The effectiveness of nonsurgical nasal devices in relieving nasal obstruction

Nasal obstruction secondary to septal deformity is a common problem, for which surgery is the gold-standard treatment. Long waiting times for surgery, however, leave patients in need of effective, patient-led strategies in the interim. Many wearable nasal devices are commercially available for patients to help relieve nasal obstruction while waiting for surgery; however, the literature around their efficacy is limited.

A scoping review of the literature was conducted using Medline, Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Library. This was in accordance with the 2018 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta Analyses) extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR).

A total of 186 records were identified from the search, of which 13 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies assessed external nasal devices, in particular the Breathe Right nasal strips, with fewer assessing internal nasal devices. Both devices appear to relieve nasal obstruction; however, objective and subjective outcomes demonstrated greater relief with internal nasal devices. Data on long-term effects were limited.

Nasal valve devices, in particular internal nasal devices, appear to be an effective and accessible method of relieving nasal obstruction. In patients struggling with symptoms and awaiting surgery, these devices could be recommended by clinicians to offer relief in the interim. Further studies on emerging devices such as magnetic nasal strips, which theoretically could be more comfortable to wear, are needed to allow clinicians to fully counsel patients on potential options for treatment.