EFFECTS OF AN EXTERNAL NASAL DILATOR ON SLEEP AND BREATHING PATTERNS IN NEWBORN-INFANTS WITH AND WITHOUT CONGESTION

Background: We recently demonstrated that the use of an external nasal dilator reduced subjective snoring levels and improved sleep quality. Our study polysomnographically evaluated the effects of this device o n the frequency of obstructive airway events during sleep in infants w ith and without congestion. Methods: We used a crossover study to moni tor 20 infants between the ages of 2 and 4 months (15 infants without congestion and 5 with congestion). Monitoring was conducted during two daytime sleep sessions in a crossover study in which infants slept wi th or without a cutdown version of an external nasal dilator (Breathe Right Nasal Strips, CNS, Inc., Bloomington, Minn.) in the first sessio n with crossover to the other condition In the second session. A respi ratory disturbance index consisting of apneas (pauses in respiration o f at least 8 seconds) or hypopneas (decreased airflow resulting in oxy gen desaturation of at least 3%) was determined. Results: Babies witho ut congestion showed a greater than 50% reduction in respiratory distu rbance index from 3.2 +/- 2.8 to 1.2 +/- 1.2 events per hour (p <0.005 ). Congested infants showed a decrease from 6.9 +/- 2.9 to 1.5 +/- 8.6 events per hour (p <0.05). Babies with the greatest number of events showed the greatest improvement. Conclusion: The use of an external na sal dilator reduces the frequency of obstructive respiratory events in infants.