The present invention involves a device for treating and relieving sinus congestion symptoms.
This device simultaneously delivers acoustic vibration and oscillating expiratory pressure to the nasal cavity, with positive results seen after two weeks of twice daily treatments for two weeks in clinical studies involving patient-reported metrics (TNSS, NOSE and SNOT-22).
How it works
Sinuses are lined with tissues that produce and drain mucus from within, but when inflamed they swell up and trap mucus inside nasal passageways resulting in headaches and facial pain. Sinus massage may help alleviate inflammation which contributes to these symptoms.
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects more than 40 million people across North America and can significantly decrease quality of life for patients living with the condition. A recent study demonstrated how applying high frequency vibration to the sinus region can significantly alleviate pain associated with CRS symptoms as well as improve overall quality of life for CRS sufferers.
Study participants suffering from facial pain or pressure were randomly given either a placebo pill or an electronic device combining acoustic and mechanical vibration, using a coaxially rotating shaft with motor to produce vibrations. Patients were instructed to use it at home for 10 days. Results demonstrated that CRS patients receiving simultaneous acoustic and mechanical vibration were significantly more satisfied with their quality of life than those not receiving this device.
Vibration therapy for sinusitis can be accomplished using either a handheld device or pillow designed to vibrate the head and sinus area. A handheld device is convenient, portable, and easy to use while at home, work, or traveling – its dial allows users to control vibration cycles as well as the vibration amplitude; specific areas of facial skin may even be targeted with vibration therapy.
A pillow equipped with vibration therapy is both cozy and functional; providing relief from migraines, headaches and sinus pain. Equipped with small vibrating motors that create external stimulation to block pain signals sent from the brain directly. Made of soft breathable cotton with ergonomic beads that sit gently against skin.
There are four pairs of sinuses, and the frontal sinuses are located at the center of your forehead. To massage these sinuses, first warm your hands. Next, place the index and middle fingers of both hands on either side of the center brow bone before using gentle, circular strokes to massage for 30 seconds using humming sounds to promote release of nitric oxide for improved mucus movement.
Benefits
Nasal congestion is a widespread condition caused by various conditions, including upper respiratory infections such as the flu or cold, allergies and nasal surgery. All of these disorders impair mucociliary clearance in the nose and sinuses resulting in increased inflammation, intense pressure/pain and blocked drainage – symptoms which medications only offer temporary relief for. Vibration therapy for sinusitis provides safe non-pharmacologic relief to reduce symptoms while improving health in sinuses.
Vibration therapy offers an alternative solution for sinus congestion that goes beyond quick fixes like neti pots and nasal sprays; vibration can directly address its sources to provide long-term relief of symptoms. According to Dr. Madeleine Schaberg of Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, blocked sinuses result from swelling in sinus cavities which then become unable to drain mucus properly; there are eight sinus cavities on either side of your head, she noted; while neti pots or sinus rinses can provide temporary relief, regular use will give lasting relief.
Other treatments for clogged sinuses may include the Valsalva maneuver, balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube or placement of pressure equalizing ear tubes; however, these procedures are typically painful and only provide short-term relief.
Recent research suggests that acoustic vibration, in the form of humming, can improve sinus patency by increasing nitric oxide production – leading to decreased pain signals within sinuses. Furthermore, vibration has been found to lower upregulation levels for neuromodulators that contribute to pain such as neurokinin 1 receptor, substance P and tumor necrosis factor a.
There have been various studies using vibrational treatment to treat sinusitis. Some used only acoustic energy while others combined this technique with nebulizer drug delivery; results ranged from no benefits reported at all, to some showing significant improvement. One promising research team conducted their study at University of Texas Houston School of Medicine where combined vibrational energy with nebulizer drug delivery improved sinus medication delivery.
Side effects
Vibration therapy for sinusitis is an easy and safe solution that does not rely on pharmaceutical medications to address symptoms. Patients can perform it themselves at home using SinuSonic device which combines acoustic vibration with oscillating expiratory pressure to open nasal passages naturally – this has been shown to significantly improve patient-reported outcomes in smaller studies.
This device does not require a valid prescription and can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC). It features a vibrating headband which helps loosen and dislodge mucus from sinuses. Users are advised to wear this device twice daily for approximately 30 minutes at a time for maximum benefit.
There has been speculation that using acoustic energy could help alleviate pain and sinonasal symptoms by increasing nitric oxide production; however, its exact mechanism remains unknown. Therefore, additional studies are required to study specific treatment indications among larger patient populations as well as optimal frequency and duration for therapy using this therapy technique.
Saline sprays may also help relieve sinus congestion by loosening and thinning mucus, making drainage of it out more easily from your nose. Other OTC treatments include decongestants and antihistamines to decrease swelling and pain in your sinuses.
An additional solution to help relieve sinus symptoms is using a warm compress. These are readily available from most pharmacies and can be applied directly onto the face and neck to alleviate congestion, swelling and pressure in the sinuses. Just be careful not to press too hard as that could irritate them further.
As another way of providing sinus relief, sinus massage may provide much-needed respite. This method involves massaging the sides of the head – specifically cheekbones and forehead. A trained practitioner or body massager or face vibrator may assist in this task – these devices can be found online or at department stores with beauty supply stores; also health food stores carry them.
Precautions
Sinus infections occur when the tissues lining the sinuses become inflamed and trap mucus and other fluids within the nasal passageways, leading to pain, pressure and runny nose symptoms. An effective sinus massage can relieve symptoms associated with sinusitis while simultaneously improving nasal passageways by improving mucus flow. To begin a successful massage session, it’s necessary to locate all four pairs of sinuses within your face – the initial step being identification of all four sets of sinuses that exist on either side. Frontal sinuses, located in the center of your skull behind your nose and between your eyes, can be massaged by placing thumb and index finger together on the bridge of the nose and gently stroking towards inner corners of your eyes. Sphenoid sinuses lie on either side of your nostrils. Massage techniques to soothe sinusitis include placing both thumb and index finger on one nostril bridge and gently stroking downward toward the nose. Maxillary sinuses, located on cheeks, inside of nose and mouth area may be massaged by placing one finger under nose and pressing down toward sides of nostrils.
Clogged sinuses occur when sinus membranes swell to an inability to drain, leading to discomfort such as pain, headaches and runny nose. Decongestants available over-the-counter are the best solution; these medications work by contracting blood vessels in membranes to allow more fluid to pass through, although prolonged use could result in rebound of membranes; so they should only be taken for up to three days at a time to avoid further worsening congestion.
Another solution for sinusitis treatment is irrigation. A solution composed of salt and baking soda can thin out mucus and facilitate its drainage, with rinses being sold by many pharmacies, and doctors advising multiple applications daily to the sinuses. Josephson recommends the NeilMed Neti Pot with its built-in nasal rinse; for extra convenience he also suggests the Grossan Hydro-Pulse which acts like a WaterPik but for your sinuses.
