If snoring is keeping you up at night, nasal sprays could be your answer. Snoring often results from a congested nose, and clearing that blockage can make a big difference.
Not all nasal sprays work the same way, though. Let’s dive into the types and see how they can help you stop snoring.
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Can Nasal Sprays Stop Snoring?
Yes, nasal sprays can be effective in reducing or stopping snoring, particularly when the snoring is caused by nasal congestion or blockages.
You can check for nasal blockage by closing one nostril with a finger and trying to breathe through the other with your mouth closed. If it’s tough, you might have congestion.
If you snore with your mouth open or wake up with a dry mouth, that’s a sign of nasal blockage too.
Instead of uncomfortable nasal strips, try an over-the-counter nasal spray. They clear congestion, loosen mucus, and prevent inflammation.
For example, saline sprays moisturize and clear mucus, which can help with snoring from dry or congested passages.
But nasal spray usually work best for snoring caused by temporary problems like colds or allergies, not structural issues like a deviated septum.
You should also be careful with decongestant sprays. Overuse can lead to rebound congestion, making snoring worse when you stop using them.
5 Best Nasal Sprays That Can Help With Snoring
1. Steroid Nasal Sprays
These include Flonase (Fluticasone), Nasacort (Triamcinolone acetonide), and Nasonex (Mometasone furoate). These over-the-counter nasal steroid sprays are effective in reducing inflammation within the nasal passages, which can help alleviate nasal congestion, a common cause of snoring. They work by decreasing the inflammation and swelling in the nose, potentially improving airflow and reducing snoring.
2. Antihistamine Nasal Sprays
Astelin (Azelastine) is a prescription-only nasal spray that blocks allergies in the nose. It is likened to a “Zyrtec spray” and can be helpful for symptoms such as nasal congestion, drainage, and sneezing, which are often associated with allergic rhinitis. By addressing these allergy symptoms, Astelin can help reduce snoring caused by nasal congestion due to allergies.
3. Decongestant Nasal Sprays (Short-term use)
Afrin (Oxymetazoline) and similar over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays can provide temporary relief from nasal congestion, which may help with snoring.
However, it’s important to note that these sprays are only recommended for short-term use (1-2 days) due to the risk of rebound congestion, known as rhinitis medicamentosa, with longer use. This rebound effect can worsen nasal congestion and snoring if the spray is used for more than three days.
4. Saline Nasal Sprays
A study highlighted in the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute news story found that a simple saline (salt water) nasal spray was just as effective as an anti-inflammatory steroid nasal spray at easing sleep-related breathing difficulties in children, including snoring.
The research shows that both types of nasal sprays cleared symptoms while asleep in about 40% of cases. Saline nasal sprays work by cleaning the nose and reducing inflammation, not just in the nose but all the way down the back of the throat to the upper airway, which can significantly reduce snoring and breathing difficulties.
5. Natural/Herbal Nasal Sprays
Snoreeze Nasal Spray is an example of a natural/herbal nasal spray designed to target snoring caused by colds, allergies, or a blocked nose. It contains a unique blend of natural active ingredients that coat the nasal passages and open the airways to provide effective snoring relief for up to 8 hours.
The Bottom Line
Overall, nasal sprays can significantly reduce snoring caused by nasal blockage.
When choosing a nasal spray to help with snoring, determine if the snoring is due to nasal congestion, allergies, anatomical issues, or other causes. This will guide you in selecting the most appropriate type of nasal spray. For instance, if allergies are the cause, an antihistamine nasal spray might be most effective.
However, you should be aware of potential side effects. For example, decongestant sprays can lead to rebound congestion if used for more than a few days.
If you have chronic or severe snoring, don’t hesitate to see your family doctor. It might be a symptom of sleep apnea.
Dr. John Williams is a sleep specialist. He offers Sleep Telemedicine to help people deal with various sleep disorders, particularly sleep apnea.
Graduating from the University of Zagreb’s School of Medicine, he investigates the cellular mechanisms of vascular endothelial dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea. He also addresses cardiovascular complications of sleep deprivation and COPD. So if you have any sleep problems, let Dr. John Williams help you out.