Study reference: Hoyvoll LR, et al. Effects of an external nasal dilator strip (ENDS) compared to xylometazolin nasal spray. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol, 2007; 264: 1289-1294.

Objectives:

• To determine the effects of Breathe Right Nasal Strips and a topical nasal decongestant, xylometazoline, on subjective and objective nasal blockage.

Study design:

• A study comparing the effects of Breathe Right Nasal Strips and xylometazoline on nasal congestion in 89 Caucasian subjects with nasal obstruction lasting for more than six months.
• Main outcome measures were assessed:
• minimum cross-sectional areas and the nasal cavity volumes in the anterior and posterior areas of the nose
• peak nasal inspiratory flow
• rating of nasal obstruction on a visual analogue score (VAS) before and after the use of Breathe Right Nasal Strips and after maximum mucosal constriction by xylometazoline.

Results:

• Breathe Right Nasal Strips improved nasal obstruction in the nose more in the anterior areas, whereas xylometazoline was the more potent dilator in the posterior area:
• Breathe Right Nasal Strips increased the minimum cross-sectional area more effectively in the anterior part of the nose, as far back as 3cm behind the nostril (p<0.00), and increased the nasal cavity volume more than xylometazoline (p<0.00)
• o Breathe Right Nasal Strips had no effect on the minimum cross-sectional area or nasal cavity volume in the posterior part of the nose (3-5.4cm behind the nares), while xylometazoline significantly increased both (p<0.00).
• o Breathe Right Nasal Strips increased the peak nasal inspiratory airflow from baseline (p<0.00), although xylometazoline was more effective in this parameter (p<0.00).
• o While both treatments improved subjects' subjective sensation of nasal openness (p<0.00), subjects favored Breathe Right Nasal Strips (p<0.00).

Conclusions:

• Breathe Right Nasal Strips opened the nose both objectively and subjectively.
• Breathe Right Nasal Strips increased the minimum cross- sectional area and volume in the anterior part of the nose, up to 3cm behind the nostrils.
• Breathe Right Nasal Strips were rated by users as being a more effective nasal dilator than a topical nasal decongestant.

Key Quotes:

• "In this study it has been shown that ENDS [Breathe Right Nasal Strips] facilitates nasal breathing by giving individuals an experience of improved nasal openness, by increasing the nasal inspiratory airflow and by increasing the MCAs and the NCAs in the anterior part of the nose. The effects are comparable to those offered by DNS [xylometazoline]."
• "...this study shows that ENDS [Breathe Right Nasal Strips] is an effective device to improve nasal breathing, with effects comparable to that of topical decongestants in an unselected population of patients referred for complaints from nasal obstruction."
• "The effect [of Breathe Right Nasal Strips] is immediate. There are no side effects or drug interactions."
• "It [Breathe Right Nasal Strips] may therefore be recommended as an alternative to decongestive nose spray, primarily to patients with nasal obstruction in the anterior valve area, but also to patients for whom there are concerns about other types of treatments."