Nasal dilator with EPAP valve member

Abstract

There is provided a nasal dilator (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 130) for treating respiratory problems comprising a hollow nasal dilator body (1000, 1400a, 1400b, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 9000a, 9000b, 9000c, 9000d) and a unidirectional flow resistance unit. The hollow nasal dilator body (1000, 1400a, 1400b, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 9000a, 9000b, 9000c, 9000d) has a first open end (1001, 2001, 2501, 3001, 4001, 5001, 9001, 9001a, 9001b, 9001d) and a second open end (1002, 2002, 2502, 3002, 4002, 5002, 9002, 9002a, 9002b, 9002d) opposed to one another and is suitable for insertion into a user's nasal cavity. The second open end (1002, 2002, 2502, 3002, 4002, 5002, 9002, 9002a, 9002b, 9002d) can be positioned within the user's nasal cavity to support and dilate the nasal cavity. The one-way flow resistance unit is assembled to the hollow nasal dilator body (1000, 1400a, 1400b, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 9000a, 9000b, 9000c, 9000d), and the user's expiratory flow resistance is higher than the inhalation flow resistance such that an expiratory positive airway pressure is generated in the user's nasal cavity.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for treating sleep apnea and snoring, and more particularly to devices for generating expiratory positive airway pressure. [Background technology]

[0002] Sleep apnea is a condition in which repeated collapses in a patient's airway during inspiration cause the cessation of breathing during sleep. During inspiration, air pressure in the lungs and airway decreases. During this time, the airway tends to collapse as muscle tone in the upper airway decreases. When the airway begins to close prior to an apneic episode, the patient often begins snoring. Snoring is an effort to combat the collapsed airway. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. When a patient sleeps, the muscles in the airway relax and collapse, blocking the airway and making breathing difficult or apneic. Patients experience interrupted sleep due to apnea, which can result in poor quality sleep and affect daytime mental state. Patients feel sleepy, fatigued and lack of concentration during the day, which can even cause traffic accidents.

[0003] Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) is a new treatment for sleep apnea. It works similarly to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), but only provides positive pressure for exhalation. Unlike CPAP, which requires bulky and noisy machines, EPAP utilizes a small and lightweight appliance with a disposable one-way valve attached over the nostrils with adhesive. The valve allows air to enter the nasal cavity during inspiration, while preventing air inside the nasal cavity from passing through the valve during expiration, causing a higher expiratory flow resistance than the inhalation flow resistance so that expiratory positive airway pressure is generated in the nasal cavity to open the upper airway. Thus, the user's upper airway can remain patent during sleep. The EPAP appliance does not require electricity to operate, and controls the direction of airflow inside the nasal cavity through the one-way valve to promote the generation of natural positive pressure inside the user's nasal cavity during exhalation. This positive pressure helps the user's upper airway remain patent during subsequent inspiration. Thus, the user can breathe easily during sleep. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert to implement technical means for generating expiratory positive airway pressure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one object of the present invention, there is provided a nasal dilator comprising an EPAP valve insert. The nasal dilator comprises a hollow nasal dilator body and a one-way flow resistance unit. The hollow nasal dilator body comprises a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end, and extends longitudinally from the first open end to the second open end. The hollow nasal dilator body is configured to be inserted into a user's nostril with the second open end disposed within the user's nasal cavity, such that the hollow nasal dilator body supports and dilates the nasal cavity. The one-way flow resistance unit is assembled to the hollow nasal dilator body proximate the first open end and away from the second open end. The one-way flow resistance unit creates an expiratory flow resistance higher than an inspiratory flow resistance such that an expiratory positive airway pressure is created in the nasal cavity.

[0006] In one implementation of the present invention, the one-way flow resistance unit of a nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert is removable and replaceable from the nasal dilator. In one implementation of the present invention, the one-way flow resistance unit of the nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert is capable of adjusting the ratio of the expiratory flow resistance to the inhalation flow resistance.

[0007] In one implementation of the present invention, the one-way flow resistance unit of the nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert comprises a one-way flow resistance valve and a valve seat, the one-way flow resistance valve being fixed to the valve seat, and the valve seat being assembled to the hollow nasal dilator body.

[0008] In one implementation of the present invention, the one-way flow resisting valve of the nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert comprises one or more radial cuts. In one implementation of the present invention, the one-way flow resisting valve of the nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert comprises one or more vent holes spaced from the radial cut.

[0009] In one implementation of the present invention, the one-way flow resistance valve of the nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert comprises one or more radial slit-type vent holes. In one implementation of the present invention, the one-way flow resistance valve of the nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert comprises one or more slit-type vents in a radial direction and a notch between the slit-type vents and the periphery of the one-way flow resistance valve.

[0010] In one implementation of the present invention, the one-way flow resistance valve of the nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert comprises a plurality of slit-type vent holes spaced apart from one another and disposed along one or more radial directions.

[0011] In one implementation of the present invention, the one-way flow resistance valve of the nasal dilator with the EPAP valve insert comprises a plurality of slit-type vents that are spaced apart from one another and arranged along one or more radial directions, and the one-way flow resistance valve of the nasal dilator with the EPAP valve insert comprises a notch between at least one pair of adjacent slit-type vents.

