Breathe Right Nasal Strips Do Not Impact Sleep Quality for Patients With Chronic Nocturnal Nasal Congestion

Breathe Right Nasal Strips (BRNS) failed to ameliorate sleep quality and congestion issues for patients with chronic nocturnal nasal congestion, based on a study of 2 randomized controlled trials conducted.

The nasal strips are made of flexible, spring-like bands that are placed above the flare of the nostrils and open the nasal passages as the bands lift the sides of the nose when straightening back to its original shape.

Patients were randomized to use either BRNS or a placebo strip for approximately 8 hours each night for 14 days and were then asked to complete the Nocturnal Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (NRQLQ). A total of 270 subjects were administered their randomized strip and included in 2 multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trials. There were 140 patients in study 1 and 130 in study 2.

The investigators:

• Assessed the effect of BRNS on sleep-related quality of life in otherwise healthy subjects with chronic nocturnal nasal congestion who reported trouble sleeping
• Determined efficacy by the NRQLQ

The NRQLQ assessed factors such as each individual’s overall quality of sleep and symptoms felt when waking up in the morning. There was not a significant difference between BRNS and the placebo strips in the NRQLQ “Sleep Problems” domain and the “Feel Tired and Unrefreshed” item of the “Symptoms on Waking in the Morning” domain on days 7 and 14. This information showcases the lack of effectiveness of the BRNS and its failure to differentiate from the placebo, according to the researchers.

The lack of significant impact that BRNS had on subjects in the study reveals a failure to lessen sleep quality and congestion issues. While these strips may be functionable for individuals who do not suffer from chronic nocturnal nasal congestion, the study showcased the ineffectiveness of BRNS for this select group. Yet, the findings of a possibly strong placebo effect may suggest that another study will be necessary.

Reference

Noss MJ, Cielsa R, Shanga G. Sleep quality and congestion with breathe right nasal strips: two randomized controlled trials [published online July 19, 2019]. Adv Ther. doi: 10.1007/s12325-019-01005-5.