Nasal dilators can be a simple yet effective solution to improve nasal airflow and enhance breathing, making them a potential add-on to certain sleep apnea therapies as well as having standalone uses for people without sleep disorders, such as people who have simple snoring, nasal congestion, or who want to breathe better while exercising.
Nasal dilators are small devices designed to fit inside or across the nostrils and physically expand the nasal passages, allowing for increased airflow. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, including adhesive strips, nasal clips, and internal nasal dilators. They work by mechanically opening up the nasal passages, reducing nasal congestion, and promoting better breathing.
Nasal dilators can be especially beneficial for people who experience nasal congestion due to allergies, colds, or sinusitis. These conditions can impair breathing and reduce overall comfort.
Nasal dilators are typically available over-the-counter, are noninvasive, and are drug-free.
Sleep Review‘s nasal dilators guide compares the devices on parameters such as availability, price, sizes, materials, usage, and supporting studies, as well as advises on how sleep professionals can request samples.
Data submitted by nasal dilator marketers. Sleep Review strives for accuracy but cannot be held responsible for claims made by marketers. Email editor[at]sleepreviewmag.com to be considered for the next update.
| Company: | AirAvant Medical | Dale Miller Inc – The Chin-Up Strip Company | NasalAid | Rhinomed | Sanostec Corp |
| Nasal Dilator: | Bongo Rx | 3M Chin-Up Strip | NasalAid | Mute | Max-Air Nose Cones and Sinus Cones |
| Website: | www.bongorx.com | www.chinupstrip.com | www.nasalaid.com | www.mutesnoring.com | www.maxairnosecones.com |
Description: | Nasal dilator that is also cleared by the FDA for treating OSA. Integral valve system creates positive airway pressure on exhalation (EPAP). Clinically tested. Simple to use and requires no assembly. Designed and made in the USA. Can be worn with or without headgear. User-friendly option for noncompliant CPAP patients or for travel. Comes with drying stand and travel case. | FDA cleared since 2004 for snoring and oral venting with CPAP. | NasalAid can last patients up to a year. It can be adjusted to patient’s desired degree of dilation. | Mute, by Rhinomed, is a sleep-focused, FDA-approved nasal dilator that helps improve snoring. Its patented nasal technology leverages the physiology of the nose to optimize breathing, which is essential to restful sleep and to maintaining good health. | Ergonomic designs open nasal airflow through multiple points of airway support while soft, premium-grade medical materials provide comfort and efficacy. The Nose Cones and Sinus Cones are made in the USA, offer three different product lines options based on severity, and are reusable for up to 3 months. |
| Availability: | DME/HME providers | chinupstrip.com, Amazon, Patient Sleep Supplies at MVAP Medical | website, clinics, CVS | Amazon, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid | website |
| Price: | Cash pay; FSA/HSA eligible since prescription device | $20 for 30-count pack; submit to Medicare as Chin Strap Code A7036 | FSA/HSA eligible | $14.99-$21.99 (depending on size); FSA/HSA eligible | $22.65 for 3-month-use pack; FSA/HSA eligible |
| Sizes: | S, M, L, XL included in an All Sizes Starter Kit | 3 types – Men and Women | One size fits all | S, M, L (also available in trial pack with three sizes) | XXS (pediatric) to XL |
| Materials: | Silicone nasal seals with rigid valve housings | 3M medical-grade tape – die cut to fit | Medical-grade silicone | Medical-grade polymers; no latex, silicone, silicone derivatives; BPA free | Medical-grade materials |
| Insertion/Application: | Insert until the sealing beads are just inside the nostrils. | Instructions come with pack. | Inside the nose. | Following the natural angle of your nose; insert the device so only the bridge shows. Adjust each side for a secure fit and optimum airflow. | Gently slide into the nasal airway, swivel, and angle for comfort and maximum airflow. |
| Usage: | Reusable | One-time disposable | Reusable | Reusable | Reusable |
| Samples (for sleep professionals): | Contact company via website | https://store.chinupstrip.com/products/free-trial-pack | Contact clinics[at]nasalaid.com | Email customerservice[at]rhinomed.globalwith name, practice name, and shipping address | Email breathinghelp[at]maxairnosecones.com, with providers’ name, practice mailing address, phone, and email |
| Supporting Study: | Lankford A, Kram J. 0546 A novel EPAP device for the treatment of mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep. 2019 Apr;42 (issue suppl_1):A218. | [not provided] | [not provided] | Rhinomed user trials and 2003 study at he Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (Braham S) | Raudenbush B. Stenting the nasal airway for maximizing inspiratory airflow: internal Max-Air Nose Cones versus external Breathe Right strip. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2011 Jul-Aug;25(4):249-51. |
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