Why more and more professional athletes are using the Noson nasal dilator
Table of Contents
Introduction
Healthy and effective breathing is critical to health and body function. Almost all basic functions of the body such as digestion, muscle movements, brain power, etc. require a normal supply of oxygen, which is done through breathing. The oxygen is transported through the inhaled air and delivered to the target organs via the blood. The brain constantly detects the oxygen content in the body and adjusts the breathing rate by sending stimuli to the muscles involved in breathing depending on the body's activity status. With increasing activity, the breathing rate also increases and can increase up to 40 to 60 times per minute. The increase in breathing rate leads to an increase in the oxygen supply. In order to meet the increased oxygen demand in athletes, studies have shown not only the beneficial effects of the nasal dilator, but also its performance-enhancing effect.
The role of the nasal dilator?
Nasal dilators were developed and introduced in the 1990s to deal with the problems caused by narrowed airways, including snoring. The mechanism behind the nasal dilators is that they decrease the resistance of the nasal airways and allow for improved nasal breathing. External or internal nasal dilators both work by opening the nasal passages and allowing more air to flow in with each breath. In 1996 they became very popular at the Atlanta Olympics. When a nasal dilator is used during physical activity, it reduces nasal resistance and the resulting reduction in breathing effort improves breathing. Trainers and athletes believe that their breathing will improve and that they will get better results by using the nasal dilator. Many athletes, motorcycle racers and cyclists use nasal dilators to optimize their performance, concentration and focus.
What is the Noson nasal dilator?
A Swiss start-up, NOSON AG, has developed an internal nasal dilator called the Noson Nasal Dilator after years of research into breathing problems. The dilator aims to improve nasal breathing, which has many advantages over mouth breathing. When air passes through the nasal passage, it becomes moist, clean and warm. People with compromised nasal passages tend to mouth breathe. For such individuals, the Noson Nasal Dilator works by improving nasal breathing. When inserted into the nostrils, it expands them. Keeping the nostrils open helps to breathe better through the nose.
Why do athletes need a nasal dilator?
Athletes who are physically active need more oxygen to meet the body's demands. When they are physically active, they will switch to mouth breathing to get more oxygen. However, if they use a Noson nasal dilator, they will continue to use nasal breathing with increased oxygenation, as the dilation of the nostrils will eventually allow more air to enter. Once more breathing air comes in, more oxygen can be carried and the body gets the energy it needs to perform better. The ergonomically designed Noson nasal dilator is easy to use and fits securely during sports and other physical activities. For male and female athletes, internal nasal dilators like Noson nasal dilators are preferred over external nasal dilators or strips. This is because internal nasal dilators fit snugly to the nose and do not cause any unpleasant side effects. In contrast, external nasal dilators can detach through sweating and cause skin irritation.
Athletes' performance can be improved by the use of nasal dilators.
Athletes are physically active individuals and their muscles are constantly being used during performance. Without the right energy, the muscle can become fatigued and its performance impaired. During physical activity, the body's metabolic rate increases to provide the muscles with the increased energy they need. The body uses oxygen to produce energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). So to produce more ATP (energy), the body needs more oxygen, which can be supplied with the help of a Noson nasal dilator. To optimise nasal breathing, many athletes use nasal dilators and feel that their performance has improved significantly afterwards.
A research study of nasal dilators showed that they increased airflow through the nose by 38%. Famous athletes like Danillo Petrucci, Pol Espargaro, Aleix Espargaro, Jorge Martin, Roberto Rolfo and many of them are motorcycle racers. Although they are successful athletes, they can significantly improve their performance at championships by using a nasal dilator. Motorcyclists must wear a helmet to protect themselves from accidental damage that makes breathing significantly difficult. Another reason to use a noson nasal dilator is because motorcyclists move at a very high speed that makes it difficult to suck in fresh air. However, if they use a nasal dilator while driving, their nostrils will spread wide apart, reducing drag at higher speeds. This allows more air to pass through the nose into the lungs and to carry more oxygen. This oxygen not only gives them more energy, but is also needed by the brain so that it can concentrate better on the race.
Pol Espargaró is a Spanish MotoGP racer made famous by winning the Moto2 World Championship in 2013. In his most recent race in the Teruel GP, he used a nasal dilator to improve his nasal breathing, oxygenation and performance.
