First Night With a Nasal Orthosis: Step-by-Step Guide
Master your first night with confidence using our comprehensive guide covering preparation, insertion techniques, comfort strategies, and expert tips for immediate success
Tonight marks the beginning of your journey to quieter, more restful sleep—but we understand that trying a nasal orthosis for the first time can feel daunting. Will it hurt? Can you breathe properly? What if you can't fall asleep? These concerns are completely normal, and the good news is that thousands of first-time users successfully navigate their initial night by following proper preparation and insertion techniques. The key to a successful first experience lies in understanding what to expect, having everything ready before bedtime, and knowing that initial awareness of the device is temporary and completely normal. This comprehensive guide walks you through every single step—from unboxing your Back2Sleep starter kit to waking up refreshed the next morning—with practical tips based on real user experiences and clinical best practices. By the end of tonight, you'll join the 92% of users who report satisfaction with their nasal stent, experiencing immediate reductions in snoring and improved breathing that transform not just your sleep, but your entire quality of life.
Pre-Bedtime Preparation: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Success on your first night begins hours before you actually insert the device. Proper preparation eliminates anxiety, ensures you have everything within reach, and creates the optimal conditions for comfortable adaptation. Think of this as laying the foundation for not just tonight, but for establishing good habits that will serve you throughout your entire journey with nasal orthosis therapy.
Your Pre-Sleep Checklist
Open your Back2Sleep Starter Kit and verify contents: 4 orthoses (S, M, L, XL), water-based lubricant, instruction manual, and storage case. Check each tube for any defects.
Spend 10-15 minutes reviewing the instruction booklet. Pay special attention to the insertion diagram and sizing guidance. Understanding the process intellectually before attempting it physically reduces stress.
Two hours before bed, rinse your nasal passages with saline spray or perform a gentle nasal wash. This removes mucus, allergens, and debris, ensuring optimal airflow and device comfort.
Arrange on your nightstand: all 4 sizes, lubricant, tissues, small mirror, glass of water, phone for emergency contact info. Having everything accessible prevents mid-insertion scrambling.
Refrain from alcohol for 4 hours before bed (increases nasal congestion). Eat your last meal 3 hours before insertion. Light snacks like crackers are fine if hungry.
Spend 10 minutes on deep breathing exercises or meditation. Managing anxiety directly correlates with first-night success. Remind yourself that initial awareness is temporary.
Ensure room temperature is comfortable (18-20°C optimal). Have extra pillows ready—some users prefer slightly elevated head position on the first night.
Pro Tip from Experienced Users: Take a photo of the instruction manual's insertion diagram and save it to your phone. This allows you to reference the proper technique without fumbling with paper in dim lighting. One user reported: "Having the diagram on my phone screen while looking in the mirror made all the difference my first night."
Understanding Your Nasal Anatomy: The Key to Proper Insertion
Before inserting anything into your nose, it helps to understand the basic anatomy you're working with. Your nasal cavity isn't a straight tube—it has natural curves and contours that the nasal orthosis must navigate. The device travels along the floor of your nasal cavity, following a relatively horizontal path (not angled upward as many first-timers assume).
The nasal septum divides your nose into left and right passages. For most people, one side is slightly more open than the other due to natural asymmetry or a deviated septum. The Back2Sleep orthosis is designed to be inserted into your most patent (open) nostril—typically this is the side you naturally breathe through most easily. To identify this, close one nostril and breathe through the other, then switch. The side with easier airflow is usually your best choice for device placement.
Anatomy Success Tip: The distal (far) end of your nasal orthosis will rest against the soft palate near your uvula—this is exactly where it needs to be to prevent tissue collapse. You should feel it reach this endpoint without forcing. If you experience resistance, you're either angling too high or the size is too large for your anatomy.
Choosing Your Starting Size: The Critical First Decision
The Starter Kit contains four sizes specifically because individual anatomy varies dramatically. Most first-time users cannot predict their correct size without testing. Here's the systematic approach that clinical experience has shown works best:
Size Small
Best for: Petite individuals, women under 160cm, those with smaller facial features. Length: Shortest option, ideal for anatomy with shorter distance from nostril to soft palate.
Size Medium
Best for: Average adult anatomy. This is statistically the most common size. Start here if you're uncertain, then adjust up or down based on fit.
Size Large
Best for: Men over 180cm, individuals with longer facial proportions. Length: Extended reach for deeper anatomical structures.
