Breathe Easy: The Ultimate Guide to Breathing Strips for Your Nose

Dan Jacobs
The best nasal strips optimize breathing by comfortably keeping the nostrils open

Everything You Need to Know About Nasal Strips for Breathing

When it comes to improving your breathing, sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective; while breathing strips for your nose may seem a little too simple, they are in fact the most effective. Nasal strips are one of the few things in this world that truly provides instantaneous results.


These tiny, sticky devices have been around for decades, but many people are still unaware of the incredible benefits of nasal dilator strips. Nasal strips are a type of external nasal dilator used to alleviate snoring and improve breathing by enhancing airflow through the nasal passages.


Whether you’re a yogi, breathwork practitioner, want to stop snoring, or just someone curious about optimizing your health, nasal strips may be exactly what you’re looking for.


In this guide, we’ll cover how nasal strips work, their effectiveness, health benefits, use cases, and even some common concerns. By the end, you’ll have all the info you need to decide if they’re right for you.


Get ready to meet your new favorite health hack.

Dan Jacobs Breathing Instructor

Written by Dan Jacobs

Since 2016, Dan has taught breathwork, yoga, meditation, and cold exposure to hundreds of students across America. He has led workshops & classes in yoga centers, holistic events, music festivals, and gyms in Miami, Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles, Washington State, and Connecticut.

Nasal dilators and nasal strips work to improve nasal breathing therefore reduce sleep apnea. They are also excellent for nervous system regulation while in an ice bath.
Nasal strips are also excellent for nervous system regulation and breath control while in an ice bath.

What Are Breathing Strips for the Nose?

Breathing strips are small strips designed to help you breathe better by gently opening your nasal passages. They work by adhering to the outside of your nose and providing a mechanical lift to widen your airways.


While they may look simple, their design is quite ingenious, offering a quick and non-invasive way to keep your nasal airway open and maximize airflow. Most people associate them with reducing snoring, but their applications extend far beyond just bedtime. From athletes to allergy sufferers, breathing strips have something to offer everyone.


Their popularity lies in their ease of use and instant effects. You don’t need special training or fancy equipment—just peel, stick, and breathe. The simplicity makes them accessible for anyone looking to improve their nasal breathing without relying on medication or more invasive options.

How Do Nasal Strips Work?

The science behind nasal strips is straightforward yet effective. Nasal strips contain a flexible spring-like band embedded within an adhesive. When you place one of these nasal strips across your nose, the band gently pulls your nostrils open, reducing resistance and increasing airflow. This simple mechanical action can significantly improve how much air flows through your nose, making it easier to breathe.


By targeting the nasal passages directly, nasal strips help combat common issues like congestion and restricted airflow. They are especially useful for people who experience nasal blockages due to colds, allergies, or deviated septums. Breathwork practitioners looking to deepen their practice will notice immediate, profound improvements to their breathing exercises.


Unlike nasal sprays or medications, nasal strips work externally, so there’s no need to worry about overuse or side effects. Their effectiveness in improving airflow has made them a go-to solution for many, offering a drug-free way to breathe better almost instantly.

Benefits of Using Nasal Strips

One of the biggest perks of nasal strips is their versatility in addressing various breathing challenges.

  • Increase Nasal Air Volume: Nasal strips work to keep the nasal airway and nostrils open, allowing for smoother and more efficient airflow, making it easier to breathe to increase oxygen intake and c02 removal.

  • Stress Reduction: Easier breathing promotes relaxation, reducing stress levels and encouraging a calmer state of mind.

  • Reduced Snoring: By improving airflow through the nose, nasal strips can help reduce or even eliminate snoring caused by nasal congestion.

  • Relief from Allergies and Colds: Nasal strips provide temporary relief from congestion caused by allergies or colds, making breathing more comfortable.

  • Improved Focus and Mental Clarity: Better oxygen flow to the brain can help improve concentration, focus, and overall cognitive function.

  • Enhanced Sleep Quality: With better airflow, you can enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep, which benefits both you and anyone sharing your bedroom.

  • Drug-Free Relief: Nasal strips offer a non-invasive and medication-free solution to nasal congestion, making them ideal for people who prefer natural remedies.

  • Athletic Performance Boost: Improved oxygen intake helps athletes maximize their endurance and performance during workouts and competitions.

  • Support for Mouth Breathers: Nasal strips encourage nasal breathing, which is more efficient and beneficial than mouth breathing, especially during sleep.

  • Easy and Convenient: They are simple to use, portable, and require no additional tools or preparation, making them an effortless addition to your daily routine.

Types of Nasal Strips

Nasal strips come in various types, each designed to cater to different needs and preferences. Here’s a closer look at some common types of nasal strips:

Adhesive Strips

These are the most common type of nasal strips. They stick to the outside of your nose and work by gently lifting the nasal passages to improve airflow. Adhesive nasal strips are easy to use and provide immediate relief from nasal congestion, making them a popular choice for reducing snoring and enhancing breathing during sleep.

