Nasal devices

Abstract

Devices for improving nasal breathing and to nasal drug delivery devices having two end portions of a resilient material in the form of relatively thin tabs, preferably having a gentle curvature, interconnected by a resilient member. Upon bending of the connecting member, the two end tabs can be positioned in respective nostrils where they will be biased outwardly against the nasal side walls, the outward biasing force being sufficient to locate the device in the nose and to dilate the anterior part of each nasal cavity by an amount to improve nasal breathing. No part of the device is grippingly engaged with the septum and a substantial free passage for air flow remains between the septum wall and the nasal side wall-contacting face of each end tab.

I claim: 
     
       1. A one-piece device for positioning in the nose comprising: (i) a pair of tabs for positioning in respective nostrils; and   (ii) an elongate connecting member resiliently interconnecting the tabs;   wherein:   (a) each tab is resilient and has a surface for engaging the outer side wall of the respective nostril, is relatively thin .[.se.]. .Iadd.so .Iaddend.to project a relatively small distance from the outer side wall into the passage of the respective nostril and is formed from a resilient, relatively soft material whereby said surface may conform to the contours of said respective side wall;   (b) the connecting member is of a length sufficient to follow a path from one tab to the other over the septum of the nose;   (c) said connecting member is resiliently bendable from an inoperative configuration into an operative configuration in which the tabs are positioned within the nostrils, the connecting member follows said path over the septum, and there is a restoring force tending to return said connecting member to the inoperative configuration; and   (d) the restoring force is sufficient to maintain the device in the nose of a user by means of engagement of the tabs with their respective nostril by means of the tabs urging the respective side walls outwardly.   
     
     
       2. The device of claim 1, wherein said connecting member is generally straight in the inoperative condition of the device and is bent resiliently to follow a curved path in the operative configuration of the device. 
     
     
       3. The device of claim 2, wherein said connecting member comprises a main relatively thick portion joined to said tabs by relatively thin hinge portions. 
     
     
       4. The device of claim 3, wherein the hinge portions taper in thickness from the main portion to the tabs. 
     
     
       5. The device of claim 3, wherein said main portion tapers in thickness from its center to said respective hinge portions. 
     
     
       6. The device of claim 3, wherein in the inoperative condition the tabs are displaced by the hinge portions away from the axis of the main portion of the connecting member. 
     
     
       7. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface of each tab which engages the nostril side wall is convex. 
     
     
       8. The device of claim 1, wherein each tab is curved in both a longitudinal and a lateral direction. 
     
     
       9. The device of claim 1, wherein each tab has a tapering lower portion. 
     
     
       10. The device of claim 9, wherein the tapering lower portion has a hollow protrusion on the side remote from the nostril side wall, said protrusion having an opening to permit the dispensing of a medication from within the protrusion. 
     
     
       11. The device of claim 10, wherein said protrusion is semispherical. 
     
     
       12. The device of claim 1, wherein each tab is elongated, extends transversely to said connecting member and has a first relatively short portion extending on one side of said connecting member to enable contact with the floor of the nasal cavity, and a second relatively long portion extending on the other side of said connecting member. 
     
     
       13. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface of each tab which engages the nostril side wall is provided with gripping means. 
     
     
       14. The device of claim 13, wherein said gripping means comprises a plurality of protuberances. 
     
     
       15. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface of each tab which engages the nostril side wall is provided with a cavity having an opening to permit the dispensing of a medication from within the cavity. 
     
     
       16. The device of claim 15, wherein said cavity is defined by a raised wall extending from said surface. 
     
     
       17. A one-piece device for positioning in the nose comprising: (i) a pair of tabs for positioning in respective nostrils; and   (ii) a resilient elongated connecting member interconnecting the tabs;   wherein:   (a) each tab is resilient and has a surface for engaging the outer side wall of the respective nostril, is relatively thin so as to project a relatively small distance from the outer side wall into the passage of the respective nostril;   (b) the connecting member is of a length sufficient to follow a path from one tab to the other over the septum of the nose, and comprises a relatively thick main portion connected at its end to said tabs by thinner hinge portions;   (c) said connecting member is resiliently bendable from an inoperative configuration into an operative configuration in which the tabs are positioned within the nostrils, the connecting member follows said path over the septum, and there is a restoring force tending to return said connecting member to the inoperative configuration;   (d) the arrangement of said relatively thick main portion and the said thinner hinge portions of said connecting member being such that in said operative condition, bending of the said main portion is minimized and most of the bending movement is taken by said hinge portions; and   (e) the restoring force is sufficient to maintain the device in the nose of a user by means of engagement of the tabs with their respective nostril outer side wall, and to dilate the nostrils by means of the tabs urging the respective side walls outwardly.   
     
