Using nasal dilator with PAP

[growing]

Has any one used internal or external nasal dilator with PAP?
I would appreciate inputs on the pros and cons of using dilators with PAP particularly by those who have nasal polyps, DNS or reduced nasal aperture.

[4betterO2]

Please give more details on the nasal dilator? is it a drug or a device? Have you tried any yet, with or without PAP?
I'm interested in anythng that could optimize air flow by reducing obstruction

[chunkyfrog]

Breathe-Right Strips--no RX needed; Flex item.
Takes the skin off my nose.

[SleepingUgly]

I did have problems with the Breathe Right brand making marks on my nose so I'm using Clear Passage, available at Walmart (the Clear version). It does not stay on as well as the Breathe-Right, but it also doesn't leave enduring marks either. If someone didn't have sensitive skin, I'd go with the Breathe Right.

[chunkyfrog]

I always thought I had really tough skin--Breathe-Right is even tougher.
It is, however the only one that stays on DH's honker all night long

[herefishy]

I tried the "nasilator" and it is usable, could probably get used to it. It is cheap, re-usable, and you can get a trial supply with 4 different sizes. Mine dropped into my mask toward morning, understand some folks attach monofilament fishing line to keep track of them.

[qmx]

I never felt that the Breathe right nasal strips did much of anything for me. DEAN

[patrissimo]

I'm in the early stages of experimenting with using BR strips on an occasional, randomized basis, to see if there is any measurable effect on my AHI or Flow Limitations.

There's also the Nozovent, which my girlfriend finds helps her sleep, I find it a little uncomfortable to wear, but it definitely feels like it holds the nose open really well.

Dr. Krakow did a study on BR strips that showed they helped.

I wouldn't expect miracles, but it seems like a good tool for increasing nasal patency. If you do try it, I highly encourage you to do it as a randomized experiment - flip a coin every night to decide whether to wear it, mark it down someplace, and after a couple months take two averages of the nights with and without, of your AHI, or 95% Flow Limitation or whatever, and compare them. That way you actually *know* if they worked or not and whether to keep using them.

[jedimark]

I was thinking a couple of days ago how cool it would be to have a thin little medical device surgeons could insert up peoples noses, and inflate it like balloon, to gently stretch stuff, for people with nasal breathing problems due to small nasal tube bits (I really should learn the names of stuff one day ).

I haven't the slightest idea how the inside of peoples noses would heal up from the stretching.

Maybe there is already a nasal surgery technique using something like that? (Edit: If not, I call dibs on naming it.. )

[4betterO2]

I tried the "nasilator"

I looked at it, seems a promising design. I''m tempted to buy the sampler box, but wonder if I could find 2 sizes to use in it? Using only 1 for a box of $9.99 seems a bit expensive.
Do you think that the size next smaller to the right size could still be usable, just would not open the nostrils as much? or would it fall off right away?
and for how long does it keep its spring action? 1 week, a month, etc.?

[4betterO2]

There's also the Nozovent, which my girlfriend finds helps her sleep, I find it a little uncomfortable to wear, but it definitely feels like it holds the nose open really well.

I looked at that too
How can you tell which size to wear? The sampler is too expensive. I'd like to find a way to measure something and get an idea of the size needed, but looking at the picture, pre-measuring seems hard to do?
How long can you use it, and how must it be cleaned?

[herefishy]

The nozovent is a single use device - no cleaning. About $80 a month, I think. The dilator does have some possibility of using 2 sizes, but it is intended to be just for fitting, and then when you find the right size you order the 4 pack of the right size. They are supposed to last, I think, maybe a couple of months.

[SleepingUgly]

Maybe there is already a nasal surgery technique using something like that? (Edit: If not, I call dibs on naming it.. )

People can have surgery on their nasal valves to open them up more. It will change the appearance of the nose. Or you can use Breathe Right strips.

[patrissimo]

I just guessed at size. Each Nozovent lasts about a month, before losing enough springiness that it no longer works as well, at least, in my partner's experience.

[herefishy]

Sorry I was so off base about the nozovent - thought you used a new one each day.