[0012] In one implementation of the present invention, both the one-way flow resistance valve and the valve seat of the nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert are three-dimensional trapezoidal in shape. In one implementation of the present invention, the hollow nasal dilator body of the nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert comprises one or more sidewall piercing holes proximate the first open end.

[0013] In one implementation of the present invention, the hollow nasal dilator body of the nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert comprises a flow-resisting structural unit proximate the first open end. In one implementation of the present invention, the hollow nasal dilator body of the nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert comprises a flow resistance structural unit proximate to the first open end, and the valve seat of the nasal dilator comprises a rotatable flow resistance adjustment unit, the rotatable flow resistance adjustment unit capable of adjusting the expiratory flow resistance by changing the relative orientation between the flow resistance adjustment unit and the flow resistance structural unit.

[0014] In one implementation of the present invention, the nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert further comprises a rotatable baffle assembled between the valve seat and the one-way flow resisting valve for blocking a partial area of ​​the vent.

[0015] In one implementation of the present invention, a nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert further comprises one or more stoppers disposed on an inner surface of the hollow nasal dilator body proximate the first open end to limit a bending angle of the one-way flow resisting valve under force from an inhalation flow.

[0016] In one implementation of the present invention, a nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert further comprises a stent assembled beneath the one-way flow resisting valve and connected to an inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body, the stent traversing a portion or all of the inner diameter of the hollow nasal dilator body.

[0017] In one implementation of the present invention, the stent of the nasal dilator with the EPAP valve insert has one of the following shapes: a cross shape, an X shape, a T shape, and a single rib shape. In one implementation of the present invention, the unidirectional flow resistance units with their respective flow resistances are made with respective colors or are mapped to respective color codes.

[0018] In one implementation of the invention, easy-removal means is provided along an inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body proximate the second open end for removing a portion of the hollow nasal dilator body via the easy-removal means.

[0019] In one implementation of the present invention, the nasal dilator comprising the EPAP valve insert further comprises one or more sensing units for detecting temperature, humidity, airflow pressure, breathing patterns, vibrations, snoring, and chemicals inside the user's nasal cavity.

[0020] In one aspect, the present invention provides a nasal dilator assembly comprising a pair of nasal dilators and an interface piece connected between the pair of nasal dilators. In one implementation of the present invention, the unidirectional flow resistance unit of each of the nasal dilators is capable of adjusting the ratio of the expiratory flow resistance to the inhalation flow resistance.

[0021] In another aspect, the present invention provides a negative pressure sleep respiratory therapy system comprising a nasal dilator assembly of the present invention, an electrical console, an oral interface, and a sensing unit, the nasal dilator assembly being worn on a user's nose such that an expiratory positive airway pressure is generated in the user's nasal cavity, the electrical console providing negative pressure delivered to the user's oral cavity via the oral interface such that a negative pressure environment is generated inside the user's oral cavity, the sensing unit detecting one or more user physiological signals including temperature, humidity, airflow pressure, breathing patterns, vibrations, snoring, and chemicals inside the user's nasal cavity, the sensing unit transmitting the detected physiological signals to the electrical console for algorithmic calculation, and the electrical console adjusting the negative pressure provided accordingly, which then controls the pressure inside the user's oral cavity via the oral interface.