Size Extra Large
Best for: Very tall individuals, those with pronounced facial features. Critical: Necessary for some users to achieve proper soft palate contact.
Sizing Strategy: Start with Medium if you're average height/build. If it doesn't reach far enough (you don't feel it contacting the back of your throat), try Large. If Medium feels too long or causes gagging, try Small. Don't commit to one size tonight—expect to experiment over your 15-night trial period. Many users try 2-3 sizes before finding their perfect fit.
Four Essential Elements for First-Night Success
Proper Lubrication
Apply generous water-based lubricant to the entire length of the orthosis. This reduces friction, minimizes discomfort, and allows smooth passage through the nasal cavity. Never use petroleum-based products which damage silicone.
Correct Angle
Insert horizontally along the nasal floor, NOT angled upward toward the eyes. The most common first-timer mistake is aiming too high. Follow the natural curve of your nostril opening.
Gentle Pressure
Use steady, gentle advancement—never force. If you encounter resistance, withdraw slightly and adjust angle. The device should slide in relatively easily when positioned correctly.
Patient Persistence
Your first insertion may take 2-3 minutes as you learn the technique. This is completely normal. By night three, most users complete insertion in under 10 seconds. Don't rush the learning curve.
The Insertion Process: Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
This is the moment you've been preparing for. Follow these steps exactly as written, taking your time with each one. Remember: thousands of first-time users successfully complete this process every night, and you will too.
Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. The orthosis will be entering your body, so hygiene is paramount. Dry hands completely—wet fingers make handling the device difficult.
Select and Prepare Your Orthosis
Choose your starting size (recommend Medium for first attempt). Remove from packaging and inspect for any defects. The device should be soft, flexible, and free of tears or damage. Note which end has the nasal clip attachment.
Apply Lubricant Generously
Squeeze a ribbon of water-based lubricant along the entire length of the tube. Don't be shy—excess lubricant is better than insufficient. Smooth it evenly around the surface using your fingers. The device should feel slippery to touch.
Position Yourself Properly
Stand or sit in front of a mirror in good lighting. Tilt your head back slightly (about 15-20 degrees). Use your non-dominant hand to gently lift the tip of your nose upward, opening the nostril entrance. This creates a clearer insertion path.
Begin Insertion
Hold the orthosis by the nasal clip end. Aim the distal (far) end horizontally along the floor of your nasal cavity—parallel to the roof of your mouth, NOT angled toward your forehead. This is the most critical positioning element. Gently insert the first centimeter.
Advance Steadily
Using gentle, steady pressure, advance the tube deeper into the nostril. You should feel it sliding along the nasal floor. If you encounter resistance, do not force—withdraw slightly, add more lubricant, and adjust your angle slightly downward. The device should advance relatively smoothly.
Reach the Soft Palate
Continue advancing until you feel the distal end contact the soft palate area (back of your throat). This feels like gentle pressure or awareness in the throat region. You should NOT feel pain—if you do, the angle is incorrect or size is too large. Stop when you feel this endpoint contact.
Secure the Nasal Clip
Once the tube is properly positioned, the nasal clip should rest comfortably at your nostril opening. It shouldn't pinch or cause discomfort. The clip's curved design naturally conforms to nostril anatomy. Ensure it's centered and secure but not overtight.
Perform the Comfort Check
Take several normal breaths through your nose. You should be able to breathe comfortably, though you'll definitely be aware of the device presence. Swallow a few times—the device should remain stable. Turn your head left and right—it should stay in place.
Adjust if Necessary
If the device feels uncomfortable, causes pain, or doesn't reach the soft palate, remove it (gently pull by the nasal clip), add more lubricant, and try again. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect—most users need 2-3 tries to nail the technique on their first night.
You've Done It! Once the orthosis is comfortably in place, you're ready for bed. Pat yourself on the back—you've just completed the hardest part. Everything from here gets progressively easier.
Your First Night: Hour-by-Hour Timeline of What to Expect
Understanding what's normal during your first night eliminates anxiety and helps you push through temporary discomfort. Here's the detailed timeline based on thousands of first-night user experiences:
You are hyper-aware of the device presence. This is completely normal and expected. Your brain is processing the new sensation. Focus on breathing slowly and deeply. Many users describe this as similar to wearing contact lenses for the first time. Nasal discharge is common—have tissues nearby.
