- Our pick
- Comparison table
- Hale
- ZQuiet
- Rhinomed
- The SleepRight
- The AIRMAX
- Does it help with sleep apnea
- Does it improve sleep
- Recommended by Doctors?
- Conclusion
Summary of Our Top Picks
Editor’s pick
Hale, developed with Johns Hopkins, opens nasal passages from within, boosting airflow by 54% and life quality scores by 69%. It’s clinically tested and proven.
Runner up
ZQuiet, similar to Hale, is designed to enhance nasal airflow and improve breathing, backed by clinical research.
2ND Runner up
Rhinomed focuses on optimizing nasal airflow for better breathing, supported by thorough studies and evaluations.
Sleep apnea sufferers are always looking for ways to sleep better. Among the many aids, nasal dilators are gaining attention. These devices improve nasal airflow, helping reduce snoring and obstructive sleep apnea’s effects. This makes them a useful tool for better sleep.
In this article, we’ll highlight the best nasal dilators for those with sleep apnea. While they offer many benefits, especially for those with milder cases, it’s important to remember that these devices aren’t a replacement for CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines the main treatment for more severe sleep apnea.
Instead, think of nasal dilators as an extra help, possibly improving airway flow and oxygen levels and helping those with minor sleep apnea or who snore at night. Read on to find out more about getting a good night’s sleep.
FYI: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a widespread sleep-related breathing disorder that affects both men and women. Habitual snoring is a common symptom, with approximately 44% of men and 28% of women aged 30 to 60 experiencing it. It’s essential to note that not all snorers have OSA, but many individuals with OSA also snore.
Comparison Table
OUR PICK Hale | ZQUIET | Rhinomed | Airmax | SleepRight | |
 |  |  |  |  | |
Website Link | |||||
Type: | Internal nasal dilator | Internal nasal dilator | Internal nasal dilator | Internal nasal dilator | Internal nasal dilator |
Best For | Improves nasal airflow Customizable fit Reducing snoring Enhancing nasal breathing | Increas air volume up to 58 % relieving sinus congestion & snoring Instantly Relieves | Reducing snoring and improving sleep quality 75% of snorers experienced reduced volume and severity. | Addressing sleeping and breathing difficulties Expanding nasal passages to improve airflow | Reducing snoring and nasal congestion Maximizing airflow by gently opening the nose |
Sizes | small medium large | Universal Fit | small medium large | small medium | Universal Fit |
Comfort | Comfortable for extended wear | Comfortable for extended wear | Comfortable with adjustable fit | Comfortable with patented design | Comfortable and reusable |
Portable | |||||
Practically Invisible | |||||
Customer Rating | |||||
Made From | Ergonomic Materials | Latex & BPA Free Propylene based internal structure with a thermal polyethylene (TPE) covering. | Ultra-soft medical grade biocompatible polymers | Hypoallergenic, medical grade material | Medical grade material |
Insertion & Removal Tools | Yes Optional tools make installing and removing Hale a breeze | No | No | No | No |
Round-the-clock uses | |||||
Included in your purchase | The Trial Kit includes a Starter Kit box with all 3 aid sizes. | This offer includes 2 nasal dilator devices with storage cases | Trial Pack 1 X Small 1 X Medium 1 X Large | Trial Pack 1 X Small (5mm) 1 X Medium (6.5 mm) 1 X Case | Breathe Aids 2 Pack |
Hale Nasal Breathing Aid
Hale is a product designed to help individuals improve their nasal breathing. It includes various components and features to enhance nasal airflow and comfort. Here’s an overview of the key details and features.
Features:
- It has a compact travel case with a mirror for convenient storage and portability.
- Hale breathing aid comes in three sizes (1 small, 1 medium, and 1 large), allowing users to find their perfect fit for improved nasal airflow and comfort.
- It comes with an insertion and removal tool to assist with properly placing and removing the breathing aid.
- It comes with a microfiber cloth, possibly for cleaning or maintaining the breathing aids.