[0022] The practice of the present invention is not limited to the size and scale of the structures shown in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B]1 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating a nasal dilator including an EPAP valve insert according to a first embodiment of the present invention in use; [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 illustrates the inhalation flow direction of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 illustrates the expiratory flow direction of a nasal dilator including an EPAP valve insert according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4D] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4E] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4F] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4G] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4H] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 13 illustrates the inhalation flow direction of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 13 illustrates the expiratory flow direction of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5C] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing the expiratory flow direction. [Figure 6A] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6D] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6E] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6F] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6G] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6H] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 13 illustrates the inhalation flow direction of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] FIG. 13 illustrates the expiratory flow direction of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7C] FIG. 13 illustrates the expiratory flow direction of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] FIG. 13 is another schematic perspective view of a nasal dilator comprising an EPAP valve insert according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a nasal dilator comprising an EPAP valve insert according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9C] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9D] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9E] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9F] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9G] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9H] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10A] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10B] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10C] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10D] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10E] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10F] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10G] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10H] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11A] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11B] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11C] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11D]13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11E] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11F] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11G] 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12C] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12D] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12E] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12F] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12G] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12H] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13D] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13E]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13F] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13G] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13H] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14A] 13A-13C show various variations of a nasal dilator including an EPAP valve insert according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14B] 13A-13C show various variations of a nasal dilator including an EPAP valve insert according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15A] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing modified examples of the valve seat and one-way flow resistance valve of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15B] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a valve seat according to a modified example. [Figure 15C] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the one-way flow resistance valve according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15D] 15D is a schematic assembly diagram of the one-way flow resistance valve and valve seat of FIG. 15C. [Figure 16A] 13A-13C show variations of the valve seat and one-way flow resistance valve of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16B] 16B is a schematic diagram of the one-way flow resistance valve of FIG. 16A. [Figure 16C] FIG. 16C illustrates a variation of the one-way flow resistance valve of FIG. 16B. [Figure 16D] 16C is a bottom schematic view of the one-way flow resistance valve of FIG. 16B. [Figure 16E] FIG. 16C illustrates a variation of the one-way flow resistance valve of FIG. 16B. [Figure 16F] FIG. 16C illustrates a variation of the one-way flow resistance valve of FIG. 16B. [Figure 17A] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing the use of rotatable baffles according to the fourth and fifth embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 17B] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing the use of rotatable baffles according to the fourth and fifth embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 18A] FIG. 13 illustrates the error prevention mechanism of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert of the present invention. [Figure 18B] FIG. 13 illustrates the error prevention mechanism of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert of the present invention. [Figure 19] 1A-1D show nasal dilators with EPAP valve inserts of the present invention having various materials. [Figure 20A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20C] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20D] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20E] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20F] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20G] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20H] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a first variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a first variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21C] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a first variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21D] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a first variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21E] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a first variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21F] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a first variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21G]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a first variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22C] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22D] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22E] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22F] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22G] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 22H] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22I] FIG. 13 is a schematic assembly perspective view of the valve seat and one-way flow resistance valve of a nasal dilator having an EPAP valve insert according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23A] FIG. 13 shows the inhalation flow direction of a nasal dilator equipped with an EPAP valve insert according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23B] FIG. 13 shows the expiratory flow direction of a nasal dilator equipped with an EPAP valve insert according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23C] FIG. 13 shows the expiratory flow direction of a nasal dilator equipped with an EPAP valve insert according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a second variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a second variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24C] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a second variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24D] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a second variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24E] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a second variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24F] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a second variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24G] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the intake air flow direction in a second modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 25A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a third variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a third variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25C] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a third variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25D] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a third variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25E] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a third variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25F] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a third variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25G] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the intake air flow direction in a third modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 26A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a fourth variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a fourth variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26C] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a fourth variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26D] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a fourth variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26E] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a fourth variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26F] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a fourth variant of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26G] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the intake air flow direction in a fourth modified example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 27A] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27B] Schematic exploded view of FIG. 27A. [Figure 27C] 12 is a schematic diagram of a nasal dilator including an EPAP valve insert according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention in use. [Figure 28A] FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified example of the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 28B] Schematic exploded view of FIG. 28A. [Figure 29A] FIG. 1 illustrates application of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert of the present invention. [Figure 29B] FIG. 1 illustrates application of a nasal dilator with an EPAP valve insert of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Explanation of reference symbols: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,130 Nasal dilator with EPAP valve insert 100,200,250,300,400,600,900 Nasal dilator unit 110a, 120a First hollow nasal dilator body 110b, 120b Second hollow nasal dilator body 111,121 Rear cover 112a first one-way flow resistance valve 112b second one-way flow resistance valve 113,123,1100,1410a,1410b,1500,1540,1600,820,2100,2510,3100,4100,6100,9100 Valve seat 114,124 Filters 115,125 Front cover 116,126 Mesh cover 117a, 127a First outlet flow regulator 117b, 127b Second outlet flow regulator 122,1200,1420a,1420b,1520,1550,1620,1640,1660,1680,2200,2520,3200,4200,6200,9200,9200b,9200c,9200d One-way flow resistance valve 142 Console 144 Oral Interface 146 Saliva Reservoir 148 Tube 150 Detection Unit 1000,1400a,1400b,1800,1900,2000,2500,3000,4000,5000,6000,7000,8000,9000,9000a,9000b,9000c,9000d Hollow nasal dilator body 1001, 2001, 2501, 3001, 4001, 5001, 9001, 9001a, 9001b, 9001d First open end 1001a,1103,2004d,3004d Step surface 1002, 2002, 2502, 3002, 4002, 5002, 9002, 9002a, 9002b, 9002d Second Open End 1003,1554,2004a,2004b,2515,3007,3120b,3120c,4202,5202,6102a,6152a Through hole 1004,2004,3004 Valve seat support part 1004a,1101a Gap 1100a,2101a,2530a,2540a,2540b,3110a,4110a,4120a Concave part 1101 Hollow protrusion 1102 Containment Space 1104,1402,1603,2101b,3101b opening 1105,1604,2103,2514,3103,4140,9104,9104b Valve connection part 1300,2300,2600,3300,4300,6300,9300 Joint parts 1401,6001,7001,8001,9102 Top opening 1402a First recess 1404a Second recess 1405, 2505, 4005, 9005b, 9005c, 9005d Stents 1406a Annular step surface 1412a First protrusion 1414a Second protrusion 1502a, 1502b, 4110b Stopper 1522a,1522b,1648,2201,3201,4201,6201 Cutting 1622,1646,9222 Slit-type ventilation hole 1622a, 1646a, 9222a Curved middle section 1644,9224,9224b Center-positioned post 1662,1664,1666,1682,1684,1686 Sub-slit type ventilation hole 1682a, 1682b V-shaped notch 1840 Engagement mechanism 1900a, 1900b Hollow nasal dilator body part 2000a, 3000a, 4003, 6310a, 6310b, 6310c, 6310d flanges 2003,3003 Stopper part 2004c, 3004c, 4006, 4007 Engagement block 2101 Upper part of valve seat 2102 Lower part of valve seat 2500a, 5010, 9010, 9010a, 9010b, 9100c, 9100d First annular flange 2500b, 5020, 9020, 9020a, 9020b Second Annular Flange 2504 Annular step surface 2506,2507,2508 protrusion 2511,2521 Upper 2512,2522 Bottom side 2513 3D cone middle section 2523 Hollow cone-shaped middle section 2524 Trapezoidal opening 2513a Trapezoidal through hole 2516a, 2516b Secondary Vent 2518 Plug 2530,4110 First hollow annular portion 2540,4120 Second hollow annular portion 3005 Flow Resistance Structural Unit 3006 Slit Channel 3006a 1st end 3006b 2nd end 3110 Circular upper part 3120 Flow Resistance Adjustment Unit 4100a Common Aperture 4130 Hollow middle part 4210,5210 Rotatable baffle 4210a, 4210b Rib end 6002, 7002, 8002 Mesh bottom 6102,6152 Surroundings 6104,6154 Mesh-like body cavity 6150 Flow resistance adjustment unit 6156 Rotating Part 6310 Support Post 7003,8003 Annular flange 9003 Perforation 9004 Easy removal means 9015a, 9016a 1st rib 9015b,9016b 2nd rib 9030b Third annular flange 9102,9102b Through hole 9104a Center-located post.

