Quick Answer: Nasal strips (strips for your nose) are available at every Canadian pharmacy for $10-$18 per box (26-44 count). Breathe Right is the most widely available brand, but generic pharmacy brands from Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall use the same mechanism and cost 20-30% less. For nightly users, magnetic strips or internal dilators reduce the annual cost from $150-$219 down to $36-$146. Choose based on your sleep position, skin sensitivity, and how often you plan to use them.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 7 minutes
If you have searched for strips nose breathing aids or strips for your nose to help with snoring and congestion, the product category has expanded well beyond the original Breathe Right strips. Understanding what is available in Canada, what it costs, and which type fits your situation saves you from buying the wrong product.
At Mattress Miracle in Brantford, we hear about nasal strips regularly from customers trying to improve their nighttime breathing. Here is the practical buying information most guides skip.
What Are Nasal Strips
Nasal strips are adhesive devices that widen your nostrils from the outside using embedded flexible bands. When placed across the bridge of your nose, the bands try to straighten, gently lifting both nostrils outward. This increases the opening of the nasal valve, the narrowest point in your nasal airway.
Nigro et al. described the nasal valve in the Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology (2009) as controlling roughly 50% of total nasal airway resistance. Even a small increase in its width (1-3 mm) can make a noticeable difference in airflow.
Strips do not contain medication. They work mechanically and are safe for nightly use, though the adhesive can irritate sensitive skin over time.
Where to Buy in Canada
| Retailer | Brands Available | Price Range (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoppers Drug Mart | Breathe Right, Life Brand (store brand) | $10-$18 | Life Brand is usually 20-30% cheaper than Breathe Right |
| Rexall | Breathe Right, Rexall brand | $10-$17 | Store brand available; similar quality to Breathe Right |
| Walmart Canada | Breathe Right, Equate (store brand) | $9-$16 | Usually the lowest per-strip price for adhesive strips |
| Amazon.ca | Breathe Right, Intake, Mute, generics | $10-$45 | Widest selection; includes magnetic and internal dilators |
| London Drugs | Breathe Right | $12-$18 | Western Canada; limited generic options |
| Costco | Breathe Right (bulk packs) | $20-$30 (72-90 count) | Best per-strip value for Breathe Right specifically |
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "For a first-time buyer, pick up a box from your nearest pharmacy. Do not order online before you know if strips help you. A $12 box at Shoppers Drug Mart gives you enough strips for 3-4 weeks. That is the cheapest way to run the experiment."
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Price Comparison: Daily, Monthly, and Annual Costs
| Product Type | Per Night | Per Month | Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic adhesive strips | $0.30-$0.45 | $9-$14 | $110-$164 |
| Breathe Right brand | $0.40-$0.60 | $12-$18 | $146-$219 |
| Breathe Right (Costco bulk) | $0.28-$0.33 | $8-$10 | $102-$120 |
| Magnetic strips | $0.25-$0.40 | $8-$12 | $91-$146 + clip |
| Internal dilators | $0.10-$0.20 | $3-$6 | $36-$73 |
What to Look for on the Label
Size. Most brands offer small/medium and large. Measure across the widest part of your nose: under 3 cm choose small/medium, over 3 cm choose large. An oversized strip still provides some lift; an undersized strip may not reach both nostrils.
Adhesive strength. Standard and extra-strength options exist. Back sleepers can use standard. Side sleepers should choose extra-strength to prevent pillow friction from peeling the strip off during the night.
Scented vs unscented. Some Breathe Right variants include menthol or lavender scent. These do not improve the mechanical function of the strip. Choose based on personal preference, but be aware that scented versions can irritate sensitive nasal skin.
Tan vs clear. Purely cosmetic. No difference in function or adhesion. Clear strips are less visible if you care about appearance.
Generic vs Brand Name
Noss et al. published two randomized controlled trials in Advances in Therapy (2019) testing Breathe Right strips against placebo strips. Interestingly, both groups improved substantially, suggesting that the mechanical widening effect is not unique to the Breathe Right brand. Any strip with properly calibrated spring bands provides similar nostril lift. The difference between brands is primarily in adhesive quality and consistency, not in the fundamental mechanism.
