Abstract: A nasal support device includes a device body. The device body defines a perimeter shape of the nasal support device and also can include a nasal support structure. The nasal support device also includes adhesive carried with the device body. The nasal support device further includes a peelable backing that covers the adhesive and includes at least one peelable backing piece that is divided into a first section and a second section by a pre-defined fold location. The pre-defined fold location is configured such that the first and second sections of the peelable backing piece remain coupled together at the pre-defined fold location after folding at the pre-defined fold location.

Abstract: A suture bridge includes an elongated rigid insert including a first material, and a deformable shell including a second material, the second material being different than the first material, the shell at least partially surrounding the rigid insert, the insert and the shell collectively forming a bridge body having a first leg including a first patient contacting surface configured to contact a patient's skin, a second leg spaced from the first leg and including a second patient contacting surface configured to contact the patient's skin, a first support connected to the first leg, a second support connected to the second leg, and a traversing member extending between the first support and the second support, the traversing member being connected to the first support distal the first leg and connected to the second support distal the second leg.

Abstract: This invention is a combination chemiluminescent band and frame, which allows one to swim at night or be worn at parties. It can be seen from behind, has a large surface area for band visibility and interchangeable lenses. It chemical composition allow it to be rapidly be recharged by lights, and exhibit bright visible light from a distance, but also allows for structural integrity of the material when used by swimmers.

Abstract: A nasal opening device. The nasal opening device includes a vertical splint configured to extend from an upper portion of a nose to a lower level of nasal bones and a horizontal splint configured to extend from a first lateral wall to a second lateral wall of a nose. A vertical flexible member is integrated with said vertical splint and positioned such that upon attachment of the vertical splint to a nose the flexible member is adjacent to a nose tip and assists with maintaining a nose tip in an elevated position, said vertical splint having an adhesive layer for attachment to a nose. A flexible member is integrated with said horizontal splint and extends from said first lateral wall to said second lateral wall of a nose.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for pre-surgical treatment of cleft lip and cleft palate. The device is extraoral thus reducing the risk associated with existing devices and technologies that are intraoral, such as, for example utilizing a Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) appliance. The adjustable extraoral nasal molding appliance of the present invention consists of an adjustable and securable head fastener, a front connector with a forehead rest pad, a rod support having an aperture through which a rod is slidably connected, a fastener for locking a rod in a set position, the rod, a spring and at least one nasal bulb. Different shaped springs can be attached for treating unilateral as well as bilateral cleft lip and palate patients. Different nasal bulbs can be attached for treating unilateral as well as bilateral cleft lip and palate patients.

Abstract: A nasal strip having a non-adhesive central portion situated between two adhesive end sections of the nasal strip. In one example, a thin plastic covering over the adhesive surface of the central portion of the nasal strip provides advantages of more torque obtained to open the nasal passageways, less discomfort on removal of the nasal strip, easier placement of the nasal strip onto the nose and less area of the skin on the nose that can be irritated by the adhesive interior surface of the nasal strip.

Abstract: Medical devices are disclosed as providing nasal airway dilation in subjects in need thereof whose nasal airways are partially or completely blocked, such as for sleep; with CPAP masks; for exercise; wearing goggles alone or with helmets; and for swimming. In an aspect, the devices with a group of application provide nasal dilation to overcome obstruction caused by nasal valve dysfunction. Methods of employing the same to dilate nasal airways are further disclosed.

Abstract: A nasal dilator comprises a laminate of vertically stacked layers each comprising at least one member or component. The layers form a unitary, or single body, truss. The truss features horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages and to traverse the bridge of a nose therebetween. The dilator acts to stabilize and/or expand the nasal outer wall tissues and prevent said tissues from drawing inward during breathing. Dilator members, including components thereof, are configured to dimensional criteria suitable to engage and provide effective dilation to nasal passages, that create lateral and longitudinal registration of dilator members or components during manufacture, and that facilitate manufacture with minimal material waste. Methods of manufacture further include progressive steps that fabricate and assemble components into finished devices, including user assembly thereof.

