Abstract: A system and method for an adaptable oxygen regulator with an electronic control device is disclosed. In one embodiment, an oxygen regulator system includes an electronic control device which includes a non-volatile memory for storing a first reference point. The electronic control device also includes a pressure sensor configured for generating pressure data of the pressurized aircraft cabin. The electronic control device further includes a logical control unit for generating a control signal by processing the first reference point and the pressure data. Further, the electronic control unit includes a rotary actuator for generating a rotary displacement based on the control signal. Moreover, the oxygen regulator system includes a demand dilution oxygen regulator coupled to the electronic control unit and configured to control the supply of oxygen and the flow of dilution air from the pressurized aircraft cabin based on the control signal.

Abstract: The system supplies oxygen for a flight crew member of an aircraft and has an oxygen source, an oxygen mask, and a circuit connecting the oxygen source to the oxygen mask. The system is integrated into an aircraft seat, which has at least one foot bearing a sitting surface and a back. The oxygen source may be a cylinder of gaseous oxygen under pressure. The oxygen mask can be housed in a compartment inside the sitting surface of the seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inhaler aid which maximizes utility of an inhaler for the minute powdery curative medicine, and which is used by being attached to the inhaler so that people including a user can objectively ascertain in each case whether an inhalation operation has been correctly performed. In the present invention, the inhaler aid with the reed for the minute powdery curative medicine has a configuration characterized in that the reed is fitted into a right side of a main unit made of silicon rubber, and the inhaler aid is attached to a mouthpiece portion of a conventionally used inhaler for the minute powdery curative medicine such that the aid equipped with the reed is placed between the inhaler for the minute powdery curative medicine and a mouth of a patient, and when an intake operation has been correctly performed, a sound is produced.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passage of a domestic animal. The nasal support device (NSD) disclosed herein is useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. The NSD secures to the nose of a domestic animal to support the unsupported lateral vestibular walls of the nasal passages by lifting or stenting.

Abstract: The cheek pouch anchor, formed of a resilient filament, fits within a user's cheek pouch. The anchor dynamically spans a user's inter-occlusal space and lip opening as a user's jaws open and close. The anchor can be formed of inter-connected, conversely-adjustable loops to enable user adjustment of its span. It can stabilize a work piece, such as an airway, in a user's mouth. The cheek path airway fits a path between a user's lips and through the user's cheek pouch and rear-jaw gap, avoiding the user's bite. It provides supplemental air to a user's rear-mouth cavity independently of a user's nasal airways while a user's lips remain closed. It can be used in combination with mandibular jaw-control and tongue-control devices whereby the combination mitigates breathing restrictions in a user's nasal and throat airways. It can be manufactured in-line and folded by a user to fit the user's cheek pathway.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for generating energized water molecules and administering same to a human or other biological subject. The system includes a humidifying apparatus, and excitation apparatus, and a control system. The system may further include a fluid management system to assist in the delivery of energized water molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a patient's body temperature and in particular for inducing therapeutic hypothermia. Various embodiments of the system are described. The system includes: a source of breathing gas, which may be in the form of a compressed breathing gas mixture; a heat exchanger or other heating and/or cooling device; and a breathing interface, such as a breathing mask or tracheal tube. Optionally, the system may include additional features, such as a mechanical respirator, a nebulizer for introducing medication into the breathing gas, a body temperature probe and a feedback controller. The system can use air or a specialized breathing gas mixture, such as He/O2 or SF/O2 to increase the heat transfer rate. In addition, the system may include an ice particle generator for introducing fine ice particles into the flow of breathing gas to further increase the heat transfer rate.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface adapted in use to face the patient. A cushion having a side wall is removably attachable to the frame. The cushion has a rim extending away from the side wall, and a membrane provided to substantially surround the rim. An inner edge of the membrane defines an aperture, the aperture having a generally trapezoidal shape.

Abstract: An oscillating positive expiratory pressure apparatus having a housing defining a chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, a deformable restrictor member positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and an oscillation member disposed within the chamber. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member are moveable between an engaged position, where the oscillation member is in contact with the deformable restrictor member and an disengaged position, where the oscillation member is not in contact with the deformable restrictor member. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member move from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to a first exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet, and move from the disengaged position to an engaged position in response to a second exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet.