Which Type Fits You
Not everyone needs the same product. Your situation determines the best choice:
- Occasional use (travel, cold season, sports): Adhesive strips from any pharmacy. No upfront investment. $0.30-$0.60 per use.
- Nightly use, back sleeper: Generic adhesive strips in bulk (Costco) for the best per-strip value. Or switch to magnetic strips after confirming strips help.
- Nightly use, side sleeper: Magnetic strips (stronger hold against pillow friction) or internal dilators (no external component to peel off).
- Nightly use, stomach sleeper: Internal dilators only. External strips of any kind peel off with face-down sleeping.
- Sensitive skin: Internal dilators (no adhesive on face) or surgical tape DIY method (gentler adhesive).
- Budget-conscious nightly user: Internal dilators at $36-$73/year are the cheapest long-term option.
Beyond Strips: What Else Helps
Nasal strips address nostril width. But nighttime breathing depends on humidity, allergens, and sleep position too.
In Ontario, furnace heat drops indoor humidity below 25% for five months of the year. Andersen et al. showed in Acta Oto-Laryngologica (1984) that mucociliary function slows significantly below 30% humidity. A bedroom humidifier set to 40-50% treats the dry-air component that strips cannot.
Dust mite allergens in older mattresses trigger nasal inflammation nightly. Health Canada identifies them as a leading indoor allergen. A hypoallergenic mattress protector (starting at $49 at our Brantford showroom) creates a barrier. Combined with strips, this addresses both structural and inflammatory causes of nighttime congestion.
Raising your head 15-30 degrees with a wedge pillow or adjustable base reduces blood pooling in nasal tissue. This addresses the gravitational component that makes congestion worse when lying flat.
Start Cheap, Think Bigger
Dorothy, our sleep specialist, puts it clearly: "Strips are the cheapest experiment you can run. A $12 box tells you in one week whether nostril width is part of your problem. If it helps, then you know to invest in the right long-term solution, whether that is a reusable dilator, a humidifier, or a fresh mattress protector. We have been helping Brantford families figure this out since 1997."
Shop: Browse The Mattress Collection
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
Popular picks at Mattress Miracle:
- Restonic ComfortCare Dalton & Albany
- Whitney double-sided mattress
- Somnia 3.0 posture support pillow
Or browse the mattress collection in our Brantford showroom.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Are generic nasal strips as good as Breathe Right?
For most users, yes. Generic pharmacy-brand strips (Life Brand, Equate, Rexall brand) use the same mechanism: flexible bands in adhesive backing. The main difference is adhesive consistency. Some generics have slightly weaker adhesive, which matters more for side sleepers. Try a generic box first; upgrade to Breathe Right only if adhesion is a problem.
How long does one box of nasal strips last?
Most boxes contain 26-44 strips. At one strip per night, that is 3.5 to 6 weeks of supply. Costco bulk packs (72-90 count) last 2.5-3 months. Strips are single use and should not be reused, as the adhesive weakens after one removal.
Can I use nasal strips with a beard or moustache?
Nasal strips sit on the bridge of your nose, above the nostrils, where facial hair is not typically present. A moustache does not interfere with strip placement. If you have any hair on the nose bridge, trim it very short for better adhesion.
Do nasal strips expire?
Yes. Adhesive degrades over time. Most boxes have an expiration date on the packaging. Expired strips may not stick as well, especially in humid storage conditions. Store them in a cool, dry place and use within the shelf life (typically 2-3 years from manufacture).
Sources
- Nigro, C., et al. "Nasal Valve: Anatomy and Physiology." Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, vol. 75, no. 2, 2009, pp. 305-310.
- Noss, M., et al. "Sleep Quality and Congestion with Breathe Right Nasal Strips: Two Randomized Controlled Trials." Advances in Therapy, vol. 36, 2019.
- Andersen, I., et al. "Human Response to Controlled Levels of Combined Exposures." Acta Oto-Laryngologica, 1984.
- Health Canada. "Dust Mites: Indoor Air Quality." Government of Canada, 2018.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If nighttime congestion or snoring persists, consult your family doctor.
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Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Nasal strips open your nostrils, but your mattress protector, pillow, and humidity shape every breath at night. Come test our sleep products. We offer white glove delivery with setup and old mattress removal.
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We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.