A Subjective Evaluation of a Nasal Dilator on Sleep & Snoring

Abstract

A noninvasive external nasal dilator device was used by 20 subjects with a history of mild snoring in a 2 week open label study. The baseline assessments were obtained during the first week. Treatment effects were evaluated during the second week. Subjects were evaluated using: pre- and post-sleep questionnaires; Stanford Sleepiness Scales completed at breakfast, lunch and dinner; and post-sleep bed partner questionnnaires. All twenty subjects completed the study. A significant number of subjects’ scores improved for sleepiness. Mean scores for the subjective assessment for ease of breathing during sleep improved compared to baseline by 25.6%, snoring loudness improved by 34%, sleep quality improved by 21.8%, and the Stanford Sleepiness Scale revealed a 26% reduction in daytime sleepiness.

Effect of Nasal Surgery on Sleep‐Related Breathing Disorders

“…Accordingly, similar results were achieved after optimizing nasal ventilation in simple snorers. 26,29 …”

Nasal resistance and flow resistive work of nasal breathing during exercise: effects of a nasal dilator strip

“…work of breathing RECENTLY, AN ADHESIVE EXTERNAL nasal dilator strip (ENDS) device (Breathe Right, CNS, Chanhassen, MN) has become available as a purely mechanical means of lowering nasal airflow resistance (Rn). ENDS is advocated for the relief of nasal obstruction associated with nasal congestion or deviated septum (14,21), reduction of snoring, and improving sleep quality (15,22). The device has also been widely adopted by athletes for use in sporting competition in an attempt to promote nasal route breathing during exercise (20).…”

Nasal vestibule wall elasticity: interactions with a nasal dilator strip

“…The ENDS device has been advocated for therapeutic modification of nasal airflow resistance in a variety of conditions associated with symptoms of nasal obstruction (8). Consequently, the device has found application in the reduction of snoring (9), the improvement of sleep quality (10), the relief of symptoms associated with nasal congestion (e.g., in allergy, viral infections, and pregnancy), and alleviation of breathing difficulties associated with deviated nasal septum and collapsed nasal cartilages (8,12). In addition, ENDS has also been widely adopted by athletes from many different sports in an attempt to promote nasal route breathing during competition (11).…”

“…Because ENDS is advocated for the reduction of snoring (9), it may be worn overnight while subjects are asleep. In the present study, we tested the ability of the device to maintain a change in external nasal geometry over an 8-h period.…”