Can Nasal Strips Help Sleep Apnea?
April 15, 2023 1:33 pmIf you struggle with sleep apnea, you’re likely ready to try anything to get a good night of sleep! You may have heard about nasal strips, which claim to be an easy and inexpensive way to combat snoring. But do nasal strips actually have a positive effect on sleep apnea?
What Is Sleep Apnea?
About 1 in 15 Americans struggle with sleep apnea, a disorder in which one’s breathing repeatedly stops while asleep. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the muscles of your throat relax, block your airways, and momentarily prevent you from breathing. When this happens, your body wakes up briefly to make sure you start breathing again, resulting in a restless night of sleep.
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a disorder where the brain fails to communicate properly with the muscles that control your breathing. This form of apnea is less common but has the same side effects as OSA.
What Do Nasal Strips Do?
Nasal strips are flexible adhesive bands that stick to the outside of your nose just above the flare of your nostrils. When correctly placed, they gently pull your nasal cavities open so that oxygen can flow more freely through them.
While nasal strips may help you breathe more easily if you are congested or have naturally narrow airways, they are not an effective solution when it comes to sleep apnea because sleep apnea is typically related to issues with the throat or the brain. That said, they might be helpful to have on hand when you are dealing with sinus problems.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Raleigh, NC
If you’re ready to treat your obstructive sleep apnea, please schedule an appointment at RespAir Sleep. Our team will talk you through all of our available services, from oral appliance therapy to laser and muscle treatments. Contact us today!
Categorised in: Sleep FAQ
