Popular snore aids: do they work?
OBJECTIVE
The study goal was to critically evaluate 3 popular noninvasive treatments for snoring: an oral spray lubricant applied before bedtime, a nasal strip designed to maintain nasal valve patency, and a head-positioning pillow.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized blinded clinical trial of 3 popular noninvasive snore aids using objective acoustic snoring analysis and subjective patient and bed-partner questionnaires in 40 snoring patients. A digital recorder allowed snoring analysis with data collected in the home environment over 1 week.


RESULTS
There is neither objective nor subjective benefit to the use of tested popular noninvasive snore aids. Palatal snoring, palatal loudness, average loudness of snoring, averaged palatal flutter frequency, and respiratory disturbance index did not significantly change when comparing the 3 snoring aids with no treatment. Subjective comments and complications are reviewed as well.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first prospective comparison trial of popular noninvasive snoring aids. There is no significant objective or subjective snoring improvement in the anti-snoring aids studied compared with the use of no aid.


CONCLUSIONS
Outcome studies aid in verifying or refuting claims made by popular noninvasive snore aids.
Michaelson
Peter G
PG
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, San Antonio, TX 78236, USA.
Mair
Eric A
EA
D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006240:Happiness; D006801:Humans; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012913:Snoring / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018454:Spouses; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires