How to Wear a Nose Clip for Swimming

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A nose clip is a simple device that you wear to keep water out of your nose while swimming. The frame is typically made of wire and nylon and is shaped to fit around the bridge of your nose. The padded ends of the clip press your nostrils closed, keeping water out. If water frequently gets into your nose when you swim or if your sinuses are sensitive to chlorine, wearing a nose clip may be a good option for you. Fitting a nose clip onto your nose is easy and takes just a second.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Fitting a Nose Clip on Your Nose

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  1. Jump in the pool and dunk your head under water. The water will help clear moisturizer, makeup, and oil off your nose. This will help prevent the nose clip from slipping off as you swim. [1]
    • If you’re wearing any makeup, you may also want to wash your face before getting in the water.
  2. There are several different types of nose clips, but all are shaped like a “U”. The bottom of the “U” will fit over the bridge of your nose, and the two padded ends will squeeze your nostrils together. [2]
    • The U-shape is typically made of stiff wire or nylon, while the pads at the ends are made of silicone or latex. [3]
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  3. If you’re holding the “U” so it’s upside-down, you’ll notice that the 2 ends of the “U” curve outward on 1 side. When you place the nose clip on your nose, keep the flat end toward your face. [4]
    • Nose clip designs vary, and some don’t have circular or curved ends. If yours doesn’t have a curved end, it won’t matter which side you put toward your face.
  4. Use your thumbs and index fingers to gently pull the ends of the nose clip apart. Then, place the ends over your nostrils and press the clip onto the bridge of your nose. Finish by pushing the ends of the nose clip against your nostrils. [5]
    • If your nose clip has a strap, put on your swim cap and goggles first. [6]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Choosing a Nose Clip

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  1. If you have trouble timing your breathing when you swim, a nose clip may help. Wearing one will help prevent water from getting into your nose. This will allow you to focus on just your mouth while you breathe, instead of both your mouth and nose. [7]
    • A nose clip is especially useful when you’re first learning the flip turn.
    • Chlorine, a chemical which is used to disinfect pools, can cause inflammation in the lining of your sinuses and nasal passages. A nose clip will help keep chlorine and other causes of inflammation, like bacteria and fungi, out of your nose, saving you from post-swim sinus pain. [8]
    • If you experience sinus pain after a swim even when you wear a nose clip, consider using a saline spray or another common method to ease sinus pain.
  2. Some nose clips come attached to a latex strap. The strap connects to the ends of the nose clip and wraps around your head. It helps keep the nose clip on your nose when you swim. [9]
    • A nose clip with a strap might be a good option if you’ll be swimming in large bodies of open water where it may be difficult to find a strapless nose clip if it falls off.
    • Nose clips with straps are also great because you can hang the nose clip on your neck in between your swims.
  3. Some swimmers find nose clips with straps too cumbersome. Strapless nose clips also usually last longer than those with straps because straps tend to break after repeated use. [10]
    • Most swimmers, however, don’t mention having any trouble keeping strapless nose clips on their nose.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Do nose clips maintain their shape?
    Jacob Siegel
    Swim Instructor
    Jacob Siegel is a Swim Instructor and the Founder of Superhero Swim Academy. Since 2018, Superhero Swim Academy has been a place for parents seeking comprehensive, compassionate, and quality swim instruction for their children. Jacob and his team offer both private and group lessons, as well as online video courses for those who want to learn at a distance. Their social profiles on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok have become the largest online resource hub for free, accessible information on teaching children to swim. Jacob is a Certified Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, and Scuba Diver, and has been featured in various publications, including the Epoch Times, ESPN, and Lad Bible. He also specifically has experience working with young and special needs children.
    Jacob Siegel
    Swim Instructor
    Expert Answer
    When swimming, nose clips maintain their shape effectively, allowing you to consistently achieve the ideal fit each time you use them.
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  • Question
    Is it more efficient to use a nose clip or to simply hold my nose?
    Community Answer
    It is more efficient to use a nose clip, as you can't swim properly when one of your hands is occupied by holding your nose.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.enjoy-swimming.com/nose-plugs.html
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/zmys1NtH3GE?t=25
      3. ↑ https://www.enjoy-swimming.com/nose-plugs.html
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/zmys1NtH3GE?t=25
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/zmys1NtH3GE?t=33
      6. ↑ https://www.enjoy-swimming.com/nose-plugs.html
      7. ↑ https://www.enjoy-swimming.com/nose-clips.html
      8. ↑ https://www.enjoy-swimming.com/nose-clips.html
      9. ↑ https://www.enjoy-swimming.com/nose-plugs.html
      1. ↑ https://www.enjoy-swimming.com/nose-plugs.html

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