The common experience of clear nasal breathing while upright that quickly becomes congested when lying down is a primary reason people seek physical aids. Many people search for “nose plugs” but the devices are actually designed to open, or dilate, the nasal passages. These nasal support devices offer a non-pharmacological solution to the mechanical narrowing that occurs when the body shifts into a horizontal position. Utilizing these dilators helps maintain proper nasal airflow, which is a significant factor in achieving restful sleep.
Why Nasal Airflow Changes When Lying Down
The feeling of nasal congestion worsening upon lying down is a direct result of physiological shifts. When the body transitions from a vertical position to a horizontal (supine) one, the distribution of fluids throughout the body changes. This fluid redistribution causes an increased pooling of blood in the upper body, including the head and neck area.
This increased blood pooling leads to vascular engorgement within the nasal mucosa. The nasal lining contains specialized erectile tissue, which swells with blood when a person is lying flat. The swelling of this tissue effectively decreases the internal volume of the nasal passages. Studies confirm that total nasal airflow significantly decreases when a person moves from a sitting to a lying position.
The narrowing of the nasal cavity increases nasal resistance, making it harder to draw air through the nose. This effect is compounded by the natural nasal cycle, where one nostril alternates between congestion and decongestion throughout the day. When a person lies down, the dependent nostril, or the one closest to the mattress, often experiences a more pronounced increase in congestion. The resulting restriction in airflow often forces the individual to resort to mouth breathing during sleep, which can lead to snoring and a dry throat.
How Nasal Dilators Work to Improve Breathing
Nasal dilators are designed to counteract the physical narrowing of the nasal passages by providing mechanical support. Their primary function is to widen the nasal valve area, which is the narrowest point. This area is often prone to collapse during inhalation, especially when the surrounding tissues are swollen or weak.
By exerting gentle outward pressure, a dilator physically props open the soft cartilage and tissues in the nasal vestibule and valve. This mechanical action immediately reduces the airflow resistance in the nose. Reducing resistance allows for a greater volume of air to pass through with each breath, improving overall nasal breathing.
The physical widening prevents the soft tissues from collapsing inward during the negative pressure created by inhaling. This stabilization is particularly important when lying down, as increased congestion further stresses the nasal structure. The devices ensure a consistent, open pathway for air, mitigating the effects of vascular engorgement that occurs in the supine position. While dilators do not treat underlying causes of congestion, such as allergies, they provide a mechanical solution to improve airflow when the body is horizontal.
Types of Devices for Overnight Nasal Support
Two main categories of devices support nighttime nasal breathing: external nasal strips and internal nasal dilators. Both types aim to open the nasal passages, but they achieve this through different application methods. Understanding the differences is important for selecting the best option based on comfort and the severity of obstruction.
External nasal strips are adhesive bandages with embedded flexible plastic or metal springs. They are applied horizontally across the bridge of the nose and the sides just above the nostrils. The spring-like action of the strip gently pulls the skin outward, mechanically lifting and widening the nasal passages. These strips are disposable, easy to use, and are often preferred by people who dislike devices inserted internally.
Internal nasal dilators are small, flexible devices made of soft silicone or plastic. These devices are inserted directly into the nostrils, where they exert outward pressure on the nasal walls from within. They come in various shapes, such as flared cones, basket-like cages, or adjustable loops, to accommodate different anatomies. Internal dilators are often reusable and may provide a more substantial and localized opening of the nasal valve compared to external strips, which is beneficial for structural issues or more severe congestion.
The choice between the two often comes down to personal comfort, skin sensitivity, and effectiveness. External strips may lose adhesion on oily skin or cause irritation from the adhesive. Internal dilators may cause initial discomfort from the sensation of a foreign object, but users with chronic obstruction often find them a more effective long-term, reusable solution.
Guidelines for Safe and Effective Use
To maximize the effectiveness of a nasal dilator, proper fit and hygiene are necessary. For internal dilators, it is important to select the correct size; a device that is too small will not provide adequate support, and one that is too large can cause discomfort or fall out. Users should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for insertion, ensuring the device sits securely inside the nostrils without causing significant pain or pressure.
Hygiene is paramount. Reusable internal devices should be cleaned with mild soap and water after each use to prevent the build-up of bacteria. External nasal strips require the skin to be clean and dry before application to ensure the adhesive remains secure throughout the night. If a device is single-use, it should be disposed of after one night.
It is important to monitor the nasal passages for any signs of irritation, such as persistent soreness, bleeding, or an allergic reaction to the material. These devices are intended to address mechanical obstruction or mild congestion. If nasal obstruction is severe, persistent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms like severe snoring, gasping, or daytime sleepiness, consult a healthcare provider. Nasal dilators are not a treatment for serious underlying conditions, such as structural issues or obstructive sleep apnea.