Abstract: A CPAP apparatus has a variable rise time (iii) from a base level of positive air pressure during expiration (EPAP) to a higher level during inspiration (IPAP). The rise time is adjusted in order to reduce obstruction, resistance or instability in the upper airway.

Abstract: A method for regulating gas flows into and out of a patient includes repetitively forcing respiratory gases out of the lungs. Respiratory gases are prevented from entering back into the lungs during a time between when respiratory gases are forced out of the lungs. Periodically, an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the lungs.

Abstract: A personal air filter device having a housing defining a cavity and a central opening including a first and second vent. The device also includes a mouthpiece adjacent to the second vent and spaced apart from the central opening. The device has a filter within the housing for filtering air passing through the housing when inhaling and exhaling. The cavity resonates at audible frequencies for providing respiratory feedback when a user inhales or exhales.

Abstract: A breathing assistance device, capable of operating according to several respiratory modes forming a list of possible modes. The device is equipped with a mechanism for selecting a desired mode from a group of modes that can be selected. The device also includes a mechanism for realizing a configuration diagnostic of the device, a mechanism for associating with authorization level with each possible mode, according to the results of the diagnostic, with the lowest authorization level corresponding to unauthorized modes, a mechanism for authorizing only the selection of authorized modes, in such a way that selecting unauthorized modes is impossible.

Abstract: An inhaler for powdery, in particular medical, substances is formed with a suction air channel, which leads to a mouthpiece. The inhaler also has a storage chamber for storing the substance and a linearly moving dosing chamber for apportioning a specified amount of substance from the storage chamber to a transfer point to the suction air flow. The aim of the invention is to obtain a structurally simple solution that makes it possible to eliminate adding an external air flow. To this end, a component of the suction air flow, which is located in the direction of extension of the dosing chamber, empties the dosing chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises one or more physiological sensing circuits that generate a sensed physiological signal and at least one of the physiological sensing circuits is implantable, a measurement circuit configured to recurrently measure one or more physiological parameters that indicate a status of heart failure of the subject, a comparison circuit configured to compare the one or more physiological parameter measurements to one or more physiological parameter target values, a therapy circuit configured to control delivery of one or more drugs to treat heart failure, and a control circuit in electrical communication with the comparison circuit and the therapy circuit and configured to recurrently adjust delivery of drug therapy according to the comparison of the measured physiological parameters to the physiological parameter targets.

Abstract: The lung compliance of a subject that is at least partially self-ventilating is determined. The quantification of lung compliance may be an estimation, a measurement, and/or an approximate measurement. The quantification of lung compliance may be enhanced over conventional techniques and/or systems for quantifying lung compliance of self-ventilating subjects in the lung compliance may be quantified relatively accurately without an effort belt or other external sensing device that directly measures diaphragmatic muscle pressure, and without requiring the subject to manually control diaphragmatic muscle pressure. Quantification of lung compliance may be a useful tool in evaluating the health of the subject, including detection of fluid retention associated with developing acute congestive heart failure.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of therapeutically conditioned air to a patient may include a hollow flexible tube and at least one clamp attached to the tube. A shape retention wire may be engaged with the tube. The apparatus may be configured to direct the therapeutically conditioned air to a region near the patient's nose and mouth without being attached to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides various systems, a kit, and a method for accessing, sampling within, and visualization of areas within the mediastinal cavity for assisting a surgeon in performing a mediastinoscopy procedure. The access system includes one or more preferably toroidal balloons that can be expanded to dilate and protect the inner walls of a bodily conduit. Instruments pass through hollow spaces within the expanded toroidal balloons. The proximally positioned balloons are expanded first and the unexpanded balloons to be positioned distally are passed through them and subsequently expanded. The sampling system includes an instrument with a rounded head having two or more jaws and a slit therein at the distal end of an elongated tubular body. The visualization system includes a 360° camera that can be positioned from proximal to distal a target site and can also do a U-turn about its axis of extension.

