Effect of nasal dilators on nasal structures, sniffing strategies, and olfactory ability

This paper describes the effects that nasal dilators have on olfactory abil ity. Experimental results demonstrate that nasal dilators increase odorant identification, lower odorant threshold, and increase perceptual odorant in tensity. In other experiments, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data demons trates that the size of The nasal cavity especially around the region of th e nasal valve is increased when nasal dilators are worn Additionally, pneum otachograph data demonstrates that during a sniff the peak flow, maximum f low rate, volume, and duration are all increased when nasal dilators are wo rn. Taken together; the increase in olfactory ability can most easily be ex plained by an increase in both the amount and the proportion of inspired od orant molecules that are directed to the olfactory mucosa and are, therefor e available for odorant perception.