Rhinology
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This paper describes the effects that nasal dilators have on olfactory ability. Experimental results demonstrate that nasal dilators increase odorant identification, lower odorant threshold, and increase perceptual odorant intensity. ⋯ Additionally, pneumotachograph data demonstrates that during a sniff, the peak flow, maximum flow rate, volume, and duration are all increased when nasal dilators are worn. Taken together, the increase in olfactory ability can most easily be explained by an increase in both the amount and the proportion of inspired odorant molecules that are directed to the olfactory mucosa and are, therefore, available for odorant perception.