76% more airflow by use of Airmax nasal dilator
Source reference
Peter W. Hellings & Gilbert J. Nolst Trenité, 2013
Title
Improvement of nasal breathing and patient satisfaction by the endonasal dilator Airmax
Background
Patients suffering from nasal obstruction due to external nasal valve dysfunction may benefit from either corrective surgery or a conservative approach with a nasal dilator. At present, devices for widening the external nasal valve region can be ap- plied externally or endonasally. It remains unknown to what extent the endonasal dilator Airmax® objectively improves the nasal flow and can be offered as an alternative for surgery.
Methodology
Thirty patients suffering from nasal obstruction due to external nasal valve problems were proposed to use the nasal dilator for 4 weeks as an alternative for corrective surgery. The improvement of nasal flow by the dilator was evaluated by measuring the peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF). Then, patients were asked for their willingness to continue to use the nasal dilator or to undergo nasal valve surgery.
Results
The endonasal dilator improved the mean PNIF from baseline values with a mean increase of 176.1 %. After a 4 week trial period, 19 of 30 patients expressed the intention to continue the use of the nasal dilator. Inappropriate size, local irritation and/or aesthetic nasal complaints were mentioned by the other patients as reasons for discontinuation of using the nasal dilator.
Conclusion
The endonasal dilator Airmax® represents a powerful device to improve nasal breathing in the target patients and therefore represents a good alternative for corrective surgery.
