Nasal dilators
Nasal dilators, without anything inside your nose.
A nasal dilator widens the nasal valve — the narrowest point of your airway. Internal dilators do it from inside the nostril. RhinoGear does it from outside, with a triple-spring strip across the bridge. Same goal, far easier to wear every night.
Internal vs external nasal dilators
Both types target the same structure. The difference is where the force is applied — and that decides how likely you are to still be wearing it in three months.
| Feature | External strip (RhinoGear) | Internal dilator |
|---|---|---|
| Where it sits | Across the bridge of the nose | Inside both nostrils |
| Sensation | Barely noticeable once applied | Foreign-body feeling for many users |
| Cleaning | None — single use | Wash and dry daily |
| Nightly adherence | High | Often abandoned |
| Force at very narrow valves | Strong (triple spring) | Slightly stronger |
| Hygiene risk | Minimal | Needs care to avoid irritation |
| Cost per night | ~$0.85 | ~$0.30 amortised |
| AU dispatch | 1-day from QLD | Usually imported |
How much does a dilator actually open?
The nasal valve is only a few millimetres across and contributes roughly half of total airway resistance. Because resistance scales steeply with radius, a small mechanical increase in cross-section produces a disproportionately large drop in the effort needed to breathe — which is why a thin adhesive strip can change how a night feels.
FAQ
Nasal dilator questions.
What is a nasal dilator?
Any device that widens the nasal airway. There are two families: internal dilators, which sit inside the nostrils and push outwards, and external dilator strips, which adhere across the bridge of the nose and lift the nostril walls from outside.
Do nasal dilators actually work?
Yes, when the narrowing is at the nasal valve. The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the airway and contributes roughly half of total nasal resistance, so mechanically holding it open measurably lowers airflow resistance. Neither type treats sleep apnoea.
Internal or external nasal dilator — which is better?
External strips are generally easier to wear nightly and need no cleaning. Internal dilators can deliver slightly more force at very narrow valves but many users find them intrusive and stop using them.
Are nasal dilators safe to use every night?
External strips are single-use, drug-free and designed for nightly use. RhinoGear is TGA-listed (ARTG 508285). Remove gently after moistening the skin if you have sensitive skin.
Can I use a nasal dilator with mouth tape?
Yes — that is the standard pairing. The strip opens the nose, mouth tape keeps breathing nasal so the open nose is actually used.
Do nasal dilators help with a deviated septum?
They can reduce symptoms if the collapse is at the nostril wall, but they cannot correct septal deviation itself. Many people with a mild deviation still report a clear improvement.
Where can I buy a nasal dilator in Australia?
RhinoGear ships from Queensland with 1-day dispatch. Pharmacies stock internal dilators and some external strip brands, usually at a higher per-night cost.