GETTING STARTED
Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the Cones and always clean Cones before each use. (CAUTION: Do NOT use soap to clean the Cones, as it may leave a residue that could irritate the mucosal lining of the nose.)
Swivel and adjust angle until the fit and feel is just right and airflow is maximized. Cones should be “seated” comfortably and snugly in nasal airway, and there should be a significant improvement in airflow volume and ease of inhaling.
SIZING YOUR AIRWAY USING YOUR THUMB AND OUR GAUGE:
To easily gauge your Cone size, place your thumb on our sizing guide. Press down and measure the width of the entire thumb across the base of the nail. You size to the largest size dotted line that is visible. For example, the thumb outline shown, sizes to a medium because it is covers the small size dotted line.
PLEASE NOTE, JUST LIKE ALL THINGS MECHANICAL, THE NOSE CONES WILL NOT BE EFFECTIVE IF SIZED INCORRECTLY. MOST PEOPLE (86%) SIZE TO THE GAUGE.
If your thumb is right on the
dotted line, we suggest fitting the
size of that dotted line. If that size
is not correct, we suggest fitting
the next larger size or the firmer
Sinus Cones.
CORRECTLY FITTED CONES
When fitted correctly, the Cones should fulfil these criteria:
TROUBLESHOOTING FIT
Most noses are easy to fit and size accordingly.
What if the cones do not insert most of the way into the nose, or are difficult to insert? Try the next smaller size.
What is the cones insert most of the way into the nose, and then start to slip out or immediately come out? Try the next larger size.
What is the cones insert most of the way into the nose, remain in place but do not improve airflow? Try the firmer Sinus Cones in the same size.
What is the cones insert most of the way into the nose, remain in place, improve airflow, but fall out during the night? Trim them apart, as directed and wear them separated.
Alternately, what if the cones insert most of the way into the nose, remain in place, improve airflow but fall out when separated? Switch to the other type Cones. If, for example, this occurs while using the Max-Air Nose Cones, switch to the Sinus Cones, or vice versa. Occasionally, two different size Cones are required, or two different type Cones, depending on the airway obstruction. (See CUSTOMIZING FIT)
ACCLIMATION TIPS
Acclimation to the feeling of using the Cones can vary. Most people find that they barely notice the Cones after a few minutes, however, some people require a week or two to fully acclimate to the feeling.
Acclimation is different from discomfort and efficacy, so there should be no discomfort. If these is discomfort, discontinue use, and try a smaller size or the softer Max-Air Nose Cones.
For a faster acclimation, wear the Cones for a few hours before sleep for several days. Once the feeling is familiar, your nose will acclimate to them, in a manner similar to that of sunglasses.
Some people unconsciously remove the Cones during sleep the first few nights until they are fully acclimated. If this occurs simply locate the Cones in the morning, clean and wear again.
For those with sinus congestion, nasal allergies or a cold, there will be nasal drainage upon insertion of the Cones. This is normal and beneficial, as the Cones are clearing the congestion. Simply remove the Cones, blow the nose, clean the Cones and re-insert. Depending on the severity of the congestion, it may take two or three rounds of this to clear the congestion.
CHOOSING THE MOST SUITABLE CONES DEPENDS ON THE SEVERITY OF SYMPTOMS AND WHEN BREATHING IS DIFFICULT
Choosing the most suitable Cones, the slightly firmer Sinus Cones with the little clip, or the softer Max-Air Noses Cones, will depend on the severity, cause and frequency of obstruction.
Typically, the slightly heavier duty Sinus Cones are recommended and preferred by those who have difficulty inhaling through their nasal airways all the time. Even if the Cones will only be worn during sleep, nasal airflow is restricted while upright and awake AND when recumbent and asleep.
The softer and lighter weight Max-Air Noses Cones are recommended for those who only have trouble inhaling through their nasal airways during sleep.
They have NO trouble inhaling through their nasal airways when upright and awake, ONLY when recumbent and asleep.
TESTING FOR NASAL OBSTRUCTION
To test the severity of the nasal airflow restriction, simply try inhaling through the nose while keeping the mouth closed. If the inhalation sounds clear and it feels easy then select the Max-Air Nose Cones. If the inhalation sounds obstructed, congested or one or both nasal airways blocks shut and inhaling is difficult, then select the Sinus Cones.
CUSTOMIZING COMFORT AND FIT
The Cones may be worn together as they are packaged, or they may be trimmed apart and worn separately. To ease patient trial, we recommend separating Cones in the sizer kit. If relief is only necessary in one airway, simply trim the connecting piece from each Cone as shown, and wear the Cones individually**.
If one nostril is larger, more obstructed or more sensitive than the other, two different size Cones or different softness’s may be worn in each nostril to maximise comfort and relief.
If nasal dryness occurs, place a little dab of non-medicated, water-based, nasal moisturizing gel around the top of the Cone.
HOW TO STERILIZE THE CONES
The Cones are made from premium, medical-grade materials that are certified to meet ISO10993 bio-compatibility standards. They are drug-free, adhesive-free, acrylic-free, silicone-free, BPA-free, hypoallergenic and latex-free. Use 6% hydrogen-peroxide solution, autoclave to sterilize. When autoclaving, use short cycle 5-10 minutes, do NOT use a bag, place the Cones standing up on a steel tray, do not put anything on top of them, and do not touch them until they are cooled.
