Magnetic nasal strips are the version without adhesive. Instead of a strip you stick on your nose, you clip a flexible band with two small magnets around your nostrils. The magnets pull towards each other and gently lift the sides of your nose, so you breathe through it more easily. After use you rinse it and use it again.
This page explains how they work, how they compare to regular nasal strips, and who they suit.
What are magnetic nasal strips?
A magnetic nasal strip is a thin, bendable band with a small magnet at each end, covered in soft silicone. You slide the ends just inside your nostrils and the magnets find each other. That puts light outward pressure on the sides of your nose.
The difference with a regular strip is where that pressure comes from. A classic strip is a springy adhesive band that pulls from the outside. A magnetic strip works from the inside, without glue and without anything left on your skin. That also makes it barely visible.
Magnetic or regular: what is the difference?
| Feature | Magnetic | Classic strip |
|---|---|---|
| Reusable | Yes, for months | No, single use |
| Adhesive on the skin | None | Yes |
| Visible from the outside | Barely | Clearly |
| On oily or sweaty skin | Fine | Less reliable |
| Cost per night | Low with long use | Fixed per strip |
| Getting used to it | A few nights | Usually straight away |
People who sweat easily, have sensitive skin or dislike adhesive residue usually end up with the magnetic version. People who would rather not feel anything inside the nose stick with an external strip. Both sit side by side in the Comformidable nasal strips collection, so you can compare them.
How to wear them
Clean and dry your nose first. Squeeze the clip lightly, insert the ends a small way into your nostrils and let go. The magnets do the rest. If it feels crooked, turn it a quarter turn rather than pushing it deeper.
When it sits well you feel light pressure at the sides and nothing else. If you feel a pressure point or your nose starts tingling, it is too deep. You will be aware of it for the first few nights. That usually fades within a week.
Reusable: cleaning and lifespan
Rinse the clip under lukewarm water after use and pat it dry. Once a week with a little mild soap is enough. Store it dry in the case it came in, because moisture is the only real enemy of the silicone.
With daily use a clip lasts for months. Replace it when the silicone cracks, when it starts to feel slack, or when it discolours. For heavy users there are separate refills for the magnetic nasal strips, so you do not have to buy the whole set again.
Who they work for, and who they do not
They help when your nose itself is the bottleneck: narrow nasal passages, exercise, or noticing at night that you switch to mouth breathing because your nose will not cooperate. Handy too if you travel a lot and would rather not carry a box of disposable strips.
They are not the answer when the problem sits elsewhere. Snoring has many different causes. If it comes from your throat, your jaw position or your weight, a nasal strip changes nothing. If your nose is blocked by a cold or hay fever, rinse it first with a nasal rinse with rinsing salt, because a clip cannot clear mucus. And if you have pauses in your breathing during sleep or you are extremely sleepy during the day, see your doctor. That is not something to work out on your own.
Frequently asked questions
Can you sleep and exercise with magnetic nasal strips?
Yes, that is exactly what the clip shape is good for. Because there is no adhesive, sweat does not loosen it. That makes it usable while running or cycling, and then at night as usual.
How long do they last?
With daily use and normal care, months. There is no fixed expiry date. You replace it by feel: cracks, discolouration or less spring are the signal.
Are they safe to wear every night?
With normal use and a clean clip that is not a problem. The silicone is meant for daily skin contact. If you do get irritation or a sore spot, leave it out for a few nights and check whether it was sitting too deep.
What is the difference with a magnetic nose dilator?
It is the same product under another name. Nose dilator, nose clip and magnetic nasal strip all refer to a clip that holds the sides of the nose slightly apart from the inside.
Can I use them with a nose piercing?
That gets awkward. The clip sits exactly where a nostril piercing sits, and the magnets can catch on the jewellery. A classic external strip is more practical then.
Curious whether the magnetic version suits you? Have a look at the Comformidable magnetic nasal strips and try them for a week.