Usage and Replacement:
- The Hale Trial Kit is designed for a 10-day use, after which replacing the breathing aid is advised for the best results.
- Users can simplify their experience by purchasing refills in their size or subscribing to a monthly refill service.
Unique Patented Shape:
- Hale’s breathing aids feature a unique patented shape designed to open and support nasal passages from the inside gently. This design aims to provide optimal effectiveness, comfort, and discretion.
- The device includes a cushioned pad against the nasal septum for stability, a curved flare to support the nasal valve for improved breathing, a spring-loaded hinge for gentle pressure, and a clear band connecting the dilators for ease of use.
Recommendation and Clinical Trial:
- The product is recommended by doctors, and its design and effectiveness are backed by science.
- There is mention of an ongoing clinical trial at Johns Hopkins comparing Hale against nasal strips and reconstructive surgery, suggesting that it is subject to rigorous testing and evaluation.
The Hale Nasal Breathing Aid improves nasal airflow, potentially reducing snoring, and enhancing comfort during sleep. While it may aid in breathing, it’s not a primary treatment for sleep apnea. However, by enhancing airflow and comfort, it may complement CPAP therapy, improving overall effectiveness when used in conjunction with medical guidance.
ZQuiet Breathe Nasal Breathing Aid
ZQuiet Breathe Nasal Breathing Aid offers a range of features designed to enhance nasal breathing and address related issues like snoring and sinus congestion. Here are the key features highlighted for this product.
Premium Quality:
- The ZQuiet Breathe Nasal Breathing Aid is manufactured with a focus on quality and comfort. It is designed to be comfortable to wear for extended periods.
- It is produced in an FDA-inspected facility, suggesting adherence to quality and safety standards.
Increases Air Flow:
- A notable benefit of this nasal breathing aid is its ability to increase air volume significantly. It can enhance airflow by up to 58%. This airflow improvement aims to relieve common issues such as snoring and sinus congestion.
Universal Fit:
- The product is designed with flexible wings, making it suitable for many users. Its universal fit accommodates various nasal sizes and shapes, ensuring that a broad spectrum of individuals can comfortably wear it.
The ZQuiet Breathe Nasal Breathing Aid is specifically designed to optimize nasal airflow. By expanding the nasal passages, it helps reduce obstructions that can contribute to snoring, a common symptom of sleep apnea. While it doesn’t replace treatments like CPAP for severe sleep apnea cases, it can be beneficial in alleviating some symptoms, potentially aiding those with milder forms of sleep apnea or those looking to improve overall breathing during sleep.
Rhinomed Mute Nasal Snoring Device
The Rhinomed Mute Nasal Snoring Device is designed to help individuals reduce snoring and potentially improve their sleep quality. Here are its key features and usage instructions.
Features:
- The pack includes two soft paddles designed to gently expand the airways within the nostrils. This expansion of the airways can potentially increase airflow during sleep.
- The device features a patented dilation system that allows users to adjust each paddle to their comfort level. This customization ensures a comfortable fit for each individual.
- The product is clinically proven to result in more significant airflow during sleep.
- It has been shown to reduce the volume and severity of snoring in 75% of snorers.
Benefits:
- One of the primary benefits is reduced snoring, which can lead to a quieter sleeping environment for both the user and their partner.
- By increasing airflow and potentially reducing snoring, this device aims to improve sleep quality.
- The device is designed to be comfortable and effective, allowing users to sleep more soundly.
How to Use:
- Start by washing your hands. Hold the device by the bridge with the curved arms facing you and the ribbed paddles facing up and away from you.
- Bring the device up to your nose and insert the curved arms first to make contact with the inside floor of your nose.
- Gently guide the device backward into your nose until it reaches a point where it is comfortable. You may need to adjust your nostrils over and around the ridged paddles to ensure it is fully inserted.
The Rhinomed Mute is a product designed to help individuals improve their nasal breathing by expanding the nostrils, potentially enhancing airflow. While it can be useful for addressing issues related to nasal congestion, snoring, and mild breathing difficulties during sleep, it may have limited effectiveness in managing obstructive sleep apnea, especially in cases of moderate to severe sleep apnea.
