Latte, J.Taverner, David2010-01-212010-01-212005American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy, 2005; 19(2):215-2191945-8924http://hdl.handle.net/2440/55701BACKGROUND: We examined whether the use of two different external nasal dilator devices influenced the size of the nasal valve area and symptoms of nasal congestion. METHODS: This was a randomized blind-allocation, open three-way crossover study of Breathe Right, Side Strip Nasal Dilators, and placebo. We studied 12 healthy subjects (10 female, 2 male; age range 26-56 years). Measures of total volume and total minimum cross-sectional area were collected. Subjective symptoms were collected using a visual analog scale and an ordinal scale. RESULTS: With both products, there was significant increase in the size of the minimum cross-sectional area compared to placebo, p = 0.004. This is supported by the decrease in the subjective reports of congestion; on the visual analog scale, compared to placebo p = 0.012 and the ordinal scale, compared to placebo, p = 0.004. CONCLUSION: Both devices significantly increase the size of the nasal valve area and reduce congestion in normal subjects.enJournal article00200921310002290513000172-s2.0-20144367025