Nasal dilation is a technique used to help improve airflow through the nasal passages. It involves using various devices or methods to expand the nasal passages and reduce nasal congestion, which could help with sleep apnea and snoring.

Nasal dilation may be beneficial in two ways:

1. Increasing nasal airflow: Nasal congestion or narrowing of the nasal passages can lead to increased resistance to airflow during breathing, especially during sleep. By dilating the nasal passages, either temporarily or long-term, nasal airflow can be improved. This can help reduce the likelihood of breathing through the mouth, which is often associated with snoring and can contribute to sleep apnea events.
2. Reduced snoring: Snoring is often caused by the vibration of tissues in the airway due to turbulent airflow. If nasal congestion or obstruction contributes to snoring, nasal dilation can help alleviate congestion and facilitate smoother airflow, potentially reducing the intensity and frequency of snoring.

Here's a guide to nasal dilators

Understand Nasal Dilators:

• Nasal dilators are devices designed to improve nasal airflow by dilating the nasal passages, reducing nasal congestion, and promoting better breathing.
• They come in various forms, such as nasal strips, nasal dilator cones, stents, or clips.
• Nasal dilators can temporarily relieve nasal congestion, snoring, or mild sleep apnea, but they may not be a comprehensive solution for everyone.

Choose the Right Type of Nasal Dilator:

• Nasal Strips: Nasal strips are adhesive strips placed on the nose. They work by lifting and opening the nasal passages.
• Nasal Dilator Cones: These are inserted into the nostrils to expand them from within. They are often made of soft, flexible materials for comfort.
• Nasal Stents: Nasal stents are similar to nasal cones but are designed to keep the nasal passages open with internal support structures.
• Nasal Clips: These devices are placed on the outside of the nostrils to mechanically widen the nasal valves and improve airflow.

Proper Usage of Nasal Dilators:

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions provided with the nasal dilator.
• Ensure your nose is clean and dry before applying or inserting the dilator.
• For adhesive nasal strips, apply them gently on a clean and dry nose, ensuring good adhesion.
• For nasal cones, stents, or clips, insert them gently into the nostrils. They should fit comfortably without causing discomfort or pain.

Benefits and Considerations:

• Nasal dilators can help improve nasal airflow, alleviate nasal congestion, and reduce snoring.
• They may be beneficial for individuals with temporary nasal congestion, mild sleep apnea, or snoring related to nasal issues.
• Results may vary, and some individuals will benefit more from nasal dilators than others.
• Nasal dilators may not address underlying causes of sleep apnea or snoring, such as airway obstruction or structural issues.
• If you experience discomfort, pain, or worsening symptoms while using nasal dilators, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Consult a Healthcare Professional:

• If you have persistent nasal congestion, severe sleep apnea, or chronic snoring, consult a healthcare professional, such as a sleep specialist or an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
• They can provide a comprehensive evaluation, diagnose any underlying issues, and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your needs.

Remember, while nasal dilators can provide temporary relief and improve nasal breathing for some individuals, they may not be suitable or effective for everyone. Seek personalized guidance from your empower sleep care team based on your specific condition is critical.

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Nasal dilator while using a CPAP machine

Nasal dilation techniques could be helpful for individuals using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for sleep apnea.

Here's how nasal dilation may help in conjunction with CPAP:

1. Enhanced CPAP effectiveness: CPAP therapy involves delivering a continuous stream of pressurized air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. For CPAP to be effective, a secure seal between the mask and the face is necessary to prevent air leakage. Nasal congestion or obstructions can increase nasal resistance, and the back pressure can interfere with the seal and compromise the effectiveness of CPAP. Using nasal dilation techniques, such as nasal dilator devices or nasal strips, the nasal passages can be opened, reducing nasal resistance and improving the seal of the CPAP mask. This helps maintain a stable and consistent airflow, maximizing the therapeutic benefits of CPAP.
2. Reduce CPAP pressure requirement: Studies have shown that with a reduction in nasal resistance the pressure required to maintain airway potency can drop by 1-3 pressure points.
3. Reduced nasal symptoms: Some individuals using CPAP may experience nasal symptoms, such as congestion, dryness, or irritation. Nasal dilation techniques can help alleviate these symptoms by improving nasal airflow, reducing congestion, and promoting better nasal breathing. This can contribute to a more comfortable CPAP experience.
4. Decreased mouth breathing: Mouth breathing during CPAP therapy can lead to air leakage and reduced treatment effectiveness. Nasal dilation techniques, such as nasal strips or nasal dilator devices, can help promote nasal breathing and discourage mouth breathing. By keeping the nasal passages open and clear, these techniques can help reduce the tendency to breathe through the mouth, enhancing the benefits of CPAP therapy.

It's important to note that while nasal dilation techniques can benefit some individuals using CPAP, they may not be necessary or effective for everyone. Each person's needs and nasal anatomy can vary, and it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a sleep specialist or a respiratory therapist, for personalized advice. They can assess your specific condition, evaluate the effectiveness of your CPAP therapy, and recommend appropriate measures, including nose dilation techniques if deemed beneficial for you.

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How to test the efficacy of nasal dilators

If the nose dilators or nasal strips are working for you, you should notice a few things:

1. Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) should come down to some extent.  This suggests there are fewer pauses in breathing, therefore your breathing during sleep is healthier.
2. If you use this with CPAP you should feel more comfortable during inhalation.  You may also note a reduction in CPAP mean pressure
3. You should notice an improvement in your overall sleep quality, displayed as SQI.

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Resources

PMID: 30715034 ; doi: 10.23750/abm.v90i2-S.8100

PMID: 30715031; doi: 10.23750/abm.v90i2-S.8096

PMID: 25419156 ; doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S67543

PMID: 30715034; doi: 10.23750/abm.v90i2-S.8100