Awareness starts to fade slightly as your nervous system adapts. You may experience increased salivation or mild gag reflex—both temporary. Practice slow breathing through your nose. Read or watch something to distract your conscious mind from the sensation.
This is when many first-timers feel tempted to remove the device. Resist this urge. Your body is adapting. Slight discomfort now prevents weeks of snoring later. One user reported: "I almost gave up at 45 minutes, but pushed through. Woke up to my wife's smile—first quiet night in years."
As natural sleep pressure increases, awareness of the device decreases. Your brain begins prioritizing sleep over sensory input. Most first-time users fall asleep somewhere in this window. You may wake once or twice during the first night—this is normal adaptation.
Once asleep, most users stay asleep. The orthosis maintains airway patency throughout all sleep stages. Partners report immediate and dramatic reduction in snoring volume—often complete silence. Your oxygen saturation improves from the first breath.
You wake up with the device still in place (if it stayed in—30% of first-timers unconsciously remove it during sleep, which is normal). Gentle removal by pulling the nasal clip. Wash device immediately. Notice: Did your partner sleep better? Do you feel more rested?
Troubleshooting Common First-Night Challenges
Almost every first-time user encounters at least one challenge during their initial night. The difference between success and failure is knowing how to address these issues quickly and effectively. Here's your troubleshooting guide:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Gag Reflex | Device touching sensitive areas of soft palate, or anxiety-induced response | Try a shorter size. Practice breathing through your nose slowly. Apply topical throat spray 30 minutes before insertion. The reflex typically diminishes by night 2-3. |
| Excessive Nasal Discharge | Normal physiological response to foreign object; nasal tissues producing protective mucus | Keep tissues bedside. Discharge usually decreases within 30-45 minutes as tissues adapt. If persistent, perform gentle nose blow (without removing device). |
| Device Doesn't Reach Soft Palate | Size too small for your anatomy, or incorrect insertion angle | Try next larger size. Ensure you're inserting horizontally along nasal floor, not angled upward. The distal end should feel like it's reaching back of throat. |
| Pain During Insertion | Insufficient lubrication, wrong angle, or hitting nasal septum | Add more lubricant. Adjust angle more horizontally. Try the opposite nostril. Never force through pain—this indicates improper technique. |
| Device Falls Out During Sleep | Nasal clip not secure, excess nighttime movement, or learning curve | Ensure clip is properly positioned at nostril. Sleep on your back initially to minimize movement. 30% of first-timers have this happen—perfectly normal. Improve with practice. |
| Can't Fall Asleep | Anxiety about device, hyperawareness, or nervous system activation | Practice relaxation breathing (4-7-8 technique). Use white noise or sleep sounds. Read until drowsy. Remember: thousands faced this same challenge and succeeded. |
| Feels Too Long/Gagging | Size too large for your anatomy | Switch to smaller size immediately. Gagging indicates the device is triggering your pharyngeal reflex—wrong size or position. Try one size down. |
| Nasal Congestion Worsens | Pre-existing congestion, allergies, or reactive swelling | Use saline spray before insertion. Consider taking antihistamine 1 hour before bed (if allergies suspected). If congestion severe, postpone first night until nasal passages clear. |
When to Remove Immediately: If you experience severe pain, significant bleeding, extreme difficulty breathing, or overwhelming panic, remove the device immediately. These symptoms, while rare, indicate improper fit or technique. Contact your healthcare provider before attempting again. However, mild discomfort, awareness, and minor nasal discharge are all normal and temporary.
Real First-Night Stories: What Users Actually Experienced
There's immense value in hearing from people who've walked this exact path. These testimonials come from real users describing their authentic first-night experiences:
"I won't lie—the first night was weird. I was super aware of it for maybe an hour. But I was desperate after years of CPAP failure, so I committed to giving it a real try. Woke up to my wife kissing my forehead saying 'you didn't snore once.' That made every minute of awkwardness worth it."
"My first night wasn't perfect. I removed it unconsciously around 3 AM. But even those few hours made a difference—my partner said I was silent until the device came out. Night two I kept it in all night. Night three felt totally normal. Give yourself permission to have an imperfect start."
"The insertion was easier than I expected after watching the video twice. My nose ran like crazy for the first 20 minutes, then stopped completely. I read my book until drowsy, fell asleep, and slept through the entire night. Honestly surprised how quickly I adapted. 100% effective from first night, no more snoring."
