The fact they still sell them after all this time says something, even if it is psychological, the principal stands good, I suppose the difference with us mere mortals using them and paula is it's the same as F1 cars and the family saloon the elite are looking for the thousandths and we're looking for seconds if not minutes. But hey, if it works for you, so be it. It's probably better value than buying racing flats.
URR - I picked up some at the expo too, used them for the two nights before the marathon, got the best sleep I had had for ages ( I was suffering from a headcold) Used one for the race too. Definitely good for blocked noses, but don't know about 'normal' conditions (Went out and got a box though!)
As well as Paula using them, F1 driver Rubens Barrichello uses them and so do a number of other drivers. May well be all in the head but I don't reckon the image conscious world of motor racing would let Rubens wear something that looks frankly a little silly unless there is some benefit.
I think that for the average runner they'll have no effect - the limiting factor in performance is not the amount of oxygen you can breathe in. However perhaps for Paula, who I think has exercise-induced asthma, it is better for her to breathe through her nose if possible to remove impurities/raise the air temp etc, so she wears the strip and then keeps her mouth closed where possible. Just a guess...
Not sure about why F1 drivers wear them - maybe they can't breathe easily through their mouths because of the all their kit plus microphone and straw?
It looks like there is no evidence that nasal strips can boost your performance.
There is only a hint that a nasal strip can delay the switching point from nose to mouth breathing a bit further. For example, during the last 10km in a marathon you could run a little bit longer aerobically.
I get really 'tight' in my nose when I'm running for more than an hour. I'm going to give the strips a go this weekend and see if they make any difference.
I got a freeby one at the FLM one year and I did try it out. Its really clever and expands the nose a fair bit - but does that really make any difference ? Well I havent tried it since. I know some people do wear them if they have a bit of a cold.
I use nasal strips for both exercise and sleeping. It helps open up your airways, so you can take more air in. They have stopped my snoring and I actually feel like I am getting a better sleep.
I tried a few nasal strips and brought them from eBay. Most of them where useless but I found one seller who has the genuine product rather than copies and they are amazing.
Check them out, and they are not expensive at all so its always worth a try to see if they work for you - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-200-BETTER-BREATH-NASAL-STRIPS-Reg-Large-RIGHT-AID-TO-STOP-ANTI-SNORING-/142457894859?ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
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I mean, how many marathon runners find they're struggling because they can't squeeze enough air into their heads? It's just silly.
As FF says, if you can't take in enough O2 via your nose, your mouth will open as a reflex action.
Perhaps there's a study out there somewhere to demonstrate their efficacy (or otherwise).
May well be all in the head but I don't reckon the image conscious world of motor racing would let Rubens wear something that looks frankly a little silly unless there is some benefit.
Not sure about why F1 drivers wear them - maybe they can't breathe easily through their mouths because of the all their kit plus microphone and straw?
There is only a hint that a nasal strip can delay the switching point from nose to mouth breathing a bit further. For example, during the last 10km in a marathon you could run a little bit longer aerobically.
I tried a few nasal strips and brought them from eBay. Most of them where useless but I found one seller who has the genuine product rather than copies and they are amazing.
Check them out, and they are not expensive at all so its always worth a try to see if they work for you - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-200-BETTER-BREATH-NASAL-STRIPS-Reg-Large-RIGHT-AID-TO-STOP-ANTI-SNORING-/142457894859?ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT