Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece vs Nasal Strips: Which Works Better?

If you've tried nasal strips for snoring without much success, you're not alone. Nasal strips are one of the most popular first attempts at stopping snoring — but they only work for a specific type of snorer. Here's how they compare to an anti-snoring mouthpiece, and how to know which one is right for you.

How Nasal Strips Work

Nasal strips are adhesive bands worn across the bridge of the nose. They work by physically pulling the nostrils open, which can improve airflow through the nasal passages.

They are best suited for people who snore because of:

• Nasal congestion from allergies or colds

• A deviated septum or narrow nasal passages

• Breathing difficulties caused by blocked sinuses

Nasal strips do not address the throat or jaw, which means if your snoring originates in the throat (the most common cause), nasal strips will have little to no effect.

How Anti-Snoring Mouthpieces Work

An anti-snoring mouthpiece — also called a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) — works by gently holding your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep. This keeps your airway open at the throat level, preventing the vibrations that cause snoring.

Mouthpieces are best suited for people who snore because of:

• Jaw position during sleep

• Sleeping on their back

• Relaxed throat muscles

• General airway obstruction at the throat level

This covers the vast majority of snorers, which is why mouthpieces tend to be more effective for most people.

Head-to-Head Comparison

	Nasal Strips	Anti-Snoring Mouthpiece
Targets nasal snoring	✅ Yes	❌ No
Targets throat snoring	❌ No	✅ Yes
Custom fit	❌ No	✅ Yes
Reusable	❌ No — single use	✅ Yes
Cost per night	High (disposable)	Low (lasts months)
Travel friendly	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Works from night one	Sometimes	✅ Yes
Money-back guarantee	❌ Rarely	✅ With SnoreMate

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose nasal strips if:

• A blocked or congested nose causes your snoring

• You only snore when you have a cold or allergies

• You breathe through your mouth because your nose feels blocked

Choose a mouthpiece if:

• You snore regardless of whether your nose is clear

• You snore mainly when sleeping on your back

• You've already tried nasal strips without success

• Your partner is regularly disturbed by your snoring

• You want a reusable, cost-effective long-term solution

Can You Use Both?

Yes — some people use both a mouthpiece and nasal strips together, particularly if they have both nasal congestion and jaw-related snoring. However, for most people, a well-fitted mouthpiece alone is sufficient.

The Verdict

For the majority of snorers, an anti-snoring mouthpiece is the more effective solution. Nasal strips are useful but limited — they only address one cause of snoring. A mouthpiece tackles the root cause for most people: airway obstruction at the throat level.

If you've tried nasal strips and they haven't worked, it's a strong sign your snoring is throat-related — and a mouthpiece is the logical next step.

SnoreMate is one of the most trusted anti-snoring mouthpieces available. Dentist-designed since 2005, custom-fitted in minutes with boil-and-bite technology, and trusted by over 25,000 customers across the US, Canada, and the UK.

At $39.95 for a twin pack — with a 30-day money-back guarantee — it's the simplest and most affordable way to find out if a mouthpiece is right for you.

Want to learn more? Read our guide to the best anti-snoring mouthpiece in 2026 or our full SnoreMate Review.

Try SnoreMate Risk-Free for $39.95 →