     
       18. A one-piece device for positioning in the nose comprising: (i) a pair of tabs for positioning in respective nostrils; and   (ii) a resilient elongated connecting member interconnecting the tabs;   wherein:   (a) each tab is resilient and has a surface for engaging, the outer side wall of the respective nostril, and is relatively thin so as to project a relatively small distance from the outer side wall into the passage of the respective nostril;   (b) the connecting member is of a length sufficient to follow a path from one tab to the other over the septum of the nose, and comprises a main portion connected at its ends to said tabs by hinge portions;   (c) said connecting member is resiliently bendable from an inoperative configuration in which said main portion is generally straight, into an operative configuration in which the tabs are positioned within the nostrils and in which said main portion is bowed, the connecting member follows said path over the septum, and there is a restoring force tending to return said connecting member to the inoperative configuration; and   (d) the restoring force is sufficient to maintain the device in the nose of a user by means of engagement of the tabs with their respective nostril outer side walls, and to dilate the nostrils by means of the tabs urging the respective side walls outwardly.   
     
     
       19. A one-piece device for positioning in the nose comprising: (i) a pair of tabs for positioning in respective nostrils; and   (ii) a resilient elongated connecting member interconnecting the tabs;   wherein:   (a) each tab is elongated, resilient and has a surface for engaging the outer side wall of the respective nostril, is relatively thin so as to project a relatively small distance from the outer side wall into the passage of the respective nostril, extends transversely to the axis of the connecting member and is formed from a relatively soft material whereby said surface may conform to the contours of the respective outer side wall;   (b) the connecting member is of a length sufficient to follow a path from one tab to the other over the septum of the nose, and comprises a relatively thick main portion connected at its ends to said tabs by relatively thin hinge portions;   (c) said connecting member is resiliently bendable from an inoperative configuration in which said main portion is generally straight, into an operative configuration in which the tabs are positioned within the nostrils and in which said main portion is bowed, the connecting member follows said path over the septum, and there is a restoring force tending to return said connecting member to the inoperative configuration;   (d) the arrangement of said relatively thick main portion and the said thinner hinge portions of said connecting member being such that in said operative condition, bending of the said main portion is minimized and most of the bending movement is taken by said hinge regions and such that said tabs are offset from the axis of said main portion by said hinge portions; and   (e) the restoring force is sufficient to maintain the device in the nose of a user by means of engagement of the tabs with their respective nostril outer side walls, and to dilate the nostrils by means of the tabs urging the respective side walls outwardly.   
     
     
       20. A device for positioning in the nose to administer medication comprising: (i) a pair of tabs for positioning in respective nostrils; and   (ii) an elongated connecting member resiliently interconnecting the tabs;   wherein:   (a) each tab is resilient and has a surface for engaging the outer side wall of the respective nostril, is relatively thin so as to project a relatively small distance from the outer side wall into the passage of the respective nostril and is formed from a resilient, relatively soft material whereby said surface may conform to the contours of said respective side wall;   (b) the connecting member is of a length sufficient to follow a path from one tab to the other over the septum of the nose;   (c) said connecting member is resiliently bendable from an inoperative configuration into an operative configuration in which the tabs are positioned within the nostrils, the connecting member follows said path over the septum, and there is a restoring force tending to return said connecting member to the inoperative configuration; and   (d) the restoring force is sufficient to maintain the device in the nose of a user by means of engagement of the tabs with their respective nostril outer side walls, and to dilate the nostrils by means of the tabs urging the respective side walls outwardly; and   (e) said tabs are provided with means for retaining a medication to be administered.   
     
     
       21. The device of claim 20 wherein the surface of each tab which engages the nostril side wall is provided with a cavity having an opening to permit the dispensing of medication from within the cavity. 
     
