apnea is altitude, specifically, high altitude.
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is The Most Common Subtype Of The Condition
The throat muscles support the soft tissues in the back of the throat such as the soft palate, the uvula, the tonsils, and tongue so when those muscles collapse too much, those tissues can fall back into the throat, partially or completely blocking the normal flow of air in your airway. When the airway is blocked partially the person may start to snore, which is why this symptom is common in OSA.
When your brain senses that you arent getting enough oxygen, it signals your body to wake up enough so that you can reopen your airway, and you may gasp for air during the night. Simply put, having obstructive sleep apnea means that not enough air can get into lungs at night, and your brain wakes you up to breathe, says Robson Capasso, MD, chief of sleep surgery and associate professor of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine in California.
Research indicates that cases of obstructive sleep apnea have risen significantly in the last two decades. This is likely due to two main factors: Obesity has increased dramatically and there is more awareness about sleep apnea among doctors and the public at large, so more people are being screened and diagnosed, says James Rowley, MD, professor of medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, and a member of the board of directors of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine .
Signs And Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea
Family members or bed partners often pick up on the signs of sleep apnea first. Many people with sleep apnea don’t know they’re snoring and gasping for breath at night. If you have any of the following signs, see your doctor:
- daytime sleepiness
- loud snoring followed by silent pauses
- gasping or choking during sleep
- morning headache
- poor concentration or memory loss
- lowered sex drive
Snoring by itself doesn’t necessarily mean that you have sleep apnea. It is true that loud snoring is common in people with this disorder, but there’s a big difference between simple snoring and sleep apnea.
Untreated sleep apnea can cause serious health problems. If it’s not treated, sleep apnea can lead to:
- high blood pressure
- work-related injuries
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A Popular Noninvasive Option
Breathe Right Nasal Strips are intended to relieve nasal congestion at night, but it just so happens that the mechanism also reduces snoring. When you place a strip over the bridge of your nose, it helps keep your nasal passage open, allowing air to flow in and out more smoothly. They won’t help you correct a deviated septum or anything like that, but it’s a simple solution that can improve your breathing in the right circumstances. , these strips have helped reduce the noise level and frequency of snoring throughout the night.
How Do Breathe Right Nasal Strips Work
Each Breathe Right® nasal strip is uniquely engineered with flexible spring-like bands that gently stick to the area right above the flare of each nostril. As the bands attempt to straighten back to their original shape, they gently lift the sides of the noseinstantly opening your nose for relief you can feel right away.
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You Have To Breathe Right To Sleep Right
First, we listen to understand what youve been through. Then, we evaluate your concerns using the best technology and create a customized treatment plan unique to your needs. We quickly discover the root of your concerns, provide real relief through long-term solutions and guide you through the complexity of insurance coverage.
Step 1
Finally get answers to your sinus questions. Your First Visit is focused on finding the facts with an exam to ensure we understand the root of your issue. We’ll discuss your goals and design a plan specific to you.
Step 2
You’ll meet with a provider for your Breathing Triangle® Evaluation. Your provider will immediately review the results with you and discuss a personalized plan to solve your issues. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of insurance. Before you begin your treatment plan, you can get an estimate of all out-of-pocket costs.
Step 3
To further assess the root cause of your problem you will receive an in-office CT scan. Your provider will immediately review the results with you and discuss how ADVENT can alleviate any nasal obstructions that may be causing your snoring or sleep apnea.
Step 4
Simple solutions treat your nasal airways, which may also reduce excessive snoring.
Step 5
Once the nasal passageways are open, if necessary, we will discuss further treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea, including at-home medical management and simple in-office procedures.
Is It Sleep Apnea Or Just Snoring
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. So how do you tell the difference between normal snoring and a more serious case of sleep apnea?
The biggest telltale sign is how you feel during the day. Normal snoring doesnt interfere with the quality of your sleep as much as sleep apnea does, so youre less likely to suffer from extreme fatigue and sleepiness during the day. The way you sound when youre snoring also provides clues. As mentioned above, if youre gasping, choking, or making other unusual sounds, you should suspect sleep apnea.
Keep in mind that even if you dont have sleep apnea, a snoring problem can get in the way of your bed partners rest and affect your own sleep quality. But there are tips and treatments that can help you stop snoring.
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Lifestyle Treatments For Sleep Apnea
For mild cases of sleep apnea, lifestyle changes may be enough to treat the issue. Your doctor will let you know if thats the right starting point. But even if you are prescribed a medical treatment, the following changes can help reduce your sleep apnea episodes and improve your sleep.
Lose weight. If you are overweight, losing weight can have an enormous impact. While it is usually not a total cure, it can reduce the number of breathing episodes you experience, reduce your blood pressure, and decrease daytime sleepiness. Even a small amount of weight loss can open up your throat and improve sleep apnea symptoms.
Exercise. Even when exercise does not lead to weight loss, it can decrease your sleep apnea breathing episodes and improve your alertness and energy during the day. Aerobic exercise, resistance training, and yoga are all good choices for strengthening the muscles in your airways and improving breathing.
Sleep on your side. Lying on your back is the worst position for sleep apnea, as it causes the jaw, tongue, and other soft tissues to drop back toward the throat, narrowing your airway. Sleeping on your stomach isnt much better, since lying face down or twisting your head to the side both obstruct breathing. Lying on your side, on the other hand, helps keep your airway open. If you find side sleeping uncomfortable or you tend to roll on to your back after youre asleep, countered side pillows or body pillows may help.
How Are Nasal Dilators Meant To Work
This is a pretty simple product, to be honest. They are meant to be inserted into the nasal passages, just enough to widen them out. This allows more air to pass through, and should make you feel much less congested or restricted in your breathing.
Nasal dilators are designed to do two things.
First of all, they were designed to help promote nose breathing which is pretty important. It is much healthier to breathe through your nose during sleep than through your mouth and this type of product makes that much easier to do.
And secondly, they help to widen out the nostrils enough to help stop any instances of nasal breathing that might occur.
Unfortunately, this is also one of the downsides to nasal dilators. They help to treat the root causes of nasal snoring but not the most common type of snoring, which is soft palate vibration.
This means that, while they may always help, by helping to promote nose breathing, they might not do the trick in every case especially among those who are snoring due to soft palate vibration.
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How To Mouth Tape Safely
Since mouth taping is not considered a commonly accepted practice, speak to your doctor before trying it. Currently, there are no official guidelines outlining how to mouth tape safely. Also, the risks that come with mouth taping without a doctorâs advice are unknown.
Before trying mouth taping for sleep, it is a good idea to test the mouth strips during the day. If you have difficulty breathing through your nose due to allergies, nasal polyps, or another reason, you should avoid mouth taping.
You can minimize irritation and leftover stickiness by applying a food-safe gel or oil to the area around your mouth before sticking on the tape. When putting on the tape, consider folding it over at one corner for easier removal in the morning.
Correct Structural Problems In Your Nose
Some people are born with or experience an injury that gives them a deviated septum. This is the misalignment of the wall that separates both sides of the nose, which restricts airflow. It may cause mouth breathing during sleep, causing snoring. It may be necessary to get surgery to correct this condition. Talk to your doctor.
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