VO2 max is one of the most well-known indicators among endurance athletes. It represents the body's ability to use oxygen during intense exercise. In recent years, nasal strips have become very popular among runners, cyclists, and triathletes. A question that often arises is: can nasal strips improve VO2 max?
In this article, we review what science says, the sensations reported by athletes, and the true benefit of nasal strips during training.
What is VO2 max?
VO2 max corresponds to the maximum volume of oxygen your body can consume during intense exercise. It is generally expressed in milliliters of oxygen per minute per kilogram of body weight (ml/kg/min).
The higher your VO2 max, the more efficiently your body can supply oxygen to your muscles during exercise.
This is why it is often used as an indicator of cardiorespiratory capacity, particularly in:
- running;
- trail running;
- marathon;
- cycling;
- triathlon;
- cross-country skiing.
How do nasal strips work?
Contrary to what one might think, nasal strips do not act directly on the lungs or the heart.
They simply work by slightly opening the nostrils due to their flexible structure. This facilitates airflow through the nose for people with slight nasal obstruction.
Their purpose is therefore to improve respiratory comfort, not to modify the body's physiological capacities.
If you want to understand how they work better, also read our article Running nasal strips: useful for running longer?.
Do nasal strips really increase VO2 max?
To date, available scientific studies do not show a significant increase in VO2 max due to wearing a nasal strip.
However, several studies highlight an improvement in respiratory comfort for some users, particularly when nasal passages are naturally narrow.
In other words:
| Claim | What studies show |
|---|---|
| Increase in VO2 max | Not demonstrated. |
| More comfortable nasal breathing | Yes, for some athletes. |
| Reduced perceived effort | Varies depending on the individual. |
| Improved comfort during exercise | Frequently reported by users. |
Why do so many athletes use nasal strips?
Even without a measurable increase in VO2 max, nasal strips attract a growing number of athletes.
They are now used in many disciplines:
- running;
- marathon;
- CrossFit;
- cycling;
- football;
- combat sports.
At FreshFlow™, we particularly noticed this enthusiasm during the Paris Marathon, where hundreds of runners came to test our nasal strips for free at our booth.
What benefits can athletes feel?
The most commonly reported benefits concern sensations rather than physiological performance.
- Smoother breathing.
- Less sensation of a stuffy nose.
- Increased comfort during long outings.
- Facilitated nasal breathing.
- Good hold even during intense training.
For some athletes, this improved respiratory comfort allows them to stay more focused on their effort.
Who might be interested in nasal strips?
Nasal strips can be useful for athletes who:
- often have a stuffy nose during sports;
- engage in endurance efforts;
- wish to promote nasal breathing;
- seek more comfort during their training.
Also read our article Marathon nasal strips: do they really improve endurance? to delve deeper into the subject.
Discover FreshFlow™ Nasal Strips
Designed for athletes, FreshFlow™ nasal strips offer excellent hold during running, trail running, cycling, or CrossFit sessions to promote more comfortable breathing.
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Discover FreshFlow™ Nasal StripsConclusion: Do nasal strips influence VO2 max?
They can offer better respiratory comfort to some athletes, especially when nasal breathing is restricted.
It is likely this sensation of smoother breathing that explains their growing popularity among runners, cyclists, and high-level athletes.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you experience persistent breathing difficulties during sports, consult a healthcare professional.
