How do Nasal Strips Work?

Adhesive-backed nasal strips are worn externally over the nose bridge to widen the nostrils for better breathing. These are available over-the-counter aids designed to improve airflow, nasal congestion and reduce snoring. 

About breathing and nasal congestion

The nasal cavity has an important role in respiration. You breathe air through the nostrils and goes through the nasal passages. These airways are lined with mucosa and is aided by nasal turbinates that warm, filter and humidify the air before it travels into the lungs. With nasal congestion, the soft tissue and lining of the nose is inflamed due to infections, allergies and irritants. 

One of the worst affected is the nasal valve that is the narrow part in the nostril and provides resistance to airflow in the nasal airway. If there is a congestion or blockage, the valve collapses and resistance to normal breathing occurs. That is why nasal strips are needed. It is placed over the bridge of the nose to widen this area, to allow normal breathing. 

Using nasal strips

Flexible and adhesive backed nasal strips stick to the skin on either side of the nostrils. There are many well-known companies that have offered relief to the users. It is more mechanical, but has no medicine in it. They work by widening the nostrils for better flow of air and reduces air resistance so the effect may be temporary, but it is immediate. 

Mechanics Of the Nasal Strips

Nasal strips work as splints for the nostrils, when you apply them correctly. Here is how they work:

The nasal strip’s adhesive part is applied across the nose bridge, just above the flare of the nostrils. It is important to place it correctly. If it is placed low or high, its effectiveness will be lost. The plastic band in the strip is designed to get back into original shape after it is stretched. The elasticity of the nasal strip exerts a gentle pulling force on the nostrils and flares the skin above the nostrils. This widens the nasal valve area, which is considered to be the narrowest part of the airway. By the widening, there is an increase in the flow of air. 

Thus, nasal strips reduce the resistance when you breathe in through the nose. 

Effectiveness and use of Nasal strips

There are many studies and reports that have shown that the nasal strips are effective, such as:

• Quality of sleep: Nasal strip are non-invasive methods to stop snoring and improve nasal breathing. It even helps those with mild issues with breathing at night due to deviated septum. 
  
• Non-invasive method: As it is adhesive and is worn externally, it is totally non-invasive and easy to use. 
• Stop snoring: If you are snoring due to nasal valve collapse or nasal congestion, using nasal strips can help. It will reduce the intensity of your snoring by enhancing airflow. 
• Breathing efficiency improves: Athletes use the nasal strips to increase efficacy of breathing when they are training. It helps them breathe a little better. 
• Suit pregnant women: As there are no drugs involved; it is good to counter nasal congestion in pregnant women as well. These are safe, chemical free options for people on other medicines. 

Nasal strip limitations

Though the nasal strips are chemical free and usually effective, these are not a sure-shot cure for snoring. It is limited to the external nasal area but cannot work on deeper structural issues of the nose such as:

• Polyps: Obstructions due to growth in the sinus or nasal cavity will not be affected by nasal strips
• Deviated septum: When you have a deviated septum, which means that the cartilage is displaced more towards one side, nasal strips cannot be effective in correcting it. The nasal strips can only reduce the snoring not treat the problem. 
• Adhesive affects the skin: For some people with very sensitive skin, the adhesive can cause irritation.

Application of nasal strips

To ensure that the nasal strip has been applied as required, you need to: 

• Clean the area: Ensure that the nose is dry and clean. Moisture and natural oils can diminish the adhesive’s strength to stick. 
• Correct placement: You need to place the strip across the nose bridge, above the widest part of the nostrils. Press down the strip to secure it into place
• Gently remove: To ensure that all the adhesive is removed from the skin, remove the nasal strip and wash your face to remove the adhesive. 

Benefits of Nasal Strips

Nasal strips have an advantage over other nasal obstructions:

• Drug-free:  The nasal strips are good for those that do not want to use medication to stop snoring
• Non-invasive: There is no surgery or insertion in the nose
• Temporary usage: The effect only lasts as long as the individual wears the nasal strip
• Immediate: It acts effectively after application

Additionally, if you compare anti-histamines and nasal sprays to nasal strips, it takes time to work and there might be some side-effects of medications. However, nasal strips work well with all ages and are non-invasive. 

Types of nasal strips 

With new technological innovations, there are a variety of nasal strips available. These include:

• Nasal strips for sensitive skin:  It comes with hypoallergic adhesive
• Clear strip: It is for daytime use and looks transparent
• Custom sized strips: These are in varying lengths and widths to fit different sized noses

There are other anti-snoring nasal products that are used such as nasal dilators which are inserted inside the nostrils to mechanically widen them for better breathing. 

Conclusion

Nasal strips are simple yet functional. With an increase in both men and women snoring, nasal strips offer the ease of use for both the sexes and offer a drug-free, non-invasive method of reducing snoring and nasal congestion. Whether you use it on a daily basis or its use is occasional, nasal strips significantly help you breathe easy and you get a good night’s sleep with ease, if you struggle with nasal airflow problems.