Internal Nasal Dilators

Unlike adhesive nasal strips, internal nasal dilators are small devices inserted into the nostrils. They work from the inside to widen the nasal passages, providing a more direct approach to improving airflow. Internal nasal dilators can be a great option for those who find adhesive strips uncomfortable or ineffective.

Nasal Dilator Strips

These are similar to adhesive strips but are designed to be more flexible and comfortable. Nasal dilator strips offer a gentle yet effective way to keep the nasal passages open, making them suitable for people with sensitive skin or those who need a more comfortable option for long-term use.

Nasal Strips with Built-in Filters

For individuals with allergies, nasal strips with built-in filters can be a game-changer. These strips not only open up the nasal passages but also help remove allergens and pollutants from the air. This dual function makes them ideal for allergy sufferers looking to breathe easier and reduce snoring.

Who Should Use Nasal Strips?

Nasal strips are for anyone who wants to breathe easier, plain and simple. If you’re someone with persistent snoring or has a partner who snores, they can make a noticeable difference in reducing nighttime disruptions. Fitness enthusiasts and athletes often use nasal strips during intense training sessions to ensure maximum oxygen intake. They’re also a great tool for people dealing with nasal congestion from allergies, colds, or sinus issues.


Those who can benefit the most are yogis and breathwork practitioners looking to optimize their airflow and therefore deepen their practice. If you haven't tried breathing exercises with nasal strips yet, let me tell you — you'll soar to new places within the first round.


TLDR; If you have a nose and want it to work better, nasal strips are worth a try.

How to Apply Nasal Strips Correctly

Applying nasal strips is as simple as it gets, but doing it correctly ensures you get the best results.

  1. Start by washing your face to remove any oils or dirt from your nose and pat your nose dry. This helps the nasal strip stick better and last longer.

  2. Once your nose is clean and dry, peel off the backing from the strip to expose the sticky side.

  3. Position the strip across the bridge of your nose, making sure it sits just above your nostrils.

  4. Press the strip gently but firmly to ensure it’s secure. You should feel a slight lift as the strip begins to open your nasal passages.

  5. Activate the adhesive by gently rubbing all along the nose strip to generate heat and increase stickiness.

  6. Once applied, you'll experience better breathing instantly.

  7. Removing the strip is just as easy—simply peel it off slowly to avoid irritating your skin.

Everyone's nose is shaped differently, so it may take a few tries to get the exact right spot. You'll be able to feel the difference even if it's way off — but when you nail it, you'll know it.

Use Cases for Nasal Strips

Nasal strips are versatile tools that can be used in a variety of scenarios day or night.


After sunset, they're most commonly used to prevent snoring and improve sleep quality by keeping your nasal passages open. This can be especially helpful for people who breathe through their mouth when sleeping or suffer from congestion.


During the day, many athletes use nasal strips to enhance their workouts by improving airflow and oxygen delivery to their muscles.


They’re also fantastic for managing nasal congestion caused by allergies or colds. If you’re traveling and worried about stuffy airplane air, nasal strips can be a game-changer.


The strongest use cases for breathing strips for your nose are breathwork, meditation and yoga seeing as they help you to maintain steady and calm nasal breathing while allowing the maximum amount of airflow through without activating any accessory muscles.

Alternatives to Nasal Strips

While nasal strips can be effective in reducing snoring and improving sleep quality, they may not work for everyone. Here are some alternatives to consider:

  • Oral Appliances: These custom-made devices are designed to advance the position of the jaw and tongue, keeping the airway open during sleep. Oral appliances can be particularly effective for individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machines: CPAP machines deliver a steady stream of air pressure into the airway to keep it open during sleep. They are often prescribed for individuals with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce snoring.

  • Mandibular Advancement Devices: Similar to oral appliances, mandibular advancement devices reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. These devices are typically used for treating snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea.

  • Tongue Stabilizing Devices: These devices work by preventing the tongue from collapsing and falling backward into the throat during sleep. Tongue stabilizing devices can be an effective solution for individuals whose snoring is primarily caused by tongue obstruction.

The right strips for those looking to deepen their breath and strengthen breathwork training or reduce sleep disorder suffering from sleep apnea, snoring, and more

Do Breathing Strips Actually Work?

The short answer is yes. Breathing nasal strips work to improve nasal airflow significantly, offering relief for various conditions like snoring or congestion, improving athletic performance, and deepening breathing, meditation, and yoga practices.


While they don’t address deeper issues like a deviated septum, they do provide a noticeable improvement for external nasal blockages. Studies and countless testimonials support their effectiveness, making them a trusted choice for many.


As with any alternative treatment options, it’s important to manage expectations. No matter how effective nasal strips can be, they are not a permanent fix or a substitute for medical treatment for serious conditions like a nasal obstruction. However, for temporary relief and support, they work remarkably well.

Are There Any Downsides to Nasal Strips?

