Sanitary device for removing debris from a nostril

Abstract

An apparatus and method for removing dried nasal mucus, blood, and other debris from a nostril is disclosed. The apparatus generally includes an elongated shaft with bristles attached to one end of it. The bristles are designed to remove the debris from the nostril by inserting and twisting them around within the nostril.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device comprising:
 an elongated shaft comprising a first rounded end portion dimensioned to be inserted into a nostril and a second end portion configured to be grasped; and   a plurality of bristles attached to the first rounded end portion, the plurality of bristles being configured to remove debris from the nostril.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of bristles extend laterally and upwardly from the first rounded end portion. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of bristles are divided into groups of bristles that are distributed about the circumference of the elongated shaft. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of bristles are formed from nylon. 
     
     
         5 . A method of removing debris from a nostril, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a device comprising:
 an elongated shaft comprising a first rounded end portion dimensioned to be inserted into the nostril and a second end portion; and 
 a plurality of bristles attached to the first rounded end portion, the plurality of bristles being configured to remove debris from the nostril; 
   grasping the second end portion;   inserting the first rounded end portion into the nostril; and   twisting the device to remove the debris from the nostril.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of bristles extend laterally and upwardly from the first rounded end portion. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of bristles are divided into groups of bristles that are distributed about the circumference of the elongated shaft. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of bristles are formed from nylon.