Abstract: A nasal dilator comprises a laminate of vertically stacked layers each comprising at least one member or component. The layers form a unitary, or single body, truss. The truss features horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages and to traverse the bridge of a nose therebetween. The dilator acts to stabilize and/or expand the nasal outer wall tissues and prevent said tissues from drawing inward during breathing. Dilator members, including components thereof, are configured to dimensional criteria suitable to engage and provide effective dilation to nasal passages, that create lateral and longitudinal registration of dilator members or components during manufacture, and that facilitate manufacture with minimal material waste. Methods of manufacture further include progressive steps that fabricate and assemble components into finished devices, including user assembly thereof.

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: A nasal dilator comprises a laminate of vertically stacked layers forming a unitary, or single body, truss where each layer includes at least one member. The truss features horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages and to traverse the bridge of a nose therebetween. When in use the dilator acts to stabilize and/or expand the nasal outer wall tissues and prevent said tissues from drawing inward during breathing. Manufacturing methods produce dilator layers and/or finished nasal dilator devices efficiently at the same or lower cost as traditional methods by fabricating dilator elements in whole or part along common lines or edges. Said common lines define peripheral dimensions and form spaced apart relationships between dilator layers, members and finished dilator devices without sacrificing usable material to do so.

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.

Abstract: A medical device includes a one-piece resiliently biased band of base material having opposite first and second side surfaces and an adhesive material for temporarily adhesively securing the band to a user's skin. The band can include a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis that intersects the longitudinal axis. Moreover, the band can include first and second lateral portions disposed on opposite sides of the lateral axis. The lateral portions are mirror images of each other such that the band is symmetrical relative to the lateral axis. Each of the lateral portions include a central portion and first and second extending portions spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the band and extending away from the central portion. Each of the extending portions further includes a perimeter edge defining a portion of a perimeter edge of the medical device.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus that blocks out light and improves breathing. The apparatus includes a sleep mask with an integral nasal dilation system. The nasal dilation system includes a nasal element mounted with on the nose section of the mask, where the nasal element in one version has a channel through which a band can move substantially orthogonal to the wearer's nose. Sidewalls center the band, and inward folded cuffs retain the band. The band encircles the wearer's head between the mask straps. It is threaded through the slideway and can slide therein equalizing side-to-side forces. The band is elastic and when stretched it generates an opposing force. Pressure is exerted on the nose by using the band in a stretched state. The extended band creates pressure on the slideway, which causes the nose section to press against the nostrils causing them to distend, which in turn dilates the nasal passages, and breathing is improved.

Abstract: Therapeutic delivery systems are provided which, in a first embodiment, contain a plurality of multiphase capsules in which first and second therapeutic agents are contained in separate phases within said multiphase capsules, and are disposed to deliver said first and therapeutic agents by at least two different delivery mechanisms.

Abstract: A nasal splint for effecting controlled support of the nasal pyramid, the splint, which can have a base portion of pyramid configuration, having a bridge portion and a pair of elongated wings on each side of the bridge portion extending laterally from the bridge portion thereof; an elastomeric device adjustably attachable on lateral edges of said wings to exert a force on said wings. The wings can also have at least one opening for fixedly positioning at least one compression head having a stud extending medially through the at least one opening. The base portion can be formed from a bendable frame laminated to a pliable membrane pad, the foam pad being disposed medially to the frame.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for converting on a mass scale elongated material webs into finished parts or devices. Slits form strands in a web, the strands comprising interconnected objects which correspond to parts of finished devices. Strands are combined with additional webs to form a material laminate from which finished devices are die cut. The methods are suitable for a range of converting applications including medical devices, particularly the external nasal dilator. Complex dilator devices produced from the methods are formed as a single body truss having horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages of a nose. When in use the dilator stabilizes or expands nasal outer wall tissues and prevents the outer wall tissues from drawing inward during breathing. Methods of manufacture comprise separate steps for fabricating and assembling the elements and layers of finished dilator devices and for packaging finished devices individually or in groups.