Abstract: A medicine dispensation device, in particular a multi-dose powder inhalator, for the dispensing of individual doses of medicine that has a number of medicine chambers contained in a medicine magazine shaped like a continuous loop. The medicine chambers form groups in such a manner that a mouthpiece reaches the different groups by an essentially complete rotation of the medicine magazine. This enables several medicine chambers—typically one, two or three—to be situated between two successive intake positions, which allows for a high density of medicine chambers and thus creates an inhalation device, which can be handled comfortably even when containing a great number of individual doses.

Abstract: Inhalation airflow regulation devices and inhalers are disclosed. Methods of making and using inhalation airflow regulation devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A user interface for respiratory apparatus comprises a combination of a menu display (302), push buttons (304, 308, 310) and a rotary control dial (306). The user interface may include a menu control for detecting at least one parameter from the user's operation of the controls to navigate the menu and applying this to subsequent operation of the user interface controls. The user parameter may be a direction of operation of the rotary control dial which the user associates with a particular direction of navigation within the menu.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed to extract breathable air from snow via a protective helmet. The apparatus includes a protective structure, at least one air intake cavity, and a mouthpiece. The protective structure defines an inner cavity and an outer surface. A portion of a user's head may be placed within the inner cavity. The air intake cavity or cavities are disposed on the outer surface of the protective structure. The mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the air intake cavity or cavities. Additionally, the mouthpiece is configured to allow a user to draw intake air from ambient snow through the one or more intake cavities and to the user's mouth upon inhalation. Advantageously, the apparatus and system provide a reliable mechanism for drawing air from ambient snow when a user, especially the user's face or head, is at least partially buried in the snow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating sleep apnea and/or snoring is provided. The apparatus includes an appliance sized and structured to be placed in the pharyngeal region of a human or animal and being effective in treating sleep apnea and/or snoring, for example in maintaining openness of an oropharyngeal region of a human or animal during natural sleep, advantageously while not interfering with normal functioning of the epiglottis. Preferably, the appliance is non-circumferential in form and includes rounded, spaced apart end portions.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus includes a filter, a motor and a blower driven by the motor. The filter is disposed ahead of the blower and the blower is configured to generate an air volume flow over the filter. A data storage unit has calibration curves for the air volume flow stored therein and the calibration curves are provided in characteristic line fields referenced to a known ambient pressure (p0, p1). Each of the characteristic line fields has a reference calibration curve referred to a predetermined operating state. A control unit is connected to the motor and the data storage unit. The control unit is configured to extrapolate one of the characteristic line fields for the operation of the motor by comparing a calibration curve ({dot over (V)}ox) for an unknown ambient pressure (px) recorded at a predetermined operating state with a reference calibration curve.

Abstract: A breathing circuit for a tracheostomized patient provides respiratory care and pulmonary function testing. The breathing circuit includes a flow control adapter that directs an inspiratory flow of air and an expiratory flow of air. The flow control adapter includes a subject port for coupling to a tracheostomy tube, an inspiratory port for coupling to an incentive spirometer, and an expiratory port. The flow control adapter further includes an adapter body and a one-way valve. The adapter body is configured to define an inspiratory fluid flow path between the inspiratory port and the subject port and to define an expiratory fluid flow path between the subject port and the expiratory port. The one-way valve substantially prevents air that flows generally along the inspiratory fluid flow path from flowing through the expiratory port during inspiration and allows air flowing generally along the expiratory fluid flow path to flow through the expiratory port during expiration.

Abstract: An intra-bronchial device may be placed and anchored in an air passageway of a patient to collapse a lung portion associated with the air passageway. The device includes an obstructing member that prevents air from being inhaled into the lung portion, and an anchor that anchors the obstruction device within the air passageway. The anchor may piercingly engage the air passageway wall. The anchor may be releasable from the air passageway for removal of the obstructing member. The anchor may be releasable by collapsing a portion of the obstructing member, or by drawing the obstructing member toward the larynx. The obstructing member may be a one-way valve.

