Nasal strips, often called nose tape, are flexible, adhesive devices placed externally across the bridge of the nose. These non-prescription products are designed to mechanically alter the shape of the nasal passage to assist with breathing. By adhering to the skin, they exert a gentle force intended to open up the nasal airways. This mechanical action reduces the resistance to airflow and facilitates easier inhalation. The strips offer a drug-free, non-invasive method for improving air intake through the nose.
The Physical Mechanism of Airway Expansion
The fundamental design of a nasal strip involves a pair of embedded elastic bands or rigid, spring-like materials encased in an adhesive backing. When applied over the curved surface of the nose, these internal bands are momentarily bent and compressed. The inherent property of the bands is to attempt to spring back to their original, flatter shape. This restorative force provides the gentle, upward lift to the sides of the nose.
This lifting action is specifically targeted at the nasal valve, the narrowest point of the entire nasal airway. The nasal valve is formed by the lateral walls of the nose, composed of flexible alar cartilage. The mechanical pull from the strip lifts these soft walls outward, increasing the cross-sectional area of the passage. This structural change prevents the lateral walls from collapsing inward during deep inspiration, a phenomenon that occurs when negative pressure builds up inside the nose.
By widening the nasal valve area, nasal strips reduce nasal airway resistance, a measurement of the effort needed to draw air into the lungs. Studies show this mechanical dilation can increase the cross-sectional area of the nasal valve by 23 to 31%. According to the physics of airflow, a small increase in the diameter of a tube leads to a proportionally much larger increase in flow, meaning less effort is required for each breath. This makes the passage of air smoother and less turbulent, which is particularly noticeable during increased respiratory demand.
Practical Uses for Improved Breathing
The primary use of nose tape is to support the nasal airway during periods of rest, specifically to mitigate simple snoring. Snoring is often caused by the vibration of tissues in the throat, which restricted nasal airflow can exacerbate. By physically keeping the nasal passages open, the strips reduce the negative pressure that contributes to the collapse of airway tissues. This improved airflow stabilizes nasal breathing, reducing the intensity and frequency of snoring episodes caused by nasal congestion or obstruction.
People also apply these strips to manage temporary nasal congestion stemming from common sources like allergies or a cold. While the strips do not treat underlying inflammation or mucus production, the mechanical dilation compensates for the reduced internal space. This physical widening maximizes the flow of air around swollen tissues, offering subjective relief from a stuffy nose. Encouraging nasal breathing is beneficial because it naturally filters, warms, and humidifies incoming air.
The strips are also adopted by some individuals during low-to-moderate intensity exercise to optimize their air intake. During physical exertion, the body’s demand for oxygen increases, and the nasal passages may struggle to keep up with the required volume of air. By reducing the resistance in the anterior nasal passage, the strips lessen the work of breathing and can delay the switch to mouth breathing. However, for high-intensity activity, the strips offer limited benefit, as most people naturally switch to mouth breathing to meet maximum ventilation needs.
Important Considerations and Limitations
While nasal strips are a simple, over-the-counter solution, they have specific limitations. The strips only provide mechanical support to the anterior third of the nose, specifically the nasal valve area. They do not affect the deeper, posterior structures of the nasal cavity. Consequently, they are ineffective for breathing issues caused by obstructions further back, such as swollen turbinates or a deviated septum.
Nasal strips are not a sufficient treatment for complex respiratory conditions like severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a medical disorder involving repeated episodes of upper airway collapse, usually in the throat. This condition requires professional diagnosis and treatment that goes beyond simple nasal dilation. Relying on nose tape for symptoms of severe sleep disorders may delay necessary medical intervention.
The most common minor side effect is localized skin irritation or redness caused by the adhesive. This irritation can be exacerbated by frequent use or if the strip is applied to sensitive skin. Users should ensure their nose is clean and dry before application to maximize adhesion and minimize discomfort upon removal. If breathing problems persist despite consistent use, consultation with a healthcare provider is important to ensure an underlying medical condition is not being overlooked.