Equate vs Breathe Right: Which Nasal Strip Works Better?

Key Takeaways

• Nasal strips work by gently opening the nasal passages from the outside to improve airflow and reduce the need for mouth breathing.

• Equate Nasal Strips are best for budget-conscious users who want relief from nasal congestion for better sleep and easier breathing.

• Breathe Right® Nasal Strips are the more tried and tested option for chronic nasal congestion, or nasal-related breathing problems like a deviated septum.

• Second Wind Nasal Strips are best for users with sensitive skin or those who want a premium alternative with better comfort and hold.

 

Struggling to breathe through your nose at night or waking up from snoring? Perhaps you’ve tried Breathe Right, but you’re wondering how alternatives like Equate Nasal Strips compare.

When looking at Equate vs Breathe Right Nasal Strips, the short answer is that Breathe Right Strips generally work better, but they cost more. Equate is cheaper, but may be less effective.

This guide breaks down how each nasal strip works, who they are best for, and whether there is a better alternative.

Read more about the basics here: How do nasal strips work?

Who is “Equate Nasal Strips” useful for?

 

Equate Nasal Strips are useful for those who want nasal breathing support for snoring, congestion, and allergies without breaking the bank. For budget-conscious users, they are a decent first step for those wanting to try out nasal strips. 

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 Equate Nasal Strips

 

Breathe easier with Second Wind Nasal Strips now. 

 

Price

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

Equate Nasal Strips

Both tan and clear Equate Nasal Strips are the same price. Buying in bulk (78 vs 26) does not bring down the cost, with the strips remaining at 30.1c per count.

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 the original design option. 

Verdict

Equate Nasal Strips win for affordability, with the clear variation being almost 50% cheaper than its Breathe Right Strip counterpart. However, this affordability may come at the cost of efficacy and comfort.

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.

Equate Nasal Strips

• Easy application: The strips are easy to apply to the bridge of your nose.

• Adhesion issues: Some users find that the strips fall off easily, which means you may need to reapply them.

• Only comes in one strength option: This can limit usability, since some people might want to start with a more gentle design.

• May be difficult remove: Some users can experience skin peeling 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.

Many Breath Right Nasal Strips Reviews highlight this ease of use as a major benefit, especially for people trying nasal strips for the first time.

Verdict

Breathe Right Nasal Strips may stick better, improving their usability and reducing the need for reapplication.

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. 

Equate Nasal Strips

(Source: Walmart)

Breathe Right Nasal Strips

(Source: Amazon)

Verdict

User reviews of both Equate Nasal Strips and Breathe Right describe benefits like improved nasal breathing, reduced congestion, and snoring. 

However, some users of Equate Nasal Strips mention that they don’t work as effectively as Breathe Right.

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. 

Equate Nasal Strips

• Stiff materials: Some users find the plastic of the band to be too stiff, impacting comfort. However, this feature also gives the strips good lifting properties. 

• Skin concerns: According to reviews, skin peeling might occur when the strip is removed.

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 Equate Nasal Strips due to their flexibility and different strength options. However, they still come with a risk of redness, pain, and skin irritation upon removal. 

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 Equate and Breathe Right: Second Wind Nasal Strips

 

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.

Upgrade Your Breathing Game With Second Wind Nasal Strips

Breathe Right Nasal Strips are the superior choice when compared to Equate Nasal Strips, but they still come with the risk of skin reactions, irritation, and pain.

If you’re looking for a gentler adhesive, better skin compatibility, and maximum airflow for deeper sleep, less snoring, and better exercise performance, Dream Recovery Nasal Strips might be the best way to go. 

Try Dream Recovery Second Wind Nasal Strips now.