     
       22. The device of claim 21 wherein the surface of each tab which is remote from the nostril side wall is provided with a cavity having an opening to permit the dispensing of medication from within the cavity. 
     
     
       23. A method for improving nasal breathing comprising the step of positioning in the nose a device comprising: (i) a pair of tabs for positioning in respective nostrils; and   (ii) an elongated connecting member resiliently interconnecting the tabs;   wherein:   (a) each tab is resilient and has a surface for engaging the outer side wall of the respective nostril, is relatively thin so as to project a relatively small distance from the outer side wall into the passage of the respective nostril and is formed from a resilient, relatively soft material whereby said surface may conform to the contours of said respective side wall;   (b) the connecting member is of a length sufficient to follow a path from one tab to the other over the septum of the nose;   (c) said connecting member is resiliently bendable from an inoperative configuration into an operative configuration in which the tabs are positioned within the nostrils, the connecting member follows said path over the septum, and there is a restoring force tending to return said connecting member to the inoperative configuration; and   (d) the restoring force is sufficient to maintain the device in the nose of a user by means of engagement of the tabs with their respective nostril outer side walls, and to dilate the nostrils by means of the tabs urging the respective side walls outwardly.   
     
     
       24. A method for improving nasal breathing comprising the step of positioning in the nose a device comprising: (i) a pair of tabs for positioning in respective nostrils; and   (ii) a resilient elongated connecting member interconnecting the tabs;   wherein:   (a) each tab is elongated, resilient and has a surface for engaging the outer side wall of the respective nostril, is relatively thin so as to project a relatively small distance from the outer side wall into the passage of the respective nostril, extends transversely to the axis of the connecting member and is formed from a relatively soft material whereby said surface may conform to the contours of the respective side wall;   (b) the connecting member is of a length sufficient to follow a path from one tab to the other over the septum of the nose, and comprises a relatively thick main portion connected at its ends to said tabs by relatively thin hinge portions;   (c) said connecting member is resiliently bendable from an inoperative configuration in which said main portion is generally straight, into an operative configuration in which tabs are positioned within the nostrils and in which said main portion is bowed, the connecting member follows said path over the septum, and there is a restoring force tending to return said connecting member to the inoperative configuration;   (d) the arrangement of said relatively thick main portion and the said thinner hinge portions of said connecting member being such that in said operative condition, bending of the said main portion is minimized and most of the bending movement is taken by said hinge regions and such that said tabs are offset from the axis of said main portion by said hinge portions; and   (e) the restoring force is sufficient to maintain the device in the nose of a user by means of engagement of the tabs with their respective nostril outer side walls, and to dilate the nostrils by means of the tabs urging the respective side walls outwardly.   
     
     
       25. A method of reducing or preventing snoring comprising the step of positioning in the nose a device comprising: (i) a pair of tabs for positioning in respective nostrils; and   (ii) an elongated connecting member resiliently interconnecting the tabs;   wherein:   (a) each tab is resilient and has a surface for engaging the outer side wall of the respective nostril, is relatively thin so as to project a relatively small distance from the outer side wall into the passage of the respective nostril and is formed from a resilient, relatively soft material whereby said surface may conform to the contours of said respective side wall;   (b) the connecting member is of a length sufficient to follow a path from one tab to the other over the septum of the nose;   (c) said connecting member is resiliently bendable from an inoperative configuration into an operative configuration in which the tabs are positioned within the nostrils, the connecting member follows said path over the septum, and there is a restoring force tending to return said connecting member to the inoperative configuration; and   (d) the restoring force is sufficient to maintain the device in the nose of a user by means of engagement of the tabs with their respective nostril outer side walls, and to dilate the nostrils by means of the tabs urging the respective side walls outwardly.   
     