While nasal strips are generally safe, they’re not without minor drawbacks. Some users may experience mild skin irritation or redness, especially if the nasal strips are lower quality and use cheap adhesive. If you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to test a strip on a small area before regular use and go with reputable brands or nasal strips designed specifically for breathing. Another limitation is that they don’t address internal nasal issues like polyps or structural abnormalities.


For some, the relief provided by nasal strips may feel limited, especially if their breathing issues are more severe. It’s also worth noting that the adhesive may not stick well if your skin is oily or sweaty, so proper application is key. Despite these minor concerns, the benefits of nasal strips far outweigh the drawbacks for most people.

When to Consult a Doctor

While nasal strips can be a helpful solution for snoring, it’s essential to consult a doctor if:

  • Snoring Persists: If snoring continues despite using nasal strips, it may be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder or other health issue. Persistent snoring should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

  • Sleep Disturbances Occur: If snoring is accompanied by sleep disturbances such as pauses in breathing, gasping, or choking, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. These symptoms may indicate obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition that requires medical intervention.

  • Other Symptoms Occur: If you experience other symptoms such as daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or morning headaches, it may be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder. Consulting a doctor or healthcare provider can help identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment to improve your overall health and well-being.

The Best Breathing Nasal Strips

The best nasal strips out there are right here are Warrior Experts™. We painstakingly sourced these strips to include:

  • Optimal adhesion without irritation to ensure long-lasting application

  • Durable yet pliable expand bands for maximum nostril expansion

  • Optimized shape for greatest amount of airflow

Plus, every package of nasal strips comes with lifetime access to the Breathwork Training Mastery Program featuring five breathing techniques to manage emotions, focus, brain fog, and more. You'll also learn proper breathing mechanics, positive mindset training, breath physiology, and get two bonus yoga classes developed specifically for breathwork enhancement.


Optimize your breathing and deepen your practice with Warrior Experts™ Nose Strips for breathing today.

Breathing Nasal Strips with Breathwork Training


Breathing Nose Strips by Warrior Experts™ are engineered to optimize your breathing exercises and deepen your practice by gently opening your nasal passages, enhancing airflow, and making each breath deeper, smoother, and more effective. Order today to score a bonus Breathwork Mastery Training Program.


FAQs About Breathing Strips

Do nose strips actually help breathing?

Yes, nasal strips can significantly improve nasal airflow by opening up your nasal passages.

What are the negatives of nasal strips?

Some people may experience mild skin irritation or find them less effective for severe nasal issues like a deviated septum.

How do breathing strips work to open nasal passages?

Nasal strips work by implementing a spring-like mechanism that gently pulls open the nasal passages, reducing resistance and improving airflow.

Where to put nose strips?

You place nasal strips across the bridge of your nose, just above the nostrils.

Are nose strips bad for you?

No, nasal strips are safe for most people and are a non-invasive way to improve breathing.

How do nose strips help you breathe?

Nasal strips work to help you breathe by mechanically opening your nasal passages, therefore reducing congestion and allowing for easier airflow.

How do nasal strips help with sleep apnea?

Nasal strips can help with sleep apnea by improving airflow through the nasal passages. By mechanically opening the nostrils, they reduce nasal resistance, making it easier to breathe through the nose. This can alleviate some of the breathing difficulties associated with mild cases of sleep apnea, especially when nasal congestion is a contributing factor. However, they are not a treatment for more serious complications such as obstructive sleep apnea caused by throat or airway blockages and should be used in conjunction with medical advice for more severe cases.

Stick. Expand. Excel.

Breathing strips for your nose are a simple yet effective tool for improving airflow, deepening spiritual and athletic disciplines, helping to stop snoring, and optimizing overall well-being. Whether you’re looking to sleep better, crush your workouts, or just breathe better, these tiny little nasal strips can make a world of difference.


However, it’s essential to understand the different types of nasal strips, their limitations, and when to consult a doctor. By exploring alternative solutions and seeking medical attention when necessary, individuals can find the best approach to managing their snoring and achieving restful sleep.


Whether you choose nasal strips, oral appliances, or other alternatives, the goal is to improve your breathing and enhance your overall sleep quality. Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if you have persistent snoring or other sleep disturbances. With the right approach, you can enjoy a more restful and rejuvenating sleep experience.


They’re safe, affordable, and easy to use — you got nothing to lose and a whole lotta oxygen to gain. Give nasal strips a try and see how they can help you unlock new levels of awareness, comfort, clarity, and rest.


Thanks for stopping by, until next time.

Namaste

Aham Brahmasmi

Dan

Head of Breathwork Development & Co-Founder, Warrior Experts

Breathing Nasal Strips with Breathwork Training


Breathing Nose Strips by Warrior Experts™ are engineered to optimize your breathing exercises and deepen your practice by gently opening your nasal passages, enhancing airflow, and making each breath deeper, smoother, and more effective. Order today to score a bonus Breathwork Mastery Training Program.


Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.