Abstract: A nasal dilator of vertically laminated layers, each consisting of one or more components. The laminated layers form a unitary truss with end regions for engaging outer wall tissues of a user's nasal passages and for traversing the bridge of the nose. The dilator includes means to direct its resilient properties comprising material separations or shape discontinuities formed in at least one region of the truss and extending through at least one layer of the dilator. Said material separations or discontinuities may comprise an opening, relief cut, slit or notch, and may be configured to separate or vertically protrude from the dilator when it is in use. The separations transform the angle of focused delaminating spring biasing forces generated by the resilient layer from primarily peel forces into primarily shear forces, and further redistribute the transformed forces to tissue-engaging surface areas extending outward and beyond the separations.

Abstract: A nasal splint for effecting controlled support of the nasal pyramid, the splint, which can have a base portion of pyramid configuration, having a bridge portion and a pair of elongated wings on each side of the bridge portion extending laterally from the bridge portion thereof; an elastomeric device adjustably attachable on lateral edges of said wings to exert a force on said wings. The wings can also have at least one opening for fixedly positioning at least one compression head having a stud extending medially through the at least one opening. The base portion can be formed from a bendable frame laminated to a pliable membrane pad, the foam pad being disposed medially to the frame.

Abstract: Therapeutic delivery systems are provided which, in a first embodiment, contain a plurality of multiphase capsules in which first and second therapeutic agents are contained in separate phases within said multiphase capsules, and are disposed to deliver said first and therapeutic agents by at least two different delivery mechanisms.

Abstract: The product improves nasal passage air flow. The product may be a strip that comprises a flexible resilient material, with at least a portion of the bottom surface comprising an adhesive surface on each end. The strip may serve to dilate a user's nasal passage when the first end of the strip is secured using the first adhesive bottom surface to be proximate to an alar facial groove of the user's nose, with the second end of the strip being puled up at a slight angle and laterally to achieve desired nasal passage expansion and thereafter being secured to the user's face. The size of the strip may be larger for additional benefits and have anti-glare and/or anti-reflective features.

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: Novel bioabsorbable, universal kits used to form nasal implants are disclosed. The implants are useful in rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction surgical procedures. The kit devices have a universal configuration and can be converted by the surgeon in the field into one or more individual nasal implant devices having different configurations and applications. The kits may have outlines of nasal implants thereon.

Abstract: A nasal dilator is formed as a unitary truss of laminated, vertically-stacked layers. A resilient layer provides stabilization and expansion of nasal wall outer tissues, while an adhesive layer attaches the dilator to the user's skin. Dilator component shapes are designed to facilitate manufacture with reduced material waste. Some embodiments can be assembled by the user to customize the size or configuration to personal preference.

Abstract: The disclosed elastic strip includes an elastic substrate and an overlying carrier. The elastic strip allows for controlled stretch of the elastic substrate. After stretching and applying to skin, the elastic strip can pull portions of the adhered skin. Therefore, the elastic strip can be used as a wound closure or as a nasal dilator, for example.

Abstract: An article to improve nasal passage air flow may be a strip that comprises a flexible resilient material, and has a first end and a second end, and a top surface and a bottom surface, with at least a portion of the bottom surface at the first end of the strip comprising a first adhesive surface, and at least a portion of the bottom surface at the second end of said strip comprising a second adhesive surface. The strip may serve to dilate a user's nasal passage when the first end of the strip is secured using the first adhesive bottom surface to be proximate to an alar facial groove of the user's nose, with the second end of the strip being pulled up at a slight angle and laterally to achieve desired nasal passage expansion and thereafter being secured to the user's face, at roughly a 20-25 degree angle.

Abstract: A medical device includes a one-piece resiliently biased band of base material having opposite first and second side surfaces and an adhesive material for temporarily adhesively securing the band to a user's skin. The band can include a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis that intersects the longitudinal axis. Moreover, the band can include first and second lateral portions disposed on opposite sides of the lateral axis. The lateral portions are mirror images of each other such that the band is symmetrical relative to the lateral axis. Each of the lateral portions include a central portion and first and second extending portions spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the band and extending away from the central portion. Each of the extending portions further include a perimeter edge defining a portion of an edge of the medical device.