In a similar way, the well-known cyclists such as Reto Indegrand, Fabian Giger, Thomas Litscher, Antoine Philipe need more strength when going uphill or when they have to drive more strenuous routes. The energy comes from oxygen, which can be supplied through breathing. So it's clear that using a Noson nasal dilator will widen the nasal passages to allow more air to enter the lungs, which carries more oxygen. This oxygen is then used to energize the muscles that are used when cycling, thereby increasing performance.
Athletes typically practice breathing techniques that they use during races to meet the body's energy needs. The training also aims to change breathing patterns so that more oxygen can get into the body. In addition to these techniques, the nasal dilator Noson helps to achieve better nasal breathing and optimal performance in sports or any physical activity. Even if these techniques are not used, just using a nasal dilator offers many benefits to the athlete.
Benefits of the Noson nasal dilator
In addition to improving nasal breathing in athletes, Noson nasal dilators also have the following advantages:
In addition to improving nasal breathing in athletes, Noson nasal dilators also have the following advantages:
Ergonomic design
The carefully ergonomically shaped Noson nasal dilator ensures a secure fit without causing discomfort.
Improves concentration and focus
The improved breathing provides the brain with more oxygen, which improves concentration, memory and focus.
Improves physical performance
The nasal dilator Noson also covers the increased energy requirements of the body muscles through an additional supply of oxygen.
Optimized air supply
It gently spreads the nostrils and widens the nasal passages for an optimized air supply during sport.
Increases the level of oxygen in the blood
Improved nasal breathing increases the amount of oxygen in the blood that the body needs during physical activity.
Strengthening the immune system
Improved breathing and oxygen levels also strengthen the immune system and make it more efficient at fighting disease.
Healthy sleep
Using a nasal dilator while sleeping enables a healthy sleep e.g. B before a race or championship.
Studies on the effectiveness of nasal dilators in athletes
Obstructive sleep apnea
This type of apnea is caused when the muscles in the back of the throat relax. These muscles are very important because they give strength and support to the soft palate, the suppository (a triangular piece of tissue that hangs from the upper soft palate), the walls of the throat and tongue, and the tonsils.
When the muscles reach a state of relaxation, the airway narrows and continues to close as the breathing progresses. This constriction leads to an insufficient air supply, which causes a decrease in the oxygen content in the blood and thus affects all organs. Since the brain does not receive the required amount of oxygen to function properly, a feedback mechanism is activated that warns and wakes you up during sleep so that the airways can open again. Since the mechanism works within seconds, you don't usually remember that you woke up in your sleep.
The consequences may include snoring, breathing, or gasping for breath. Since the oxygen content must be maintained, this cycle can be repeated five to thirty times. In the chronic state, this cycle can expand even further and disrupt the normally deep and calm sleep state all night long (11).
Central sleep apnea
This type of apnea is rather rare. It occurs when the respiratory muscles do not receive enough signals. This in turn means that the brain receives no signals for a short time and therefore no breathing can take place. Because of the impediment to breathing, it can happen that you wake up completely out of breath in the middle of your sleep or you experience sleep disorders that keep you awake (15).
Who is at risk of snoring and sleep apnea?
There are various risk factors for sleep apnea that can affect all gender and age groups - even children. Here is a list of factors that increase the risk of developing the condition.
Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (23-25) include:
-
Obesity
Excessive weight gain can affect the normal breathing process. If fat accumulates around the upper respiratory tract, it becomes obstructed. This can result in sleep apnea.
-
Nasal constipation
If there is an anatomical problem or allergy, breathing through the nose may be difficult. This insufficient air supply leads to an increased risk of developing sleep apnea.
-
Neck circumference
Studies have shown that people with a thicker neck have narrower airways than people with a narrower neck. It is likely that sleep apnea will develop.
-
The male gender
In general, men are more often (two to three times as likely) affected by sleep apnea than women. However, obese women run an increased risk of sleep apnea due to narrowing of the airways.
-
Narrow airways
Because of their genetic makeup, some people have a narrower throat. In children, the tonsils and polyps are sometimes enlarged so that the airways are blocked. This also increases the risk of sleep apnea.
