Nasal-based snoring

Causes of snoring and tips that can help you stop.

23 October 2024

4 min read.

Nasal based snoring can be broken up into two main categories, small or collapsing nostrils and nasal stuffiness which combine 4 main areas.

During sleep we are designed to breathe through the nose. If for any reason nasal breathing is not possible our body’s selfpreservation mechanism forces us to breathe through the mouth which leads to snoring. There are several reasons as to why some people find it difficult to breathe through the nose during sleep.

• Small or collapsing nostrils: Includes the size of nostrils or nasal collapse (alar collapse)
• Nasal stuffiness: Includes nocturnal nasal congestion (rhinitis), allergies and nasal obstruction (anatomic abnormalities)

These features increase nasal resistance, commonly known simply as ‘nasal resistance’. Nasal resistance may be a contributing factor in the occurrence of sleep disordered breathing, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

Small or Collapsing Nostrils

Small or collapsing nostrils can prevent you from successfully breathing through your nose. This encourages mouth breathing, and it is the air hitting the back of the throat that causes the snoring noise. By using simple nasal dilators or nasal strips you can easily remedy this problem.

Nozovent Nasal Dilator is a plastic device that inserts into the nostrils and prevents them from collapsing. Similarly, Breathe Right Nasal Strips are positioned on the outside of the nostrils to open the nasal airways and prevent them from collapsing during inspiration.

Find out more about Small or Collapsing Nostrils

See our range of Nasal Strips & Dilators

Nasal Stuffiness

Nasal stuffiness is another common reason for mouth breathing, as we tend to breathe with our mouth open to compensate for not being able to breathe through the nose. It is essential that you find out what is causing the nasal stuffiness and treat it.

You may also like to try steam inhalation, this traditional remedy is very worthwhile. Alternatively, nasal and catarrhal congestion can be reduced by using our Rhynil Herbal Spray which is safe for long term use and is currently our Best Selling snoring product.

Find out more about Nasal Stuffiness

See our Nasal Hygiene & Allergy Relief ranges

Allergies

Allergic Rhinitis is a common cause of snoring. This allergic inflammation of the nose can cause the partial obstruction that gives rise to snoring sounds. Dust and the dung of the house dust mite can cause nasal congestion similar to the symptoms displayed by those individuals who smoke. The allergy related conditions of asthma and eczema are also associated with snoring problems.

Allergy to feather pillows and pet hair are a common cause of severe snoring. If you have feather bedding you may well find that by changing to synthetic fibre filled bedding you can eliminate the snoring overnight. Similarly you may be allergic to pet hair and your snoring may be worse if your pet has been in your bedroom or sitting on your bed. Substances such as perfumes, cosmetics, fabric softeners, air fresheners and insect sprays can all cause allergy type symptoms.

If your allergy persists you may find antihistamines can be very useful. Ask your GP for advice.

Find out more about how allergies cause snoring

Physical Abnormalities

Your nasal problem could also be caused by physical abnormalities such as polyps. Polyps are a collective of mass tissue resembling a bunch of grapes. Their presence essentially blocks the airway. If you believe that you may suffer from polyps you should contact your local GP who will be happy to give your nasal airway a full examination.

Find out more about nasal polyps on the NHS website here