Nasal strips aren’t exactly new. They’ve long been a go-to for those looking to get a better night’s sleep.
But Singaporean wellness brand Therapin sees untapped potential beyond nighttime relief—specifically, in the realm of sports performance.
Its nasal strips have been used by Hyrox athletes, those in high-intensity sports like boxing and motorsports, during racket games like padel and tennis, and even golfers, among many others.
The brand claims that its nasal strips stay firmly in place throughout, and in my own testing at the gym, they held up pretty well and noticeably improved breathing during workouts.
An unlikely source of inspiration
Founded by long-time friends Cliff Leck and Khai Irfan, the duo drew inspiration for Therapin from an unlikely source: horses.
The idea took root when Cliff, whose father is a horse trainer, observed them being trained with nasal strips to enhance their breathing and performance. It’s a common tool in the equestrian world, particularly in countries like the United States and Australia.
So if they help animals perform at their best, why couldn’t they do the same for humans, too?
To kickstart their business, Cliff and Irfan—both 23 years old—invested S$10,000, which went towards their first test batch, packaging design, and initial market testing through a close network of friends, athletes, and coaches.
We wanted to see if people would actually feel the difference. And they did.
Khai Irfan, co-founder of Therapin
From idea to launch, it took them about two to three months. In that time, the pair immersed themselves in product development—researching adhesives, testing for comfort, working closely with manufacturers, and assessing performance during physical activity.
One of the biggest challenges early on was finding the right balance between adhesion and breathability, especially in Southeast Asia’s heat and humidity. Many commercial nasal strips, they found, either failed to stay on once users began sweating, or stuck too aggressively, causing skin irritation.
“Most of what’s out there feels like it was designed 20 years ago and never updated,” said Irfan.
To address the challenges, the team experimented with various blends, shapes, and flex designs, aiming to create a strip that could withstand the demands of different sports and environments.
In total, they tested seven prototypes before landing on a version that met their standards.
Testing the waters
Before officially launching their product, Cliff and Irfan took a cautious approach.
At the 2024 HYROX finals—one of the major fitness events of the year—they brought along a small batch of samples and handed them out to athletes. It was their first real-world test, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Encouraged by the response, they made a swift decision to move forward with the launch sometime in September.
The brand quickly took off, with word of mouth playing a key role, fueled by organic support from trainers, creators, and athletes who championed the product within their communities.
“When people began sharing Therapin with their friends, sending us voice notes about how it helped them sleep better or train harder, or even just messaging to say, ‘Hey, this really works’—that meant everything [to us],” said Irfan.
Apart from this, the brand also benefited from a deliberate mix of targeted marketing and strategic partnerships within the fitness space, including BFT and Spartans Boxing Club, which helped Therapin build credibility and reach a wider audience.
The brand’s approach appears to be paying off. To date, Therapin claims to have sold tens of thousands of nasal strips and now works with manufacturing partners across the region to produce at scale.
Just two months ago, it also expanded into Indonesia, making its products available to consumers through online channels as part of its broader regional growth strategy.
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Since launching, Cliff Leck and Khai Irfan have reinvested all revenue back into refining Therapin’s products and growing the brand.
Product development remains an ongoing priority, with the duo focused on “tightening what already works.”
“We’re still improving,” said Irfan. “Right now, we’re testing hypoallergenic adhesives, comfort-based versions for sleep, and more durable designs for endurance or high-altitude sports. Every iteration brings us closer to effortless, everyday breathing.”
Overall, though, the founders aren’t in a rush to scale aggressively. “We’re building slowly with intention. The goal is to create something that lasts.”
- Find out more about Therapin here.
- Read other articles we’ve written on Singaporean businesses here.
Featured Image Credit: Therapin
