Key Takeaways
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Yes, you can use nasal strips with a CPAP machine. This combination is considered safe and beneficial for most users.
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Nasal strips can help to improve airflow and reduce nasal congestion, which can make CPAP therapy more comfortable and effective.
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Using nasal strips should not replace CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, but rather be used as a supportive tool.
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Dream Recovery Second Wind Nasal Strips are gentle on the skin and instantly improve airflow by up to 33%.
If you use a CPAP machine and often struggle with nasal congestion or airflow, you may wonder if nasal strips can help. The short answer? Yes, using nasal strips with CPAP therapy can make breathing feel easier, reduce nasal resistance and snoring, and improve your comfort.
In this article, we’ll explain what nasal strips are, the benefits of combining them with CPAP therapy, and tips for using nasal strips effectively. Let’s dive in!
What Are Nasal Strips and How Do They Work?
Nasal strips are external nasal dilators that gently pull open the nasal passages by lifting the sides of your nose. They consist of a small band that has a spring-like action with adhesive on one side. As they pull your nostrils open, nasal airflow is improved immediately.
Since nasal strips directly widen the nasal passages, they provide fast and consistent relief for snoring, nighttime breathing issues, and structural airflow issues like a deviated septum. They can be used long-term and are drug-free.
You can dive deeper with our guide on how nasal strips work and find some of the best nasal strips for snoring and best nasal strips for a deviated septum here.
Understanding CPAP Machines
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is a medically prescribed treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, providing constant airflow from a specialized device to keep the airways open while you sleep.
A CPAP mask delivers pressurized air throughout the night, helping maintain steady breathing and better sleep quality. This prevents apnea events, improves oxygen flow, and reduces sleep apnea symptoms.
Take a look at some of the best CPAP accessories and some CPAP alternatives here.
Can You Use Nasal Strips Together with a CPAP Machine?
Yes! Nasal strips can be used with CPAP therapy, especially when nasal congestion or sinus inflammation makes breathing harder.
They help open the nasal airway and improve airflow without creating any interference with the CPAP mask. Although nasal strips do not treat sleep apnea, they can make continuous positive airway pressure more comfortable and effective, while reducing snoring.
Don’t have a CPAP machine yet? Here’s how to sleep with sleep apnea without a CPAP in the meantime.
Benefits of Combining Nasal Strips with CPAP Therapy
Using nasal strips with CPAP therapy can support better airflow and comfort for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who also experience nasal breathing difficulties.
Benefit 1: Improved Nasal Airflow
Nasal strips help widen the nostrils and improve nasal airflow. Reducing nasal resistance makes breathing feel smoother during CPAP therapy. This is especially helpful when dealing with congestion, sinus irritation, or allergies.
Benefit 2: Reduced Mouth Breathing
Blocked nasal passages lead to mouth breathing, which can worsen sleep apnea symptoms and cause dry mouth with a CPAP machine. Nasal strips may reduce congestion and support better nasal airflow, which can help you breathe through your nose more consistently, instead of resorting to mouth breathing. This can lead to fewer sleep disruptions.
Benefit 3: Better CPAP Mask Seal
When airflow improves through the nose, users might experience fewer mask leaks and more consistent pressurized air delivery. This supports better sleep quality and could even allow for lower pressure settings when approved by a healthcare provider.
Benefit 4: Reduces Congestion Safely
Nasal strips can help during mild congestion without the side effects commonly experienced with medicated nasal decongestant sprays or the discomfort from internal nasal dilators.
Find out more about the differences between nasal strips vs nasal dilators here and how to avoid any nasal strip side effects.
Tips for Using Nasal Strips Safely with CPAP
Using nasal strips with CPAP therapy is simple, but following the best practices can improve your outcomes.
Tip 1: Apply the Strip Correctly
Place the strip across the bridge of your nose, right above the area where your nostrils start to flare. Proper placement ensures the nostrils are lifted enough to open the nasal passages efficiently to support consistent airflow during CPAP therapy.
Follow these detailed steps in our guide on how to apply nasal strips.
Tip 2: Prep the Skin Properly
Clean and dry skin improves the grip of the adhesive in order to keep the nasal strip secure throughout the night. This helps to prevent peeling and ensures the strip works for the full duration of sleep, even when using a CPAP mask.
Tip 3: Support Airflow with Extra Nasal Care
CPAP therapy can dry out the mucosal membranes of your nose, so additional care with non-medicated nasal saline sprays can help to moisten your nasal passages for additional comfort and reduced irritation.
Always check that the product is safe for daily use, since medicated sprays can lead to dependence and uncomfortable side effects.
Want to keep learning? Check out how to make your own DIY nasal strips or nasal strip alternatives if you want to try something else.
Complement Your CPAP Therapy With Second Wind Nasal Strips
If you're looking for an instant way to breathe easier while using a CPAP machine and reduce snoring stemming from nasal congestion without discomfort, Dream Recovery’s Second Wind Nasal Strips are a great solution.
These tried and tested strips are designed to deliver up to 33% more airflow after application, making them the best pick for sleep apnea, nasal breathing problems, and less snoring.
For personalized recommendations or questions about sleep apnea treatment, always speak with your healthcare provider or sleep specialist.
Elevate your CPAP treatment with Second Wind Nasal Strips.
Wondering how other products compare? Check out our intake nasal strips review and breathe right nasal strips review.