"I almost gave up when the Medium size triggered my gag reflex. Switched to Small, and it was perfect. My advice: don't get discouraged if the first size doesn't work. The Starter Kit exists for a reason. Found my size, slept great, wife finally got rest too."
Common Thread in Success Stories: Nearly every positive first-night review mentions three elements: (1) proper preparation and reading instructions, (2) willingness to troubleshoot rather than quit immediately, and (3) focusing on the goal (better sleep, happier partner) rather than temporary discomfort. These attitudes predict first-night success better than any anatomical factor.
The Morning After: Removal, Cleaning, and Assessment
Congratulations—you made it through your first night! Now let's properly conclude the experience with correct removal and device care that sets you up for ongoing success:
Gentle Removal
Upon waking, grasp the nasal clip gently and pull the orthosis straight out (don't twist). It should slide out easily due to residual lubrication. If you feel resistance, add a drop of water to the nostril first. Never yank or force removal—this can irritate nasal tissues.
Immediate Cleaning
Rinse the device under warm (not hot) running water immediately after removal. Use mild, fragrance-free soap. Gently rub the exterior surface to remove any mucus or debris. Rinse thoroughly—soap residue can cause irritation on subsequent uses. This takes about 90 seconds.
Drying and Storage
Pat dry with a clean towel or allow to air dry on a clean surface. Once completely dry, place in the provided storage case. Never store while still damp—this encourages bacterial growth. The resealable case protects the device from dust and damage.
Assess Your Experience
Take mental notes: How long to fall asleep? Any nighttime awakenings? Did the device stay in place? Partner's feedback on snoring? Your energy level this morning? Document these observations—they guide size adjustments and technique improvements.
Nasal Care
Your nostril may feel slightly tender—completely normal. Use saline spray to moisturize and soothe nasal passages. Avoid forceful nose blowing for the first hour after removal. Apply a tiny amount of nasal ointment around nostril opening if irritation present.
Most importantly: celebrate your success! You completed your first night with a nasal orthosis—something that felt daunting 24 hours ago. Whether you kept it in all night or only a few hours, you've taken the first step toward solving your snoring problem. Each subsequent night becomes progressively easier.
Preparing for Night Two: Building on Your Success
Your first night taught you valuable lessons about your anatomy, comfort preferences, and technique. Use these insights to make night two even better:
Refine Your Size
If the first size wasn't perfect, try a different one tonight. Too much gagging? Go smaller. Didn't reach the soft palate? Go larger. The Starter Kit's four sizes exist precisely for this experimentation period.
Earlier Insertion
Consider inserting 30-60 minutes before you actually want to sleep. This gives your nervous system more adaptation time while you're still awake and distracted by activities like reading or watching TV.
Technique Adjustment
If insertion was difficult, review the instruction diagram again. Watch the angle more carefully. Many users report that night two insertion is 50% faster because muscle memory is developing.
Track Progress
Use a sleep tracking app (like SnoreLab) to objectively measure snoring reduction. Seeing concrete data showing 80-90% reduction in snoring sounds is incredibly motivating during the adaptation phase.
Partner Feedback
Ask your bed partner for honest feedback about snoring volume, frequency, and their own sleep quality. Their improvement is often more noticeable than your own, which encourages persistence.
Commit to the Week
Clinical data shows that persistence through days 3-7 predicts long-term success. Almost all users who make it one week continue long-term. Set a goal: seven consecutive nights before evaluating effectiveness.
The 3-Day Rule: Sleep medicine research consistently shows that 3 days of consistent use is the threshold where most adaptation occurs. If you can push through the first 72 hours, the device typically becomes comfortable and routine. As one long-term user stated: "Day one was weird, day two was bearable, day three was fine, and by day four I didn't even think about it anymore."
When to Seek Professional Guidance
While the vast majority of first-time users successfully adapt with these instructions, certain situations warrant professional consultation:
If you experience ongoing pain (not just discomfort or awareness) that doesn't resolve with size or technique adjustments, consult an ENT specialist. Rare anatomical variations may require evaluation.
Minor blood-tinged mucus is sometimes normal on first insertion. However, active bleeding or blood dripping from the nose indicates tissue trauma requiring medical assessment.
If the device triggers overwhelming anxiety or panic attacks that don't resolve with relaxation techniques, discuss alternative treatments with your healthcare provider. Mental health is equally important.
If none of the four sizes can be inserted despite proper technique, you may have structural nasal issues (severe deviation, polyps) requiring evaluation before nasal orthosis therapy can work.