Abstract: An inhaler, particularly a powder inhaler, for administering a medicament in the form of inhalable substances, substance formulations or mixtures, with a mouthpiece (2) and a magazine that comprises a housing (3) having a plurality of cavities (32) for holding the medicament, the mouthpiece (2) being in flow connection with one of the cavities (32). The closed housing (3) has a cover (4) that covers at least one carrier (26, 27) comprising the unsealed cavities (32), the carrier (26, 27) being movable relative to the cover (4) for bringing a cavity (32) into flow connection with the mouthpiece (2).

Abstract: An oxygen generating apparatus that includes a container containing potassium super oxide, an inhale valve, and an inhale valve filter between the potassium super oxide and the inhale valve. The filter is configured to prevent particles having a diameter of 10 ?m from passing through the filter, and to neutralize KOH and KO2 particles having a diameter of less than 10 ?m that contact the filter into a food grade compound.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator may rely on a pressure swing adsorption process to produce an oxygen enriched gas stream from canisters filled with granules capable of separation of oxygen from an air stream. The adsorption process uses a cyclical pressurization and venting of the canisters to generate an oxygen enriched gas stream. During venting of the canisters, use of oxygen as a purge gas may improve the efficiency and lifetime of the oxygen concentrator.

Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a body portion comprising a pair of arms and a chin support. A first end portion of each arm in the pair of arms is coupled to an opposite end of the chin support. The chin support is adapted to be disposed under the mandible responsive to the patient interface device being donned by a user. At least one headgear attachment element is provided on each arm in the pair of arms. A circuit portion is provided at a second end portion of each arm in the pair of arm. A patient interface portion is coupled to the circuit portion.

Abstract: Gas leakage from a ventilator circuit and patient interface is estimated by a method that relies on breath-by-breath or time-to-time variability in the pattern of pressure delivery by the ventilator, comprising generating signals that correspond to pressure (PCIRCUIT) and flow rate (Flow) in the ventilator circuit, integrating flow (Integrated Flow), measuring the change in Integrated Flow (?V) over an INTERVAL extending from a selected point in the expiratory phase of a ventilator cycle to a selected point during the expiratory phase of a nearby ventilator cycle, repeating the measurement of ?V for at least two said INTERVALs, processing PCIRCUIT to produce an index or indices that reflect(s) the pattern of pressure delivery by the ventilator during each of said INTERVALs, applying statistical methods to determine the relation between the differences in ?V among 1NTERVALs and the corresponding differences in said index or indices of PCIRCUIT, and establishing from said relation the leak rate at specified PCI

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler (1) is disclosed comprising first and second medicament reservoirs (2, 2a) and respective rotatable first and second metering members (5, 5a), which are urged into sealing engagement with the respective medicament reservoir (2, 2a) by a compression spring (8) located between the metering members (5, 5a). The inhaler (1) includes an actuator by which the first and second metering members (5, 5a) are rotated in unison from a metering position to a dispensing position. The actuator acts upon the first and second metering members (5, 5a) via a wheel (9) mounted between the first and second metering members (5, 5a). The first and second metering members (5, 5a) are provided with sockets (51) that receive the respective ends of the compression spring (8).

Abstract: A tracheal tube assembly includes a connector body, a cannula extending from the connector body, and an insert that provides rigidity to the connector body and retains the cannula in the connector body. The cannula has an upper end that fits between conforming tapered sections of the connector body inner surface and the insert. The insert may include features to mitigate stress on and around any secondary lumens in the cannula wall. Because the wall is thinner at the site of a secondary lumen, the connector body insert may include a recess into which the cannula wall may expand. The recess may be aligned with the secondary lumen.