[0025] Embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A nasal dilator with an expiratory airway pressure (EPAP) valve insert provided by the present invention will be described in detail below through specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] 1A-1C are various schematic perspective views of a nasal dilator 1 with an EPAP valve insert according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective exploded view of a nasal dilator 1 with an EPAP valve insert according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view of a nasal dilator 1 with an EPAP valve insert according to the first embodiment in an open state. FIG. 1C is a schematic perspective view of a nasal dilator 1 with an EPAP valve insert according to the first embodiment after assembly. According to the first embodiment, the nasal dilator 1 with an EPAP valve insert comprises a pair of nasal dilator units 100, each of which comprises a hollow nasal dilator body 1000, a valve seat 1100, and a one-way flow resistance valve 1200. The nasal dilator 1 with an EPAP valve insert further comprises a joint part 1300 for connecting the pair of nasal dilator units 100. The hollow nasal dilator body 1000 includes a first open end 1001 and a second open end 1002 opposite the first open end 1001, the first open end 1001 being larger than the second open end 1002. The hollow nasal dilator body 1000 is generally cylindrical in shape extending longitudinally from the first open end 1001 to the second open end 1002, and the outer diameter of the hollow nasal dilator body 1000 gradually decreases from the first open end 1001 to the second open end 1002 such that the outer shape (profile) of the hollow nasal dilator body 1000 mates with the user's nasal cavity. The peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 1000 extending between the first open end 1001 and the second open end 1002 is provided with a number of through holes 1003 so that the hollow nasal dilator body 1000 can be meshed and the weight of the hollow nasal dilator body 1000 can be reduced. These through holes 1003 may be of any shape that maintains the structural strength and light weight of the hollow nasal dilator body 1000 as long as it does not increase the manufacturing complexity. For assembling the valve seat 1100, the first open end 1001 of the hollow nasal dilator body 1000 is provided with a valve seat support portion 1004. The first open end 1001 between the valve seat support portion 1004 and the hollow nasal dilator body 1000 is provided with a step surface 1001a, and the valve seat 1100 is assembled on the step surface 1001a. The valve seat 1100 is pivotally mounted to the valve seat support portion 1004 of the hollow nasal dilator body 1000 to reduce the risk that the valve seat 1100 may easily fall off.The hollow protrusion 1101 is formed on one side of the valve seat 1100 toward the hollow nasal dilator body 1000, and the hollow protrusion 1101 has an accommodation space 1102 for disposing the one-way flow resistance valve 1200. The outer diameter of the hollow protrusion 1101 is smaller than the outer diameter of the valve seat 1100, and a step surface 1103 is formed therebetween. When the valve seat 1100 is assembled to the hollow nasal dilator body 1000, the step surface 1103 abuts against one side of the valve seat support portion 1004 opposite the first open end 1001, and the hollow protrusion 1101 is received within the valve seat support portion 1004 above the step surface 1001a. 1C, there is an opening 1104 provided on one side of the valve seat 1100 away from the hollow nasal dilator body 1000 to be in fluid communication with the hollow protrusion 1101 of the valve seat 1100. The valve seat 1100 includes a valve connecting portion 1105 provided at the opening 1104 for assembling and fixing the one-way flow resistance valve 1200 to the valve seat 1100. Referring to FIG. 1B, the outer diameter of the one-way flow resistance valve 1200 is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow protrusion 1101 of the valve seat 1100, providing a gap between the one-way flow resistance valve 1200 and the hollow protrusion 1101 to function as a fluid channel when the one-way flow resistance valve 1200 is assembled to the valve seat 1100. The one-way flow resistance valve 1200 may be implemented by a check valve made of a flexible material so that the one-way flow resistance valve 1200 can be deformed when air flow pressure acts on the one-way flow resistance valve 1200. A recess 1100a is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the valve seat 1100 at a position corresponding to the joining part 1300. When the valve seat 1100 is assembled to the hollow nasal dilator body 1000, the joining part 1300 engages with the recess 1100a on the outer peripheral wall of the valve seat 1100 so as to strengthen the assembly between the valve seat 1100 and the hollow nasal dilator body 1000.

