Snoring and Nasal Care: Five Sensible Checks

When snoring comes with a blocked or uncomfortable nose, nasal care may be part of the discussion. It is important to choose a suitable approach and use it correctly. Clearing the nose does not establish that a breathing disorder has been excluded.

1. Describe the nasal problem

Tell a pharmacist or clinician whether the blockage is new, persistent, one-sided or accompanied by other symptoms. Include treatments already tried. A useful description is more informative than assuming all congestion is an allergy.

2. Distinguish different products

A saline product, allergy medicine and mechanical nasal strip have different purposes. Read the label rather than treating every nasal product as an anti-snoring treatment or assuming each contains the same active ingredients.

3. Use rinse equipment safely

If a nasal rinse is appropriate, follow the device instructions. Use distilled, sterile or previously boiled and cooled water, not untreated tap water. Prepare the recommended saline mixture and clean and dry the device as directed.

4. Review discomfort

Do not continue experimenting if a product worsens irritation or causes troublesome symptoms. Ask for advice and bring its name or packaging, so the discussion concerns the actual product rather than a broad category.

5. Keep snoring in the wider picture

Persistent disturbance, breathing pauses, gasping or substantial sleepiness deserve assessment even if nasal breathing feels easier. Nasal comfort and sleep breathing are related questions, but improving one does not automatically answer the other.

Keep reading

• When Should You See a Doctor About Your Snoring?

Sources and further reading

• NHS: Snoring
• FDA: Safe use of nasal rinses

Published by TannerMedico A/S, the manufacturer of Asonor. This article provides general information for adults and does not replace individual medical advice.