How to Apply Nasal Strips for Maximum Performance

Applying a nasal strip correctly is one of the most underrated skills in athletic performance preparation. A poorly applied strip can partially or fully fail mid-workout — and since most athletes do not check their strip position during a race, they lose the benefit without even knowing it.

Why Application Technique Matters

Most nasal strip packaging shows a generic placement instruction. But the specific position on your nasal bridge — at the narrowest part of the nasal valve — is the difference between a strip that opens your airway and one that does very little. Getting this right consistently is a skill, not an accident.

Step by Step: The HiStrips Application Method

Step 1 — Clean, dry skin: Wash your face or wipe the bridge of your nose with a clean towel. Oil, sweat, sunscreen, and moisturiser all weaken adhesive bond. Give it a few seconds to dry completely.

Step 2 — Identify the nasal valve: Run your finger along the side of your nose, just above the flare of the nostril. The soft area just below the bony bridge is the nasal valve — the narrowest part of your airway. This is where the strip needs to sit.

Step 3 — Peel carefully: Remove the strip from its backing slowly. Pulling it off quickly can crease or stretch the spring material before you even apply it.

Step 4 — Position precisely: Place the strip so the centre bridge sits directly over the nasal valve on each side. Do not centre it on the bony bridge of your nose — that is too high and will not work.

Step 5 — Press firmly: Press down on the entire strip for 5 full seconds — especially at the edges. This activates the adhesive fully. HiStrips use a high-tack adhesive designed for performance conditions, but even the best adhesive needs a solid initial bond.

For Race Day Conditions

In hot, sweaty race conditions, preparation matters more. Consider applying your HiStrips during your warm-up — giving the adhesive 20-30 minutes to fully cure before you start sweating heavily. If you are racing in high heat, apply to completely dry skin even if it means wiping the area again immediately before application. Always carry at least one backup strip in your race kit.

The HiStrips Difference in Application

HiStrips are designed with a flexible spring material that is easy to position accurately and a high-tack adhesive that bonds quickly when pressed firmly. The strip material flexes naturally with your facial expressions and movement, so once applied correctly, it stays in position throughout your effort. That consistency is what separates a strip that actually delivers on its promise from one that fails at the worst possible moment.