[0027] 2 shows the state of use of the nasal dilator 1 with the EPAP valve insert worn by a user. As can be seen from the figure, the hollow nasal dilator body 1000 is inserted into the user's nostril to support and expand the nasal cavity, while both the joint part 1300 of the nasal dilator 1 with the EPAP valve insert and one side of the valve seat 1100 having the opening 1104 are exposed to the outside of the nostril and contact the nostril. The joint part 1300 can prevent the nasal dilator 1 with the EPAP valve insert from being lost, and can also help the user to easily put on and take off the nasal dilator 1 with the EPAP valve insert.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 3A, the direction of airflow during the user's inhalation is represented by an arrow. The one-way flow resistance valve 1200 is in an open state, allowing airflow from the outside to enter the hollow nasal dilator body 1000. At this time, the airflow pressure acts on the one-way flow resistance valve 1200, causing the one-way flow resistance valve 1200 to deform toward the second open end 1002 into an umbrella-like configuration, so that a gap 1004a is provided between the one-way flow resistance valve 1200 and the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 1000, allowing the airflow to pass through the one-way flow resistance valve 1200 and the gap 1004a and enter the hollow nasal dilator body 1000, allowing the user to breathe easily. Referring to FIG. 3B, the direction of airflow during the user's exhalation is represented by an arrow. Airflow from the second open end 1002 of the hollow nasal dilator body 1000 flows to the first open end 1001, the one-way flow resistance valve 1200 is in a closed state, preventing airflow from passing through, and the airflow pressure causes the one-way flow resistance valve 1200 to return from the umbrella shape to its original shape. Meanwhile, airflow inside the hollow nasal dilator body 1000 can only pass through the gap 1101a between the one-way flow resistance valve 1200 and the valve seat 1100, so that the flow resistance of the airflow indicated by the arrow increases compared to the flow resistance of the airflow when the user inhales. As a result, a positive pressure is generated inside the user's upper airway, which keeps the upper airway patent and stabilizes the soft tissue in the user's mouth, preventing the soft tissue from collapsing.

[0029] 4A-4H are various schematic diagrams of a nasal dilator 2 with an EPAP valve insert according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a schematic exploded perspective view, FIG. 4B is a schematic front perspective view, FIG. 4C is a schematic bottom perspective view, FIG. 4D is a schematic top view, FIG. 4E is a schematic front view, FIG. 4F is a schematic side view, FIG. 4G is a schematic cross-sectional view along the AA section line of FIG. 4D, and FIG. 4H is a schematic bottom view. The nasal dilator 2 with an EPAP valve insert of the second embodiment includes a pair of nasal dilator units 200. Each of the pair of nasal dilator units 200 includes a hollow nasal dilator body 2000, a valve seat 2100, and a one-way flow resistance valve 2200. The nasal dilator 2 with an EPAP valve insert further includes a joint part 2300 for connecting the pair of nasal dilator units 200. The hollow nasal dilator body 2000 comprises a first open end 2001 and a second open end 2002 opposite the first open end 2001. The hollow nasal dilator body 2000 extends longitudinally from the first open end 2001 to the second open end 2002. A flange 2000a is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 2000 at the second open end 2002 to improve the degree of engagement between the nasal dilator 2 with the EPAP valve insert and the nasal cavity, thereby dilating the user's nasal cavity. A hollow valve seat support portion 2004 is provided at the first open end 2001 of the hollow nasal dilator body 2000 for assembling the valve seat 2100. Referring to FIG. 5A, the inner diameter of the hollow valve seat support portion 2004 is larger than the diameter of the first open end 2001 of the hollow nasal dilator body 2000. As a result, a step surface 2004d may be provided at the first open end 2001 of the hollow nasal dilator body 2000 to connect to the hollow nasal dilator body 2000. At least a pair of opposing stoppers 2003 are provided on an inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 2000. The stoppers 2003 extend longitudinally inside the hollow valve seat support portion 2004 along the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 2000, through the first open end 2001 and the step surface 2004d, and correspond to the interface piece 2300. A pair of opposing through holes 2004a penetrate the wall of the hollow valve seat support portion 2004 and are in fluid communication with the interior of the hollow valve seat support portion 2004, the pair of through holes 2004a being spaced apart from the stoppers 2003.Another through hole 2004b passes through the wall of the hollow seat support portion 2004 and is located near the stopper 2003 away from the interface piece 2300. The through hole 2004b is in fluid communication with the interior of the hollow seat support portion 2004. A pair of opposing engagement blocks 2004c are located on the upper surface of the hollow seat support portion 2004 for engaging the valve seat 2100, so that the parts of the nasal dilator unit 200 may be securely assembled together. The valve seat 2100 comprises a hollow upper portion 2101 and a hollow lower portion 2102 in fluid communication with each other. The outer periphery of the hollow upper portion 2101 comprises a pair of opposing recesses 2101a (see FIG. 4A) for engaging the pair of engagement blocks 2004c of the hollow seat support portion 2004. The hollow lower portion 2102 is a hollow mating protrusion towards the first open end 2001 of the hollow nasal dilator body 2000, and engages with the inner wall portion of the hollow valve seat support portion 2004 above the through holes 2004a and 2004b to provide space above the step surface 2004d of the hollow valve seat support portion 2004, and is in fluid communication with the first open end 2001 and the through holes 2004a, 2004b. The hollow upper portion 2101 of the valve seat 2100 includes an opening 2101b and a valve mating portion 2103 provided at the opening 2101b for mating and fixing the one-way flow resistance valve 2200 to the valve seat 2100. The one-way flow resistance valve 2200 includes one or more radial cuts 2201. The one-way flow resistance valve 2200 may be implemented by a check valve, and the one-way flow resistance valve 2200 may be made of a flexible material. When the air flow pressure acts on the one-way flow resistance valve 2200, the one-way flow resistance valve 2200 may be deformed. And the radial cut 2201 assists the deformation of the one-way flow resistance valve 2200 along the direction of the air flow when the air flow pressure acts on the one-way flow resistance valve 2200.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 5A, the direction of airflow during the user's inhalation is represented by an arrow. The one-way flow resistance valve 2200 is in an open state to allow airflow to enter the hollow nasal dilator body 2000, allowing the user to breathe easily. Meanwhile, the pressure of the airflow acts on the one-way flow resistance valve 2200, causing the one-way flow resistance valve 2200 to deform into an umbrella shape toward the second open end 2002 and abut against the stopper 2003. The height of the stopper 2003 protruding from the step surface 2004d may be changed to adjust the opening angle of the umbrella shape of the one-way flow resistance valve 2200 to change the size of the fluid channel between the one-way flow resistance valve 2200 and the hollow valve seat support portion 2004. Referring to FIG. 5B, the direction of airflow during the user's exhalation is represented by an arrow. Airflow from the second open end 2002 of the hollow nasal dilator body 2000 flows to the first open end 2001, the one-way flow resistance valve 2200 is in a closed state to prevent airflow from passing through it, and the airflow pressure causes the one-way flow resistance valve 2200 to return from an umbrella shape to its original state and abut against the bottom of the hollow upper part 2101, closing the fluid channel between the valve seat 2100 and the outside environment. Referring to FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C, at this time, the airflow inside the hollow nasal dilator body 2000 can pass to the outside only through the through holes 2004a, 2004b of the hollow valve seat support part 2004. As a result, the flow resistance of the airflow represented by the arrows increases compared to the flow resistance of the airflow during the user's inhalation. Thus, a positive pressure is generated inside the user's upper airway, which keeps the upper airway patent and stabilizes the soft tissue in the user's mouth, preventing the soft tissue from collapsing.