Abstract: A nasal breathing strip comprising a resiliently-deformable planar plastic strip having an inner surface adjacent a user's nose skin. Adherent portions adhere to the wearer's skin on opposite sides of the nose bridge to maintain the strip in a biased folded condition. In a first embodiment, a non-adherent central portion of the inner surface between the adherent portions is also coated with adhesive overlain by a non-adhesive material formed from paper, cloth, plastic, or combinations thereof. The non-adherent central portion pads the fulcrum function of the nose bridge and prevents irritation of skin on the bridge. Preferably the non-adhesive material is also non-allergenic for skin contact. In a second embodiment, the central portion remains free of adhesive during manufacture of the nasal strip and thus is inherently non-adherent and exposed solely to atmospheric air. Alternatively, the non-adherent central portion may be covered by a lubricating agent.

Abstract: A method for a resuable nasal passage dilator comprising the steps of providing a flat flexible strip member with an inner surface and an outer surface and a first adhesive bandage, having an adhesive surface and a non-adhesive surface. The outer surface of the flexible strip member is secured onto the adhesive surface of the first adhesive bandage, thereby temporarily securing the flexible strip member to the bandage. The flexible strip member and the first adhesive bandage are positioned onto a user's nose. The flexible strip member and first adhesive bandage are then removed from the user's nose after a period of use and the outer surface of the flexible strip member and the adhesive surface of the first adhesive bandage are separated. The steps of the method are then repeated with a subsequent adhesive bandage and the same flexible strip member.

Abstract: A nasal dilator comprises a laminate of vertical layers each consisting of one or more members or components. The laminated layers form a unitary, or single body, truss featuring horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages and to traverse the bridge of a nose therebetween. When in use the dilator acts to stabilize and/or expand the nasal outer wall tissues and prevent said tissues from drawing inward during breathing. The dilator includes means to direct its resilient properties comprising one or more interior or exterior material separations, or discontinuity of shape of material, formed in at least one region of the truss and extending through at least one layer of the dilator. Said material separation or discontinuity of shape may comprise an opening, relief cut, slit or notch, and which may be configured to separate or vertically protrude, in part, from the truss when the dilator is in use on the nose of a wearer.

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: A nasal dilator capable of introducing separating stresses in nasal outer wall tissues has a resilient member and a pair of spaced-apart end surfaces which can be forced toward one another from an initial flat position of the dilator to thereby substantially reduce the direct spacing therebetween by an external spacing reducing force. This results in restoring forces in the dilator tending to return it to the original direct spacing between the end surfaces. Resilient members, which can be asymmetrical with respect to a centerline of the dilator that is parallel to the long axis of the dilator, have a spring rate which continuously diminishes from the centerline to the end surfaces. The edges of the resilient members are contiguous to the edge of the cushion layer so that adhesive on the cushion layer is at the same level as the bottom surface of the resilient members.

Abstract: The nosebleed treatment apparatus features a pair of pliable mirror image nose pads comprising a first nose pad and a second nose pad. A gel pack is disposed within each nose pad. Each gel pack has a first side spaced apart from a second side. The first side is adjacent to an inner surface of the medial pad section. The second side is disposed within the lateral pad section. A smooth shouldered reinforcement member is disposed atop each nose pad. A U-shaped oblong tensing member connects the first nose pad to the second nose pad at each reinforcement member. The apparatus can be placed in a freezer or cooler for extended cool retention within the gel packs when removed. Upon removal, the apparatus is placed on a bleeding nose and remains until removed, so that a patient need not hold it in place.

