Posted on 04/09/2006 5:20:55 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher
MANY anti-snoring products such as nasal strips and special pillows lack scientific proof that they actually work, a consumer study shows.
An investigation by Choice magazine has found limited scientific evidence to support claims made by manufacturers.
Choice assessed the evidence for nasal strips and dilators, special pillows, essential oils and homeopathic products by consulting medical experts - after asking the manufacturers to support claims of their products' effectiveness.
The research found nasal strips and dilators might help a small number of people whose snoring was caused by certain types of nasal obstruction.
But sleep experts considered most evidence for the strips and dilators to be either contradictory or too subjective, Choice said.
There was no good evidence to support the claims for two special pillows examined, and experts doubted that a pillow could hold someone's neck in an appropriate position all night, the study found.
An ear, nose and throat specialist told the magazine the methodology for the trials of aromatherapy products like essential oils was unreliable.
The Australian Homeopathic Association also questioned the "one cure fits all" approach of over-the-counter anti-snoring products, Choice said.
Choice spokeswoman Lisa Tait said that in the absence of convincing evidence for these remedies, lifestyle changes were the most successful and safest treatment for snoring problems.
"Losing weight can help, as can quitting smoking, avoiding sleeping pills, tranquillisers, muscle relaxants and alcohol before going to bed," she said in a statement.
"If you only snore when sleeping on your back, try to train yourself to sleep on your side."
zzzz....
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.