[0031] FIG. 15A shows a schematic perspective assembly view of the valve seat 1500 and the one-way flow resistance valve 1520, which are modifications of the valve seat 2100 and the one-way flow resistance valve 2200 of the second embodiment. FIG. 15B is a schematic perspective view of the valve seat 1500. The one-way flow resistance valve 1520 has two radial cuts 1522a, 1522b in a cross shape. Alternatively, the two radial cuts 1522a, 1522b may be in an X shape (not shown). The inner peripheral wall of the valve seat 1500 includes blocks 1502a, 1502b corresponding to the radial cuts 1522a, 1522b, so that the blocks 1502a, 1502b can block the one-way flow resistance valve 1520 to prevent air leakage from the hollow nasal dilator body during the user's exhalation. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can understand that the valve seat 1540 and the one-way flow resistance valve 1550 shown in Fig. 15D can be another modification of the valve seat 2100 and the one-way flow resistance valve 2200 of the second embodiment. As Fig. 15C shows, the one-way flow resistance valve 1550 includes two radial cuts 1522a, 1522b in a cross shape and a pair of vent holes 1554 spaced apart from the radial cuts 1522a, 1522b. The two radial cuts 1522a, 1522b may also be X-shaped (not shown).

[0032] 6A-6H are various schematic diagrams of a nasal dilator 3 with an EPAP valve insert according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a schematic exploded perspective view, FIG. 6B is a schematic front perspective view, FIG. 6C is a schematic bottom perspective view, FIG. 6D is a schematic top view, FIG. 6E is a schematic front view, FIG. 6F is a schematic side view, FIG. 6G is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line BB in FIG. 6D, and FIG. 6H is a schematic bottom view. The difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment is mainly in the flow resistance adjusting unit and the flow resistance structure unit provided in the nasal dilator 3 with an EPAP valve insert of the third embodiment. The number of air flow outlets and the size of the air flow outlets of the nasal dilator 3 with an EPAP valve insert can be changed by changing the position of the flow resistance adjusting unit relative to the flow resistance structure unit so as to adjust the exhalation airflow resistance. As a result, the positive pressure in the user's nasal cavity can be changed / adjusted during the user's exhalation.

