A stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, occurs when the tissues lining the nose swell due to inflamed blood vessels, making it difficult to breathe. While often managed with over-the-counter medications, many people seek non-pharmacological options for relief, especially during sleep. External nasal strips are a popular, drug-free solution applied across the bridge of the nose to mechanically improve airflow. This article explores the function of these devices and the specific types of congestion they are designed to manage.
How Nasal Strips Open the Airways
Nasal strips are external nasal dilators that use a simple mechanical principle to widen the nasal passages. Each strip is a flexible adhesive band containing spring-like pieces of plastic that hold the strip firmly to the outside of the nose, spanning the area just above the nostrils. The internal spring mechanism attempts to straighten back to its original flat shape, creating an outward pulling force on the skin and underlying cartilage. This action targets the nasal valve area, the narrowest point of the nasal passage, preventing the sides of the nose from collapsing inward during inhalation.
This mechanical widening increases the cross-sectional space for airflow. Research indicates that strips can increase the nasal valve area by an estimated 23 to 31% and reduce nasal resistance by 28 to 38%. This physical opening allows air to move through the nose more easily, improving the sensation of clear breathing.
Congestion Causes Where Strips Are Most Effective
Nasal strips are most effective for congestion that is structural or mechanical, rather than congestion caused by inflammation. They provide noticeable relief when stuffiness is due to the physical narrowing or collapse of the nasal passages. This is particularly true for people experiencing mild anatomical variations or those whose nasal passages tend to collapse inward during sleep.
The strips can significantly help reduce snoring rooted in nasal obstruction by stabilizing the airway and reducing the air velocity that causes soft tissue vibration. They may also offer some benefit for minor congestion accompanying a mild cold, but their efficacy is limited because they do not contain medicine to address underlying inflammation.
The devices are generally less effective when congestion is caused by significant internal swelling, such such as a severe allergic reaction, a sinus infection, or chronic rhinitis. In these cases, the internal tissues are so inflamed that the external pull of the strip cannot overcome the severe internal blockage. Nasal strips also do not address structural issues located deeper within the nasal cavity, such as a severely deviated septum.
Limitations and Alternative Treatments
Nasal strips are not a complete solution for all causes of difficult nasal breathing, as their mechanical action cannot treat conditions driven by severe inflammation. If a stuffy nose is the result of a serious infection or pronounced allergies, the swelling requires a different approach. Furthermore, the adhesive can cause minor skin irritation, redness, or discomfort upon removal, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.
If nasal strips do not provide sufficient relief, several other over-the-counter treatments can address the underlying causes of congestion. Saline nasal rinses and sprays help flush out irritants and thin mucus. For short-term use, decongestant nasal sprays or oral decongestants can reduce tissue swelling, though sprays should not be used for more than a few days to avoid rebound congestion.
Other simple strategies include using a humidifier to add moisture to the air or elevating the head of the bed to promote drainage. If nasal congestion is chronic, lasts longer than 10 days, or is accompanied by symptoms like fever, facial pain, or persistent green discharge, seek medical advice. These symptoms may indicate an underlying condition, such as chronic sinusitis or a structural problem, requiring a targeted medical treatment plan.