Abstract: A nasal dilator comprises a laminate of vertical layers that form a unitary, or single body, truss having horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages and to traverse the bridge of a nose therebetween. When in use the dilator acts to stabilize and/or expand the nasal outer wall tissues and prevent said tissues from drawing inward during breathing. The dilator includes multiple parallel resilient members or a resilient member having a plurality of component spring fingers extending from a common center. The dilator may further include material separations, or discontinuity of shape of material, formed in at least one region of the truss and extending through at least one layer of the dilator.

Abstract: A scaffold for reshaping an ear or a nose, the scaffold being configured to be i) attached to the cartilaginous portion of an ear or ii) attached to the cartilaginous portion of a nose, wherein the scaffold is formed at least in part from a shape-memory material and/or a plastic material and is capable of transforming from a first configuration to a second, pre-programmed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an external nasal dilator, more specifically to an improved external nasal dilator, which provides a focused and efficient spring force to the outer wall tissues of a first and second nasal passages.

Abstract: Devices and methods for facilitating air flow in the nasal passages of domestic animals are disclosed. The devices include support devices for supporting unsupported tissues of the nasal passages which facilitate air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. Components and methods to facilitate application of the support device to the nose of an animal are also disclosed.

Abstract: A nasal dilator that includes an upper resilient member for dilating the nasal valve and a lower resilient member for dilating the nostrils. The upper resilient member and lower resilient member may be attached to one another by a flexible substrate having a middle portion that is narrower in length than the upper or lower resilient members. The nasal dilator also may have adhesive tabs extending downwardly from the lower portion of the substrate on either side of the nose and towards the nostril entry, for temporary attachment to the side of the nasal vestibule to reduce nostril collapse. The nasal dilator also may include bendable or configurable hooks extending downwardly from the lower portion of the substrate and towards the nostril entrance for insertion into the nostril to reduce nostril collapse.

Abstract: A nasal dilator and method of making nasal dilators are provided. The dilator may have a composite base element of at least two regions, the base element having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the base element having a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed thereon; the base element further including a spring element which imparts return memory into the base element so that the base element returns towards a planar conformation during use. The spring element has elastic memory effected by differential properties in the at least two regions.

Abstract: A nasal dilator comprises a laminate of vertical layers each consisting of one or more members or components. The laminated layers form a unitary, or single body, truss featuring horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages and to traverse the bridge of a nose therebetween. When in use the dilator acts to stabilize and/or expand the nasal outer wall tissues and prevent said tissues from drawing inward during breathing. The dilator includes means to direct its resilient properties comprising one or more interior or exterior material separations, or discontinuity of shape of material, formed in at least one region of the truss and extending through at least one layer of the dilator. Said material separation or discontinuity of shape may comprise an opening, relief cut, slit or notch, and which may be configured to separate or vertically protrude, in part, from the truss when the dilator is in use on the nose of a wearer.

Abstract: A nasal dilator comprises a laminate of vertical layers each consisting of one or more members or components. The laminated layers form a unitary, or single body, truss featuring horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages and to traverse the bridge of a nose therebetween. When in use the dilator acts to stabilize and/or expand the nasal outer wall tissues and prevent said tissues from drawing inward during breathing. The dilator includes means to direct its resilient properties comprising one or more interior or exterior material separations, or discontinuity of shape of material, formed in at least one region of the truss and extending through at least one layer of the dilator. Said material separation or discontinuity of shape may comprise an opening, relief cut, slit or notch, and which may be configured to separate or vertically protrude, in part, from the truss when the dilator is in use on the nose of a wearer.

Abstract: A nasal dilator that includes an upper resilient member for dilating the nasal valve and a lower resilient member for dilating the nostrils. The upper resilient member and lower resilient member may be attached to one another by a flexible substrate having a middle portion that is narrower in length than the upper or lower resilient members. The nasal dilator also may have adhesive tabs extending downwardly from the lower portion of the substrate on either side of the nose and towards the nostril entry, for temporary attachment to the side of the nasal vestibule to reduce nostril collapse. The nasal dilator also may include bendable or configurable hooks extending downwardly from the lower portion of the substrate and towards the nostril entrance for insertion into the nostril to reduce nostril collapse.

