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.
The nasal dilators compared are:
AirAvant Medical Bongo Rx
Dale Miller Inc 3M Chin-Up Strip
NasalAid
OASYS Dream Systems Dental Sleep Laboratory O2 OASYS Nasal Dilators
RhinoMed Inc Mute
SnoreLessNow Airflow Clip Nasal Dilator
| Company: | AirAvant Medical | Dale Miller Inc – The Chin-Up Strip Company | NasalAid | OASYS Dream Systems Dental Sleep Laboratory | Rhinomed Inc | |
| Nasal Dilator: | Bongo Rx | 3M Chin-Up Strip | NasalAid | O2 OASYS Nasal Dilators | Mute | Airflow Clip Nasal Dilator |
| Website: | www.bongorx.com | www.chinupstrip.com | www.nasalaid.com | www.dreamsystemsdentallab.com | www.mutesnoring.com | snorelessnow.com/products/airflow-clip-nasal-dilator |
| 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. | The O2 OASYS Oral/Nasal Airway System is cleared as a 510K medical device (#K030440) by the FDA’s ENT and dental divisions, as a mandibular repositioner and nasal dilator to treat nasal patency. Nasal dilators are included on the appliance with intraoral adjustments. The PDAC OASYS Herbst #M001 also may include nasal dilators #M002. | 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. | A simple, minimally-invasive device that fits snugly into the nostrils, gently expanding them for easier breathing. Features: FDA registered; customizable fit using hot water; made in Switzerland; awarded Top ENT Solution of 2023 by Medtech Outlook; reusable for 90 days. |
| Availability: | DME/HME providers | Chinupstrip.com, Amazon, Patient Sleep Supplies at MVAP Medical | Website, clinics, CVS | Via prescription | Amazon, Walgreens, CVS, other drugstores, and from many medical providers | Website, eBay, Facebook/Instagram Shop (coming soon to Amazon) |
| Price: | Cash pay; FSA/HSA eligible since prescription device | $20 for 30-count pack; submit to Medicare as A7036 | FSA/HSA eligible | Medical insurance; cash pay | $14.99-$21.99 (depending on size); FSA/HSA eligible | $14.99 – $17.99 (depending on size); FSA/HSA eligible |
| Sizes: | S, M, L, XL included in an All Sizes Starter Kit | White horseshoe strips, tan horseshoe strips, tan boomerang strips | One size fits all | Tear drop, horizonal-shaped acrylic button, adjustable intraorally on a bendable wire | S, M, L (also available in trial pack with three sizes) | S, M, L (also available in trial pack with three sizes) |
| Materials: | Silicone nasal seals with rigid valve housings | 3M medical-grade tape – die cut to fit | Medical-grade silicone | Acrylic nasal buttons on chromium cobalt wire | Medical-grade polymers; no latex, silicone, silicone derivatives; BPA free | Ethylene-vinyl acetate |
| Insertion/Application: | Insert until the sealing beads are just inside the nostrils. | Apply cheek tabs, and hold down with index fingers. Use thumbs and middle fingers to pull chin section away from lips. Say the word “up” and hold position, then press on the chin section. | Inside the nose. | The device slides up introrally into the maxillary vestibule to stretch the nasolabial fold to open the nasal valve and gain drainage of the inferior and middle turbinates. | 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. | Heat the device in 140-degree water for 5 seconds, then insert it in the nose. |
| Usage: | Reusable | One-time disposable | Reusable | Reusable | Reusable | Reusable |
| Samples (for sleep professionals): | Contact company via website | https://store.chinupstrip.com/products/free-trial-pack | Contact clinics[at]nasalaid.com | Nasal dilators are included on Custom OASYS devices. | Email customerservice[at]rhinomed.global with name, practice name, and shipping address | Reach out to support[at]snorelessnow.com |
| 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] | Shrivastava D, Bixby JK, Livornese DS, et al. Efficacy of oral appliance therapy in the treatment of severe OSA in CPAP-resistant cases. Sleep Vigilance. 2018;2:119–25. | Rhinomed user trials and 2003 study at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (Braham S) | [not provided] |
The Sleep Review nasal dilators comparison guide was last updated in May 2024.
Information for this guide based on data submitted by nasal dilator marketers. Sleep Review strives for accuracy in all data but cannot be held responsible for claims made by marketers. All nasal dilator marketers get one listing at no charge. Advertisers are offered multiple listings. All options may not be included. Email editor[at]sleepreviewmag.com to be considered for the next update.
Leave a Reply