     
       26. A method of administering a medication nasally comprising the step of positioning in the nose a device comprising: (i) a pair of tabs for positioning in respective nostrils; and   (ii) an elongated connecting member resiliently interconnecting the tabs; wherein:   (a) each tab is resilient and has a surface for engaging the outer side wall of the respective nostril, is relatively thin so as to project a relatively small distance from the outer side wall into the passage of the respective nostril and is formed from a resilient, relatively soft material whereby said surface may conform to the contours of said respective side wall;   (b) the connecting member is of a length sufficient to follow a path from one tab to the other over the septum of the nose;   (c) said connecting member is resiliently bendable from an inoperative configuration into an operative configuration in which the tabs are positioned within the nostrils, the connecting member follows said path over the septum, and there is a restoring force tending to return said connecting member to the inoperative configuration;   (d) the restoring force is sufficient to maintain the device in the nose of a user by means of engagement of the tabs with their respective nostril outer side walls, and to dilate the nostrils by means of the tabs urging the respective side walls outwardly; and   (3) said tabs are provided with means retaining a medication to be administered.   
     
     
       27. The method of claim 26 wherein said medication is retained in a cavity provided on the surface of the tab which engages the nasal wide wall. 
     
     
       28. The method of claim 26 wherein said medication is retained in a cavity provided on the surface of the tab remote from the nostril side wall. .Iadd. 
     
     
       29.  A nasal dilator capable of introducing separating stresses in nasal outer wall tissues, comprising: a unitary plastic body with a resilient member secured therein, the body being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the body being substantially planar absent external forces applied thereto, the body having a pair of spaced apart end surfaces which, if forced toward one another from their initial positions within the plane of said body to substantially reduce direct spacing therebetween by a spacing reduction force external to said body results in restoring forces in said body tending to restore said direct spacing between said end surfaces; and   engagement means with said end surfaces capable of engaging surfaces of nasal outer wall tissues sufficiently to remain so engaged against said restoring forces, such that the restoring forces in said body tend to restore the body to the substantially planar state and dilate the nose by urging the outer wall tissues outwardly with the end surfaces of said resilient member, and also on release of the end surfaces from engagement with the outer wall tissue the restoring forces further urging the body to return to the substantially planar state. .Iaddend..Iadd.   
     
     
       30.  The nasal dilator of claim 29 wherein said nasal dilator is configured to restrain nasal outer wall tissues adjacent nasal passages therein from being drawn in during breathing, said body having sufficient restoring forces to substantially maintain during inhalation that spacing occurring between said end surfaces prior to inhalation. .Iaddend..Iadd.31. The nasal dilator of claim 29 wherein said body includes deformable material between exposed surfaces of any nasal outer wall tissues engaged by said engagement means and said resilient member. .Iaddend..Iadd.32. The nasal dilator of claim 29 wherein said body and said engagement means are capable of being manually released from surfaces of any nasal outer wall tissues engaged by said engagement means. .Iaddend..Iadd.33. The nasal dilator claim 29 wherein said resilient member and said engagement means together are formed as a strip body having a length substantially greater than either of its width and thickness, and a width substantially greater 
     
     
        than its thickness everywhere along said length. .Iaddend..Iadd.34.  The nasal dilator of claim 29 wherein said body is of substantially constant thickness. .Iaddend..Iadd.35. The nasal dilator of claim 29 wherein said end surfaces are limited in separation therebetween so that, when said end surfaces are engaging nasal outer wall tissues adjacent nasal passages therein, a surface of said body can be in contact with said nose for substantially all of that extent thereof between said end surfaces. .Iaddend..Iadd.36. The nasal dilator of claim 29 wherein said spaced-apart end surfaces of said body are terminated by end edges at opposite ends of said body, and wherein said resilient member provides said restoring forces in said body tending to restore said spacing between end surfaces 
     
     
        thereof. .Iaddend..Iadd.37.  A nasal dilator capable of introducing separating stresses in nasal outer wall tissues, comprising: a resilient unitary plastic body, the body being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the body being substantially planar absent external forces applied thereto having a pair of spaced apart end surfaces which, if forced toward one another from their initial positions within the plane of said body to substantially reduce direct spacing therebetween by a spacing reduction force external to said body, results in restoring forces in said body tending to restore said direct spacing between said end surfaces; and   said end surfaces comprising engagement means capable of engaging surfaces of nasal outer wall tissues sufficiently to remain so engaged against said restoring forces, such that the restoring forces in said body tend to restore the body to the substantially planar state and dilate the nose by urging the outer wall tissues outwardly with the end surfaces of said resilient member, and also on release of the end surfaces from engagement with the outer wall tissue the restoring forces further urging the body to   
     
