A summary of the key points
Test winner 2026
somnipax pure nasal dilator
Premium material for maximum comfort and noticeably improved nasal breathing. Ideal for daily use and quiet nights.
Price tip
somnipax air nasal dilator
Effective expansion of the nasal passages and outstanding value for money. Comfortable to wear, discrete design and flexible use.
Which type of nasal dilator is right for you?
Nasal dilators are a great tool for improving nasal breathing without medication – both during the day and at night. There are various different models to choose from, and it’s crucial to select the right shape, material and size in order to make sure that the nasal dilator is comfortable and effective. Find out more in our nasal dilator test.
- PRICE
- CUSTOMER REVIEWS
- SIZES
- COMFORT
- SECURE FIT
- IMPROVEMENT OF AIR FLOW IN THE NOSE
- MATERIAL
- WITH FILTERS
- SHAPE
- IDEAL FOR
-
- £11.95
- One-size-fits-all
- 5 / 5
- 4 / 5
- 4 / 5
- Silicone
- Yes
- Tube (round)
- People with allergies, people with collapsed nostrils
- To the product
-
- £14.95
- S, M, L
- 4 / 5
- 4.5 / 5
- 5 / 5
- Plastic
- No
- Wings
- People with deep nasal blockages
- To the product
-
- £9.95
- One-size-fits-all
- 5 / 5
- 4 / 5
- 4 / 5
- Silicone
- No
- Tube (round)
- People with collapsed nostrils
- To the product
-
- £10.95
- S, M, L
- 4.5 / 5
- 5 / 5
- 4.5 / 5
- Plastic
- No
- Tube (oval)
- People with collapsed nostrils
- To the product
Last updated on: 13/05/2026
Nasal dilators: which models do we recommend?
Test winner: somnipax pure
somnipax pure came out as the best nasal dilator in our test. With an integrated air filter, it is particularly suitable for people with allergies. It combines gentle nasal expansion with replaceable filters that clean the inhaled air to remove dust and pollen.
Advantages:
- Replacement filters to remove dust and pollen – perfect for people with allergies
- Very comfortable design, as the tissue pressure is evenly distributed and there is virtually no risk of pressure points
- Soft, pleasant material and one-fits-all size – fits most nose shapes
Disadvantages:
- Filters must be regularly cleaned and replaced
- Only provides expansion in the lower area of the nasal atrium
- Less stable fit compared to plastic models
Value-for-money winner: somnipax air
Our best nasal dilator in the category value-for-money is somnipax air, with its top nasal expansion performance. Thanks to its winged shape, it provides particularly good expansion deep in the nose, for significantly improved breathing.
Advantages:
- Very effective improvement in nasal breathing thanks to the aerodynamically optimised winged shape
- Thermoplastic material allows for individual adjustment
- Available in three sizes (S, M, L), or as a practical trial pack with one nasal dilator per size, and made from medical-grade plastic
Disadvantages:
- Slightly less comfortable compared to softer models
- This model is pushed comparably deep into the nose, which users may find unpleasant to start with
- No integrated filter to remove dust or pollen
somnipax breathe
Comfort & suitability for everyday use. Very soft silicone nasal dilator that gently improves nasal breathing and is particularly comfortable to wear.
Advantages:
- Very comfortable design, as the tissue pressure is evenly distributed and there is virtually no risk of pressure points
- Soft, pleasant material and one-fits-all size – fits most nose shapes
- Rounded edges protect the sensitive mucous membranes
Disadvantages:
- Only provides expansion in the lower area of the nasal atrium
- Less stable fit compared to plastic models
- Only available in one size
oxyhero push
Stability & versatility. The stable winged structure ensures a particularly secure fit and effective nasal expansion when sleeping and playing sports.
Advantages:
- Particularly secure fit thanks to the “dowel system”
- Available in three sizes (S, M, L), or as a practical trial pack with one nasal dilator per size, and made from medical-grade plastic
- Extremely comfortable thanks to the oval, nose-friendly shape
Disadvantages:
- No integrated filter to remove dust or pollen
- The wings can only be adapted by shortening with scissors
- Relatively firm outer tubes, so less of a soft feeling
How does a nasal dilator work?
With impaired nasal breathing, air can flow through the nasal passages unrestricted. At narrow, constricted points, the air accelerates, which causes the tissue to vibrate. This causes snoring noise.
Nasal dilators are small anti-snoring aids that expand the nostrils in the area of the nasal atrium in order to improve the flow of respiratory air. They are particularly helpful in:
- Reducing snoring by enlarging the nostrils, which reduces the snoring noise
- Increasing sports performance by allowing more oxygen to enter through the nose
- Improving respiration in the case of a stuffy nose, and optimising nasal breathing
- Improving sleep quality by increasing the oxygen supply during sleep
Because nasal breathing plays a key role in health and well-being, a nasal dilator can be an effective tool for people with constricted nasal passages, a deviated septum or allergies.
Which nasal dilator shape is the best choice for me?
There are wing-shaped nasal dilators and tubular or cylindrical nasal dilators. Wing-shaped nasal dilators – such as somnipax air – are inserted slightly deeper into the nasal atrium, i.e. they expand the nasal airways over a longer area than tubular nasal dilators.