Abstract: A low-cost CPAP apparatus in which, upon detection of the transition from inhalation to exhalation, the blower motor is de-energized to allow it to freewheel. When the pressure in the patient mask (or whatever interface is utilized) reaches a minimum pressure level during exhalation, the motor is re-energized and its speed is controlled so to maintain the pressure at a level suitable for exhalation. Upon detection of the transition from exhalation to inhalation, the motor speed is increased to provide higher pressures in the patient mask suitable for inhalation.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of reducing the risk that a medical treatment comprising inhalation of nitric oxide gas will induce an increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in pediatric patients, leading to pulmonary edema. The methods include avoiding or discontinuing administration of inhaled nitric oxide to a pediatric patient determined to have pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction but who otherwise is a candidate for inhaled nitric oxide treatment (e.g., for pulmonary hypertension), and administering inhaled nitric oxide to pediatric patients who are candidates for such treatment and who are determined not to have pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of delivering an agent to the pulmonary system of a compromised patient, in a single breath-activated step, comprising administering a particle mass comprising an agent from an inhaler containing less than 5 milligrams of the mass, wherein at least about 50% of the mass in the receptacle is delivered to the pulmonary system of a patient. The invention also relates to receptacles containing the particle mass and the inhaler for use therein.

Abstract: A system for delivering a therapeutic amount of nitric oxide can include a reservoir including a restrictor with a length of at least 0.5 inch and at most 2 inches covered by a metal sheath, a gas supply, and a delivery conduit. A delivery conduit can include at least one cartridge and a patient interface. The at least one cartridge can include a surface-active material and a reducing agent.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing or reducing vasoconstriction in a mammal following administration of an artificial oxygen carrier (e.g., a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier) are disclosed. The methods include administering to a mammal a composition containing an artificial oxygen carrier in combination with one or more of a nitric oxide-releasing compound, a therapeutic gas containing gaseous nitric oxide, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and/or a soluble guanylate cyclase sensitizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medicament delivery device comprising a locking mechanism (5) for locking a plunger rod (4). The locking mechanism (5) comprises a locking wheel (6) and locking means (7), said locking means (7) being moveable between an active position where the locking means (7) prevent the locking wheel (6) from rotation and an inactive position where the locking means (7) allow the locking wheel (6) to rotate, wherein said plunger rod (4) extends through an opening in the locking wheel (6); and a resilient member (8) arranged at the moveable locking means (7) and being arranged to act on the moveable locking means (7) to displace said movable looking means (7) towards the inactive position where the locking means (7) allow the locking wheel (6) to rotate.

Abstract: A method of relieving pain resulting from breathing in a patient with fractured ribs, wherein the pain interrupts the sleeping of the patient. A positive airway pressure machine is attached to the nose or nose and mouth of the patient. The patient turns the machine on to produce a positive airway pressure in the airways of the lungs and adjusts the positive airway pressure to a level where the patient feels that the pain is reduced or eliminated. The method allows a patient with fractured ribs to sleep comfortably without the pain associated with breathing in and out, and without interruption of sleep. The method also promotes the healing and recovery of the fractured ribs.

Abstract: An input device for a clinician to control and modify the operation of a mechanical ventilator comprises a graphical display, a representation of a respiratory therapy trajectory to be delivered to a patient, at least one data point associated with the trajectory, and a data input means for the clinician to select a data point and to modify the value of the trajectory at that data point. The present invention provides for the creation and modification of a respiratory therapy trajectory, wherein the ventilator provides a medical gas waveform to a patient according to the respiratory therapy trajectory.

Abstract: An air delivery device (ADD) for applying fluid pressure pulses (FPP) to the mouth cavity of a patient at a predetermined frequency according to a protocol The ADD, comprises: a) an air blower for blowing air into a pressure chamber via a first opening (inlet); b) airflow occluding means (AOM) provided in fluid communication with said pressure chamber; said AOM located between said first opening and a second opening (outlet) of said pressure chamber; c) a patient mouthpiece or Face Mask, in fluid communication with said second opening (outlet); and, d) means for controlling AOM, adapted to interrupt and release said airflow at a predetermined frequency and pressure, thereby applying said FPPs to the mouth cavity of a patient according to a predetermined protocol during operation.

