Can Steroid Nasal Sprays Really Help You Stop Snoring?

If you or your bed partner snores, you must be desperate to find something that can put a stop to the annoying snoring. However, to stop snoring, you need to find the reason behind the snoring issue. If you are snoring heavily, you are at risk for sleep apnea.

Of all the many causes of snoring, nasal congestion is one of the more common ones, especially among individuals suffering with allergies or the common cold.  Whether you call it allergic rhinitis or hay fever, environmental allergens are oftentimes at the root of breathing difficulties and chronic snoring.  Fortunately, the right steroid-based snore stop spray can be effective at alleviating snoring by relieving nasal congestion.  So, what are steroid nasal sprays and which is the best steroid nasal spray for snoring?

Steroid nasal sprays, or nasal corticosteroid sprays as they are often referred to, is a medication that enables you to breathe through your nose easier and snore less while sleeping.  When sprayed into each nostril, steroid nasal sprays relieve stuffiness by reducing inflammation in the airway and relieving the symptoms of nasal congestion.  These sprays can be used to treat a number of conditions including hay fever, nasal polyps, non-allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis.

However, anyone that snores has his or her own reasons. Whether it is seasonal allergies, chronic cold or deviated septum, it is important that you get the issue evaluated by health care professionals.

There is evidence which supports that the steroid nasal sprays help in reducing snoring. Medical journals have published research that demonstrated a lot of improvement in the severity and frequency of snoring in a control group. The study shows improvement in the symptom of snoring after using steroid nasal sprays on a nightly basis.

Do Nasal Steroid Sprays Really Help with Snoring?

Steroid nasal sprays are a good solution for snoring, especially if the snoring is caused by nasal congestion. The steroid spray is effective in reducing swelling in the airways, enhancing airflow when you are asleep. The reasons for nasal congestion include:

• Allergies
• Nasal polyps
• Sinusitis
• Rhinitis

These cause blockages that impede proper breathing, leading to snoring. The effectiveness of the nasal steroid sprays depends on the cause of your snoring. But it may not be effective, if the reason for your snoring is deviated septum, sleep apnea, or other physical causes. For effective treatment, combining the nasal steroid spray with other anti-snoring remedies like side sleeping, using a humidifier and avoiding alcohol is better.

Best Anti-Snoring Nasal Sprays – Do They Work?

Most of the anti-snoring nasal sprays work to reduce inflammation in the airway, reduce the mucus production and open nasal passages. That improves airflow to help you stop snoring. With a variety of nasal sprays available, here are some that can help you:

Nasal steroid spray: Reduce inflammation in the nasal tissues

Saline spray: Reduces congestion and moisturizes nasal passages

Decongestant spray: Reduces inflammation in nasal passages

Essential oil spray: Peppermint and eucalyptus essential oil spray sooth airways and reduce inflammation

The anti-snoring nasal sprays are effective for nasal congestion, mild inflammation and allergies. However, if these don’t work to reduce snoring, use other anti-snoring remedies or consult with a doctor to assess for sleep apnea.

How to Use Nasal Sprays for Snoring Relief – A Step-by-Step Guide

It is important to select the right nasal spray for snoring relief. Whether it is a saline spray for nasal congestion, antihistamine spray for allergies or steroid spray for inflammation, it is better to consult with a doctor for recommendation. As each nasal spray has different guidelines for usage, it is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer.

Step-by-step usage

• Shake the spray bottle properly before use.
• Blow your nose properly and clear your nasal passages so that the spray is absorbed properly.
• Tilt your head slightly forward as it will directly spray into the nasal passages. This position will ensure that it does not drip down your throat.

Insert the nozzle into one nostril and spray. Repeat it with the other nozzle. Gently inhale.

Can Nasal Sprays Help with Sleep Apnea or Just Snoring?

Nasal sprays are effective solution for snoring caused by nasal congestion, but impact on sleep apnea is limited. Inflammation, improved airflow and opening congested nasal passages are better after the use of steroid sprays. That minimizes snoring.  Additionally, it is good for those individuals as they suffer with airway blockages due to:

• Sinus blockages
• Colds
• Allergies
• Nasal congestion

Individuals with Obstructive Sleep Apnea understand that nasal sprays are not sufficient to reduce their symptoms. The main reason is that the throat muscles collapse due to narrowing airways and require proper treatment such as oral devices, CPAP therapy or even surgery.

Steroid vs. Non-Steroid Nasal Sprays – Which Works Best for Snoring?

Nasal sprays help to reduce snoring but the decision between choosing the non-steroid and steroid nasal spray is difficult. It depends upon the reason behind the nasal obstruction or congestion.

Steroid nasal sprays:  These reduce the swelling and inflammation within the nasal passages due to chronic sinusitis or allergies. Though long term relief is provided, it takes a couple of days of usage to be effective. These work well for those with chronic nasal congestion.

Non-Steroidal Nasal Sprays:  These are antihistamine sprays, saline sprays that clear the mucus and offer relief from allergies. The decongestant sprays offer fast relief but you may get used to it, if you use it for over three days.

Nose Breathing-related Snoring

Of the 4 different forms of snoring (i.e. mouth, nose, throat, and tongue snoring) nasal or nose snoring solution is considered the most common.  Nose snoring is commonly attributed to an anatomical anomaly such as a deviated septum or other physical obstruction.  Other causes of nose snoring include colds, dust and pet allergies, nasal stiffness, and certain OTC or prescription medications.  Breathing through your nose during sleep can elevate your risk of snoring.  Here’s why.