     
        return to the substantially planar state. .Iaddend..Iadd.38.  A nasal dilator comprising: a unitary plastic member, the member being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the member being substantially planar absent external forces applied thereto, the unitary member including: a first end region adapted to engage the outer wall tissue of a first nasal passage;   a second end region adapted to engage the outer wall tissue of a second nasal passage;   an intermediate segment configured to traverse a portion of a nose located between the first and second nasal passages, the inherent tendency of the member to return to its normally substantially planar state when flexed acting to stabilize the outer wall tissue and thereby act to substantially prevent the outer wall tissue of the first and second nasal passages from drawing in during breathing;   a resilient member being at least a portion of the first and second end regions and the intermediate segment, the resilient member being capable, at least in part, of deformation that allows the member to conform to the outer wall tissue of the nasal passages of a nose, and   the inherent tendency of the member to return to its substantially planar state acting to dilate the nose by urging the outer wall tissues outwardly with the end regions of said resilient member, and also on release of the end regions from engagement with the outer wall tissue the inherent tendency of the member to return acting to urge the body to return further     
     
     
        to the substantially planar state. .Iaddend..Iadd.39.  The nasal dilator of claim 38 wherein the member is configured to extend about a nose such that the intermediate segment traverses an exterior region of the nose, the first end region engaging a surface of the outer wall tissue of the first nasal passage and the second end region engaging a surface of the 
     
     
        outer wall tissue of the second nasal passage. .Iaddend..Iadd.40.  The nasal dilator of claim 38 wherein the resilient member includes: at least one resilient band oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal length of the truss, the resiliency of the at least one resilient band acting to prevent the outer wall tissue of the first and second nasal passages from drawing in during breathing. .Iaddend..Iadd.41. The nasal dilator of claim 38 wherein the resilient member stabilizes the outer wall tissue by dilating the first and second nasal passages to thereby prevent the outer wall tissue of the first and second nasal   
     
     
        passages from drawing in during breathing. .Iaddend..Iadd.42.  A nasal dilator comprising: a resilient unitary plastic member, the member being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the member being substantially planar absent external forces applied thereto, the unitary member including; a first end region adapted to engage the outer wall tissue of a first nasal passage;   a second end region adapted to engage the outer wall tissue of a second nasal passage;   an intermediate segment configured to traverse a portion of a nose located between the first and second nasal passages, the inherent tendency of the member to return to its normally planar state when flexed acting to bias the outer wall tissue of the first and second nasal passages outwardly during breathing, and   the inherent tendency of the member to return to its planar state acting to dilate the nose by urging the outer wall tissues outwardly with the end regions of said resilient member, and also on release of the end regions from engagement with the outer wall tissue the inherent tendency of the body to return acting to urge the body to return further to the substantially planar state. .Iaddend..Iadd.43. A nasal dilator comprising:     a resilient unitary plastic member, the member being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the member being substantially planar absent external forces applied thereto, the unitary member including: a first end region adapted to engage the outer wall tissue of a first nasal passage;   a second end region adapted to engage the outer wall tissue of a second nasal passage;   an intermediate segment configured to traverse a portion of a nose located between the first and second nasal passages, the inherent tendency of the member to return to its normally planar state when flexed acting to bias the outer wall tissue of the first and second nasal passages outwardly during breathing,   the resilient member being capable, at least in part, of deformation that allows the member to conform to the outer wall tissue of the nasal passages of a nose, and   the inherent tendency of the member to return to its planar state acting to dilate the nose by urging the outer wall tissues outwardly with the end regions of said resilient member, and also on release of the end regions from engagement with the outer wall tissue the inherent tendency of the member to return acting to urge the body to return further to the     
     
