Objective: This study assessed rhinometric improvement in nasal airflow, perceived comfort, and the utility of nasal dilation devices for individuals with nasal obstruction treated with an external nasal dilator (END) or a novel internal nasal dilation stent (INDS).
Study design: Prospective, randomized, crossover trial.
Subjects: Individuals with symptoms of nasal obstruction.
Methods: Twenty-three participants underwent rhinometry and a trial with a novel INDS and a validated END. Devices were used in a randomized, crossover fashion. Nasal airflow, maximum use, continuous use, comfort, and challenge with these devices were assessed.
Results: The END and INDS showed greater nasal airflow from baseline, with the INDS being significantly better than the END. The INDS was used significantly more than the END, and demonstrated significantly greater comfort and less associated challenge.
Conclusions: The novel INDS showed 3.4 times improved nasal airflow from baseline, was used maximally and continuously longer than a validated END, and was judged to be significantly more tolerable.