General Challenge
Breathing difficulties are so common that many do not even realize they are suffering from them – or know how much better they could feel.
67%
More than two-thirds of people report experiencing difficulty breathing through their nose – even at rest.
37%
More than one in three adults snore regularly. Snoring is a common sign of restricted breathing during sleep.
80%
Report a deviated nasal septum.
A deviated septum is common and can in many cases cause breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, and sleep disturbances.
Solution
When you breathe freely through your nose, your whole body functions better. Concentration improves, the body recovers more effectively, and breathing feels lighter – both at rest and during physical activity. The Flow strip is designed to support natural nasal breathing. It gently opens the nasal passages, stays in place, and helps keep your airways open when your body needs it most – while sleeping, exercising, and in everyday life.
Less Snoring
When air passes more easily through the nose, breathing calms down and snoring can decrease naturally.
Deeper and More Restful Sleep
Steadier breathing supports the body's recovery and helps you wake up feeling more refreshed.
Easier Breathing
More open nasal passages can reduce the sensation of congestion and pressure in the facial area.
How we breathe affects almost all of the body's key functions.
From cognitive and emotional processes to the cardiovascular system, metabolism, and sleep. Consistent nasal breathing is the body’s natural way of breathing. According to research, nasal breathing filters, warms, and humidifies inhaled air and supports respiratory function better than mouth breathing. Here are the most important things you should know.
Let's start with the worst problem: mouth breathing
Long-term or chronic mouth breathing is surprisingly common worldwide. International estimates suggest that a significant portion of adults and children breathe through their mouths either during the day or while sleeping, often without realizing it.
Mouth breathing is not a harmless habit. Studies have widely linked it to the following:
- poorer sleep quality
- increased snoring
- airway obstruction during sleep
- oral health problems
- impaired alertness and concentration
Numerous ENT (ear, nose, and throat) publications state that mouth breathing is often associated with nasal airflow limitations rather than an increased need for respiration.
Why is mouth breathing a problem?
Research evidence shows that mouth breathing can affect several bodily systems:
Nervous system: Mouth breathing is linked to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, which can be associated with stress, restlessness, and impaired recovery in the long term.
Physical activity: Breathing through the mouth often leads to rapid and shallow breathing, which can increase heart rate and reduce oxygen utilization during exertion.
Airways: Studies report that up to about 80% of mouth breathers suffer simultaneously from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
Sleep: Mouth breathing is associated with snoring, more fragmented sleep, and increased daytime fatigue.
Oral health: Dry mouth, gum inflammation, and tooth decay are more common among mouth breathers.
What about snoring?
Snoring is one of the most common sleep-related breathing problems in the world. It is estimated to affect hundreds of millions of people globally.
Snoring occurs when the upper airways become constricted during sleep and airflow causes the tissues to vibrate.
Most common causes of snoring:
- Sleeping position (sleeping on one's back)
- Nasal congestion or structural obstructions
- Overweight
- Alcohol and sedatives
Why is snoring not harmless?
- It impairs sleep quality
- It increases the risk of blood pressure and heart problems
- It can be an early sign of sleep-disordered breathing
- It significantly affects relationships and quality of life
Nasal breathing and sleep
Studies show that nasal breathing during sleep supports better sleep architecture compared to mouth breathing. Breathing through the nose helps to:
- reduce snoring
- support a more steady breathing rhythm
- filter and humidify the air
- promote deeper and more restorative sleep
Mouth breathing, on the other hand, is more often associated with:
- dry mouth
- fragmented sleep
- morning fatigue
Physical activity and breathing technique
Many believe that breathing through the mouth provides more oxygen during exercise. However, research evidence shows that nasal breathing can improve respiratory efficiency, especially during low- to moderate-intensity training.
Nasal breathing has been found to:
- regulate respiratory rhythm
- support more consistent oxygen delivery
- reduce premature fatigue
Oral health
Long-term mouth breathing dries out the oral mucosa and weakens the protective effect of saliva. In studies, this has been linked to:
- bad breath
- gum inflammation
- tooth wear and cavities
Brain health
Your breathing method also affects your brain. Studies show that mouth breathing can impair the balanced flow of oxygen, which has been linked to:
- reduced concentration
- headaches
- decreased alertness
Nasal breathing, on the other hand, supports a more balanced oxygen and carbon dioxide level, which is important for brain function.
Summary
Mouth breathing is a common but underestimated problem that has wide-ranging effects on sleep, performance, and well-being. Nasal breathing is the body's natural and research-supported way of breathing, which should be encouraged whenever possible.