Do Snoring Sprays Work? What to Know Before You Try One

You’ve tried the white noise machine, the earplugs, maybe even kicked your partner out of bed — but the snoring just won’t stop. At this point, you’d try almost anything for a quiet night, and maybe that’s why you’re wondering: Do snoring sprays work?

Snoring sprays promise an easy fix — just a few spritzes before bed, and you’re good to go. But can they really stop snoring, or are they just another temporary solution?

Let’s take a closer look at how they work, what the research says, and whether they’re worth trying.

Snoring sprays come in two main types, each targeting different causes of snoring:

• Throat spray for snoring: These sprays lubricate the soft tissues at the back of the throat, reducing vibration as air passes through. The idea is that a well-lubricated airway moves more smoothly, minimizing the fluttering that causes snoring.

• Nasal spray for snoring: Reduces nasal inflammation and congestion. If your snoring is caused by a blocked nasal airway, a nasal spray might help you breathe more easily through your nose instead of your mouth, potentially reducing snoring.

Snoring happens when airflow is partially blocked during sleep, causing soft tissues in the throat or nasal passages to vibrate. Several factors can contribute to this:

• Nasal congestion. From allergies, colds, or sinus issues

• Dry throat tissues. This makes vibrations louder

• Sleeping position. Back sleeping, in particular, can cause the tongue and throat tissues to collapse

• Mouth breathing. This dries out the airway and increases tissue vibration.

Throat and nasal snoring sprays aim to tackle specific causes — dryness and congestion — but they don’t fix structural issues like sleep position or deeper airway obstructions.

Snoring sprays sound promising, but do they actually work? Sometimes — but not for everyone.

There’s limited evidence that snoring sprays are a permanent or long-term solution, but what is out there shows that they may provide mild improvement, especially in people with nasal congestion.

Studies suggest that nasal sprays containing steroids or antihistamines can reduce inflammation and improve airflow, which may lead to less snoring in allergy sufferers.

Throat sprays, on the other hand, have less scientific backing. While lubricating the throat may slightly reduce vibration, there’s little clinical evidence proving it works long-term. Most snorers need more than a temporary moisture boost to keep their airway open all night.

Even if a spray helps for a night or two, there are major limitations:

• They don’t fix the root cause. Snoring is often linked to sleep position, weight, or airway anatomy, which can’t be changed.

• Effects are temporary. Even if a throat spray reduces vibration, the effect may wear off quickly.

• They don’t help with sleep apnea. If your snoring is due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), sprays won’t be enough — you’ll need a medically-backed treatment.

If you’ve tried a snoring spray and didn’t see results, you’re not alone. But don’t worry, there are many snoring solutions that each help the different root causes of snoring.

Not all snoring sprays work the same way. Choosing the right one depends on why you snore in the first place.

So, which one should you choose? If your snoring worsens during allergy season or when you’re sick, try a nasal spray. If your snoring is deep and throaty year-round, a throat spray might be better. Neither will fix snoring caused by sleep position, weight, or airway structure.

If you’re not seeing results, it may be time to consider a different and science-backed solution.

Tried a snoring spray, and you’re still waking up to complaints about your snoring? You’re not alone. While snoring sprays might help a little, they don’t fix the root cause of snoring for most people. The good news? There are more reliable, non-invasive solutions worth trying.

Sleeping on your back makes snoring worse — switching to your side can help. When you sleep on your back, your tongue and soft tissues collapse into your airway, making snoring louder. If you cannot stop sleeping on your back, you should try:

• A body pillow or small ball is placed behind your back to keep from rolling over.

• A specially designed anti-snore pillow, like the Posiform Pillow, to support side sleeping.

• An alternative sleeping position, like sleeping on your tummy, is better than sleeping on your back.

If being on your side is uncomfortable, that could be because you do not have the correct neck and back support. Make sure you position them so you feel comfortable and you can breathe freely.

If you need a better pillow, try our SilverSafe Luxury Memory Foam pillow, or better yet, our Posiform Anti-Snore pillow! It is specially designed for side sleeping and to reduce snoring. 

A mandibular advancement device gently pulls your lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open. It’s a clinically proven way to reduce snoring — unlike sprays, which only provide temporary relief.

If you are looking for a good mouth guard, try our Somnofit-S Mouth Guard+. It’s clinically proven to reduce snoring and improve sleep quality. 

If a nasal spray didn’t cut it, try:

• Nasal dilators. These are small inserts that keep the nasal passages open.

• Neti pots or saline rinses. These flush out allergens and mucus.

• Air purifiers. These can reduce dust and allergens that trigger congestion.

Trying a combination of these solutions can help prevent nasal congestion, which is a cause of snoring. If you’re in need of a nasal dilator, check our Nasal Dilator.

Some lifestyle factors make snoring worse. If sprays haven’t helped, consider:

• Cutting back on alcohol before bed. It relaxes throat muscles and worsens snoring.

• Washing bedding frequently. Dust mites and allergens in your bedding and mattress trigger nasal congestion.

• Weight management. Even a small amount of weight loss can reduce airway obstruction.

If snoring is still disrupting your sleep, you’re not out of options. The right combination of sleep position changes, nasal support, and proven snoring solutions can completely change how you sleep. 

If you've tried snoring sprays and other remedies with little success, it might be time to check in with a doctor.

Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, which, if left untreated, can lead to more health issues down the road. Loud, persistent snoring on its own isn’t necessarily dangerous, but it can be a sign of OSA.

If your snoring is severe, consider seeking medical advice. Consulting a sleep specialist, a dentist who specialises in sleep medicine, an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT), or even your GP is the right move if you suspect you or a loved one has sleep apnea.

Snoring sprays might provide mild relief, but if your snoring is loud, persistent, or paired with other symptoms, it’s worth getting checked out. The right diagnosis can lead to better sleep and better health.

Snoring sprays might seem like an easy fix — but they’re generally not considered effective.

If your snoring is caused by nasal congestion, a nasal spray for snoring might help open up your airways. If your snoring stems from throat vibrations, a throat spray for snoring could provide some lubrication.

But for many snorers, the effects are temporary at best. Since sprays don’t address the root causes of snoring — like airway obstruction, sleep position, or jaw alignment — they’re often not a long-term solution.

If you’ve tried snoring sprays with no success, don’t lose hope. Options with stronger scientific backing — like anti-snore pillows, a nasal dilator, or a mandibular advancement device — could provide more consistent, long-term relief.

The content in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice or concerns about snoring, sleep disorders, or related health issues.