Nasal strips for rugby: sweat, contact and match-day preparation

Where a strip fits into rugby preparation

An external strip supports the nasal sidewalls without inserting anything into the nostrils. It can be useful for comfort when the entrance of the nose feels restricted. Think of it as a small part of changing-room preparation rather than another piece of equipment to keep adjusting during play.

Let breathing respond to the intensity of the game. Wearing a strip does not mean holding the mouth shut through a hard carry or repeated acceleration. Our guide to nasal strips in sport explains why a comfortable nasal feeling is different from a guaranteed performance improvement.

Get application right before the warm-up

Start while the face is dry. Wiping muddy skin with a used towel is not the same as preparing a clean contact area. Keep your hands clean and protect the adhesive until you are ready.

1. Check that the skin is intact and comfortable.
2. Clean gently and let the area dry completely.
3. Centre a fresh strip using the placement guide, leaving the nostril openings clear.
4. Press the ends for 30 seconds as described in the BreathersBliss directions.
5. Put on your usual kit and check that nothing catches either edge.

Avoid oily products beneath the adhesive. If the skin needs care or an item of kit rubs against the strip, keep the necessary care and correct equipment fit rather than prioritising adhesion.

Sweat, mud and the movements that catch an edge

A lifting edge is not always simply a weak-adhesive problem. Wiping the nose with a muddy hand, pulling a shirt over the face or removing a scrum cap can catch the strip. During training, notice which movements reach the nose instead of repeatedly pressing a dirty edge back down.

If you wear soft headgear, check it both on and during removal. Do not alter its proper fit to accommodate a nasal strip. During contact drills and scrums, follow coaching and safety instructions; deal with a distracting strip only at a safe stoppage.

After mud reaches the area, do not stick a used strip onto dirty or damp skin. Our sports adhesion guide helps separate moisture, preparation and friction. Reinforced adhesion does not mean the strip is guaranteed to survive every contact.

A simple half-time and post-match plan

Pack a protected spare, a clean towel and a clean place to keep them. There is no automatic need to replace a strip at half-time if it remains comfortable and properly attached.

A replacement requires clean, dry, intact skin and a new strip. If you cannot prepare the area properly, continue without one rather than adding glue or layers of tape. After the match, remove it gently according to the directions.

Before competition, check equipment requirements with staff and match officials. A collision, bleeding or pain needs appropriate assessment: the strip is not a wound dressing or a shield for the nose.

Why put BreathersBliss Intense in your rugby bag?

BreathersBliss Intense nasal strips offer an external, drug-free format with reinforced adhesion designed for exercise. Each black pouch contains 30 single-use strips, so a fresh application can become part of your training preparation.

Start with familiar sessions and check comfort before warm-up, after drills and at the end. Once you know the fit, choose a format around how often you actually use strips. An Intense pouch is a straightforward starting point; the packs below help you plan repeat purchases.

Explore the Trio Pack if you want a choice of colours, or view the 6-Month Pack and its contents for regular use. The aim is a comfortable fit and an easy routine, leaving your attention where it belongs: on the game.

Frequently asked questions