If you have a deviated septum, chronic congestion, allergies or just a gnarly winter cold, you may know firsthand how hard it is to fall asleep when you’re all stuffed up. Nose breathing can also be tricky for people with sleep apnea, who snore or who just have issues with their breathing, when asleep or awake.
Whether getting a better sleep routine is part of your New Year’s goals or you’ve been on the market for an OTC, non-intrusive solution, we spotted a pack of fabric-like, soft and round nasal strips that reviewers say drastically improved their breathing and sleep. From the brand Sleep Habits, these single-use nose strips come in packs of 45 and even offer lavender and eucalyptus-scented options for extra calming. And they’re currently 15% off with an extra 10% off of that if you buy two!
Say goodbye to nose strips that pull, dig or fall off.
If you’ve tried your share of nasal strips, you may wonder how different the options can be. Not only are the Sleep Habits strips celebrated by wearers with sensitive skin for not being irritating, but they’re also praised for being actually comfortable to wear. Like, enjoyable, even. With rounded edges and no sticky residue, they easily go on and then comfortably pull off. And the lavender and eucalyptus scents are incredibly soothing. (Though you can get non-scented ones too.)
“No sharp edges that dig into my cheeks when side sleeping like others,” one wrote. “Completely non intrusive. I honestly forgot I was wearing them,” said another.
Wearers agree the strips stay on the whole night — making them more effective — and will even stick to your face with face lotion on, so you don’t have to mess up your skincare routine.
And no, they’re not just for snoring.
Truly an “instant fix,” these strips help open nasal passages and increase airflow from the moment you put them on. Reviewers who have struggled with congestion for “decades” credit the strips for helping them breathe clearly for the first time in years. Others, who have deviated septums, say they’re no longer “gasping for breath in the night,” as they can finally, easily breathe.
Others report the strips making sleep more comfortable when they had a cold or allergies, allowing them to breathe easier even when they were all stuffed up.
“These work INSTANTLY when applied correctly,” one wrote. ”…During the cold, dry months my sinuses are clogged and I have a hard time breathing through my nose. These are a huge game changer. The instant relief was amazing. They stayed on for several hours during the day and while I was sleeping!”
Because of their compact size, they’re portable and easy to take with you, making them a great addition to any travel or toiletry bag. Some say they’ll even wear the strips on airplanes.
Some wear the strips even when they’re not even sleeping.
Because the strips work so well to open nasal passages and help breathing, and because they’re actually comfortable, reviewers say they’ll wear the strips even when they’re awake. “I wanted to try these during the day while I was cleaning and I couldn’t believe how much better I could breathe,” said Tara. Others report wearing the strips as they work from home, with one joking they’ll only take them off if they have a video meeting.
Don’t sleep on these scented nasal strips. Read more 5-star reviews and grab a pack while they’re on sale.
“The nasal strips from Sleep Habits exceeded my expectations. I found them more effective than the Intake Breathing nasal strips I had used previously. They adhered well, were comfortable throughout the night, and noticeably improved my breathing. I woke feeling better rested each morning” — Linette Voytovich
“These breathing strips are great, I use these when I’m sick or my allergies are acting up causing a stuffy nose. I got the unscented ones because when I’m sick, scents really irritate my nose. The adhesive stuck well and these really helped to open up my nasal passages so I’m able to get a good night’s sleep.” — Nikko
“I have tried many nose strips and this one is by far my favorite! I have super sensitive skin and the strips did not bother me at all! (I tried unscented.) Would recommend to anyone, made me sleep better, stayed on my nose through an overnight flight and just super easy to use and carry around. Over all works amazing!” — mattie
Amazon
A highly rated air purifier that can address allergies
“Dust mites, pet dander, and allergens can irritate the nasal passages and worsen snoring,” Fletcher said. One way he suggests managing allergy-induced snoring is placing a HEPA filter air purifier in your bedroom.
We are big fans of this impeccably rated Levoit air purifier which promises a triple-layer filtration system that includes a pre-filter, HEPA filter and activated carbon filter. Its design also allows for 360-degree air intake and can clean air in spaces up to 1,095 square feet, even when operating on its whisper quiet sleep mode.
Amazon
A nasal irrigator with saline solution
“A sinus rinse, often done with a Neti Pot, can help clear congestion and mucus buildup that might be contributing to snoring,” Fletcher said.
If you find using a Neti Pot to be intimidating, we found this fool-proof and automated nasal irrigation system that does all the sinus-clearing work for you. It uses pre-formulated salt pods that click into the top of the device before each use so you never have to worry if you’re flushing with a solution that’s too salty or not enough. Just be sure to use freshly opened distilled water or newly boiled and cooled water when nasal flushing.
Amazon
An anti-snoring chin strap
“Chin straps support your jaw in a more forward position, which helps to open the airway and reduce snoring. They work best for snoring caused by a relaxed tongue or uvula,” Fletcher said.
We found this adjustable strap that is made from a breathable and sleep-friendly material and can even be worn with CPAP machines.
Amazon
Extra-strength nasal strips
When it comes to snoring caused by congestion both Fletcher and Jacobowitz said that nasal strips may have benefit potential and are relatively inexpensive.
“These adhesive strips stick to the bridge of your nose and gently lift the sides of your nostrils, which can help improve airflow and reduce snoring,” Fletcher said. “They are affordable, easy to use, and drug-free. However, they may not be effective for everyone and may irritate sensitive skin.”
Based on their guidance, we found these popular Breathe Right strips which claim to open up the nostrils to allow for up to 31% more airflow. They also use a medical grade adhesive for safe, comfortable wear and removal.
Amazon
A cult-favorite water bottle
When it comes to drinking vessels that actually make staying hydrated fun, we often turn to the famed Owala FreeSip which is fully leakproof, easy to clean and keeps contents cold or hot thanks to the double-wall insulated design. Its best quality, however, is its dual-drinking spout which allows you to either sip through a straw or swig without having to switch out lids or make adjustments. It comes in tons of color combinations and capacity sizes up to 40 ounces.
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)
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