[0033] The nasal dilator 3 with the EPAP valve insert of the third embodiment includes a pair of nasal dilator units 300. Each of the pair of nasal dilator units 300 includes a hollow nasal dilator body 3000, a valve seat 3100, and a one-way flow resistance valve 3200. The nasal dilator 3 with the EPAP valve insert further includes a joint part 3300 for connecting the pair of nasal dilator units 300. The hollow nasal dilator body 3000 includes a first open end 3001 and a second open end 3002 opposite the first open end 3001. The hollow nasal dilator body 3000 extends longitudinally from the first open end 3001 to the second open end 3002. A plurality of flanges 3000a are longitudinally disposed around the outer peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 3000 to increase the degree of engagement between the hollow nasal dilator body 3000 and the nasal cavity, and to support and dilate the user's nasal cavity. The hollow nasal dilator body 3000 includes a hollow valve seat support portion 3004 at the first open end 3001 for assembling the valve seat 3100. Referring to FIG. 7A, the inner diameter of the hollow valve seat support portion 3004 is larger than the diameter of the first open end 3001. As a result, the hollow valve seat support portion 3004 includes a step surface 3004d at the first open end 3001 and can be connected to the hollow nasal dilator body 3000. The inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 3000 includes at least a pair of stoppers 3003. At least one pair of stoppers 3003 extend longitudinally inside the hollow seat support portion 3004 through the first open end 3001 and the step surface 3004d, corresponding to the connecting piece 3300. Referring to Figs. 6A and 8B, the hollow seat support portion 3004 includes a flow resistance structural unit 3005 including a slit channel 3006 and a through hole 3007. The slit channel 3006 includes a first end 3006a corresponding to the stopper 3003 and a second end 3006b corresponding to the through hole 3007. The slit channel 3006 extends from the first end 3006a to the second end 3006b around the peripheral wall of the hollow seat support portion 3004. The slit channel 3006 and the through hole 3007 pass through the peripheral wall of the hollow seat support portion 3004 and are in fluid communication with the interior of the hollow seat support portion 3004 .A pair of engagement blocks 3004c are provided on the upper surface of the hollow valve seat support portion 3004 to engage with the valve seat 3100, so that the components of the nasal dilator unit 300 can be firmly assembled. The valve seat 3100 comprises a hollow annular upper portion 3110 and a hollow flow resistance adjustment unit 3120. The upper portion of the flow resistance adjustment unit 3120 is rotatably assembled to the annular upper portion 3110, and the lower portion of the flow resistance adjustment unit 3120 protrudes from the bottom of the annular upper portion 3110. A pair of opposing recesses 3110a are provided on the outer periphery of the annular upper portion 3110 to engage with the pair of engagement blocks 3004c of the hollow valve seat support portion 3004. An arrow mark is provided on the upper surface of the annular upper portion 3110 of the flow resistance adjustment unit 3120 corresponding to the recesses 3110a to indicate the starting point of rotation of the flow resistance adjustment unit 3120 relative to the annular upper portion 3110. The peripheral wall of the lower part of the flow resistance adjusting unit 3120 is provided with a through hole 3120b corresponding to the recess 3110a aligned with the arrow mark. A pair of through holes 3120c spaced apart from the through hole 3120b are provided in the peripheral wall of the lower part of the flow resistance adjusting unit 3120. When the valve seat 3100 is assembled to the hollow valve seat support part 3004, the lower part of the flow resistance adjusting unit 3120 is disposed above the step surface 3004d of the hollow valve seat support part 3004. For the purpose of illustration, the right nasal dilator unit 300 is taken as an example. When the arrow mark is aligned with the recess 3110a of the annular top portion 3110, the through-hole 3120b is in full fluid communication with the first end 3006a of the slit channel 3006 of the hollow valve seat support portion 3004, one of the through-holes 3120c is in full fluid communication with the second end 3006b of the slit channel 3006, and the other through-hole 3120c is in full fluid communication with the through-hole 3007 of the hollow valve seat support portion 3004. Referring to Figures 7B and 7C, in this situation, the three through-holes 3120b, 3120c of the valve seat 3100 relative to the hollow valve seat support portion 3004 are fully opened to form the three exhalation airflow outlets of the nasal dilator 3 with EPAP valve insert.Also, referring to FIG. 8A, when the flow resistance adjusting unit 3120 rotates along the arrow direction, the through-hole 3120b of the flow resistance adjusting unit 3120 of the right nasal dilator unit 300 moves away from the first end 3006a of the hollow valve seat support portion 3004, so that the through-hole 3120b is partially or completely blocked by the peripheral wall of the flow resistance adjusting unit 3120. Furthermore, the second end 3006b of the hollow valve seat support portion 3004 is partially or completely blocked by the peripheral wall of the flow resistance adjusting unit 3120. Under this circumstance, the number of the exhalation airflow outlets of the nasal dilator 3 with the EPAP valve insert is reduced and / or the size of the airflow outlets is reduced, thus increasing the exhalation airflow resistance and also increasing the positive pressure in the nasal cavity. The exhalation airflow resistance can be adjusted according to the user's requirements by implementing the nasal dilator 3 with the EPAP valve insert of the third embodiment. As a result, the positive pressure inside the nasal cavity can be adjusted.

