Cyclic alternating pattern sequences in non-apneic snorers with and without nasal dilation.

A study was conducted to polysomnographically evaluate the effects of external nasal dilation on sleep quality in mild snorers by examining the amount of sleep fragmentation and cyclic alternating pattern sequences (CAPS) rates. A two-night, open-label, one-way crossover polysomnographic evaluation, with and without use of an external nasal dilator, was done at the Tri-State Sleep Disorders Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Nine snorers, polysomnographically determined to be free of clinically significant levels of obstructive sleep apnea, were studied. CAPS rates with nasal dilation were 28.4% as compared to 37.9% without nasal dilation (p < 0.05). We conclude that external nasal dilation reduces arousal instability in snorers without obstructive sleep apnea.