     
        substantially planar state. .Iaddend..Iadd.44.  A nasal dilator comprising: a resilient, flexible plastic member, the member being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the member being substantially planar absent external forces applied thereto, including: a first end region adapted to engage the outer wall tissue of a first nasal passage;   a second end region adapted to engage the outer wall tissue of a second nasal passage;   an intermediate segment, the member being unitary from the first end region to the second end region with the intermediate segment being configured to traverse an exterior region of the nose located between the first and second nasal passages, the inherent tendency of the member to return to its normally planar state when flexed acting to stabilize the outer wall tissue and thereby act to substantially prevent the outer wall tissue of the first and second nasal passages from collapsing when inhaling;   a deformable means in at least a portion of the first and second end regions and the intermediate segment for enhancing the flexibility of the member in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the member, and   the inherent tendency of the member to return to its planar state acting to dilate the nose by urging the outer wall tissues outwardly with the end regions of said resilient member, and also on release of the end regions from engagement with the outer wall tissue the inherent tendency of the member to return acting to urge the body to return further to the substantially planar state. .Iaddend..Iadd.45. A nasal dilator comprising:     a unitary plastic member, the member being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the member being substantially planar absent external forces applied thereto, the unitary member including: first end region engaging an exterior surface of the outer wall tissue of a first nasal passage;   a second end region engaging an exterior surface of the outer wall tissue of a second nasal passage;   an intermediate segment configured to traverse a portion of a nose located between the first and second nasal passages by extending about an exterior region, the inherent tendency of the member to return to its normally planar state when flexed acting to stabilize the outer wall tissue and thereby act to substantially prevent the outer wall tissue of the first and second nasal passages from drawing in during breathing;   a deformable means for allowing the member to conform to the outer wall tissue of the nasal passages of a nose through the deformable means capability of being deformable, the deformable means defining at least a portion of the first and second end regions and the intermediate segment, and the inherent tendency of the member to return to its planar state acting to dilate the nose by urging the outer wall tissues outwardly with the end regions of said member, and also on release of the end regions from engagement with the outer wall tissue the inherent tendency of the member to return acting to urge the body to return further to the     
     
     
        substantially planar state. .Iaddend..Iadd.46.  A one-piece device for engaging the nose comprising: a pair of tabs positioned with respective nostrils; and   an elongated connecting member resiliently interconnecting the tabs, wherein: each tab is resilient and has a surface for engaging the outer side wall of the respective nostril, is relatively thin and is formed from a resilient material whererby said surface may conform to the contours of said respective side wall;   the connecting member is of a length sufficient to follow a path from one tab to the other over the nose;   said connecting member, the member being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the member being resiliently bendable from an inoperative configuration into an operative configuration in which the tabs are positioned relative with the nostrils, the connecting member follows said path and there is a restoring force tending to return said connecting member to the inoperative configuration; and   the restoring force is sufficient to urge the respective side walls outwardly by means of gripping engagement of the tabs with their respective nostril by means of the tabs urging the respective side walls outwardly, such that the restoring forces tend to restore the member to a substantially planar state and dilate the nose, and also on release of the end surfaces from engagement with the outer wall the restoring forces urge the member to return further to the substantially planar state.     
     
     
        .Iaddend..Iadd.47.  The device of claim 46 wherein said connecting member is generally straight in the inoperative condition of the device and is bent resiliently to follow a curved path in the operative configuration of 
     
     
        the device. .Iaddend..Iadd.48.  A nasal dilator capable of introducing separating stresses in nasal outer wall tissues, comprising: a unitary plastic body with a resilient member secured therein, the member being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the member being substantially planar absent external forces applied thereto, having a pair of spaced apart end surfaces which, if forced toward one another from initial positions to substantially reduce direct spacing therebetween by a spacing reduction force external to said body, results in restoring forces in said body tending to restore said direct spacing between said end surfaces; and   engagement means with said end surfaces capable of grippingly engaging surfaces of nasal outer wall tissues sufficiently to remain so engaged against said restoring forces, such that the restoring forces tend to restore the body to the substantially planar state and dilate the nose, and also on release of the end surfaces from engagement with the outer wall tissues the restoring forces further urge the body to return to the   
     
     
        substantially planar state. .Iaddend..Iadd.49.  A nasal dilator capable of introducing separating stresses in nasal outer wall tissues, comprising: a resilient unitary plastic body, the body being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the body being substantially planar absent external forces applied thereto having a pair of spaced apart end surfaces which, if forced toward one another from initial positions to substantially reduce direct spacing therebetween by a spacing reduction force external to said body, results in restoring forces in said body tending to restore said direct spacing between said end surfaces; and   said end surfaces comprising engagement means capable of grippingly engaging surfaces of nasal outer wall tissues sufficiently to remain so engaged against said restoring forces, such that the restoring forces tend to restore the body to the substantially planar state and dilate the nose, and also on release of the end surfaces from engagement with the outer wall tissues the restoring forces further urge the body to return to the   
     
