by 
How Nasal Dilators Work
Internal nasal dilators work by mechanically widening the nasal passages to make breathing through the nose easier. They are placed inside the nose and use gentle outward pressure to push the walls of the nasal cavity further apart. This increases the cross-sectional area of the nasal airway. Dilating the nostrils leads to less turbulent airflow and reduced resistance to breathing. Some key aspects of how nasal dilators function include:
– Made of flexible, medical-grade materials that conform to the shape of the nose but exert outward pressure on the walls. Common materials include silicone and thermoplastic polymers.
– Designed to be nearly invisible when inserted in the nose so they can be worn all day without being noticeable. Profile is low so they don’t obstruct nasal breathing.
– Tab or spine on the dilator catches on the interior rim of the nose to anchor it in place without having to grip tightly. This holds it steady during activities without slipping out.
– Increasing the size of the airway reduces turbulence in nasal breathing. Air flows more smoothly in and out with less energy required. This makes respiration more relaxing.
Who Benefits from Nasal Dilators?
There are several common conditions where nasal breathing is compromised and internal dilators provide relief. Some groups that typically see benefits include:
– Athletes – Dilators increase airflow during exercise when nasal passages can become constricted from vigorous respiration. This prevents fatigue and improves endurance and performance.
– Sleep apnea/snoring sufferers – Wider nasal passages reduce vibration of soft tissues in the throat that cause snoring sounds. They also prevent airflow limitation that leads to episodes where breathing temporarily stops during sleep apnea.
– Allergy/congestion sufferers – When nasal tissues become swollen from allergies, colds, or sinus issues, dilators mechanically override this constriction to restore breathing ability.
– Deviated septum/polyps – Anatomical irregularities inside the nose like a bent septum or polyps often narrow the airway, but dilators override this structural limitation.
– Musicians/singers – Vocalists need unobstructed nasal breathing for optimal tone, control, and ability to sing or play an instrument for long periods. Dilators support this need.
Types of Nasal Dilators
There are a few basic designs for internal nasal dilators with subtle variations:
– Clip-on Style: Consists of a flexible C-shaped arch that fits inside each nostril. Clips onto the interior rim to stay fixed during activities.
– Adhesive Strip Style: A flexible strip with medical-grade adhesive on one side. Sticks inside nostrils along the entire length for a wider dilation area versus clips. Requires no anatomical catching mechanism.
– Compact Oval Style: Small rounded oval shapes that nestle high inside each nostril near the nasal valve. Profile is lower but provides strategic dilation at the critical airflow restriction point.
Brands may further differentiate designs with unique arch shapes, materials used, inclusion of extra support tabs/wings, integrated moisture-wicking layers, or levels of rigidity for varying dilation pressures. Prescription strengths are also available from doctors.
Using and Caring for Nasal Dilators
Insertion of dilators is simple – users pinch the device to decrease its size and ease placement up inside one nostril at a time. When released, it expands to conform to the interior shape and press gently outwards on the nasal walls.
For best results, it’s recommended to:
– Try different available styles to find the most comfortable personalized fit. Not all work as well for each individual nose shape.
– Insert a new dilator each morning or beforehand when intending extended activities like travel, sports, singing, etc.
– Remove before showering or falling asleep to air out nostrils and prevent moisture buildup which impacts adhesion or retention.
– Store extras in the provided sealed containers or envelopes when not in active use to maintain cleanliness.
– Replace as needed when dilators become worn or tired from extensive use – typically every 3-6 months depending on frequency of wear.
With proper handling, internal nasal dilators provide lasting relief as a non-medical alternative to maximizing nasal breathing potential. Consistent usage reinforces the dilation effect over time as nasal tissues adapt.
Potential Downsides of Dilators
While generally safe and well-tolerated, some users may initially experience mild discomfort, tightness, or stuffiness for the first few wears until the nasal tissues acclimate fully to the presence of the dilator stretching them outward slightly. It’s minimal for most.
Other occasional side-effects that tend to quickly go away include:
– Dryness or irritation in the nasal cavity that resolves once dilator is removed at end of wear time. Switching to a different style may help.
– Friction headache directly related to wearing the dilator—usually means it needs adjusting or isn’t the right fit for that individual’s nose.
– Rare possibility of skin redness or indentations from adhesive models but these are temporary and not usually serious.
As long as a dilator isn’t physically uncomfortable and inserted/worn properly, significant side effects are uncommon. If issues persist, checking with an ENT doctor is advised to rule out any nasal abnormalities influencing tolerance levels. Dilators are otherwise well-tolerated by the vast majority of users.
In summary, internal nasal dilators provide a non-invasive, affordable, and effective option for maximizing nasal breathing ability and comfort. With the various design styles available, most users are able to find an option that works well for them to enhance activities of daily living, exercise regimens, hobbies, and sleep quality.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile
