Anatomy
Do nasal strips help with a deviated septum?
Updated 5 May 2026
Short answer
Mildly. Nasal strips lift the soft outer cartilage but cannot correct internal anatomy. Many people with mild deviation find them useful; severe deviation needs a doctor.
A nasal strip works on the outside of the nose, lifting the soft side cartilage. A deviated septum is on the inside — the wall between your nostrils is bent.
If your deviation is mild, opening the external nasal valve still meaningfully improves total airflow because the external valve is the narrowest point overall.
If your deviation is severe and one nostril is more or less unusable, a strip will help less. A consultation with an ENT is the right next step.