If you are experiencing a feeling that one or both of your nostrils are collapsing inward when you breathe, you are dealing with a common form of chronic nasal obstruction. While the desire for a quick remedy is understandable, a true structural collapse cannot be permanently “fixed” using home methods. The underlying issue is physical, not temporary congestion, which means any at-home approach will focus on managing symptoms and providing temporary relief. The goal of home care is to use accessible, non-surgical tools and minor behavioral changes to support the weakened part of the nose and improve airflow immediately.
Understanding Nasal Valve Collapse
The sensation of a collapsed nostril is medically known as nasal valve collapse, a frequent cause of difficulty breathing through the nose. The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway, acting as a flow regulator for inhaled air. This delicate area is supported by cartilage and soft tissue, and when these structures weaken, they are prone to falling inward.
There are two primary areas: the internal nasal valve, located deeper inside, and the external nasal valve, which is the nostril opening. The collapse often becomes noticeable during deep inhalation, such as during exercise, or when lying down, because the negative pressure created by the breath or the effect of gravity pulls the weakened tissue closed. This structural problem persists regardless of whether you have a cold or allergies, unlike temporary congestion which eventually resolves.
Accessible Devices for Immediate Relief
The most direct way to counteract a structural weakness at home is by using over-the-counter devices that physically hold the airway open, offering temporary mechanical support to the weakened nasal structures.
External nasal strips, often adhesive bandages with embedded spring-like bands, are applied across the bridge of the nose. The strips adhere to the skin and use the tension of the bands to gently pull the sides of the nose outward. This lifting action widens the nasal passage and can increase nasal airflow by a significant percentage.
A different approach involves using internal nasal dilators, which are typically small, soft plastic or silicone stents. These devices are inserted directly into the nostril, where they gently push outward against the nasal walls to prop open the valve from the inside. Internal dilators are especially effective for supporting the internal nasal valve.
For external nasal strips to work correctly, the skin must be clean and dry to ensure the adhesive bonds securely and does not detach during sleep. Internal dilators are reusable and require regular cleaning with mild soap and water to maintain hygiene and prevent bacterial buildup. Finding the right size for both strips and dilators is important for both comfort and maximum mechanical effect on the airway.
Lifestyle Adjustments to Optimize Airflow
Beyond using mechanical devices, simple behavioral and environmental modifications can minimize the symptoms associated with nasal collapse. Adjusting your sleep posture is an effective intervention that leverages gravity to your advantage.
Sleeping on your side, particularly with your head slightly elevated, helps to reduce the pressure on your nasal passages and promotes better drainage. Lying flat can cause increased blood flow to the head, which can exacerbate swelling and contribute to the inward collapse of the nostril. Using a wedge pillow or adding an extra pillow helps keep your head above the level of your heart.
Controlling air quality in your environment, especially while you sleep, can reduce irritation that worsens nasal function. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which helps keep the nasal lining moist and prevents the dryness and inflammation that can exacerbate a structural weakness. Avoiding known irritants like tobacco smoke and strong chemical fumes limits inflammation that makes breathing more difficult.
Recognizing When Professional Treatment is Necessary
While temporary relief is achievable with home-based solutions, a structural nasal collapse is often a progressive issue that requires professional assessment for a lasting solution. If you find that over-the-counter strips and dilators fail to provide consistent relief, or if your sleep is severely disrupted, it is time to consult a specialist.
The appropriate medical professional is an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist, or a plastic surgeon specializing in nasal function. They can perform diagnostic tests, such as the Cottle maneuver, to confirm the precise location and severity of the collapse.
Permanent correction involves surgical intervention designed to reinforce the weakened cartilage. Common procedures include functional rhinoplasty, which may use cartilage grafts taken from the septum or ear to strengthen the nasal wall, or the placement of small, supportive implants. Understanding that home remedies are a management tool, not a permanent cure, sets realistic expectations and ensures you seek definitive treatment when necessary.