Hostage vs Breathe Right: Which Nose Strips Work Best?

Key Takeaways

• Nasal strips are designed to open the nasal passages, improve airflow, and reduce the likelihood of snoring by promoting nasal breathing rather than mouth breathing.

• Breathe Right Nasal Strips are a common starting point and have been used in research studies, however, user feedback often points to inconsistent adhesion and pain when removing the strips.

• Hostage Nose Strips have a strong hold, though comfort and skin tolerance can vary depending on adhesive sensitivity and fit.

• Second Wind Nasal Strips are a superior alternative thanks to their hypoallergenic adhesive, strong lift, and minimalist design.
  
  

Restricted nasal airflow is a common factor contributing to snoring, sleep disturbances, and impaired exercise performance. Nasal strips are a simple solution, but how do Hostage Strips vs Breathe Right compare?

At a quick glance: Breathe Right Nasal Strips are available in multiple design options and are supported by clinical studies. These factors might make them a superior choice to Hostage Nose Strips, but other features should also be taken into consideration.

This guide compares Hostage Nose Strips vs Breathe Right Nasal Strips, their pricing, ease of use, comfort, and real user reviews.

Who is “Hostage Nose Strips” useful for?

Hostage Nose Strips are useful for people who experience mild nasal congestion, occasional snoring, or restricted airflow during sleep or exercise. They may suit those looking for a drug-free, non-invasive way to support nasal breathing, including athletes, allergy sufferers, and individuals wanting a simple aid to improve airflow.

Read more at our full Hostage Nose Strips review.

Who is “Breathe Right Nasal Strips” useful for?

Breathe Right Strips may suit those with mild nasal breathing restriction who want a well-known nasal strip offered in multiple strengths and visibility options. Their clear, non-clear, regular strength, and extra strength versions let users balance comfort, appearance, and support.

Read more at our full Breathe Right Nasal Strips review and guide on how Breathe Right Strips work. 

Second Wind Nasal Strips: An Alternative

If you’re looking for a Breathe Right Strips alternative, Dream Recovery’s Second Wind Nasal Strips are designed for a stronger hold without the risk of skin irritation.

Key features that set Second Wind apart

• Patented design shown to deliver up to 33% more airflow

• Medical-grade, hypoallergenic adhesive that stays secure even with sweat

• Gentle for sensitive skin

• Designed to stay in place for up to 12 hours

• Universal fit that adapts to different nose shapes

• Thin, minimalist design unlike Breathe Right and Hostage Tape
  
  

Breathe easier with Second Wind Nasal Strips now. 

Price

Below you can find how Hostage Nose Tape and Breathe Right Nasal Strips compare in cost, so you can assess which one will be more suitable for your budget.

Hostage Nose Strips

The price of Hostage Nose Strips sits in the mid-range for nasal strip products. They start to become cheaper when a higher bulk quantity is purchased. 

Breathe Right Nasal Strips

The price of Breathe Right Nasal Strips depends on which variation you choose. Both the clear design and extra strength option come at a higher price when compared to their original design option. 

Verdict

Breathe Right Nasal Strips win for short-term affordability, but Hostage Nose Strips become closer in price when you buy them in bulk at either 180 or 360 pieces at a time. 

Ease of Use

Ease of use is essential when choosing a nasal strip brand. The nasal strip you go for should stay on all night without causing discomfort or the need for reapplication. They should also be both easy to apply and remove.

Hostage Nose Strips

• Difficulty preparing the strip for application: Some users have mentioned that peeling the strip from its backing paper is challenging and frustrating.

• Simple placement: Their large size makes them easy to place in the right spot on your nose.

• May be painful to remove: Some users can experience irritation and pain when removing the strip.

Breathe Right Nasal Strips

• Quick, simple application: You can peel and apply in seconds with no learning curve.

• Choice of strength levels: This lets users pick what feels easiest and most comfortable.

• Beginner-friendly design: Well-suited for first-time nasal strip users.

• May be painful to remove: Some users can experience irritation and pain when removing the strip.
  
  

Verdict

Breathe Right Nasal Strips may be easier to peel off from their backing and come in different strength options depending on your preference, however, Hostage Nose Strips have a larger surface area, making them easier to place over the right part of your nose. 

Unfortunately, both options come with the risk of pain and irritation upon removal, one of the most common nasal strips side effects.

Find out more in our guide: Are nasal strips bad for you?

Real User Reviews

User reviews provide insight into comfort, reliability, and performance beyond just what the product company claims. 

Hostage Nose Strips

(Source: Amazon)

Breathe Right Nasal Strips

(Source: Amazon)

Verdict

User reviews of both Hostage Nose Strips and Breathe Right mention benefits like improved breathing and reduced snoring. However, some reviews report that Hostage Nasal Strips are less effective than Breathe Right and that both options cause pain during removal. 

