Breathe Right Strips

[DannyP]

I have had congestion Problems well before CPAP Therapy but it has gotten worse since using cpap and I have a deviated septum which contributes to the congestion problems. I have did the Nasal Irrigation with some success and Prescription Nasal sprays from my ENT but I try to avoid the Nasal Sprays when at all possible. I have constant re-occuring sinus infections which Hinders the breathing and I was wondering if anyone has used or tried the Breathe Right Nasal strips with any success. I have used the swift II nasal pillows from the beginning and prefer to continue using them. Any Input on the usage of the Breathe right Strips will be appreciated. I hate to buy them and find out they don't help with the congestion Problems. Thank You.

[hummer3d]

I tried them before i got my first cpap and they did help with the congestion. Give them a try. I too am using a swift lt now ,but have had some congested nights recently . i gues i will try the nassal strips again with cpap.

[Songbird]

For a lot of reasons that don't really matter, there was quite a time lapse between when I was diagnosed with OSA and when I got my cpap machine. During that time, knowing I had stopped breathing about every other minute or so and that my O2 sats had gone down to about 72% had me in a constant state of fear, so I did what I could to mitigate the danger. In addition to getting my head higher with a bed wedge and going the nasal irrigation route, I started using Breathe Right Strips. They're wonderful!! I have a slightly deviated septum, and as SOON as I put on a strip, I could feel the difference in the amount of air that was getting through.

Since I got my cpap machine, I haven't needed the BRSs.... EXCEPT when my sinuses decide to clog up. Usually, between the incoming air pressure of my machine and the assistance of my allergy medicines, I don't have that problem. But when I do, adding a BRS usually takes care of things. (I also have a Hybrid mask on standby, in case I just can't get unclogged, but in the past nine months, I've used it once.)

Perhaps it's just my imagination, but I've used both the brand name Breathe Right Strips and a generic version, and I really think the brand version worked better. Better enough to spend the extra pennies, imo. Of course, ymmv.

No matter what, I strongly encourage you to get some Breathe Right Strips, try them and keep them on hand. However, here's something else to think about:

You said that your congestion got worse since starting cpap therapy. I assume you have a humidifier on your machine.... do you use it actively (with the humidifier actually turned on) or passively (the humidifier isn't turned on, but the reservoir has water in it, and moisture is picked up as the air passes over it... thus the term passover humidity)? Although using the humidifier actively makes life much nicer for many hoseheads, many others find that using the humidifier actively makes life more difficult for them, congestion-wise. I'm one of them. In fact, during my titration night, I woke up gasping for air, because my nasal passages had completely closed. The tech had set the humidifier at a moderate setting, but even that closed me up like a steel trap. When she turned off the humidifier, my sinus passages slowly opened. I only use passover humidity now, and it works great for me. Just a thought.

At any rate, I hope you solve your congestion problems soon. Good luck!!

Marsha

[BleepingBeauty]

FYI, I found this video on YouTube today, showing how to make your own reusable Breathe-Right strips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do6jV6N ... re=related

[dieselgal]

I have tried the originals and a couple of different knock offs and so far I have not found one that works as well for me as the real thing.
The knock offs I have used either have to little adhesive or so much that it removes my skin in the morning. For me that work pretty well but I only use them now
if I have a lot of congestion, but when I do I buy the originals.

[garymbsail]

Hi all,
I also was a regular user of Breathe Right Strips prior to CPAP. I agree with the opinions that the original brand is worth any price difference over knock-offs. I've not had to try them with my Swift LT pillows, but I wouldn't hesitate. as my main osa blockage seems to be nasal.

Good luck,
Gary

[lebowski8]

i used breathe right strips in the period between diagnosis and getting my CPAP. During that time I experienced a cold.
Unforutnately, my own personal experience is that they didn't help me breathe better, nor did they reduce any snoring or apnea.

What has worked better for me (actually started doing regularly since this particular cold) is Nasal Irrigation. I followed the video & recommendations from Mayo Clinic:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nasal-lavage/mm00552

The cost of the equipment was about $5, and it takes me about 5 minutes each session.