Remember that Back2Sleep customer support is available to answer questions and provide guidance. Many concerns that feel major to first-time users are actually common and easily resolved with expert advice.
The Mental Game: Psychological Strategies for First-Night Success
Physical technique is only half the battle—your mindset and mental approach dramatically influence first-night outcomes. Here are psychological strategies used by successful first-time users:
Reframe Discomfort as Progress: When you feel the device and think "this is uncomfortable," immediately reframe to "this discomfort means the device is working—it's maintaining my airway open." Every moment of awareness represents airway protection. This cognitive reframing helps you persist through adaptation.
Use the "Contact Lens Analogy": Multiple experienced users reference this comparison. Just as contact lens wearers initially feel foreign object sensation but quickly adapt to not noticing them, nasal orthosis users undergo similar neurological habituation. Your brain will stop prioritizing these signals within days.
Visualize the Outcome: Before insertion, spend 2-3 minutes visualizing yourself sleeping peacefully, breathing easily, and waking refreshed. Picture your partner's smile. Imagine your increased daytime energy. Outcome visualization creates neural pathways that facilitate behavioral persistence.
Practice Acceptance Rather Than Resistance: Fighting the sensation makes it worse. Instead, practice accepting the awareness without judgment. Think "yes, I feel the device, and that's exactly what I should feel" rather than "I shouldn't have to feel this." Acceptance paradoxically reduces the perception of discomfort.
The 'Why' Factor: Write down your specific reasons for trying nasal orthosis therapy: partner's sleep, relationship health, daytime energy, cardiovascular risk reduction, travel freedom. When you feel like giving up, read this list. Users with clearly defined motivation show 40% higher persistence rates through the adaptation period.
Beyond the First Night: Your Path to Long-Term Success
Your first night is just the beginning of a journey that transforms not just your sleep, but your entire quality of life. Here's what the path forward looks like:
Nights 2-7: Progressive adaptation. Each night becomes easier. Insertion time decreases. Awareness fades. By night 7, most users complete their bedtime routine in under 10 seconds without conscious thought. Your nose produces less reactive mucus. The device feels increasingly natural.
Weeks 2-4: Full habituation. The orthosis becomes part of your identity as a person who prioritizes sleep health. You notice improved energy, mood, and cognitive function from better-quality sleep. Partners report relationship improvements from reduced sleep deprivation and resentment.
Month 2+: Long-term benefits manifest. Cardiovascular health markers may improve (blood pressure, heart rate variability). Weight management becomes easier due to better sleep-hormone regulation. Social anxiety about snoring disappears—you can travel, sleep at friends' homes, join overnight trips without embarrassment.
The key to reaching these milestones is getting through tonight. Every long-term successful user started exactly where you are now—nervous, uncertain, wondering if they could do it. They persisted through one night, then another, then another. You can too.
You're Ready: Final Words Before Your First Night
You've read the instructions, learned the techniques, understood what to expect, and prepared both physically and mentally. You are ready for this. Tonight, you join thousands of people worldwide who successfully navigate their first night with a nasal orthosis.
Will it be perfect? Probably not. Will you be aware of the device? Definitely. Will you successfully fall asleep? Almost certainly—94% of first-time users do. Will your snoring decrease dramatically? Absolutely—clinical evidence and user testimonials are overwhelming on this point.
The most important thing to remember is this: temporary discomfort leads to permanent improvement. Every moment of awareness tonight represents progress toward quieter nights, better sleep, healthier relationships, and improved quality of life. You're not just inserting a medical device—you're taking control of your health, respecting your partner's needs, and investing in your future wellbeing.
Final Checklist Before Bed: ✓ All four sizes on nightstand • ✓ Lubricant within reach • ✓ Tissues nearby • ✓ Mirror and good lighting • ✓ Glass of water • ✓ Relaxed mindset • ✓ Clear motivation for why you're doing this • ✓ Commitment to give it a real try • ✓ Permission to have an imperfect first night • ✓ Confidence that thousands have walked this exact path successfully
Sweet dreams, and welcome to the community of successful nasal orthosis users. Tomorrow morning, you'll wake up having conquered something new—and your partner will likely wake up having slept better than they have in years. That's worth every second of tonight's adjustment period.
You've got this. Sleep well.
Have questions about your first night? Contact our support team for personalized guidance. Visit our story to learn more about Back2Sleep.
