NASAL DEVICE APPLICATORS
Described herein are applicator systems and applicators for nasal devices, and methods of applying nasal devices. In general, an applicator system includes a nasal device and one or more of: an inserter from which the nasal device is released, a handle that is releasably connected to the nasal device, or an applicator liner that can be removed after positioning the device relative to the nasal cavity.
1 . A nasal device applicator system for applying a nasal device in communication with a subject's nasal passage, the system comprising:
a nasal device comprising:
a passageway,
an airflow resistor in communication with the passageway, wherein the airflow resistor is configured to inhibit expiration through the passageway more than inspiration through the passageway, and
a holdfast region at least partially surrounding the passageway; and
an inserter for inserting a nasal device, the inserter comprising:
a handle having a grip region configured to be grasped;
a nasal device engagement portion having at least one surface configured to engage a nasal device thereagainst, wherein the engagement portion comprises a cavity configured to hold the nasal device.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the inserter comprises an ejector configured to eject the nasal device from the nasal device engagement.
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the inserter further comprises a trigger operably connected to an ejector for triggering ejection of the nasal device.
4 . A nasal device applicator system for applying a nasal device in communication with a subject's nasal passage, comprising:
a nasal device comprising:
a passageway through a first body, wherein the passageway is configured to fluidly connect with a subject's nasal passage,
an airflow resistor in communication with the passageway, and
a holdfast configured to removably secure the nasal device in communication with the subject's nasal passage; and
a handle releasably connected to the first body of the nasal device, wherein the handle comprises a grip surface for holding the nasal device.
5 . The device of claim 4 , wherein the handle is frangibly connected to the first body of the nasal device.
6 . A nasal device applicator system for applying a nasal device in communication with a subject's nasal passage comprising:
a nasal device comprising:
a passageway through a first body, wherein the passageway is configured to fluidly connect with a subject's nasal passage,
an airflow resistor in communication with the passageway, and
a holdfast configured to removably secure the nasal device in communication with the subject's nasal passage; and
an applicator liner comprising:
a grip region configured to be grasped by the subject,
a flexible adhesive backing region releasably secured to the nasal device, and
a folded bend region connecting the grip region and the adhesive backing region;
wherein the applicator liner may be removed from the nasal device to at least partially engage the holdfast.
7 . The system of claim 6 , wherein the applicator liner further comprises an aligner configured to align the passageway of the nasal device with the subject's nasal passage.
8 . The system of claim 7 , wherein the aligner comprises a pop-up aligner.
9 . The system of claim 7 , wherein the aligner comprises a foam aligner.
10 . The system of claim 6 , further comprising a second applicator liner having:
a grip region configured to be grasped by the subject,
an adhesive backing region releasably secured to the nasal device, and
a bend region connecting the grip region and the adhesive backing region.
11 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the grip regions of the applicator liners extend in opposite directions from the passageway of the nasal device.
12 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the grip regions of the applicator liners extend in the same direction from the passageway of the nasal device.
13 . The system of claim 6 , wherein the applicator liner is a paper liner.
14 . A nasal device applicator system for applying a nasal device in communication with a subject's nasal passage comprising:
a nasal device having an airflow resistor configured to be placed in communication with the subject's nasal passageway and inhibit expiration more than inspiration; and
an applicator liner comprising:
a grip region configured to be grasped by the subject,
an adhesive backing region releasably secured to the nasal device,
a folded bend region connecting the grip region and the adhesive backing region; and
an aligner attached to the applicator liner, wherein the aligner is convertible between a collapsed position and an extended position, wherein the extended position is configured to align the passageway of the nasal device with the subject's nasal passage.
15 . The system of claim 14 , comprising a second applicator liner including a grip region, an adhesive backing region and a folded bend region.
16 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the aligner is positioned between the applicator liner and the second applicator liner.
17 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the aligner is a perforated paper aligner, a foam aligner, or a folded paper aligner.
18 . A method of applying a nasal device in communication with a nasal passage, the method comprising:
placing a nasal device applicator system adjacent to the nose, wherein the nasal device applicator system comprises
a nasal device having an airflow resistor, and
an applicator liner having a grip region, a flexible adhesive backing region releasably secured to the nasal device, and a folded bend region connecting the grip region and the adhesive backing region; and
removing the adhesive backing region from the nasal device to expose an adhesive holdfast by pulling the grip region.
19 . The method of claim 18 , further comprising placing an aligner attached to the applicator liner at least partially in the nose.
20 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the step of removing the adhesive backing region from the nasal device comprises sliding the grip region over the adhesive backing region as the grip region is pulled.
21 . The method of claim 18 , further comprising removing a second adhesive backing region from the nasal device by pulling a second grip region.