Every autumn it starts again. Someone at work has a cold, the kids bring something home from school, and before long the whole house is sniffing. One of the most frustrating parts is bedtime: you're exhausted, but a blocked nose keeps you awake.
Nasal strips won't stop you catching a bug, and they won't make it go away any faster. But if a stuffy nose is getting in the way of a decent night's sleep, they're a simple, drug-free thing to keep in the bathroom cabinet. Here's what you need to know.
Is it a cold or flu?
Colds and flu are both common in the colder months, and they can feel similar at first. According to the NHS, a cold tends to come on gradually and mainly affects your nose and throat, while flu usually comes on quickly and affects more than just your nose and throat. Flu can leave you feeling exhausted and too unwell to carry on as normal.
That difference matters for what a nasal strip can do. A nasal strip only works on your nose. It can make it easier to breathe through your nose when it's blocked, but it does nothing for a high temperature, aches, a sore throat or a cough.
Why a blocked nose makes sleep so hard
When your nose is blocked, you're more likely to breathe through your mouth at night. That can leave you waking up with a dry mouth and throat, and it can make snoring worse, which isn't much fun for whoever shares your bed either.
Lying down can also make a stuffy nose feel worse, which is why many people find their nose clears a little during the day and then blocks up again as soon as they go to bed.
How nasal strips help
A nasal strip sits across the bridge of your nose, just above the flare of your nostrils. Flexible bands inside the strip gently lift the sides of your nose and widen your nasal passages. There's no medication, spray or active ingredient involved; it simply works by opening up your nose, and it starts working as soon as it's applied.
NasalFlow strips can increase nasal airflow by up to 30%. When your nose is blocked by a cold, hay fever or allergies, that extra room can make it easier to breathe through your nose and settle down to sleep. You can buy NasalFlow nasal strips here for £9.99 a pack.
Because they're drug-free, nasal strips can be used alongside the things you'd normally reach for when you're under the weather. If you're taking any medicines, follow the instructions that come with them, and ask a pharmacist if you're unsure.
Tips for using nasal strips when you're unwell
A few things make a real difference when your nose is sore and stuffy:
- Clean and dry first. Gently wash and dry the skin on your nose before applying a strip. Moisturiser, oily skin or a damp nose will stop it sticking well.
- Position it carefully. Place the strip across the bridge of your nose, with the ends just above the flare of your nostrils, then press the ends down firmly. Our guide to using nasal strips shows you how, with a short video.
- Check your skin. Lots of nose blowing can leave the skin red and sore. Don't apply a strip to broken, irritated or sore skin, and stop using it if a rash or irritation appears.
- One strip, one use. Each NasalFlow strip is individually wrapped and single use, so use a fresh one each night. When everyone in the house is ill, it's handy that nobody has to share.
- Take it off gently. In the morning, peel the strip off slowly. Loosening it with a little warm water first can help. You can wear a strip for up to 12 hours in any 24-hour period.
NasalFlow strips are suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over. Don't use them if you're allergic to latex. Our nasal strips FAQ answers more common questions.
Be ready before it starts
Colds always seem to arrive at the worst moment, usually late at night. Keeping a pack of NasalFlow nasal strips at home means you've got something ready for the next stuffy night.
Each pack has 60 large strips for £9.99, which is around two months' supply at one a night. Direct orders come with free standard UK delivery and our 14-day try-at-home guarantee.
Buy NasalFlow nasal strips direct, or find them on Amazon UK.
This article is for general information only and isn't medical advice. If you have ongoing breathing or sleep problems, speak to your GP or pharmacist.
Try NasalFlow nasal strips
60 large, drug-free strips for £9.99, with free UK delivery.