-
Elderly people
Sleep apnea affects the older population more than younger people
-
Family history
Due to familial inheritance, the likelihood of developing sleep apnea may be higher, since the genetic predisposition is increased.
-
Smoke
Smoking increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea by a factor of three compared to people who have never smoked. Because smoking causes inflammation and increases the accumulation of fluid in the upper respiratory tract, sleep apnea can develop.
-
Alcohol consumption
Alcohol relaxes the muscles and thus narrows the airways, which creates the conditions for obstructive sleep apnea.
Risk factors for central sleep apnea (15,17) include:
-
High age
The older and middle age group is more affected than younger people.
-
The male gender
Men have an increased risk of developing central sleep apnea compared to women.
-
Congestive heart disease
People with congestive heart problems are more likely to develop central sleep apnea than healthy people.
-
Stroke patients
People who have had a stroke in the past are at increased risk of central sleep apnea.
-
Narcotic pain medication
Narcotic pain relievers such as methadone, which affect brain signals, increase the risk of central sleep apnea.
What Are the Negative Consequences of Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that can become serious and even life threatening if not treated in time. It can have a negative impact on your life and affect the quality of life in various ways (24, 25, 27, 28):
Tiredness during the day
As a state of continuous or deep sleep is never achieved due to the constant interruptions, daytime tiredness, exhaustion, mood swings and irritability occur. Adequate sleep duration is also impossible, making it difficult and slow for the person affected to carry out their activities and tasks. It can happen that those affected fall asleep while watching television and at the office - in the worst cases even while driving. This can lead to serious accidents, which are often caused by individual conditions with OSA.
Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining an alert and happy state. People affected by sleep apnea tend to become depressed, restless, and moody. Both children and adolescents can have behavioral problems and perform poorly in the academic field.
Risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Various studies on sleep apnea have been shown to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.
High blood pressure and heart problems
Since the level of oxygen in the blood drops due to sleep apnea, the brain and other important organs in the body are not adequately supplied with oxygen. This drop in oxygen leads to an increase in blood pressure and affects the functioning of the cardiovascular system. In this way, the OSA increases the likelihood of high blood pressure.
Various heart-related problems are also directly related to the severity of the OSA. The risk of stroke, heart attack and atrial fibrillation is increased in OSA patients. Because blood oxygen levels fluctuate during recurrent episodes of shortness of breath due to OSA, in the worst case this can lead to sudden death because the heart is unable to adequately support blood flow.
Liver problems
Sleep apnea also affects liver function. Studies have shown that liver function tests show abnormal results (deviations from the normal range) and OSA patients show signs of scarring (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).
Metabolic syndrome
Different types of metabolic disorders, usually based on a combination of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high sugar, are associated with an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
Complications from surgery
If surgical intervention or prescription of medication is required on OSA patients, a correct medical history should be taken beforehand and preventive measures should be taken. Since it is breathing difficulties during sleep, sedation should only be done taking all factors into account.
Partners who suffer from sleep deprivation
Snoring while you sleep not only affects your own but also your partner's sleep. They prefer to sleep in separate rooms or even move to another floor so as not to be disturbed while sleeping. This can seriously damage relationships because OSA is a long-term condition that should always be treated. In this way, unnecessary tension and mood swings at your partner are avoided.
What are the ways to test for sleep apnea?
Based on the signs and symptoms, your doctor can assess your sleeping habits and evaluate your history. You can get this information from your partner or from people who live with you.
After a thorough examination, the doctor may advise you to go to a center for sleep disorders. There, a sleep specialist will assess the relevant details regarding the cause of sleep apnea and, after consultation with you, plan treatment. In the sleep center, sleep and other related functions are monitored overnight while sleeping. Optionally, you can suggest an assessment of breathing through sleep monitoring at home.
There are three types of sleep apnea tests (6,8,10):
Home sleep tests
This type of test is conveniently done from home. The doctor suggests a simple test that can be easily done at home and generally assesses the following parameters: rhythm and measurement of heart rate, blood oxygen levels, air flow, and breathing consistency (regular or irregular).
