Numerical simulation on nasal cavity models before and after attaching an external nasal dilator strip (ENDS)

Abstract

An external nasal dilator strip (ENDS), which is an over-the-counter device, is designed to improve the nasal airflow by expanding the cross-sectional area of the internal nasal valve. Because the nasal airflow is heavily affected by the geometry of the flow passage, changes in the anatomical shape of the nasal cavity from the application of an ENDS alter the nasal resistance and functions of the nose. In this study, we established a methodology for objectively verifying the effect when applying an ENDS. We created computational nasal cavity models of a Korean adult from CT data before and after attaching the ENDS. The airflows in these models were simulated numerically using CFD. By attaching the ENDS, the nasal resistance was reduced and the flow partitioning became more balanced during the inspiration phases. ? 2019 The Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers. Ⓒ 2019 The Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers.