Reviewed by Dr. P. Venkata Muni Reddy, MBBS, MS (ENT)
Nose magnets are devices meant to reduce snoring by improving airflow. These magnets have gained attention from people who snore, promising better sleep for them and their partners. In today’s era, social media plays a significant role in promoting products that claim to quickly transform lives.
But before using them, the common questions are: Are they safe? Do they actually work? Before considering nose magnets to reduce snoring, it’s important to understand the underlying reasons behind snoring.
Snoring occurs during sleep when airflow is partially blocked through the mouth and nose. The sound is produced due to the vibration of surrounding tissues.
Several factors can narrow the airway and lead to snoring, such as relaxed throat muscles or the tongue falling backward. Other contributing factors include:
Structural features like a long soft palate, uvula (the back part of the roof of your mouth), or swollen adenoids or tonsils.
Being overweight, which can add extra tissue around the neck and compress the airways.
Nasal polyps or a deviated septum.
Nasal congestion from allergies or colds.
Poor muscle tone, often due to aging.
Alcohol or certain medications, which can relax the throat muscles excessively.
In some cases, snoring is a sign of a more serious condition called sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Signs and symptoms include:
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Difficulty concentrating
Morning headaches
Waking up feeling unrefreshed
If left untreated, sleep apnea can put extra pressure on the cardiovascular system and lead to other health concerns. That’s why it’s essential to identify the causes of snoring and take the right approach.
Nose magnets are small devices placed inside the nostrils to help widen the air passages and improve airflow. They are designed to apply continuous pressure and a magnetic field to the nasal septum.
Nose magnets were patented on June 22, 1999, for the following purposes:
To keep the nasal passages open during sleep
To help reduce snoring
To assist athletes (especially swimmers) by blocking water from entering the nose
For first aid or medical uses, such as controlling nosebleeds or supporting devices like anesthetic face masks
NASA also introduced a product called Acusnore Anti-Snoring Magnetic Clip, combining a comfortable, non-slip silicone material and rare-earth magnets, based on principles from ancient Chinese magnetic therapy. However, in 2018, the British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association reviewed the product and found that while the magnets helped keep the clip in place, they did not apply sufficient pressure to dilate the nasal passages. The device had no significant impact on reducing snoring.
Medbound Times reached out to Dr. P. Venkata Muni Reddy, MBBS, MS (ENT), Sri Cure ENT and Dental Hospital, working as an Associate Professor in Sri Balaji Medical College, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India, for his opinion on the use of nose magnets in reducing snoring.
In his words,
“Nasal splints don’t reduce the symptoms of snoring because snoring is caused by multiple factors:
Hypertrophy of the tongue
Tonsillar enlargement
Narrowing of the laryngeal structure due to obesity
Being overweight
Deviated nasal septum, etc.”
A nasal splint may help improve nasal breathing. However, long-term use of the splint can cause dryness in the nose and crust formation, which may lead to nasal bleeding.
Dr. P. Venkata Muni Reddy, MBBS, MS (ENT), Sri Cure ENT & Dental Hospital, and, Associate Professor, Sri Balaji Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
Avoid alcohol at least three hours before bedtime to prevent over-relaxation of airway muscles
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce excess tissue around the throat
Address nasal issues and minimize exposure to allergens; medications may help reduce nasal swelling
Quit smoking to prevent airway inflammation
Adjust sleep position—sleeping on your side helps keep the airway open
Use pillows to elevate your head and promote better airflow
Other helpful devices include:
Nasal dilators or strips
Oral appliances
Positional devices
Snoring can disrupt your life and affect the quality of sleep—for you and your partner. While trendy gadgets like nose magnets may seem appealing, it's best to explore scientifically supported solutions. Always consult a medical professional before starting any treatment.
Trusting in evidence-based approaches will not only be safer but also more effective in the long run.
References:
Restivo, Jenette. 2025. “Do Products That Claim to Stop Snoring Actually Work?” Harvard Health, February 13, 2025. Accessed March 10, 2025. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/do-products-that-claim-to-stop-snoring-actually-work#:~:text=Anti%2Dsnoring%20products%2C%20such%20as,the%20vibrations%20that%20cause%20snoring.
British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association. “Acusnore Anti Snore Magnetic Nose Clip Tested & Reviewed.” British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association, May 1, 2018. Accessed March 10, 2025. https://britishsnoring.co.uk/Product%20Reviews/Acusnore%20Anti%20Snore%20Magnetic%20Nose%20Clip/#:~:text=Unfortunately%20the%20combined%20powers%20of,we%20recommend%20this%20product%20%2D%20No.
Lifestyle Desk. 2025. “Are Those Instagram-Viral Nose Magnets Actually Safe to Use to Stop Snoring?” The Indian Express, February 26, 2025. Accessed March 10, 2025. https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/is-good-idea-buy-viral-nose-magnets-claim-snoring-issues-9747671/
By Dr. Lakshmisahithi Tanneru
MSM
