ZzzQuil vs Breathe Right: Which Nasal Strip Works Best For You in 2026?

January 13, 2026

Key Takeaways

ZzzQuil Nasal Strips: Best for users looking for a comfortable nasal strip that’s easy to apply and remove.
Breathe Right Strips: Best for users looking for a well-known nasal strip with evidence-based efficacy that comes in multiple strength and visibility options.
Second Wind Nasal Strips: Best overall for users looking for both sleep and exercise support, thanks to a balance of comfort, efficacy, and unique design.

Struggling with snoring or nasal congestion and searching for solutions? ZzzQuil Nasal Strips and Breathe Right Nasal Strips both promise better breathing and improved sleep, but which one should you choose? And is there an even better option?

ZzzQuil tends to be gentler on the skin and more comfortable, whereas Breathe Right Strips may be stronger and stay on for longer when applied correctly. Below, we break down which one is best for whom, pricing, key features, and the best alternatives.

	Breathe Right Nasal Strips	ZzzQuil Nasal Strips	Second Wind Nasal Strips
Stand-Out Feature	Multiple design variations are available to suit your preferences.	Gentle adhesive with a contoured 4-way pull.	Instantly improves nasal breathing by 33% while staying in place for up to 12 hours.
Price	Tan Nasal Strips (30): $11.48 Clear Nasal Strips (30): $14.99 Extra Strength Nasal Strips (30): $16.69	Pack of 26: $13.47	1-month supply: $27 3-month supply: $79 1-year supply: $360
Pros	Positive results have been demonstrated in several clinical studies. Easy to apply and suitable for beginners. Available in clear and extra-strength options.	4-way pull design to improve efficacy. Some users find them more gentle on the skin compared to Breathe Right. Available in both clear and tan options	Minimalist design with 3 color options. Stays put for up to 12 hours. Sweat resistant for use during exercise. Pain-free removal. Made from recyclable materials.
Cons	Can cause skin irritation and discomfort. May fall off during the night or while working out.	Not discreet - highly visible when worn. If you react to the adhesive, the large surface area can make skin irritation worse. Some users say they’re not suitably sized for wider noses.	More premium priced option compared to some other lower-quality nasal strip brands.
Comfort	Relatively comfortable during use, but it can cause pain and skin peeling during removal.	Comfortable and flexible, however, irritation and pain upon removal can also occur in some cases.	Exceptional comfort with many users reporting that they forget they’re even wearing the strip.

Still not sure how nasal strips work? Learn about the difference between nasal strips vs nasal dilators here.

Who is “ZzzQuil Nasal Strips” Best For?

ZzzQuil Nasal Strips are best for users looking for a comfortable nasal strip that’s easy to apply and remove. They’re a great option for people who have tried Breathe Right and experienced skin irritation or peeling. The strips feature gentle adhesion and soft material with a unique 4-way pull design.

Who is “Breathe Right Strips” Best For?

Breathe Right Strips suit those with mild to moderate nasal breathing restrictions who want a well-known nasal strip with evidence-based efficacy that comes in multiple strength 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 and are rated one of the best nasal strips for snoring.

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 ZzzQuil

Pricing

Quantity	Price
1-month supply	$27
3-month supply	$79
1-year supply	$360

Breathe easier with Second Wind Nasal Strips now.

Pricing Comparison

Below you can find how ZzzQuil vs Breathe Right Nasal Strips compare in cost, so you can assess which one is more suitable for your budget.

ZzzQuil Nasal Strips

Variation	Price
ZzzQuil Tan Nasal Strips (26 count)	$13.47
ZzzQuil Clear Nasal Strips (26 count)	$13.47
ZzzQuil Clear Nasal Strips (52 count)	$26.94

Both variations of ZzzQuil Nasal Strips (clear and tan) come in at the same price. Unlike some other brands, buying the larger bulk pack of 52 strips unfortunately won’t save you any money.

Breathe Right Nasal Strips

Variation	Price
Breathe Right Tan Nasal Strips (30 count)	$11.48
Breathe Right Clear Nasal Strips (30 count)	$14.99
Breathe Right Extra Strength Nasal Strips (30 count)	$15.69

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.

Verdict

Both the original tan and clear Breathe Right Nasal Strips are cheaper than ZzzQuil, while the Breathe Right Extra Strength variation comes in at around the same price per strip.

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.

ZzzQuil Nasal Strips

Quick, simple application: You can peel and apply in seconds with no learning curve. Their large size also 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, however, this tends to be a more common issue with Breathe Right.

Breathe Right Nasal Strips

Beginner-friendly design: Well-suited for first-time nasal strip users.
Choice of strength levels: This lets users pick what feels easiest and most comfortable.
May be painful to remove: Some users can experience irritation and pain when removing the strip (as well as lingering residue on the skin). This is one of the most common nasal strips side effects.
Adhesion issues: If your skin is too oily or moist before applying the strip, it may fall off shortly after application.

Verdict

Both ZzzQuil and Breathe Right Nasal Strips are relatively easy to use and suitable for first-time nasal strip users. However, ZzzQuil Nasal Strips may be gentler on skin, making removing the strip easier and more pleasant.

Customer Support

Customer support can make a big difference when choosing nasal strips. Easy access to help, clear FAQs, and reliable communication all add to the overall experience.

ZzzQuil Nasal Strips

Option to get in touch via phone call in the US only (Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM EST).
Email support is available via a form on the website.
No FAQs available linked to ZzzQuil Nasal Strips (other products only).
Return policies will depend on the distributor.

Breathe Right Strips

Options to get in touch via phone call in the US (Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM EST) and in some international countries, as listed on their website.
Emails are responded to during the standard business hours of Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM EST.
Extensive FAQs are available on the website to help answer customer questions.
Return policies will depend on the distributor.

Verdict

Breathe Right offers more support options for international customers and also provides an extensive list of FAQs on its website so customers can get quick answers to some of their questions without needing to reach out for support.

Real User Reviews

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

ZzzQuil Nasal Strips

(Source: Walmart)

Breathe Right Strips

(Source: Target)

Verdict

Both ZzzQuil and Breathe Right Nasal Strips reviews mention benefits like improved sleep and reduced snoring. However, users of Breathe Right often experience pain, skin irritation, skin peeling, and issues with adhesive residue. For this reason, some reviews specifically mention that they prefer ZzzQuil over Breathe Right.

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’s how to apply nasal strips for optimal results.

Alternative To ZzzQuil and Breathe Right: Second Wind Nasal Strips

If you're looking for an upgrade from nasal strips like Breathe Right and ZzzQuil, 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.