Congestion and a stuffy nose have been my constant companions since I learned that we were expecting our third child way back in late October. The coming of spring and the inevitable allergies (to which I am not usually prone) haven't made my pregnancy congestion any easier. I would spend each night snuffling and snoring and getting the worst possible sleep. Until last night, that is.

I discovered Breathe Right Nasal Strips.

For the first night in ages (or seven months, which ever comes first), I woke up less often (other than the late pregnancy potty trips), fairly well rested, and with no drool on my pillow (from the open mouth)! AMAZING!

What Does it Look Like?

The Breathe Right Nasal Strips look like little butterfly band aids, except for the stiff plastic insert across the middle of the strip. The adhesive is very sticky and even though I washed my face thoroughly before applying the Breathe Right Nasal Strip, I think it would have stuck anyway. For someone like my dear husband with his very oily skin, the super-sticky would be a must have.

How Does it Work?

On the back of each single Breathe Right Nasal Strip in my linen closet is a simple, repetitive set of pictorial instructions that are very easy to follow. First, remove the strip from the individual wrapping, then peel the backing off the little strip. Don't worry if you get your finger stuck in the middle of the sticky tape on the back - they make it super sticky for people like me who do this on a regular basis! Then, push the sticky backing side to your nose, with the flared end edges of the strip on the base of your nostrils where they meet your cheeks.

If you've done it correctly, when you release the pressure, your nose should feel like you have put your fingers along side your nose and P-U-S-H-E-D the cheeks back as far as your skin will stretch. Actually, it feels perversely good - I found myself able to breathe easier and deeper (not that easy with a 2½ pound infant pushing your lungs out of her way) right away.

I didn't have to take off my Breathe Right Nasal Strip and try to reapply it, but the very sticky nature of the strip backing does not seem very conducive to this. Try to get it on the right spot the first time!

Taking off the Breathe Right Nasal Strip in the morning wasn't too difficult. As I began to denude my nose this morning, I found myself wondering if I ought to remove it quickly, like a painful band aid, or if slowly would leave less "goo". I settled for a medium speed and amazingly found that it was not an excruciatingly painful event. And I had no sticky residue left on my nose. The edges of my nose does feel a little tender still this afternoon, but that could be from my nearly two year old daughter giving me a big HONK on the nose this morning.

Another surprising side effect of the Breathe Right Nasal Strips? They peel the icky gunk from your pores, just like those expensive Biore pads! Cool... One less thing. They are also great for keeping the large, heavy glasses I wear only at night at the right place on my nose.

Pricing versus Need

Do I need these Breathe Right Nasal Strips to live a full and productive life? Yes and no. If this product can help me stay asleep four hours at a stretch rather than just 2 hours before waking up to blow my nose and potty, then I guess it is something I can't live without.

I must admit, I'm cheap and I probably wouldn't have bought these just to try. I got a free sample that came with six medium/large sized strips (they also come in small/medium) as well as a coupon for $1.50 off my next purchase. Coupons are heaven sent and this may influence my buying decision! Now, if someone only made a generic brand...

What Do I Think?

I like these Breathe Right Nasal Strips. While I still found myself waking up to a loud snore (and my dear hubby had already departed for work, so I couldn't reasonably blame it on him) later this morning, I was able to sleep more soundly than in several months.

What I must admit is that I felt like I was very wasteful, just peeling that strip off and dropping it in the garbage can this morning. I'd like to see a reusable strip manufactured, if for no other reason than to assuage my consumer guilt!

Will I buy these again? We'll have to see what the checkbook says, I guess. Or rather, what the clock says on how often I find myself sleepily lurching to the bathroom...

Recommended: Yes