When you have a cold or suffer with allergies, breathing through your nose during sleep can be a difficult endeavor because the airway becomes restricted.  Environmental allergens such as dust, molds, pet dander, pollen, and trees can make you feel stuffy, thereby leading to an obstruction of your airway and an elevated risk of snoring.  In the more severe cases, this can cause sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous sleep-related breathing disorder.

How do Nasal Corticosteroid sprays alleviate Snoring?

The best steroid nasal spray for snoring or snore stop spray reduces mucus and swelling in your nasal passageways. These sprays are different from sprays that alleviate the symptoms of allergies and the common cold. Nasal corticosteroid sprays are most effective when they’re used on a daily basis.  A doctor or healthcare provider can recommend the number of sprays to use every day.  Although you can use these sprays as needed, regular usage provides the best overall results.

How and when should You use Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays?

As mentioned above, if your snoring is attributed to allergies or congestion, steroid nasal sprays can be used as needed or as a long-term treatment for congestion and snoring.  If you’re a hay fever sufferer, it’s best to start using a nasal spray within a couple of weeks before your symptoms normally start as it may take two or three days before it starts working.  Whether it’s allergies, hay fever, or other forms of congestion, it’s always best to use a snore stop spray regularly. Additionally, you can follow the advice of the doctor that has recommended the spray.

Potential Side Effects

As with any medication be it OTC or prescribed, there is always a risk of potential side effects to be aware of.  In most instances, nasal corticosteroid sprays are considered safe for all adults while in other circumstances, there are some nasal sprays that are deemed safe for children.  If you’re pregnant or planning on getting pregnant, your doctor or healthcare provider can recommend the best steroid nasal spray for snoring during pregnancy. It helps to stop snoring and once you start using them, you will be able to see the difference in the quality of sleep you get.

Nasal corticosteroid sprays only work in your nasal passageways and have no effect on any other area of the body – unless too much is used.  Some of the more common side effects include these symptoms:

• burning, dryness, or stinging in the nostrils and nasal passageways
• headaches
• nasal itching, redness, or swelling
• nasal passage infections
• nosebleeds (on rare occasions)
• sneezing
• throat irritation
• unpleasant taste in the mouth

Just make sure that you or other family members use the spray exactly as instructed in order to avoid adverse side effects.  We recommend visiting your doctor or healthcare provider to regularly examine your nasal passages and ensure that no problems are developing.  It’s always best to contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you notice any of the above symptoms as well as when:

• the nasal spray isn’t relieving your symptoms
• you have concerns or questions regarding the nasal spray or your symptoms
• you’re having difficulties using the nasal spray

However, there are instances wherein you might not get the relief that you are looking for because the snoring issue can be due to physical abnormalities such a deviated septum or inflammation in the tonsils, or elongated uvula. That would need surgery to correct the physical problem.

Asonor Anti-snoring Spray Solution has been clinically proven effective at relieving snoring in 75% of the cases studies.  For more information, visit our website or send us your questions to [email protected] today.

Conclusion

It is a fact that steroid nasal sprays can limit snoring but the effectiveness of the nasal spray will be based on the cause of snoring. The nasal spray works and reduces the swelling, enhancing your breathing by widening the nasal passages. If your snoring is due to allergies, chronic inflammation or even sinusitis, even then steroid nasal sprays can improve your breathing. It is less effective, if your snoring is caused by:

• Sleep apnea
• Obesity
• Relaxation of throat muscles
• Lifestyle issues

If your snoring has increased or there are side effects such as irritation or dryness in the nasal passages, consult with a doctor. When used correctly, steroid nasal drops are effective for your snoring issues.

FAQs

How long does it take for a nasal spray to reduce snoring?

This depends upon the type of nasal spray that is used, to stop snoring. To clear congestion, use saline sprays for immediate effectiveness, while antihistamine and steroid sprays can take a couple of days or weeks before the complete effect is felt.

Can nasal sprays permanently stop snoring, or is it a temporary solution?

Mostly, nasal sprays offer temporary relief by addressing congestion and nasal airways inflammation which helps to stop snoring. However, if the reason for your snoring is sleep apnea or excess weight, it will be ineffective. Consult with a doctor for the right long-term solution.

Are there any natural alternatives to steroid nasal sprays for snoring?

Yes, there are natural alternatives such as steam inhalation to reduce the inflammation, saline sprays to clear congestion, nasal strips to widen the nostrils to breathe better. You can use essential oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus to help clear the blockages and breathe better.

Can nasal sprays help with snoring caused by sleep apnea?

Yes, it can help if the nasal congestion is adding to the airway obstruction. With a saline spray you can clear the accumulated mucus, antihistamine spray can help limit allergies while steroid nasal spray can reduce the swelling. However, the root cause of sleep apnea needs to be addressed by a doctor.

How do I choose the best nasal spray for my snoring problem?

You need to identify the cause of your snoring before selecting a nasal spray. If it is allergies, antihistamine nasal spray will help, but if it is a congestion, you will need decongestant spray or a saline spray. For reducing inflammation, use a steroid nasal spray to breathe better.