Effect of Endonasal Dilator on Nasal Airflow and Sleep Test Index on Sleep Apnea Patients

Background and Objectives: We aimed to evaluate effects of endonasal dilators (END) on sleep quality in patients with obstructivesleep apnea (OSA) by improving nasal airflow. Materials and Method: In 13 patients with OSA, changes of total nasal volume (TNV) and minimal cross-sectional area(MCA) before and after END use were evaluated. The change in peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) was also measured. Subjectscompleted Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaire before and 2 weeks after END use. Finally, changes in apnea-hypopnea index(AHI), respiratory distress index (RDI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), sleep time, sleep position and loudness of snoring (indecibels) were obtained by repetitive portable polysomnography. Results: After END use, TNV (11.4±3.1 cm3 to 19.4±5.7 cm3) and MCA (0.7±0.2 cm2 to 0.9±0.1 cm2) increased significantly(p=0.001). PNIF also increased significantly after END (147.3±39.5 to 194.6±57.6 liter/min, p=0.001). Among 11 patientsundergoing 2-week follow-up, 7 reported improvement in daytime sleepiness. Although AHI, RDI and ODI showed no statisticallysignificant change before and after END (p＞0.05), the proportion of subjects sleeping in the supine position increased from38.0 to 44.5%. Conclusion: END may be an effective adjunctive tool for patients with OSA with the potential to improve nasal airflow anddaytime sleepiness. KCI Citation Count: 0