Polysomnography
This is a commonly performed test to assess the severity of OSA. This method can be used to determine various parameters such as lung capacity, brain function, heart rate, breathing pattern, movement of arms and legs and the oxygen content in the blood during sleep. It is considered the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of sleep apnea. With this method, various electronic signals are transmitted and recorded simultaneously. It is generally performed in a sleep laboratory and monitored by a technician. Sleep studies on OSA patients have shown that they repeatedly have episodes of breathing difficulties or interruptions, even though they make an effort to continue breathing.
If sleep apnea is diagnosed, the doctor can immediately set up a treatment plan and initiate therapy depending on the signs and symptoms. Even if the results are shown as normal, the doctor may recommend taking a second, polysomnographic test to confirm the test results and recommend the best therapy.
You can also be referred to an ENT doctor to rule out a blockage in the ENT area. In the case of a central sleep apnea problem, a diagnosis by a cardiologist or neurologist is sometimes required to determine the underlying problem.
Polysomnography has the following advantages:
- The entire recording is carried out under the supervision of an experienced technician.
- The sleep pattern is recorded and can be discussed with the patient.
- Any other abnormality associated with a sleep disorder can be detected.
disadvantage are:
- Complex procedure.
- The recording is carried out in an unfamiliar environment.
Restricted channel monitoring
In comparison to polysomnography, a smaller number of signals are monitored. This method can easily be done at home without the help of a sleep specialist. It evaluates the signals related to breathing and oxygen levels in the blood. People with OSA and other related medical problems can be easily tested through restricted channel monitoring.
To the Advantages The restricted channel monitoring includes:
- The signals are recorded in a comparatively quieter and more pleasant environment in your own home.
- It is less expensive than polysomnography.
disadvantage are:
- As the assessment is carried out in the absence of a technician, there is a risk of errors.
- Sleep is not recorded.
Other diagnostic tests
Aside from home testing, polysomnography, or limited channel monitoring, there are few other tests that help diagnose sleep apnea. The following alternatives may serve as additional methods, but may not fully diagnose sleep apnea.
- Oximetry: measures the oxygen content in the blood.
- Sleep questionnaires and diaries: Serve as a guide to get a vague and first idea about sleep behavior and other habits.
- Blood tests: Even if there is no blood test to detect OSA, it can help assess whether there is an associated disease that makes sleep apnea worse.
- EEG (electroencephalogram): For recording signals and wave activity in the brain.
- EMG (Electromyogram): Helps to assess different types of movement and muscle activity of the face and legs and records sleep during the REM phase.
- EOG (electrooculogram): For recording eye movements, especially during the REM phase of sleep.
- ECG (electrocardiogram): For recording heart rate and rhythm.
- Nasal airflow sensor: For recording the airflow.
- Snore microphone: To record snoring activity.
What treatments are there for sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can become a life-threatening problem if it is not treated in time. Therefore, all measures should be taken to prevent the disease from progressing. Here are the important treatment strategies that can help treat this condition.
Weight loss
Difficulty breathing, particularly in OSA, is due to the collapse of the pharynx and / or larynx tissue. Fat deposits in the process, which reduces the patency of the throat [26, 27]. Weight loss can reduce pressure and reduce the severity of OSA. (28).
Mandibular advancement splint
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the number one method of treating sleep apnea. However, there are many people who do not tolerate CPAP well. Oral devices can be used in such patients to achieve the desired results. There are two types of oral appliances that are commonly used:
- Protrusion splints, which maintain an open airway by pushing the patient's jaw forward.
- Tongue retaining devices that ensure an open airway by retaining the tongue (29).
The use and effectiveness of tongue holding devices are currently still being investigated, since their use has so far been unsatisfactory. Therefore, protrusion splints are used more often because they reposition the mandibular joint forward and down during sleep. This improves the patency of the upper respiratory tract by enlarging it. It also reduces the likelihood of snoring and OSA.
A new and advanced device is on the market is the protrusion splint (noson.ch) with all functions that contribute to the treatment of breathing problems in connection with OSA. It is one of the highest quality products that differs from the other rails.
A recent meta-analysis showed that blood pressure did not decrease during CPAP treatment and when treated with protrusion splints (30). The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine have published guidelines (2015) stating that oral devices, when used correctly, have achieved superior results in managing sleep parameters (31,32).
