Key Takeaways
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Nasal strips open the nasal passages to boost airflow and reduce snoring and congestion.
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While the risk of side effects is usually minimal, they may include skin irritation, discomfort at the bridge of the nose, and poor adhesion.
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To help prevent these, make sure to clean your skin before application, position the strip correctly, and remove it carefully with warm water.
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Alternatives like internal nasal dilators or Dream Recovery Mouth Tape can offer similar benefits for reduced snoring and better nasal breathing.
Are you looking for a solution for snoring and congestion, like nasal strips? But perhaps you’re worried about the potential side effects?
Nasal strips work by gently opening the nostrils to improve airflow and reduce snoring. They’re usually safe and effective, but might cause issues like skin irritation for some users.
In this article, you’ll learn what nasal strips are, their benefits, the common side effects, and how to minimize them. You’ll also get helpful alternatives to improve breathing and sleep quality.
What are Nasal Strips and How Do They Work
Nasal strips are adhesive bands placed across the bridge of your nose. They have a spring-like action, which acts like an external nasal dilator, gently pulling open the nasal valve and reducing air resistance.
This improves airflow through your nose, easing nasal breathing problems, which can reduce the likelihood of snoring and mouth breathing.
Want to learn more? Keep reading at our guide on how nasal strips work.
Benefits of Using Nasal Strips
Using nasal strips may improve breathing and sleep quality for people with mild nasal congestion or snoring. Unlike some other devices, they are less invasive with fewer side effects, making them a great way to improve breathing for snorers or athletes!
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Reduce Snoring
Nasal strips help reduce snoring by expanding the nasal passages. This reduces air resistance and vibration within the airway, leading to less snoring and quieter breathing.
By making it easier to breathe through your nose, nasal strips also reduce the need for mouth breathing, which is another common cause of snoring.
Find our list of the best nasal strips for snoring here.
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Ease Nasal Congestion
So, do nasal strips work for a stuffy nose? Yes!
By lifting the sides of the nose and increasing airflow, nasal strips might help to promote sinus drainage and easier breathing.
This can make it easier to sleep or improve your daily activities, especially if you’re battling allergies or a cold.
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Improves Exercise Performance
While the most commonly discussed benefits of nasal strips are often snoring and sleep improvement, more and more people are turning to them to enhance their athletic performance.
Wearing nasal strips during your workouts can take your training to the next level by helping to increase oxygen intake and enhancing your energy and stamina.
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Easy to Use
Nasal strips are incredibly easy to apply and offer instant benefits. Unlike nasal sprays, they are drug‑free, without any risk of dependence.
They also don’t interfere with CPAP or other oral appliances for snoring and can be part of a daily sleep routine with almost no risk of unpleasant side effects.
Common Side Effects of Nasal Strips
Most users won’t experience any side effects from nasal strips, but some may experience mild skin issues. Here are the most reported concerns:
Skin irritation or redness
Some people find that the adhesive may cause irritation, redness, or itchiness along the skin of their nose.
This is more common if the strips aren’t made from hypoallergenic materials or are left on too long. The good news is that usually, irritation resolves within a few hours after removal.
Discomfort at the bridge of the nose
Some users might feel a little pressure or mild soreness where the strip pulls across their nasal bridge.
This usually subsides shortly, however, repositioning the strip until it’s more comfortable can help to improve comfort.
Poor adhesion or loosening during sleep
Some types of nasal strips may lose stickiness due to sweat, oils, or movement during sleep or workouts, which reduces their effectiveness.
You might find the strips become loose or shift, no longer opening your nasal passages properly. Some of the tips in the next section can help you avoid this.
Find out more about nasal strip side effects in our guide that answers whether nasal strips are bad for you.
Tips to Reduce Side Effect Occurrence of Nasal Strips
Follow some of these simple practices to minimize side effects and maximize comfort and benefits.
Tip 1: Clean and dry your skin before application
Wipe your nose with a gentle cleanser and dry completely, or use the specialized alcohol swabs that come with Dream Recovery Second Wind Nasal Strips.
Removing oils and moisture improves how well the adhesive grips, boosting wear time, and may also reduce skin irritation.
Tip 2: Position the strip correctly
Peel the strip from its liner, center it on the bridge of your nose, and place the sides just above the area where your nostrils flare out.
Smooth down each side and press firmly along the full length of the strip, especially at the edges, for at least 10 seconds.
Tip 3: Remove gently
Take caution to remove your nasal strips gently, as opposed to ripping them off quickly.
If you’re skin is prone to irritation, you can try removing them in the shower after the warmth and moisture have loosened the adhesive, or place a warm, wet face cloth against your nose for 30 seconds before removing.
Alternatives to Nasal Strips
If you feel like nasal strips aren’t the best option for you, consider some of these alternatives:
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Mouth Tape
Mouth tape promotes healthier nasal breathing by gently keeping your mouth closed. Some of the many benefits of mouth taping include:
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Reduced snoring
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Deeper sleep
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Improved sleep apnea symptoms
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Better oral health
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Enhanced relaxation
It’s essential to choose a high-quality mouth tape in order to experience the maximum benefits while avoiding side effects like skin irritation.
Dream Recovery Mouth Tape is the superior choice. Thanks to the use of organic bamboo silk and hypoallergenic adhesive, it’s designed to stay on all night for maximum efficacy, all while being gentle to the most sensitive skin.
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Internal Nasal Dilators
Unlike nasal strips, nasal dilators go inside your nostrils to keep them open instead of being placed on the outside of your nose.
They’re also reusable and, in some cases, may be more effective for severe nasal blockages or structural issues since they push the nostrils open from the inside out. However, they are more invasive, which means they might not be as easy to use for some.
Compare nasal strips vs. nasal dilators here.
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Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays can be useful to help reduce inflammation or clear excess mucus to bring better airflow.
You can either go for saline sprays, which are drug-free, or medicated ones, which may help during allergy season or for sinus infections. However, it’s best that these aren’t used on a long-term basis, since this can lead to dependence and other side effects.
Learn more about how to widen nasal passages naturally.
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Snoring Mouthguards
Many people find themselves wondering if mouthguards help with snoring
Sometimes. Mouthguards designed for snoring, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), can be an effective solution for certain people.
These devices work by repositioning the lower jaw slightly forward, which helps keep the airway open and reduces the vibrations that cause snoring.
They are available over-the-counter, however, custom-fitted mouthguard options through a dentist are the best way to go, not just for comfort but also for overall effectiveness.
If you want to learn about more alternatives, check out our guide on the best anti-snoring devices and the best anti-snore mouth guards.
Your Journey to Easier Breathing Starts with Dream Recovery
When used correctly, high-quality nasal strips, like Dream Recovery, shouldn’t cause side effects or discomfort. Remember to clean your skin, position them in the right spot, and remove them gently, using warm water if needed.
However, if you’re looking for another alternative, consider Dream Recovery Mouth Tape to support healthier nasal breathing, reduce snoring, and improve sleep quality.
