Finding the Right Nasal Stent Size for Fast Results

Choosing the right nasal stent size is the single most important factor for comfort and effectiveness. A stent that is too short will not reach the soft palate where snoring occurs. A stent that is too long triggers a gag reflex. The Back2Sleep Starter Kit includes all four sizes so you can find your perfect fit through a systematic trial.

Why Nasal Stent Size Matters

Anatomy of the Nasal-Pharyngeal Airway

Your nasal airway extends from your nostrils to your throat. The nasal valve, located about 1.5 centimeters inside, is the narrowest point and accounts for over 50% of total nasal resistance. But the real problem area for snoring is deeper: the soft palate, located 3 to 4.5 centimeters inside your nose.

A nasal stent must reach all the way to the soft palate to be effective. This is what makes nasal stents different from nasal strips or short nasal dilators, which only open the nostrils.

The Nostril-to-Soft-Palate Distance

This distance varies from person to person, typically between 30 and 45 millimeters. Larger people tend to have longer nasal passages, but this is not always the case. Anatomical variations like a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates also affect the ideal stent length.

Back2Sleep Sizes Explained

These are starting guidelines, not rules. Your anatomy is unique. The systematic trial method below will help you find the exact right size.

How to Find Your Ideal Size

Quick Self-Assessment Guide

Answer these questions to choose your starting size:

1. What is your height? Under 170cm: start with S or M. Over 180cm: start with L or XL.
2. What is your BMI? Under 25: size down. Over 30: size up. BMI affects both neck thickness and airway length.
3. Do you have a thick neck? Neck circumference over 43cm (men) or 38cm (women) suggests a larger size.
4. Do you have a sensitive gag reflex? Start one size smaller than the body type indicator suggests.

Body Type Indicators

Body measurements give a general starting point, but they are not perfect predictors. Two people of the same height may have different nasal passage lengths. That is why the systematic trial is essential.

When to Size Up

• You still snore with your current size (stent may not reach the soft palate)
• The stent feels comfortable but your partner reports no improvement
• You can breathe through the stent easily but snoring persists

When to Size Down

• The stent triggers a gag reflex that does not improve after 3 nights
• You feel the stent touching the back of your throat uncomfortably
• The stent causes you to swallow repeatedly

The 15-Night Systematic Trial Method

Night 1 to 3: Start with the Recommended Size

Begin with the size that matches your body type indicators. Focus on getting used to the sensation of having the stent in place. It is normal to feel awareness of the device during the first 1 to 2 nights. This is like wearing contact lenses for the first time: the sensation fades quickly.

Night 4 to 7: Adjust Based on Comfort and Results

By night 4, evaluate:

• Is the gag reflex gone? If not, try one size smaller.
• Are you still snoring? Ask your partner or use the SnoreLab app. If yes, try one size larger.
• Does the stent feel secure all night? If it falls out, try one size larger for a better fit.

Night 8 to 15: Fine-Tune for Optimal Results

Most people have found their ideal size by night 8. Use the remaining nights to confirm. Track your snoring with an app to verify the improvement objectively. Your ideal size should feel comfortable all night and reduce snoring by at least 70%.

Common Sizing Mistakes

Too Short: Signs and Solutions

If your stent is too short, it will not reach the soft palate. You will breathe more easily through your nose, but you will still snore. The solution: move up one size. A longer stent reaches deeper to stabilize the soft palate and reduce vibrations.

Too Long: Signs and Solutions

If your stent is too long, it may trigger a persistent gag reflex or cause discomfort in the back of your throat. Give it 2 to 3 nights to adapt. If the gag reflex does not decrease, move down one size. Most gag reflex issues resolve within 3 nights as the body adapts.

Gag Reflex Issues

A mild gag reflex on the first night is completely normal. It usually disappears by night 2 or 3. Tips to reduce it:

• Insert the stent slowly and gently
• Breathe through your mouth during insertion, then switch to nasal breathing
• Distract yourself with reading or your phone while the reflex settles
• If the reflex persists after 3 nights, try the next size down

Special Considerations

Deviated Septum

If you have a deviated septum, one nostril may be narrower than the other. Try inserting the stent in your wider nostril first. You may need a smaller size for the narrower side. Some people with a deviated septum use one stent in the wider nostril only and still see significant snoring reduction.

Nasal Allergies

If you have allergies, treat nasal congestion before using the stent. Use an antihistamine or nasal corticosteroid spray as directed by your doctor. A congested nose makes insertion harder and may require a smaller size until the congestion clears.

BMI Over 30

People with a BMI over 30 often have more tissue around the airway and a longer nostril-to-palate distance. Start with size L or XL. If you are working on weight loss, you may need to re-evaluate your stent size as your body changes.

Frequently Asked Questions