A few weeks ago Len was having trouble breathing, especially when he tried to sleep. He tried everything he could think of and finally suggested using the Breathe Right Nasal Strips. I said to him that I thought they were to stop snoring but a friend said that they would open up the nose and allow him to breathe easier. So we went into Walgreen’s drug store and purchased a packet of 12 for around $4.99.
Looking on the blue packet it states: drug-free nasal strips, that relieve nasal congestion, which may be caused by colds and allergies. It also states that it reduces snoring. I looked on the back of the packet and saw that it improves airflow by 31% so thought it was worth a try.
Next it was time to choose the size. There were sm/med and large. On the back of the packet is says that the sm/med fit 75% of adult noses. The large are for adults with larger noses. We got the sm/med size.
Come bedtime Len came into the bedroom with the Breathe Right Nasal Strips. There are two strips in each paper packet. They are sealed and you can open one at a time. I opened it up while Len carefully washed and dried his nose.
The instruction sheet that comes in the box gives 3 easy diagrams.
1. The diagram shows the right area to place the strip. It also shows 2 wrong ways of doing it.
2. Ensure you wash and dry your nose so there is no dirt or oil. If you do have an oily skin then use an astringent beforehand.
3. Take off the liner on the strip and put on your nose. Press gently to ensure it stays in place.
The 4th and final diagram and instructions are for the removal of the strip. They suggest you remove it when washing your face and do it carefully. Len didn’t need this instruction because the strip didn’t stay on his nose all night. He was careful when washing and drying his nose but I personally think that the strip was too small for him. He told me that he only had an average nose and didn’t need the larger size one so after 5 or 6 nights he gave up on them.
Both of us snore occasionally but not enough to need these strips. I am keeping the rest of them in the event that I get a cold this winter. I did put one on my nose to see how it felt and it felt uncomfortable. I think this was due to the adhesive on the sides of my nose. I am sure if I had to use them on a regular basis I would get used to them. They do have a calming feeling when you scratch the surface of the strip and feel the menthol vapors. This is more gently to the nose that dabbing on Vicks Vapor Rub.
This is what breathe right have on their website:
“Your nose is divided into two chambers, or nostrils. At the back of each nostril is a narrow space called the nasal valve, which is only 1/10″ wide. All of the air you breathe in through the nose has to pass through these spaces, which can become blocked for a variety of reasons. The Breathe Right strip widens the space by mechanically pulling open the flexible cartilage walls of the nasal valves, making it easier to breathe without the use of drugs.”
I have spoken to several friends about Breathe Right and a couple swear by them and say that they do help breathing and also snoring, but then again I have others that tell me that they are a waste of money. I am leaving my options open at this time.
CNS Inc.,
Minneapolis,
WN 55439.