Wing-shaped nasal dilators are particularly suitable for people with:
- Deeper constrictions in the nasal atrium
- High performance expectations for the nasal dilator (when playing sports in particular)
- Septum defects
Tubular nasal dilators – such as somnipax breathe – are inserted flat into the nostrils, i.e. only into the lower area of the nasal atrium. With their tubular shape, they are particularly good at dilating the nasal atrium.
Tubular or cylindrical nasal dilators are particularly suitable for people with:
- Unstable nostrils
- A sensitive pressure sensation in the nasal area
- A constricted nasal atrium
There are also tubular nasal dilators that have a filter insert and are specifically designed for allergy sufferers, e.g. somnipax pure nasal dilator. With these dilators, a small filter is inserted in the tube that filters pollen and dust from the inhaled air before it passes the mucous membranes in the upper airways. The filters can be replaced as needed.
For a particularly secure fit, there are tubular nasal dilators with “dowel system”, such as oxyhero push. There are two (detachable) wings attached to the outside of the tubes. Once the dilator has been inserted into the nasal atrium, these wings expand slightly to create a slight dowel dilation effect. The nasal dilator fits more securely as a result.
Important criteria when purchasing a nasal dilator
If you are looking to buy a nasal dilator, you should pay attention to the following aspects:
Size and fit: A nasal dilator must fit well in order to be comfortable and not slip. Some nasal dilators are offered as one-size-fits-all models, whereas others are available in different sizes. Several manufacturers also offer a practical trial pack to help find the right size.
Material: Nasal dilators are usually made of medical-grade silicone or plastic. Silicone nasal dilators are particularly suitable for people who are just starting out with a nasal dilator and for use during sleep, as they are soft and gentle on the skin. Plastic models offer more stability and are ideal for sporting activities where a secure fit is important.
Cleaning options: The nasal dilator should be reusable and easy to clean.
Auxiliary functions: Some models have filters to clean the respiratory air, which is particularly sensible for people with allergies.
Effectiveness: Internal nasal dilators are usually more effective than external aids such as nasal plasters or nose clips.
How to extend the life of your nasal dilator
Thorough cleaning is crucial in order to maintain the hygiene and functionality of your nasal dilator. How to extend the life of your nasal dilator:
- Rinse with warm water and mild soap after each use
- Periodically inspect for cracks, discolouration or material wear
Taking good care of your nasal dilator will significantly extend the life of the product and help to ensure better comfort and safe use.
Tips for optimal use and maximum effect
For a nasal dilator to work in an optimal way, it’s crucial that it is used correctly:
- Insertion: Ideally, insert the nasal dilator in front of a mirror so you can make sure it’s straight and correctly fitted.
- Familiarisation: Insert the nasal dilator a few minutes before going to sleep so you can get used to wearing it.
- Size: Choose the right size nasal dilator. A nasal dilator that is too small will barely work, whereas one that is too large can lead to pressure points.
How was the test carried out?
Our sleep expert Dr. Grätz thoroughly tested and evaluated a range of different nasal dilators. His comparison drew on his many years of experience with snoring patients, the customer reviews in SomniShop and the technical data from the manufacturers. The result is a well-founded assessment designed to help you choose the best nasal dilator for you.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about nasal dilators
Yes, they can help, but only if the snoring is caused by impaired nasal breathing.
A nasal dilator expands the nostrils from the inside. This reduces the breathing resistance so that more air can flow through the nose.
The right nasal dilator depends on your individual problems and what you want it to achieve. You should ideally work out which nasal dilator specifically meets your needs before purchasing one.
No, when used correctly, nasal dilators are not harmful. At the start, you may experience a slight feeling of pressure or on rare occasions slight irritation. This is often caused by the nasal dilator being too large.
A nasal dilator can be worn all night or for the entire duration of a sporting activity. There is no time limit as long as it is comfortable and not causing any pressure points.
Most nasal dilators should be cleaned daily after every use. Ideally, they should be cleaned with warm water and some mild soap. Some silicone models can be occasionally boiled to kill of any bacteria. Always read the instructions before cleaning
Nasal dilators are not usually covered by the NHS, as they are considered over-the-counter self-help aids. Ideally, ask your GP before making a purchase.
Nasal dilators work from the inside and are reusable, making them more environmentally friendly and cheaper in the long-run. Nasal plasters, on the other hand, work from the outside, but are often less effective.
No, a nasal dilator is not sufficient as a sole aid against sleep apnoea. Breathing stops occur due to a constriction of the airways in the throat area, not in the nose. A nasal dilator can be a good idea as an additional measure though, such as to make it more comfortable to wear a CPAP mask if nasal breathing is also impaired.
As it’s difficult to measure the inside of the nose, finding the right size can often be a case of trial and error. Most manufacturers offer trial packs that contain different sizes. The nasal dilator fits correctly if it noticeably expands the nose but does not hurt.
Dr. Daniel Grätz
Dr. Grätz is the Managing Director of health.On Ventures GmbH, a specialist provider of products to help with snoring and sleep apnoea. He has advised thousands of customers and potential customers on CPAP and snoring products. Thanks to his many years of consultancy experience, Dr. Grätz is very familiar with the typical problems experienced by CPAP users and knows what actually helps. He also regularly posts videos relating to CPAP on YouTube.
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