Nose Plugs

[paradoxpoet]

The more I hang out with you guys, the more diverse nose plugs I see. Where are you buying all of these and is there a fitting guide? Of all the gear that you see the nose plug seems to be overlooked. Help the new guy out, please.

[RomanLA]

I've tried a few different styles, but my favorites are made by Shred Ready. The foam on them is a lot more comfortable and I get a much better seal. I got them from Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters in Hot Springs. There aren't any outfitters near me though, so I recently ordered a replacement set from Colorado Kayak Supply. Oh yeah...they're one size fits all.

[BMuu]

I prefer the cotton mouth nose plugs.

I don't like wearing any nose plugs but I get bad sinus infections without them.

[gannon_w]

I think there are 2 kinds to consider...

These spring kind are very comfy easy to take on and off and won't wear out...and won't leave hickeys. The downfall if they are not that tight (but still plugs your nose) so they will slip off in a violent hole. I just use them on potential flip sections.

http://www.potomacpaddlesports.com/kaya ... plugs.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Then the more regular wire kind which you may want if you spend more time upside down then you care to admit

[BEubanks]

You can also make your own fairly easily. I use coated clothes line wire available at the hardware store. It's stiff enough to hold firm on the nose. Cut an appropriate length (varies with the nose) and use some needle nose pliers to bend a loop in each end. Put some cotton or other filler in the hole created by the loop. Then dip a few times in Tool Dip (also available at most hardware stores). You can dip and let dry as many times as it takes to get the loops fully covered and comfortable. Add some small twine or braided nylon with a bowline in the loose end and you're ready to go.

I started doing this to repair ones I'd bought for my class and then tried it out with the clothes line wire. The tool dip is the biggest expense. I'm never able to use up a can before it dries out. But it's less than $10 for a can. I guess you could use any suitably stiff wire and dip the whole thing. Then you wouldn't have to use the coated wire.

May not be worth the trouble for personal use, but I have to keep about 10 helmets equipped with nose plugs. I've never been happy with the longevity of the ones I've bought.

[shelbyjohnson]

You might try not wearing plugs. Not wearing them you might get a sinus blast or two along the way if playing around but you might be better conditioned for when you take a plunge that you didn't see coming. It might keep you from getting worried about your nose.

If playing a lot and doing all the fancy tricks though, I'm sure they'll save you from the inevitable the sinus blasts.

[Karla]

I have the spring kind mentioned above. They fit tight but have to get the oil off my nose and no sunscreen or they come off. I have to keep wetting my nose and get the oil off. I like them and how they fit but wander what other option. How does the shred ready fit even with sunscreen and oily nose? I might look at getting them maybe. I can't go without my nose clips cause my sinusues burn really bad so you will see me with them going down rapids esp if I am trying to practice rolling.

Karla