     
        substantially planar state. .Iaddend..Iadd.50.  A nasal dilator comprising: a unitary plastic member, the member being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the member being substantially planar absent external forces applied thereto, the unitary member including: a first end region adapted to attach to the outer wall tissue of a first nasal passage;   a second end region adapted to attach to the outer wall tissue of a second nasal passage;   an intermediate segment configured to traverse a portion of a nose located between the first and second nasal passages, the inherent tendency of the member to return to its normally planar state when flexed acting to stabilize the outer wall tissue and thereby act to substantially prevent the outer wall tissue of the first and second nasal passages from drawing in during breathing;   resilient member being at least a portion of the first and second end regions and the intermediate segment, the resilient member being capable, at least in part, of deformation that allows the member to conform to the outer wall tissue of the nasal passages of a nose, and   the inherent tendency of the member to return to its planar state also acting on release of the end regions from engagement with the outer tissue to return the body further to the substantially planar state.     
     
     
        .Iaddend..Iadd.51.  A nasal dilator comprising: a resilient unitary plastic member, the member being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the member being substantially planar absent external forces applied thereto, the unitary member including: a first end region adapted to attach to the outer wall tissue of a first nasal passage;   a second end region adapted to attach to the outer wall tissue of a second nasal passage;   an intermediate segment configured to traverse a portion of a nose located between the first and second nasal passages, the inherent tendency of the member to return to its normally planar state when flexed acting to bias the outer wall tissue of the first and second nasal passages outwardly during breathing, and also on release of the end regions from engagement with the outer wall tissue the inherent tendency of the member acts to urge the body to return further to the substantially planar state.     
     
     
        .Iaddend..Iadd.52.  A nasal dilator comprising: a resilient unitary plastic member, the member being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the member being substantially planar absent external forces; the unitary member including: a first end region adapted to attach to the outer wall tissue of a first nasal passage;   a second end region adapted to attach to the outer wall tissue of a second nasal passage;   an intermediate segment configured to traverse a portion of a nose located between the first and second nasal passages, the inherent tendency of the member to return to its normally planar state when flexed acting to bias the outer wall tissue of the first and second nasal passages outwardly during breathing, and   the resilient member being capable, at least in part, of deformation that allows the member to conform to the outer wall tissue of the nasal passages of a nose, and also on release of the end regions from engagement with the outer wall tissue the inherent tendency of the member acts to urge the body to return further to the substantially planar state.     
     
     
        .Iaddend..Iadd.53.  A nasal dilator comprising: a resilient, flexible plastic member, the member being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the member being substantially planar absent external forces applied thereto, including: a first end region adapted to attach to the outer wall tissue of a first nasal passage;   a second end region adapted to attach to the outer wall tissue of a second nasal passage;   an intermediate segment, the member being unitary from the first end region to the second end region with the intermediate segment being configured to traverse an exterior region of the nose located between the first and second nasal passages, the inherent tendency of the member to return to its normally planar state when flexed acting to stabilize the outer wall tissue and thereby prevent the outer wall tissue of the first and second nasal passages from collapsing when inhaling, and also on release of the end regions from engagement with the outer wall tissue the inherent tendency of the member acts to urge the body to return further to the substantially planar state, and   a deformable means in at least a portion of the first and second end regions and the intermediate segment for enhancing the flexibility of the member in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extent     
     
     
        of the member. .Iaddend..Iadd.54.  A nasal dilator comprising: unitary plastic member, the member being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the member being substantially planar absent external forces applied thereto, the unitary member including: a first end region attaching to an outer surface of the outer wall tissue of a first nasal passage;   a second end region attaching to an outer surface of the outer wall tissue of a second nasal passage;   an intermediate segment configured to traverse a portion of a nose located between the first and second nasal passages by extending about an exterior region, the inherent tendency of the member to return to its normally planar state when flexed acting to stabilize the outer wall tissue and thereby act to substantially prevent the outer wall tissue of the first and second nasal passages from drawing in during breathing, and also on release of the end regions from engagement with the outer wall tissue the inherent tendency of the member acts to urge the body to return further to the substantially planar state; and   a deformable means for allowing the member to conform to the outer wall tissue of the nasal passages of a nose through the deformable means capability of being deformable, the deformable means defining at least a portion of the first and second end regions and the intermediate segment.     
     