Abstract: A nasal dilator strip and methods, the strip including a first layer including a cover having adhesive on a surface thereof, the cover having a first edge with a convex locating feature and a second edge opposite the first edge, the second edge being an uninterrupted edge, and a second layer having opposite surfaces, one opposite surface of the second layer being secured to the first layer, at least a portion of the other opposite surface of the second layer having adhesive to hold the two-layer nasal dilator strip in place on a user's nose, the second layer including a substantially planar resilient member, the resilient member having a constant thickness and longitudinal sides which converge from a center of the resilient member to a pair of spaced apart ends.

Abstract: An article to improve nasal passage air flow may be a strip that comprises a flexible resilient material, and has a first end and a second end, and a top surface and a bottom surface, with at least a portion of the bottom surface at the first end of the strip comprising a first adhesive surface, and at least a portion of the bottom surface at the second end of said strip comprising a second adhesive surface. The strip may serve to dilate a user's nasal passage when the first end of the strip is secured using the first adhesive bottom surface to be proximate to an alar facial groove of the user's nose, with the second end of the strip being pulled up at a slight angle and laterally to achieve desired nasal passage expansion and thereafter being secured to the user's face, at roughly a 20-25 degree angle.

Abstract: A nasal opening device. The nasal opening device includes a vertical splint configured to extend from an upper portion of a nose to a lower level of nasal bones and a horizontal splint configured to extend from a first lateral wall to a second lateral wall of a nose. A vertical flexible member is integrated with said vertical splint and positioned such that upon attachment of the vertical splint to a nose the flexible member is adjacent to a nose tip and assists with maintaining a nose tip in an elevated position, said vertical splint having an adhesive layer for attachment to a nose. A flexible member is integrated with said horizontal splint and extends from said first lateral wall to said second lateral wall of a nose.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for converting on a mass scale elongated material webs into finished parts or devices. Slits form strands in a web, the strands comprising interconnected objects which correspond to parts of finished devices. Strands are combined with additional webs to form a material laminate from which finished devices are die cut. The methods are suitable for a range of converting applications including medical devices, particularly the external nasal dilator. Complex dilator devices produced from the methods are formed as a single body truss having horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages of a nose. When in use the dilator stabilizes or expands nasal outer wall tissues and prevents the outer wall tissues from drawing inward during breathing. Methods of manufacture comprise separate steps for fabricating and assembling the elements and layers of finished dilator devices and for packaging finished devices individually or in groups.

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.

Abstract: A nasal dilator with improved functionality by virtue of a resilient element comprised of at least three resilient bands, a first outer resilient band that is secured to run along the length of the nasal dilator truss member, a second outer resilient band that is spaced apart from the first resilient band and is secured to run along the length of the nasal dilator truss member and at least one intermediate resilient band positioned between said first and second outer resilient bands that is spaced apart from both first and second outer resilient bands and is also secured to run along the length of the nasal dilator truss member. The intermediate resilient band or bands alters the force vector characteristics of the nasal strip as a whole, thereby providing targeted spring force to a more concentrated area of the nose when in use.

Abstract: Airflow restriction systems are described herein which may be used to treat various disorders by creating expiratory positive airway pressure while providing for patient comfort regardless of the patient's anatomical variances. Such a device may be removably secured externally over the patient's nose rather than within the nasal passages to increase patient comfort. The restriction device may be secured, e.g., via an adhesive, to the patient and actuated via any number of mechanical or electromechanical mechanisms. Moreover, the restriction device may include one or more sensors to detect the patient's respiration activity such that the device may be actuated to correspond to the patient's exhalation and squeeze or otherwise constrict the nasal passages at least partially by pressing against the exterior surface of the nose to restrict the expiratory airflow.

Abstract: A scaffold for reshaping an ear or a nose, the scaffold being configured to be i) attached to the cartilaginous portion of an ear or ii) attached to the cartilaginous portion of a nose, wherein the scaffold is formed at least in part from a shape-memory material and/or a plastic material and is capable of transforming from a first configuration to a second, pre-programmed configuration.