Breathe Right Nasal Strips Review

I have had many patients ask if Breathe Right Nasal Strips work.  My answer is always "It depends" on what you're hoping the strips will do.

Breathe Right Nasal Strips were designed simply to hold open the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. If you are having problems with nasal congestion and/or snoring caused by a cold or allergies or suffer from a deviated septum,  this product could work quite well for you.  However, if you are hoping that the Strips will stop your (or your partner's) general snoring, save your money. Without going into too much detail, most snoring is caused by a vibration of the soft palate (the back of the roof of the mouth) and the uvula (the little thingie hanging down in the back of your mouth). If you routinely snore, without suffering from congestion or a deviated septum, keeping your nasal passages open probably isn't going to make any difference. 

Many athletes claim that using the Strips help them breathe easier during work-outs and play.  I have no experience with that use and choose to take them at their word.

Using the Strips
The strips are called dilators and they are placed on your nose between the bridge and the crease where your nostrils flare. Placement will vary a bit from person to person and finding the proper position for you may take some practice. The strips do not re-stick very well, so expect to waste a strip or two at first.  If you use a moisturizer on your face, skip your nose otherwise the strip will not stick.

When the nasal strips first hit the market, our office was constantly getting questions about them. I decided the only way to be able to give an honest opinion was to try them for a few days.  I have seasonal allergies with occasional nasal congestion, but it is quite mild compared to what others have to deal with. I had a hard time getting used to having a plastic strip on my nose and the pulling sensation wasn't terribly comfortable. It seemed like I was aware of it every minute of that first night but I must say that with repeated use, I did get used to it. Removal is similiar to pulling a bandaid off of the hair on your arm - slightly uncomfortable but not awful. My nose did feel more open, but I didn't really notice any difference in my quality of sleep.  Again, my symptoms are mild and I didn't really have a need for the Strips - just a curiosity.

Precautions
- Do not use on sunburned, broken or irritated skin.
- Contains natural latex - Do not use if you have an allergy.

Cost and Availability
$4.99 - 10 strips per box
$14.99 - 30 strips per box
Widely available at local pharmacies in 2 different sizes; small/medium (generally for women) and large (generally for men)

The Bottom Line
I like Breathe Right Nasal Strips as a drug-free alternative to antihistamines and sleep aids.  If your sleep is interrupted by breathing difficulty and/or snoring due to nasal congestion from a cold or allergies, give them a try - just don't get your hopes too high.