Glossary
Key terms related to nasal breathing, sleep, and health — explained simply and concisely.
- CE Certification
- A marking that indicates a product meets EU safety, health, and environmental protection standards. Oxistrip nasal strips carry CE certification, confirming they comply with European medical device regulations.
- Hypoallergenic
- A property of materials designed to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Oxistrip strips use hypoallergenic medical-grade adhesive that is safe for sensitive skin and contains no latex.
- Mouth breathing
- The habit of inhaling and exhaling through the mouth instead of the nose. Chronic mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, snoring, poor sleep quality, and reduced nitric oxide production.
- Mouth taping
- A technique of applying medical-grade tape over the lips during sleep to encourage nasal breathing. It helps reduce snoring and promotes the health benefits associated with breathing through the nose.
- Nasal breathing
- The natural process of inhaling and exhaling through the nose. Nasal breathing filters, warms, and humidifies air while triggering nitric oxide production in the paranasal sinuses, improving oxygen absorption by 10-15%.
- Nasal dilator
- A device that mechanically widens the nasal passages to improve airflow. Oxistrip nasal strips are external nasal dilators that use a flexible spring insert to gently lift the nasal wings.
- Nasal strip
- An adhesive strip applied to the outside of the nose to open nasal passages and improve breathing. It works through a purely mechanical action without any drugs or active substances.
- Nitric oxide
- A molecule (NO) produced in the paranasal sinuses during nasal breathing. It acts as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels to improve oxygen delivery to tissues and supporting the immune system.
- Parasympathetic nervous system
- The branch of the autonomic nervous system responsible for rest and recovery. Nasal breathing activates the parasympathetic response, lowering heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels during sleep.
- REM sleep
- Rapid Eye Movement sleep — a phase of the sleep cycle critical for memory consolidation, emotional processing, and cognitive function. Nasal breathing helps increase time spent in REM sleep by promoting deeper, uninterrupted rest.
- Sleep apnea
- A sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. While nasal strips can improve airflow, sleep apnea requires medical diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare professional.
- Vasodilator
- A substance that widens blood vessels, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery. Nitric oxide, naturally produced during nasal breathing, is one of the body's most important vasodilators.