When it comes to achieving a good night’s sleep, most people will try anything. There are countless gadgets on the market that claim to improve the quality of your sleep. 

It may feel impossible to know which sleeping aids are worth your time and which ones are a gimmick. 

Nasal dilators such as the Airmax Nasal Device have become increasingly popular in recent years. But how do they work? Are they really a viable solution for snoring? 

Types of Nasal Dilators

Nasal dilators are a non-medicinal option to reduce snoring and improve sleep quality. They’re non-invasive and oftentimes lead to instant relief from a congested nose. 

Unlike nasal sprays, nasal dilators don’t become less effective with continued use. Nasal sprays can also cause nosebleeds, which aren’t a known side effect of nasal dilators.

There are two common types of nasal dilators: internal and external. 

External Nasal Dilators

External nasal dilators are more commonly known as nasal strips. You may be familiar with the Breathe Right brand. 

These strips dilate the nasal passageways by sticking externally to the skin on your nose. Once adhered, the strip should sit just above the nostrils. 

Nasal strips are made out of a rigid plastic material that acts like a “spring,” opening your nostrils when bent across the nose. 

This all sounds effective in theory, but what does the actual evidence say? Studies show that external dilators can reduce snoring in those with blocked noses. 

The only issue? Nasal strips can loosen as you sleep, cause minor skin irritation, and they aren’t reusable. Internal nasal dilators, however, are reusable.

Internal Nasal Dilators

Internal nasal dilators come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They fit inside of the nostrils, working to expand your nose cartilage from the inside, boosting airflow. 

Made of a springy material, internal nasal dilators work to reduce snoring, just like external nasal dilators. 

Unlike external nasal dilators, internal nasal dilators can help snorers with a deviated septum by opening both nostrils the same amount. This reduces nostril collapse upon inhalation. 

Airmax Nasal Dilators are among the most commonly used brands of internal nasal dilators on the market. But what about efficacy? 

When compared to external nasal dilators, like Breathe Right strips, the Airmax Nasal Dilator reduces air resistance up to 3.6 times better. 

The proof is in the pudding (and the research). The Airmax Nasal Device is one of the most powerful nasal dilators available. 

That said, it may seem intimidating to use due to its appearance and design. Here’s how to try it out. 

How to Use An Airmax Nasal Device

When using an Airmax Nasal Dilator for the first time, use a mirror to help you position it within your nose. 

You’ll know it’s positioned properly when the “connecting bridge” touches your septum. Furthermore, the “legs” of the dilator should widen your nostrils when inserted.

Your Airmax Nasal Device may feel uncomfortable at first. Your nose has to have time to acclimate to the shape of the dilator. Because of this, the manufacturers recommend two weeks of consecutive use to determine whether or not the product is right for you. 

Although the Airmax Nasal Device is reusable, some may find the necessary frequent cleaning to be a downside. The dilator must be cleaned with water and mild soap after each use. 

That’s not the only downside, though. 

The Problem With Nasal Dilators

Now that you know how to use an Airmax Nasal Device, you’re probably curious about whether they’re worth trying. 

Although nasal dilators work to open up the nasal cavity to prevent snoring, they can’t always stop it altogether. The culprit? Your mouth. 

Mouth breathing is one of the leading causes of snoring, and since nasal dilators don’t help to seal the lips, they don’t work to prevent it completely. 

When your mouth falls open during sleep, the tissues in your airway fall backward, causing an obstruction. The tissues then begin to vibrate, leading to the sound we have all grown to loathe: snoring. 

Beyond the annoyance of snoring, mouth breathing can be seriously damaging to your health. Breathing with an open mouth leads to oral health issues such as gingivitis, cavities, and chronic bad breath. 

That’s not all. Mouth breathing has also been shown to cause poor concentration, brain fog, sleep apnea, cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure, and more. 

Alternatively, nasal breathing promotes good health. The nose filters, humidifies, and regulates the temperature of the air you breathe.  

@somnifix

Secrets of nose breathing 👃 #breathwork #biohacking #breathingexercises #jamesnestor #nose #nosebreathing #airwayhealth RP via @citizenscientist

♬ original sound - Somnifix

Better yet, the nose produces nitric oxide, a miraculous vasodilator that helps reduce stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.