Abstract: A supplemental air diffusion device is shaped and configured to be attached to the body or clothing of a patient below the head and deliver supplemental air toward the mouth and nose of the patient. The supplemental air diffusion device includes a frustroconicoidal air diffusion body that has a smaller inlet opening at an inlet end and an enlarged diffusion opening at a diffusion end. An air inlet stem is integrally attached to the air diffusion body and includes a plurality of ribs and/or recesses for releasably locking a female connector of an air supply hose over the inlet stem. A pair of spaced-apart slits are provided through a flange extending laterally from an outer surface of the air diffusion device. Initially separate accessory patient attachment clamps are looped through the slits and provide for releasable attachment of the air diffusion device to a patient's clothing.

Abstract: A breathing mask has a mask body, a mounting bracket and a universal connecting tube. The mask body has a first universal socket bracket having a first spherical recess. The mounting bracket is mounted on the mask body and has a second universal socket bracket having a second spherical recess. The universal connecting tube is mounted universally pivotally in the mask body and has a ball joint mounted universally rotatably in the first and second spherical recesses. The universally rotating ball joint allows a breathing tube connected to the universal connecting tube to pivot to any orientations and prevents the breathing tube from over bending.

Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fluid channel air inlet and fluid channel air inlet valve responsive to either a manual force external of the nebulizer, or a patient's breathing, to begin the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid channel air inlet valve against a fluid channel air inlet so that a negative pressure may build up over the fluid in the fluid channel to draw fluid from the fluid reservoir and begin nebulization during inhalation.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of distributing a pharmaceutical product comprising nitric oxide gas. The methods include supplying a source of nitric oxide gas to a medical provider, informing the medical provider about a recommended dose of inhaled nitric oxide gas for treatment of neonates with hypoxic respiratory failure, and providing a warning about use of inhaled nitric oxide in patients with pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction.

Abstract: Provided is a portable ventilator system, including a ventilator supply system having a ventilator mask, an air/oxygen source and an air/oxygen regulator system, and including a communications device that, during use, automatically contacts an emergency response entity in response to activation of the portable ventilator system. Also provided is a ventilator system that includes at least one ventilator mask sized to fit upon a selected range of sizes of human faces, a ventilator supply system having an air/oxygen source and an air/oxygen regulator system, and an air/oxygen flow regulation valve having an inlet, an inlet/outlet in communication with a ventilator mask coupled to the ventilator supply system, and an outlet in communication with a surrounding atmosphere. During use, air/oxygen flows through the inlet and the inlet/outlet to facilitate ventilation of a human, and air/oxygen flows through the inlet/outlet and the outlet to facilitate exhalation by a human to the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A breathing air production and filtration system has an air generation assembly and a distribution assembly. The generation assembly has a compressor and filtration components to generate breathing air. The distribution assembly has collection pots with multiple connections for manifolds. For their part, the manifolds have multiple connectors for the respirators of end users. The system uses a monitoring control system with various wireless sensors to monitor operation of the system and the quality of breathing air produced. These sensors include an in-line sensor detecting constituents or contaminants in the breathing air. The sensors also include pressure, temperature, and flow sensors monitoring the operation of the system. An automatic switchover is provided for switching the system to a back-up supply of high-pressure reserve air if needed.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface, opposite the front surface, and adapted in use to face the patient. The frame defines an inner wall and an outer wall extending from the rear surface, the inner and outer walls being spaced to define a channel therebetween. A cushion is removably attachable to the frame such that the cushion and frame are repeatably engagable with and disengagable from one another. The cushion includes a side wall to be inserted into the channel of the frame, the side wall having a first interlocking surface that engages a second interlocking surface provided in the channel when the cushion and frame are engaged with one another. The first and second interlocking surfaces interlock with one another to removably attach the cushion to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to external devices for dilating nasal passageways and to the manufacture thereof. More specifically, the external nasal dilator of the present invention usually comprises a resilient sheet, an adhesive layer, and an adhesive-protecting sheet. In some embodiments of the external nasal dilator, the resilient sheet defines a groove for reducing the peel force that results from bending the dilator over the bridge of the nose. In addition to the groove or in lieu thereof, some embodiments of the external nasal dilator comprise a nasal passage region having a reduced width to reduce the peel force. Finally, the dilator can comprise a sheet of adhesive tape, which in some embodiments can provide an instant tack surface to facilitate application of the dilator.