The main features of our protrusion splint (noson.ch) include
- It fits over the incisors as it is made of a thermoplastic material and acts as a gum shield by positioning the lower jaw and tongue forward and downward.
- It is just as effective as any splint, as it can be easily adapted to the patient's needs (33)
- It is very helpful for patients who have problems with snoring and do not require surgical intervention.
- It achieves effective results in patients with mild to moderate sleep apnoea. This method has proven particularly effective for patients who have difficulty breathing in the supine position.
Positive airway pressure
CPAP is an effective method and is most commonly used to treat OSA. It ensures splinting of the pneumatic part of the upper respiratory tract. The pressure on the respiratory tract can be exerted in various ways, including oral, oro-nasal and nasal devices (36). Just as the air pressure is controlled, it also causes the airways to splint:
- Improvement in quality of life, sleep patterns and associated parameters
- Lowering blood pressure and reducing episodes of arrhythmia and strokes
- Change in the outcome of fatal cardiovascular events (37-40).
- Maintaining the ejection pressure of the left ventricle and avoiding the risk of a stroke
Surgical intervention
There are several types of surgical procedures that can be performed to modify and treat airway obstructions in OSA patients. But all of these procedures are generally avoided when treating OSA because they are invasive and expensive (42). In obese OSA patients, bariatric surgery has been shown to improve sleep-related parameters in more than 75% patients (43, 44, 45). There are the following different types of surgery:
- Nasal surgery (e.g. septoplasty),
- Oral surgery (e.g. uvulopalatopharyngoplasty),
- Hypopharyngeal procedures (e.g. tongue reduction and stabilization)
- Laryngeal surgery (e.g. epiglottoplasty)
- Global airway procedures (e.g. maxillomandibular protrusion).
Summary
Treatment of sleep apnea at home
Sleep apnea can be treated at home by changing your lifestyle in different ways.
Your doctor may recommend the following:
- Lose weight
- No excessive alcohol consumption and avoidance of sleeping pills
- Changing sleeping positions to improve breathing
- Quit smoking: Smoking causes inflammation and increases upper airway swelling, which can exacerbate both snoring and apnea.
If all efforts have not been successful, the first option should be to optimize nasal breathing. This can be done through the Noson nasal dilator. With around 30-50% of people, an optimized nasal breathing is enough to reduce the snoring severely or to get it completely away.
If the nasal dilator does not help you either, an anamnesis must be carried out immediately, since you are dealing with a serious problem. This can be done via any Medbase pharmacy or ENT doctor. If in doubt, write to us. We try to pass you on to an expert as best we can.
Sleep apnea is a very common problem that should be treated appropriately. Even though different treatment methods are available, each option should be considered individually based on personal needs and severity. Regardless of whether it is a surgical procedure or a less invasive device such as a protrusion splint, the method should always be suggested only after a proper medical history. A multidisciplinary approach should be optimized, in which the patient is supported in every way to return to normal, stress-free sleeping behavior.Treatment of sleep apnea at home
Sleep apnea can be treated at home by changing your lifestyle in different ways.
Your doctor may recommend the following:
- Lose weight
- No excessive alcohol consumption and avoidance of sleeping pills
- Changing sleeping positions to improve breathing
- Quit smoking: Smoking causes inflammation and increases upper airway swelling, which can exacerbate both snoring and apnea.
If all efforts have not been successful, the first option should be to optimize nasal breathing. This can be done through the Noson nasal dilator. With around 30-50% of people, an optimized nasal breathing is enough to reduce the snoring severely or to get it completely away.
If the nasal dilator does not help you either, an anamnesis must be carried out immediately, since you are dealing with a serious problem. This can be done via any Medbase pharmacy or ENT doctor. If in doubt, write to us. We try to pass you on to an expert as best we can.
Sleep apnea is a very common problem that should be treated appropriately. Even though different treatment methods are available, each option should be considered individually based on personal needs and severity. Regardless of whether it is a surgical procedure or a less invasive device such as a protrusion splint, the method should always be suggested only after a proper medical history. A multidisciplinary approach should be optimized, in which the patient is supported in every way to return to normal, stress-free sleeping behavior.
English 
Deutsch (Schweiz) 
Français 
Italiano 
Español 
Русский