FAQs
Nasal strips are thin pieces of adhesive tape that are placed inside your nostrils to keep your airways open during sleep.
Nasal strips were first developed in the early 1900s. They have been around since then but they didn't really take off until the 1990s when they became popularized through television commercials featuring celebrities like Tom Hanks and Drew Barrymore.
Nasal strips are designed to keep your airway open during sleep. When you inhale, your muscles contract and close your throat. Nasal strips relax those muscles and keep your airway open.
One drawback of nasal strips is that they don't always work. If you use them incorrectly, they won't work at all.
No, nasal strips aren't commonly used by most people. That's probably because they're expensive and uncomfortable.
You could try breathing into a paper bag or blowing out a balloon. These methods will make your airway more open than nasal strips would. But they won't last as long.
Some things, including certain foods, medications, and even pollen, can trigger allergies. If you think you're having an allergy reaction, talk to your doctor about what you can and cannot eat.
This isn't necessarily true. Most nasal strips contain alcohol, which helps to moisturize your skin. And if you apply them correctly, they shouldn't irritate your skin.
After 10 minutes, the strip will start to stick to your nose. Don't worry -- it'll stay stuck!
Other options include saline sprays, oral steroids, and decongestants. Saline sprays are available in liquid form and can be sprayed directly onto your nose. Oral steroids are taken orally. Decongestants are pills that you swallow. All three of these options are less effective than nasal strips.