     
        .Iaddend..Iadd.55.  A method for improving nasal breathing comprising the step of engaging with the nose a device comprising: a pair of tabs for positioning with respective nostrils; and   an elongated connecting member resiliently interconnecting the tabs, wherein: each tab is resilient and has a surface for engaging the outer side wall of the respective nostril, is relatively thin and is formed from a resilient material whereby said surface may conform to the contours of said respective side wall;   the connecting member is of a length sufficient to follow a path from one tab to the other over the nose;   said connecting member is resiliently bendable from an inoperative configuration into an operative configuration in which the tabs are positioned relative with the nostrils, the connecting member follows said path and there is a restoring force tending to return said connecting member to the inoperative configuration; and   the restoring force is sufficient to urge the respective side walls outwardly by means of engagement of the tabs with their respective nostril and to dilate the nostrils by means of the tabs urging the respective side     
     
     
        walls outwardly. .Iaddend..Iadd.56.  A method of reducing or preventing snoring comprising the step of positioning relative with the nose a device comprising: a pair of tabs for positioning with respective nostrils; and   an elongated connecting member resiliently interconnecting the tabs, wherein: each tab is resilient and has a surface for engaging the outer side wall of the respective nostril, is relatively thin and is formed from a resilient material whereby said surface may conform to the contours of said respective side wall;   the connecting member is of a length sufficient to follow a path from one tab to the other over the nose;   said connecting member is resiliently bendable from an inoperative configuration into an operative configuration in which the tabs are positioned relative with the nostrils, the connecting member follows said path and there is a restoring force tending to return said connecting member to the inoperative configuration; and   the restoring force is sufficient to urge the respective side walls outwardly by means of engagement of the tabs with their respective nostril and to dilate the nostrils by means of the tabs urging the respective side     
     
     
        walls outwardly. .Iaddend..Iadd.57.  A nasal dilator capable of introducing separating stresses in nasal outer wall tissues, comprising: a resilient unitary plastic body, the body being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the body being substantially planar absent external forces applied thereto having a pair of spaced apart end surfaces which, if forced toward one another from their initial positions within the plane of said body to substantially reduce direct spacing therebetween by a spacing reduction force external to said body, results in restoring forces in said body tending to restore said direct spacing between said end surfaces; and   said end surfaces comprising engagement means capable of engaging exposed surfaces of nasal outer wall tissues sufficiently to remain so engaged against said restoring forces, such that the restoring forces in said body tend to restore the body to the substantially planar state and dilate the nose by urging the outer wall tissues outwardly with the end surfaces of said resilient member, and also on release of the end surfaces from engagement with the outer wall tissue the restoring forces urge the body   
     
     
        to return further to the substantially planar state. .Iaddend..Iadd.58.  A one-piece device for engaging the nose comprising: a pair of tabs positioned with respective nostrils; and an elongated connecting member resiliently interconnecting the tabs, wherein: each tab has a surface for engaging the outer side wall of the respective nostril and is relatively thin whereby said surface may conform to the contours said respective side wall;   the connecting member is of a length sufficient to follow a path from one tab to the other over the nose;   said connecting member, the member being of non-uniform thickness and having a first thickness and a portion of greater thickness, the member being resiliently bendable from an inoperative configuration into an operative configuration in which the tabs are positioned relative with the nostrils, the connecting member follows said path and there is a restoring force tending to return said connecting member to the inoperative configuration; and   the restoring force sufficient to urge the respective side walls outwardly by means of engagement of the tabs with their respective nostril by means of the tabs urging the respective side walls outwardly, such that the restoring force in said body tends to restore the body to substantially planar state and dilate the nose by urging the outer wall tissues outwardly with the end surfaces of said resilient member, and also on release of the end surfaces from engagement with the outer wall tissue the restoring force urge the body to return further to the substantially planar state. .Iaddend..Iadd.59. The device of claim 58 wherein said connecting member is generally straight in the inoperative condition of the device and is bent resiliently to follow a curved path in the operative configuration of the device. .Iaddend.