Comfort & Skin Safety

Comfort determines whether using nasal strips will be a sustainable practice. If the nasal strips you’re trying out are uncomfortable during wear or painful to remove, it’s unlikely that you’ll want to continue using them. 

Hostage Nose Strips

• Very strong adhesive: Many users report redness, irritation, skin peeling, and pain from the adhesive.

• Large size: Hostage Nose Strips have a larger surface area, which means more skin is in contact with the adhesive, increasing the risk of skin irritation. Some people also describe the feeling as wearing a large Band-Aid on your nose.
  
  

Breathe Right Nasal Strips

• Adhesive sensitivity: Some users also report pain, irritation, and skin peeling when using Breathe Right Nasal Strips.

• Different strength options: Users have the choice between original and extra strength, which allows you to choose the variation you’re most comfortable with. 
  
  

Verdict

Breathe Right Nasal Strips may be more comfortable than Hostage Nose Strips due to their adhesive and smaller surface area. They also come in different strength options depending on your preference.

Not sure if nasal strips are right for you? Check out our list of the best nasal strip alternatives.

How to Choose a Nasal Strip

Choosing the right nasal strip should improve airflow and sleep quality without causing you discomfort. Here are the features to look out for when choosing a nasal strip brand. 

Feature #1: Lift Strength 

A nasal strip’s lifting ability determines how well it works to improve airflow. Strips with a powerful spring action help to lift the soft cartilage around the nasal passages to allow for less air resistance. Second Wind Nasal Strips use a patented design to maximize their nasal opening potential without discomfort. This helps reduce snoring and enhance airflow during sleep or workouts.

Feature #2: Comfort

Sensitive skin requires hypoallergenic adhesives that are kind to the skin. The perfect balance is an adhesive that is gentle enough to prevent skin irritation but sturdy enough to stay on all night. Second Wind Nasal Strips uses medical-grade, hypoallergenic materials designed for long-term use without irritation.

Feature #3: Consistency 

Durability and proper adhesion define how effective the strip is. If it loses grip and falls off while you’re sleeping, it won’t provide positive results. Second Wind Nasal Strips aim to maintain a consistent hold for up to 12 hours and even during sweaty workouts. 

Here is how to apply nasal strips for optimal results.

Alternative To Hostage Tape and Breathe Right: Second Wind Nasal Strips

If you're looking for an upgrade from nasal strips like Breathe Right, Dream Recovery’s Second Wind Nasal Strips are the best way to go.

These tried and tested strips are designed to deliver up to 33% more airflow after application, making them the best pick for better sleep, improved workouts, and easier breathing.

Key Features

Patented Design for Maximum Airflow
Dream Recovery Second Wind Nasal Strips use a patented structure that expands your nasal passages more effectively than other products, making them one of the best natural remedies to stop snoring. This design increases airflow instantly, helping you breathe deeper during sleep or while you’re exercising.

Hypoallergenic and Sweat-Proof Adhesive
Each strip uses a medical-grade, PFAS-free adhesive that's gentle on your skin, even during overnight wear or high-intensity workouts. It won’t peel off with sweat, making it ideal for athletes or anyone active.

Universal Fit and Recyclable Materials
These strips contour to various nose shapes and stay firmly in place through up to 12 hours of wear.

The lightweight, recyclable materials create a combination of comfort and sustainability, which is perfect for those who are eco-conscious while looking for the best performance.

Pricing

• 1-month supply - starts at $27 (less than a dollar a day!)

• 3-month pack - starts at $79

• 12-month pack - $199
  
  

Where Dream Recovery Shines

• Up to 33% more airflow: Proven to significantly increase nasal breathing for better sleep and stamina.

• Secure during intense activity: Designed for high-performance use, which means they won’t budge during marathons, HIIT, or sweaty workouts.

• Gentle on skin: Hypoallergenic and medical-grade adhesive ensures there will be no irritation.

• Wear up to 12 hours: These strips are made to stay put and even come with alcohol swabs to prep your nose before application for longer wear.
  
  

Where Dream Recovery Falls Short

Premium price: Compared to some cheaper, less effective nasal strips, Dream Recovery Second Wind costs more, but delivers the best results in return.

Customer Reviews

(Source: Dream Recovery)

Who Dream Recovery Is Best For

• Anyone with congestion from allergies, colds, or flu

• People with severe snoring

• Athletes who want to improve their performance

• Those with sensitive skin needing a hypoallergenic adhesive
  

Keep exploring some of the best nasal strips for snoring and find out more about how nasal strips work to relieve snoring.

Switch to Second Wind Nasal Strips: The Smarter Choice Over Hostage and Breathe Right

Breathe Right Nasal Strips may be the superior choice when compared to Hostage Nose Strips, but they still come with the risk of skin reactions and the potential of the strip falling off while you’re sleeping.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a longer-lasting adhesive, better skin compatibility, and maximum airflow for deeper sleep and less snoring, Dream Recovery Nasal Strips might be the best way to go.