20 Mar CPAP Alternatives: What Is a Magnetic Nose Clip for Snoring and Does It Work?
Many individuals who snore believe they can save time and money by troubleshooting the snoring on their own with home remedies or store-bought gadgets. This mindset is so common that thousands of sleep apnea products exist today.
The reality about most sleep apnea “treatment” gadgets is that they usually boast vague, unrealistic claims that lack medical basis and are, therefore, a waste of time and money that could’ve been put toward effective, professional medical treatment.
One type of sleep apnea symptom “treatment” gadget has made waves on social media (especially Instagram and TikTok) for several months. In this blog, we’re taking a deep dive into the trendy magnetic nose clip for snoring sufferers, how they’re supposed to work, and sharing our professional opinion (as sleep specialists) about whether they work.
The Trending Magnetic Nose Clip for Snoring
As the introduction mentions, a magnetic nose clip for snoring is the latest gadget in the sleep apnea relief industry to go viral on social media.
The device works very similarly to the band-aid-like strip that some individuals wear to bed to dilate their nostrils. The product user first applies two stickers with small round magnets to the outer surface of each nostril, then the clip—an inch-long strip of plastic or silicone with a magnet on each end of the same side—is attached by its magnets to the magnets on the stickers.
Sleep Experts’ Opinions of the Magnetic Nose Clip for Snoring
Quality Control Discrepancies and Misleading Claims
One shady aspect of this gadget is that no sole inventor or brand is associated with it. None of the brands selling these devices have any certifications of their effectiveness or safety awarded to them by reputable organizations in the sleep apnea sector.
Another concern is that the different brands’ versions of the gadgets often vary greatly in price and material quality. Many brands are also privately labeled storefronts for the same manufacturers, despite most falsely claiming their product is unique and thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness.
Safety and Effectiveness
These gadgets have not undergone extensive, professional testing in controlled environments, so statements about their safety and efficacy cannot be made validly.
It is unlikely that wearing this device would cause actual harm. The extent of its negative reviews include customers complaining that the stickers’ adhesives irritate their skin, that nostril stretching feels uncomfortable, and that they do not notice any real improvement in symptoms.
These devices are largely ineffective in reducing or stopping snoring for most purchasers because they only aim to dilate the nostrils. And dilating the nostrils will only relieve snoring if it is caused by narrow nasal passages. If your snoring results from sleep apnea, this device will not fix it.
The Right Way to Troubleshoot Snoring (that Actually Helps)
The most practical and worthy approach to finding relief from sleep apnea symptoms is asking your general practitioner to refer you to a sleep specialist.
Not only do sleep specialists have extensive knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the airways and how their obstruction causes snoring (and is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea), but they also apply their knowledge to fit patients with devices that are clinically tested and proven to be safe and effective.
Where to Find a Good Sleep Specialist in Birmingham
At TMJ & Sleep Solutions of Alabama, we specialize in dental sleep therapy, treating patients with noninvasive, clinically tested, FDA-approved oral appliances. Many patients prefer oral appliance therapy to CPAP, which is our specialty. Amy Hartsfield, DMD, one of Alabama’s top experts in dental sleep medicine, leads our practice.
Our mission is to provide personalized care to restore quality of life through better sleep, one patient at a time. If you are experiencing sleep issues, don’t hesitate to contact us today to book an appointment or ask your primary care physician to coordinate a referral to our office.