First Night With a Nasal Orthosis: Step-by-Step Guide

Your first night with a nasal stent is the most important one. Getting it right means immediate snoring relief. Getting it wrong means frustration and giving up too soon. This step-by-step guide covers everything from preparation to insertion, what to expect during the night, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

What to Expect on Your First Night

It Is Normal to Feel the Device (and That Is OK)

You will feel the nasal stent when you first insert it. This is expected. The sensation is unfamiliar because nothing normally sits inside your nasal passage while you sleep. Within 10 to 15 minutes, most of this awareness fades as your body adjusts.

Think of it like wearing a new watch. You notice it constantly at first. After a few hours, you forget it is there. A nasal stent follows the same adaptation pattern.

The Contact Lens Analogy

If you wear contact lenses, you remember the first time you put them in. Your eyes watered, you blinked constantly, and it felt strange. By the third day, you barely noticed them. Nasal stent adaptation follows the same timeline. Most users report complete comfort by night 3 to 5.

Step-by-Step Guide

Before Bed: Preparation

1. Blow your nose. Clear any mucus from your nasal passages.
2. Apply saline spray (optional). A saline nasal spray moisturizes the nasal passages and makes insertion smoother.
3. Wash your hands. Clean hands prevent irritation.
4. Choose your starting size. If using the Starter Kit, begin with the size recommended for your body type.
5. Set up your snoring app. Download SnoreLab or Sleep Cycle to record your baseline. Start recording before you insert the stent.

Insertion Technique

1. Hold the stent by its soft ring. The ring sits at the nostril opening to keep the stent in place.
2. Tilt your head slightly back. This straightens the nasal passage for easier insertion.
3. Breathe through your mouth. Mouth breathing relaxes the nasal muscles.
4. Insert gently along the floor of the nose. Guide the stent along the bottom of your nasal passage, not upward toward the bridge of the nose. The floor of the nose is the natural path.
5. Push slowly until the ring sits at the nostril. Do not force. If you feel resistance, withdraw slightly and try again at a different angle.
6. Switch to nasal breathing. Once the stent is in place, close your mouth and breathe through your nose. You should feel increased airflow immediately.

Finding Your Comfortable Position

Once the stent is in place, lie down in your usual sleeping position. Take a few deep breaths through your nose. You should notice improved airflow compared to breathing without the stent. If you feel discomfort, adjust the position of the external ring slightly. It should sit comfortably at the nostril opening without pressing too hard.

If You Wake Up and the Stent Is Out

Some people unconsciously remove the stent during their first night. This is common and does not mean the device does not work. Your body is simply not used to it yet. Re-insert it and go back to sleep. By night 2 or 3, most people keep the stent in all night.

The Adaptation Timeline

Troubleshooting Common First-Night Issues

Gag Reflex Tips

A mild gag reflex is the most common first-night issue. It happens because the stent touches the back of the nasal passage near the soft palate. To manage it:

• Insert more slowly (speed triggers the gag reflex)
• Breathe through your mouth during insertion
• Try applying a small amount of water-based lubricant to the stent
• Distract yourself with your phone or a book for 5 minutes after insertion
• If the gag reflex persists for more than 3 nights, switch to one size smaller

Nasal Dryness

The stent may cause slight nasal dryness, especially in dry or air-conditioned bedrooms. Solutions:

• Apply saline nasal spray before insertion and if you wake during the night
• Use a bedroom humidifier to maintain 40 to 60% humidity
• Stay hydrated throughout the day

The Stent Falls Out

If the stent falls out during the night:

• The external ring may not be seated properly. Ensure it sits snugly at the nostril opening.
• You may be pulling it out unconsciously. This is normal for the first 1 to 2 nights and resolves as you adapt.
• If it consistently falls out, try one size larger for a more secure fit.

Mild Irritation

Some nasal sensitivity is normal on the first night. The silicone material is hypoallergenic and medical-grade. If irritation persists beyond the second night, ensure you are inserting along the floor of the nose, not upward. Contact Back2Sleep support if irritation continues.

What Your Partner Can Observe

Your partner plays an important role on your first night. Ask them to notice:

• Snoring volume: Is it quieter, softer, or gone?
• Breathing pauses: Do the gasping or choking episodes decrease?
• Restlessness: Are you moving and turning less?
• Stent position: Is the stent still in place when you wake up?

Partner feedback combined with app data gives you the most complete picture of your first-night results.

Cleaning and Care

• Rinse the stent with warm water after each use
• Use mild soap if needed (avoid harsh chemicals)
• Allow to air dry completely before the next use
• Replace the stent according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule
• Store in the provided case when not in use

When to Contact Support

Contact Back2Sleep customer support if:

• The gag reflex does not improve after trying all four sizes
• You experience persistent nasal pain (not just mild awareness)
• The stent causes nosebleeds
• You cannot insert the stent despite following the guide
• Snoring does not improve after completing the 15-night trial with all sizes

Frequently Asked Questions