The SleepRight Intra-Nasal Breathe Aid
The SleepRight Intra-Nasal Breathe Aid is a product designed to address snoring and nasal congestion without using sticky nasal strips. Here are the key features and benefits of this product:
Features:
- This product is intended to reduce snoring by gently opening the user’s nasal passages, allowing for improved airflow during sleep.
- It can also help alleviate nasal congestion, making it easier for individuals to breathe through their noses.
- Unlike traditional nasal strips that use adhesive to open the nasal passages, the SleepRight Intra-Nasal Breathe Aid provides a non-sticky alternative. It does not rely on adhesives that could affect your skin.
- These nasal aids are reusable, which means you can use them multiple times, eliminating the need for single-use products.
- The product comes with a convenient storage case, making it easy to keep them clean and accessible when not in use.
- The nasal aids are designed to flex gently to fit all sizes of noses, ensuring that they are comfortable and suitable for a wide range of users.
- SleepRight Intra-Nasal Breathe Aid is drug-free, making it a non-medicated option for addressing snoring and nasal congestion.
The SleepRight Intra-Nasal Breathe Aid is a device designed to improve nasal airflow, aiding in more restful sleep by reducing snoring and enhancing breathing through the nose.
The AIRMAX Nasal Dilator
The AIRMAX Nasal Dilator is a straightforward solution for individuals experiencing sleep and breathing difficulties. Here are its key features and benefits:
Features:
- This nasal dilator is designed to be comfortably placed inside the nasal passages, offering ease of use.
- It features a patented, aerodynamic “winged” design that aids in expanding the nasal passages.
- The AIRMAX Nasal Dilator is clinically proven to optimize airflow through the nasal passages, potentially increasing oxygen levels in the lungs by up to 76.1%, as measured by Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF).
- It is clinically proven to help reduce snoring, benefiting those seeking solutions.
- In addition to snoring reduction, it is designed to relieve nasal congestion, potentially making it easier for users to breathe through their noses.
- The product is claimed to perform 3.6 times better than traditional nasal strips for improving nasal airflow.
- It is categorized as an FDA-cleared medical device, which implies that it has met regulatory standards for safety and efficacy.
- The AIRMAX Nasal Dilator is made of hypoallergenic, medical-grade materials that are soft, flexible, and comfortable for users.
- It is available in two sizes, medium (fits most) and small, to accommodate a range of users. A carrying case is included for convenience.
Recommendation for New Users:
- For individuals trying the product for the first time, the manufacturer recommends their trial pack version, which includes both sizes. This helps users determine their ideal fit.
The AIRMAX Nasal Dilator offers a potential solution for improving nasal airflow, reducing snoring, and relieving nasal congestion.
Do Nasal Dilators Help Sleep Apnea?
Researchers investigated the effects of using a plastic device to dilate or open the nasal valve (the front part of the nose) on snoring and breathing problems in 11 patients with chronic snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea.
They conducted various tests and assessments before and after 10 days of using the nasal dilator:
- Nasal Airflow: When patients used the nasal dilator, their nasal airflow increased by 18%, making it easier for them to breathe through their noses.
- Obstructed Breathing: The frequency and severity of obstructed breathing significantly decreased when patients used the nasal dilator. The number of times they experienced obstructed breathing episodes decreased, and the severity of these episodes was reduced.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is when breathing stops and starts during sleep. The study found that the apnea index, which measures the frequency of these episodes, decreased by 47% when patients used the nasal dilator. This means that the nasal dilator helped reduce the number of times patients experienced sleep apnea.
- Oxygen Levels: The oxygen level in the blood during sleep improved when patients used the nasal dilator. Their minimum arterial oxygen saturation increased from 78% to 84%, a positive change.
- Snoring: Snoring noise was significantly reduced when patients used the nasal dilator. This was particularly noticeable in patients with loud snoring before using the dilator.
