Today, we have Kimi Nishimoto, a myofunctional therapist, who will share five effective tools for relieving stuffy nose, allergies, or sinusitis. Kimi, a dental hygienist for 11 years, discovered her own myofunctional disorders and is now passionate about helping others. These tools have personally helped her and her patients. She started exploring nose breathing only recently, within the past two years, despite not being taught about it in dental school. Myofunctional therapy emphasizes proper tongue and facial resting positions, leading to improved breathing, reduced jaw pain, and better sleep quality. Interestingly, bedwetting can also be linked to myofunctional disorders, causing disruptions in sleep cycles. Kimi will now introduce the five tools for addressing these issues.
1. Mute Nasal Dilators
These are mute nasal dilators, small rings that fit in your nostrils and open them up for improved airflow. They are reusable and great for allergies, sinus pressure, dark circles, snoring, sleep apnea, teeth grinding, and TMJ. They come in different sizes and can be adjusted for comfort. They don't stretch the nostrils too much and have a silicone material that is comfortable to wear. You can even use them during physical activities like running to train yourself to breathe through your nose. They can be worn discreetly and could be a trendy fashion accessory.
2. Extra Strength Breathe Strip
These strips are easy to use and can be found in grocery stores and pharmacies. They come in fabric versions and are placed on the bridge of the nose to pull up the tissue and increase airflow. They are helpful for congestion and stuffiness. The name brand works better, and there are scented options like lavender. To determine which strip suits you, try pulling the skin on the side or pushing up on the bridge of your nose to see which action improves your breathing. It's a trial and error process. The strips lift the skin without flattening or reshaping the nose.
3. Sinus Irrigating Bottle
Specifically the NeilMed sinus rinse. It's a natural alternative for allergies, sinus infections, and congestion. It comes with a squirt bottle that is more effective than a neti pot. You mix distilled water with a saline pouch, then gently squeeze the bottle to flush out mucus, inflammation, and irritants from one nostril to the other. It provides relief for colds, sinus headaches, and facial discomfort. The saline solution is non-chemical and inexpensive, costing around $11 for a kit. It may take some practice, but it's beneficial. You can do it in the shower or with your head leaning forward for gravity to help drain the water from your nose. Use it on the congested nostril as needed, up to once a day. It can be helpful for clearing out irritations and redness.
4. Nasal Spray
I recommend using Xlear for allergies and congestion. It's a natural saline spray with added xylitol for antibacterial benefits and grape seed oil for moisturizing and reducing inflammation. It's safe for all ages and doesn't contain steroids. Simply spray it in each nostril for gentle relief. It's an effective alternative to nasal irrigation. With a cost of around $10 to $17 per bottle, it lasts for about a month or more depending on usage. You can use it multiple times a day without any limitations since it's not a steroid.
5. Menthol Nasal Inhaler
The menthol nasal inhaler, such as Boom, provides a refreshing experience to help with congestion and promote better airflow through the nose. It is an aromatherapy stick that you simply smell, without any liquid spraying into your nose. The mint and menthol create a cooling sensation, allowing you to feel the air going in and out more clearly. It's great for relieving stuffiness, anxiety, or if you're trying to improve nose breathing. Just take one or two breaths as needed, without stretching your nostrils. BoomBoom offers various flavors like Berry, Tropical, Watermelon, and Mint. Other similar products, like Himalayan pink salt sticks, are also available. These inhalers are natural and non-chemical, providing a refreshing experience and helping your body breathe better. Breathing through your nose has many benefits, including improved oxygen intake, anti-aging properties, and better filtration of the air you breathe. For more information, check the link in the description box about myofunctional therapy and Kimi's activity.
Summary:
In conclusion, there are several options available to improve nasal airflow and alleviate congestion. Mute nasal dilators are reusable rings that open up the nostrils and can help with various issues like allergies, snoring, and sleep apnea. Extra strength breathe strips can be placed on the nose bridge to increase airflow and relieve congestion. The NeilMed sinus rinse is a natural and effective option for sinus infections and allergies, using a saline solution and squirt bottle. Xlear nasal spray provides gentle relief with natural ingredients like saline, xylitol, and grape seed oil. The menthol nasal inhaler, such as BoomBoom, offers a refreshing experience to improve airflow and promote better breathing. These options are non-chemical and can be beneficial for overall respiratory health. For more information, you can explore myofunctional therapy and Kimi's activity through the provided link.
