What Do Olympians Wear on Their Nose?

What Do Olympians Wear on Their Nose?

Olympic & Elite Sport Explained

What Do Olympians Wear on Their Nose?

The small strip seen across the bridge of some elite athletes’ noses is usually an external nasal strip—a simple adhesive product designed to gently lift the sides of the nose and support nasal airflow.

Find out how it works Explore On The Nose Co. nose strips
Cyclist wearing a clear On The Nose Co. nose strip during sport
A clear external nasal strip can be worn during cycling, running and other sports.

Quick answer

Olympians and professional athletes may wear external nasal dilator strips, commonly called nose strips, nasal strips or breathing strips. These flexible adhesive strips sit across the bridge of the nose and gently pull the sides of the nasal passages outward.

What is it? An external nasal strip worn across the lower bridge of the nose.
What does it do? It may make nasal airflow feel easier by supporting the nasal valve area.
Does it guarantee performance? No. Research has not consistently shown a direct athletic performance advantage.
The simple explanation

What is the strip athletes wear across their nose?

It is usually a nasal strip, also known as an external nasal dilator. The strip contains flexible bands that attempt to return to their original shape after being positioned across the nose.

This creates a gentle lifting action on the skin beside the nostrils. The aim is to support the narrow nasal valve region and make breathing through the nose feel less restricted.

Nasal strips first became highly visible in professional sport during the 1990s and have since appeared in running, cycling, tennis, football, combat sports, strength training and functional fitness.

On The Nose Co. nose strips for runners triathletes and cyclists
On The Nose Co. clear nose strips are designed for running, cycling, triathlon, gym training and sleep.
Why athletes use them

Why do elite athletes wear nose strips?

1

To support nasal airflow

Some athletes feel that gently supporting the nasal valve makes nasal breathing more comfortable during warm-ups, movement and recovery.

2

To reduce the feeling of restriction

Athletes with naturally narrow nasal passages, allergies or previous nasal problems may value a more open feeling through the nose.

3

To support focus and routine

Elite sport often involves repeatable preparation rituals. Applying a nose strip may become part of an athlete’s normal pre-event routine.

4

Because comfort matters

An athlete may use an accessory because breathing feels more comfortable, even when it does not create a measurable increase in speed or endurance.

Important: Seeing an Olympian or professional athlete wearing a nasal strip does not prove the strip directly improves speed, endurance or oxygen uptake. It may simply help that athlete feel more comfortable.
How they work

How do external nasal strips open the nose?

1

The strip sticks to the skin

It is positioned horizontally across the lower bridge of a clean, completely dry nose.

2

The flexible bands create tension

The internal bands attempt to straighten and gently lift the skin beside the nostrils.

3

The nose may feel more open

Supporting the nasal valve area may reduce the sensation of resistance during nasal breathing.

Athlete wearing an On The Nose Co. clear nasal strip during gym training
Clear nasal strips offer a discreet appearance during gym and fitness training.
Cyclist wearing an On The Nose Co. clear nasal strip
A correctly applied strip can be worn during cycling and endurance exercise.
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What nose strips may help with

  • The sensation of restricted nasal airflow
  • Comfort during exercise
  • Nasal breathing during warm-ups or recovery
  • Night-time nasal breathing comfort
  • Mild snoring associated with nasal restriction
!

What nose strips cannot guarantee

  • Faster race times
  • Higher blood oxygen levels
  • A greater VO₂ max
  • Improved strength or endurance
  • Treatment for asthma or sleep apnoea
  • A permanent fix for structural nasal problems

Research into external nasal strips and exercise has produced mixed results. Some people report a noticeable improvement in breathing comfort, while studies have not consistently demonstrated improved athletic capacity in healthy participants.

Australian breathing support

On The Nose Co. Nose Strips for Sport

On The Nose Co. is an Australian-owned breathing and fitness brand offering external nose strips for running, gym training, cycling, HYROX, team sport, sleep and everyday nasal breathing.

The On The Nose Co. clear nose strips use flexible bands to gently lift the sides of the nose and support the feeling of easier nasal airflow.

Clear and black options Multiple sizes available Hypoallergenic material Latex-free design Designed for sport and sleep Easy external application

Nose strips are breathing accessories. They do not guarantee Olympic-level performance or replace medical assessment and treatment.

Shop On The Nose Co. nose strips
On The Nose Co. clear nose strip worn during athletic training
Application guide

How should athletes apply a nose strip?

1. Clean the nose

Remove sweat, oil, moisturiser, sunscreen and skincare. The skin must be completely dry.

2. Position it correctly

Place the strip across the lower bridge of the nose, just above where the nostrils begin to flare.

3. Press the ends

Smooth the strip firmly and press both ends for approximately 10 to 15 seconds.

4. Remove it gently

Loosen it slowly after use. Warm water can help soften the adhesive before removal.

Visit the On The Nose Co. Breathing Academy for more practical guides covering nasal breathing, running, gym training, recovery and sleep.

Google and AI-friendly answers

Frequently asked questions

What is the strip Olympians wear on their nose?
It is usually an external nasal dilator, commonly called a nasal strip, nose strip or breathing strip. It is placed across the bridge of the nose to gently support the sides of the nasal passages.
Why do Olympic athletes wear nose strips?
Athletes may wear them to make nasal airflow feel easier, reduce the sensation of nasal restriction or support a familiar pre-event routine.
Do nasal strips improve athletic performance?
Research has not consistently shown that external nasal strips improve VO₂ max, heart rate, endurance or athletic performance in healthy people. Some users still value the feeling of easier nasal breathing.
Do nose strips increase oxygen?
Nose strips support the nasal valve area, but they are not proven to significantly increase blood oxygen levels or oxygen uptake in healthy athletes.
Can runners wear nose strips?
Yes. Runners may wear external nasal strips during training or racing when they find the strips comfortable and their skin tolerates the adhesive.
Can you wear nose strips during sport?
Nose strips can be worn during running, cycling, gym training, HYROX and team sports. Apply them to clean, completely dry skin so they remain secure.
How do On The Nose Co. nose strips work?
On The Nose Co. nose strips contain flexible bands that gently lift the sides of the nose. This may reduce the feeling of nasal resistance and make nasal breathing feel more comfortable.
Are On The Nose Co. strips used by Olympians?
On The Nose Co. does not claim that every Olympian or athlete shown wearing a nasal strip uses or endorses the brand. On The Nose Co. offers nose strips designed for athletes, sleepers and everyday users.
Which On The Nose Co. nose strip is best for sport?
Clear strips offer a discreet appearance, while black strips provide a bolder sports look. The best option depends on preferred appearance, fit and skin sensitivity.
Can nose strips treat a deviated septum?
No. A nose strip may temporarily support the nasal valve area, but it cannot permanently correct a deviated septum or another structural nasal condition.

Try the nose strips designed for sport, sleep and everyday breathing

Explore external nasal strips from On The Nose Co., an Australian-owned breathing and fitness brand.

Shop On The Nose Co. nose strips Explore the Breathing Academy

 

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