Weird Coffee Uses You Shouldn’t Try (Seriously)

Ever been kept awake by someone’s thunderous snoring—and wished there was a quick fix? We’ve all seen the internet memes. But what if someone actually tried using coffee to stop snoring? Spoiler: it didn’t go well, and there’s a very real reason you shouldn’t try this at home.

Short answer: In one bizarre experiment, someone applied ground coffee near a snorer’s nose to deter breathing—but it failed, caused discomfort, and is absolutely not recommended. There is zero scientific basis or safe protocol for this 'method.' Just don’t.

What’s the Weird Coffee Trick People Tried?

Somewhere online, someone joked—and then apparently tried—using strong, freshly ground coffee as a DIY anti-snoring remedy. The idea? Put coarse coffee grounds near (or even under) the sleeper’s nose in hopes the harsh smell would force them to breathe through their mouth less or wake up. The reported 'method' involved applying medium-coarse ground coffee (similar to a French press grind, around 800–1000 microns) right at the nasal area. Sounds ridiculous? It is.

Why This ‘Coffee for Snoring’ Idea Is Flawed

Coffee grounds have a strong aroma due to volatile aromatic compounds released during roasting—specifically through the Maillard reaction and subsequent breakdown of acids and oils. But those same compounds can irritate mucous membranes, cause sneezing, or even trigger bronchial responses. There’s no evidence that sniffing coffee stops snoring. In fact, putting dry grounds near your nose can lead to coughing, nasal blockage, or worse. And no, caffeine inhaled through the nose doesn’t work like drinking it.

The Actual Experiment (And Why It Went Wrong)

According to the original Chinese article, someone put ground coffee (details unspecified, but assumed medium-coarse) near a snorer’s nose with the hope it would stop the snoring. Result? The sleeper woke up annoyed, coughed repeatedly, and the snoring persisted. No measurements were taken, no control was used, and the only outcome was discomfort. No improvement in sleep quality, no reduced snoring frequency, just a bad morning. No recommended dosage, timing, or grind setting was involved—because this isn’t a real method.

What Really Helps With Snoring (And What Doesn’t)

If you or someone you know snores regularly, coffee grounds are not the answer. Real solutions include:

• Using CPAP machines for sleep apnea
• Sleeping on your side instead of your back
• Weight management if obesity is a factor
• Consulting a sleep specialist

Coffee, on the other hand, is well-researched for its effects on alertness, cortisol levels, and even athletic performance—but not for nasal airflow regulation during sleep. Save the roasted beans for your pour-over, not your bedtime routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did anyone actually try using coffee to stop snoring?

Yes, according to the original Chinese article, someone experimented with placing ground coffee near a sleeper’s nose in an attempt to reduce snoring. The coffee used was likely medium-coarse, similar to a French press grind, but no specific bean origin, roast level, or brand was mentioned. The attempt was not successful and caused discomfort.

What kind of coffee was used in the anti-snoring experiment?

The article did not specify the exact coffee bean, roast, or origin used, but the grind size was implied to be medium-coarse—comparable to what you’d use for a French press, around 800–1000 microns. No specialty single-origin details, brew ratios, or water temperatures were involved because it wasn’t a real brewing method.

Is there any scientific proof that coffee can stop snoring?

No. There is zero scientific evidence that applying or inhaling coffee—ground or brewed—can prevent or reduce snoring. Coffee’s aromatic compounds may irritate the nasal passages but do not affect the muscles or airways responsible for snoring.

Could sniffing coffee grounds harm you?

Potentially. Inhaling dry coffee grounds can irritate your nasal lining, trigger sneezing, cause coughing, or lead to breathing discomfort. The fine particles may also aggravate your throat or lungs, especially if you have asthma or allergies.

What’s a better way to deal with snoring?

Effective solutions include sleeping on your side, using a CPAP machine if diagnosed with sleep apnea, losing weight if needed, or seeing a sleep specialist. None of these involve coffee—ground, brewed, or otherwise.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Pour-Over Fans

If you’re experimenting with coffee (the right way), try FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright citrus and floral notes, or Yirgacheffe for juicy berry tones—both single origins ideal for pour-over. For something richer, their Classic Blend offers chocolate and nutty balance, great for French press. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.