No Evidence for Efficacy of Over-The-Counter Anti-Snoring Products

Choice investigated anti-snore pillows, nasal strips and dilators, ‘essential’ oils and homeopathic products and concluded that “there’s no convincing evidence that any of these products is effective at reducing snoring”.

Choice also pointed out the link between snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The online investigation said that left untreated OSA "can leave you dangerously tired, irritable, and more vulnerable to high blood pressure and coronary disease”.

Choice said: ”Sleep apnea or chronic snoring may also be treated with mandibular splints — dental appliances that can move the jaw forward or stop the tongue falling backwards. Experts say the newer appliances are more comfortable than the bulky mouthguards of old, and are good for people with apnea who can’t tolerate the CPAP machine.” The effectiveness of mandibular advancement splints like the SomnoMed MAS™, were not compared with the other products in their test because they are prescribed only after medical assessment of the person’s sleep.

The results of Choice’s investigations back-up previous scientific research published in the medical journal, Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery, which found no significant objective or subjective snoring improvement in users of anti-snoring aids when compared to a control group using no aids.

For more information, see the Australian Consumers' Association web site.

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