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Best Nasal Strips

Candace Osmond

Nasal strips are used to alleviate the symptoms caused by colds and allergies and also have an added bonus of reducing snoring. Many don’t realize that snoring is often caused by nasal congestion.

These simple strips of adhesive fabric can work wonders for those who snore or are kept up during the night by partners who snore. This article discusses how nasal strips work, what to look for when making a purchase, and provides an overview of the best brands on the market.  

1. Breathe Right Nasal Strips – Editor's Choice

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  • Calming lavender scent
  • Drug-free
  • Nasal congestion relief

2. Clear Passage Extra Strength Nasal Strips

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  • Work instantly
  • Strong hold
  • Strong lift
  • Comfortable
  • Made in USA

3. Instaclear Extra-strength Nasal Strips

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  • Latex-free
  • All day use
  • Made in the USA
  • Work instantly

4. MQFORU Nasal Strips

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  • Available in large quantities
  • Drug-free
  • Instant relief
  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Affordable

Top Nasal Strips

1. Breathe Right Nasal Strips – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Calming lavender scent
  • Drug-free
  • Nasal congestion relief

Pros

  • Calming lavender scent
  • Drug-free
  • Nasal congestion relief

Cons

  • Adhesive can be tough to remove
  • Made with latex, which can cause allergies in some

These drug-free nasal strips rely on a calming lavender scent to put you right to sleep and reduce snoring. Since they open your inflamed  sinus passages up to 38 percent more than allergy and decongestant sprays. This makes them ideal to use for frequent snorers, or those who snore when they are sick or suffering from allergies.

To use, simply wash and dry your nose and apply just above the flare of the nostrils, across the bridge of your nose. Gently rub the strip to secure it to your nose. Removal requires the use of warm water to loosen and gentle peeling starting from one end.

2. Clear Passage Extra Strength Nasal Strips

Highlights

  • Work instantly
  • Strong hold
  • Strong lift
  • Comfortable
  • Made in USA

Pros

  • Work instantly
  • Strong hold
  • Strong lift
  • Comfortable
  • Made in USA

Cons

  • Plastic “wings” on strips can catch on sheets or cut nose

For those looking for instant congestion relief, these nasal strips will do just that. They offer 20%  better hold and coverage and the 50% strong lift provides immediate opening of the nasal passages.

To apply, wash nose with soap and water, dry, and apply the nasal strip over the bridge of the nose. Press and hold for 30 seconds.

3. Instaclear Extra-strength Nasal Strips

Highlights

  • Latex-free
  • All day use
  • Made in the USA
  • Work instantly

Pros

  • Latex-free
  • All day use
  • Made in the USA
  • Work instantly

Cons

  • Strong adhesive can hurt to remove
  • Can leave marks on the nose

Experience increased airflow nearly immediately upon application of these nasal strips and reduce snoring, congestion, and relief from allergies and colds. Your partner will sleep better without the snoring and your own sleep will also improve from better ability to breathe.

To apply, wash and dry nose prior to application. Center the nasal strip over the bridge of the nose and press and hold for 30 seconds. The brand recommends removal in the shower while washing your face. Remove both sides at once, slowly for minimal adhesion.

4. MQFORU Nasal Strips

Highlights

  • Available in large quantities
  • Drug-free
  • Instant relief
  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Affordable

Pros

  • Available in large quantities
  • Drug-free
  • Instant relief
  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Sharp edges
  • Thin strips may not hold nasal passages open for some

These drug-free nasal strips are available in large quantities that will save you money over long term use. They work as well as name brand nasal strips and the adhesive lasts throughout the night, allowing for better sleep and reduced snoring.

To apply, wash and dry the nose thoroughly, press and hold down the strip over the bridge of the nose until secure. To remove, wash face with warm water peel off by loosening the two ends and pulling gently.

How do Nasal Strips Work?

When obstruction of the nasal passages occurs from congestion, a small stream of air is all that is allowed into the nasal passage. This airflow causes vibration in the throat, causing a snoring sound. 

Nasal strips attach to the nose with a strong adhesive and pull the nasal passages open, allowing more room for air to flow through and thus increase breathing and reduce snoring.The adhesive tape on nasal strips is designed to stay in place and keep the nasal passages clear throughout the night.

Precise placement matters for optimal opening of nasal passages. Too high or two low and it won’t work properly.

Who Should Use Nasal Strips?

Nasal strips are not just for those who snore, though that is what they are most associated with. They are also great for those who suffer from pet and environmental allergies, are sick with a cold or sinus infection, or have nasal congestion for other reasons.

For those with sleep apnea or other conditions that cause snoring, nasal strips are not the solution. Discuss a plan with your doctor for reducing snoring.

Important Features You Need to Consider When Buying Nasal Strips

Adhesion

Since the adhesion is what holds the nasal passages open, you want to make sure that the nasal strip you choose has a strong enough tape that it sticks to your nose throughout the night.

At the same time, you want to look for one that isn’t too sticky that it becomes difficult to remove or leave behind residue. Some can even cause bruising if they are on too tightly for too long.

Material

Some nasal strips are made with latex, which of course is not an option for those with allergies. Users should look for a band with a soft, pliable material that isn’t sharp at the ends.

Keep a look out for any chemicals used in the adhesive materials. They can cause skin irritation for those with sensitivities. Test on a small patch of skin in a discreet area before applying to your nose to avoid skin problems on your face.

Size

Some brands offer nasal strips in different sizes, but there are some brands out there that make strips more suitable to larger or smaller-sized noses. Since they work best with appropriate fit, make sure to look for a size that will fit your face for optimal results.

Bottom Line

Basically, nasal strips across brands offer much of the same features, varying only in size or scents. Adhesion does come into play, some with better stickiness than others, while some may have too much grip.

If you are someone who prefers to buy a well known brand, then go that route. Others who don’t mind losing a little bit of quality for a less expensive product can choose from a number of brands available on the market.

The most important factor when purchasing a nasal strip is that the fit works for your individual face and that the strip lasts throughout the night, so that both you and your partner can get a good night’s rest.