- Subjective Effects: Patients and their partners were asked about their experience. Most patients did not report any negative effects on their sleep quality or daytime sleepiness. In fact, four out of the 11 patients found the nasal dilator helpful and wanted to continue using it.
In summary, using the nasal dilator improved nasal airflow, reduced the frequency and severity of obstructed breathing and sleep apnea, increased oxygen levels, and decreased snoring noise in some patients. At the same time, there were no reported negative effects on sleep quality or daytime sleepiness.
Do Nasal Dilators Improve Sleep?
Nasal dilators can potentially improve sleep quality in individuals with specific nasal congestion or obstruction issues. These devices work by opening up the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe through the nose.
Improved nasal airflow can lead to reduced snoring and less disrupted sleep, especially for individuals who primarily breathe through their noses while sleeping. However, the effectiveness of nasal dilators can vary from person to person, and they may not be suitable for everyone.
Whether doctors recommend nasal dilators depends on the individual’s specific sleep issues and underlying causes. Medical professionals may suggest nasal dilators as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals who:
- Experience snoring: Nasal dilators can help reduce snoring caused by nasal congestion or airflow restrictions.
- Have mild sleep apnea: Some individuals with mild obstructive sleep apnea may benefit from nasal dilators if their condition is partially related to nasal obstruction.
- Struggle with nighttime nasal congestion: Using nasal dilators may offer relief and improve sleep quality for those with chronic nasal congestion, such as due to allergies.
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider, such as an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) or a sleep medicine specialist, before using nasal dilators or any other sleep aids. They can assess your specific sleep issues, recommend suitable treatments, and determine if nasal dilators are appropriate for your condition.
Remember that for individuals with more severe sleep apnea or other underlying causes, nasal dilators alone may not be sufficient, and other treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy may be necessary.
Do Doctors Recommend Nasal Dilators?
Doctors may recommend nasal dilators as part of a treatment plan for individuals with specific nasal issues or sleep-related problems. However, it’s essential to understand that the recommendation for nasal dilators varies depending on the patient’s unique circumstances and medical condition. Here are some situations in which doctors may recommend nasal dilators:
- Nasal Congestion: Nasal dilators can be useful for individuals who suffer from chronic nasal congestion or allergies. They help open up the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe through the nose and potentially reducing the need for mouth breathing.
- Snoring: Doctors may suggest trying nasal dilators if snoring is a significant concern linked to nasal obstruction. These devices can help improve airflow through the nasal passages, which may reduce snoring in some cases.
- Mild Sleep Apnea: In cases of mild obstructive sleep apnea, where the primary issue is a partial airway blockage, doctors might recommend nasal dilators as part of a broader treatment plan. However, they are not typically a standalone solution for moderate to severe sleep apnea.
- Nasal Surgery Recovery: After nasal surgery, doctors may recommend nasal dilators to help maintain proper nasal airflow during the healing process.
- Athletic Performance: Some athletes use nasal dilators to enhance their breathing during physical activities. These devices may help improve oxygen intake through the nose, potentially enhancing endurance and performance.
It’s important to note that while nasal dilators can be beneficial in specific situations, they may not be suitable or effective for everyone.
Conclusion
In summary, nasal dilators may assist individuals with mild sleep apnea or related issues like snoring and nasal congestion. It can improve nasal airflow, reduce snoring, ease congestion, and enhance oxygen levels during sleep.
However, other medical treatments, such as CPAP therapy, remain the primary recommended for moderate to severe sleep apnea. Individual effectiveness may vary; professional evaluation is crucial for tailored treatment plans.
Noninvasive treatments, which include nasal dilators, tongue-retaining devices, and mandibular advancement appliances (which can be fixed or adjustable), are often recommended as initial approaches for managing sleep apnea and related snoring issues. These treatments aim to improve airway stability and airflow without the need for invasive procedures.
Reference:
Bato is the father of three beautiful children. When he's not dealing with product reviews and comparisons, he enjoys hiking through untouched nature. He loves adrenaline sports such as skiing, hiking, rafting, and scuba diving. In addition, he likes to grill and discover new exciting food.