A new magnetic nasal strip called Airo is being trialled by a self-confessed snorer in an attempt to improve both his own sleep and that of his long-suffering wife. The device, priced at £60, consists of a curved hard plastic strip with magnets on each end, which connect to smaller magnets placed on the sides of the nose. This design gently lifts the nostrils to open the nasal airways, potentially reducing snoring caused by a deviated septum—a condition affecting up to 70% of people.
The author, who suffers from a deviated septum, reports that his nasal passage is significantly narrower on one side, leading to mouth breathing, disrupted sleep and even night terrors. According to Prof Peter Andrews, president of the British Rhinological Society, mouth breathing due to nasal obstruction can impair lung function and reduce oxygenation, as the nose acts as a natural air filter.
Initial results from the Airo strip were mixed. On the first night, the author’s wife noted a complete absence of snoring, a rare and welcome surprise. However, the second night saw a return of the disturbances. Data from an Apple Watch indicated no change in total sleep duration—still under six hours—but did show an increase of 30 minutes in REM sleep and 20 minutes in deep sleep when the strip was worn.
The strip also proved somewhat effective during exercise, making breathing feel easier, although sweat caused the adhesive to loosen. While the results on overall sleep improvement remain inconclusive, the device did show promise in enhancing sleep quality and airflow. Other nasal devices, such as adhesive strips or internal nasal dilators, offer similar benefits, though evidence on their impact on long-term sleep metrics remains mixed.
Despite the variability in results, the author’s wife is enthusiastic about a longer-term trial, suggesting that even partial success in reducing snoring is worth pursuing.