[0034] 6A, the upper surface of the flow resistance adjusting unit 3120 of the valve seat 3100 includes an opening 3101b and a valve connection portion 3103 disposed in the opening 3101b. The one-way flow resistance valve 3200 includes one or more radial cuts 3201 and is made of a flexible material. The one-way flow resistance valve 3200 may be a check valve. The one-way flow resistance valve 3200 can deform when the airflow pressure acts on the one-way flow resistance valve 3200. Furthermore, when the airflow pressure acts, the radial cuts assist the one-way flow resistance valve 3200 to deform along the direction of the airflow.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 7A, the direction of airflow during the user's inhalation is represented by an arrow. The one-way flow resistance valve 3200 is in an open state to allow airflow to enter the hollow nasal dilator body 3000, allowing the user to breathe easily. At this time, the pressure of the airflow acts on the one-way flow resistance valve 3200, causing the one-way flow resistance valve 3200 to deform into an umbrella shape toward the second open end 3002 and abut against the stopper 3003. The height of the stopper 3003 protruding from the step surface 3004d may be changed to adjust the opening angle of the umbrella shape of the one-way flow resistance valve 3200 to change the size of the fluid channel between the one-way flow resistance valve 3200 and the hollow valve seat support portion 3004. Referring to FIG. 7B, the direction of airflow during the user's exhalation is represented by an arrow. Airflow from the second open end 3002 of the hollow nasal dilator body 3000 flows to the first open end 3001. The one-way flow resistance valve 3200 is in a closed state to prevent airflow from passing through the valve, and the airflow pressure causes the one-way flow resistance valve 3200 to return from an umbrella shape to its original state and abut against the upper part of the flow resistance adjustment unit 3120 to close the opening 3101b of the valve seat 3100. Referring to FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C, at this time, the airflow inside the hollow nasal dilator body 3000 can pass to the outside of the nasal cavity only through the through holes 3120b and 3120c of the hollow valve seat support part 3004. As a result, the flow resistance of the airflow represented by the arrow increases compared to the flow resistance of the airflow during the user's inhalation. Thus, a positive pressure is generated inside the user's upper airway, which keeps the upper airway patent and stabilizes the soft tissue in the user's mouth, preventing the soft tissue from collapsing.

[0036] Furthermore, the modified valve seat 2100 and the modified one-way flow resistance valve 2200 of the second embodiment may be used as modified valve seat 3100 and the modified one-way flow resistance valve 3200. 9A-9H are various schematic diagrams of a nasal dilator 4 with an EPAP valve insert according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A is a schematic exploded perspective view, FIG. 9B is a schematic front perspective view, FIG. 9C is a schematic bottom perspective view, FIG. 9D is a schematic top view, FIG. 9E is a schematic front view, FIG. 9F is a schematic cross-sectional view along the AA section line of FIG. 9E, FIG. 9G is a schematic cross-sectional view along the BB section line of FIG. 9D, and FIG. 9H is a schematic bottom view. The nasal dilator 4 with an EPAP valve insert according to the fourth embodiment includes a pair of nasal dilator units 400. Each of the pair of nasal dilator units 400 includes a hollow nasal dilator body 4000, a valve seat 4100, a one-way flow resistance valve 4200, and a rotatable baffle 4210. The hollow nasal dilator body 4000 includes a first open end 4001 and a second open end 4002 opposite the first open end 4001. The hollow nasal dilator body 4000 extends longitudinally from the first open end 4001 to the second open end 4002. A folded flange 4003 is disposed around the outer peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 4000 at the second open end 4002 to improve the degree of engagement between the hollow nasal dilator body 4000 and the nasal cavity to support and dilate the user's nasal cavity. Referring to Figures 9A and 9H, an annular stepped surface 4004 is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 4000 proximate the first open end 4001. A cross-shaped stent 4005 connects with the annular step surface 4004 to form a platform inside the hollow nasal dilator body 4000, and the cross-shaped stent 4005 can prevent the one-way flow resistance valve 4200 from dropping into the nasal cavity when the one-way flow resistance valve 4200 drops from the valve seat 4100 during a user's inhalation. A pair of opposing first engagement blocks 4006 are provided on the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 4000 and the annular step surface 4004. A pair of opposing second engagement blocks 4007 are provided on the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 4000 near the first open end 4001 corresponding to the pair of first engagement blocks 4006. A pair of first engagement blocks 4006 and a pair of second engagement blocks 4007 are used to engage the valve seat 4100, thereby enabling the valve seat 4100 to be firmly positioned within the hollow nasal dilator body 4000 (see FIG. 9B).9A, the valve seat 4100 has a hollow valve seat body including a first hollow annular portion 4110, a second hollow annular portion 4120, and a hollow intermediate portion 4130 connecting the first hollow annular portion 4110 and the second hollow annular portion 4120. The first hollow annular portion 4110, the second hollow annular portion 4120, and the hollow intermediate portion 4130 include a common opening 4100a. A pair of opposing recesses 4110a is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the first hollow annular portion 4110 for engaging with a second engagement block 4007 provided on the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 4000. A pair of opposing recesses 4120a is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the second hollow annular portion 4120 for engaging with a first engagement block 4006 provided on the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 4000. The first hollow annular part further comprises a valve connection part 4140 arranged in the common opening 4100a of the first hollow annular part 4110 for assembling the one-way flow resistance valve 4200 and the rotatable baffle 4210. A number of blocks 4110b spaced apart from the valve connection part 4140 are provided on the inner peripheral wall of the first hollow annular part 4110. The one-way flow resistance valve 4200 comprises at least a radial cut 4201 and a pair of vent holes 4202 spaced apart from the radial cut 4201. The outer diameter of the one-way flow resistance valve 4200 is larger than the diameter of the common opening 4100a of the valve seat 4100. The one-way flow resistance valve 4200 may be a check valve. The one-way flow resistance valve 4200 may be made of a flexible material so that the one-way flow resistance valve 4200 can be deformed under the action of air flow pressure. Furthermore, the radial cuts 4201 assist the one-way flow resistance valve 4200 to deform along the direction of airflow. The rotatable baffle 4210 includes rib end portions 4210a, 4210b facing each other. The rib end portions 4210a, 4210b may block a part of the opening area of ​​the vent hole 4202 of the one-way flow resistance valve 4200 to adjust the airflow resistance by rotating the rotatable baffle 4210.

[0037] 9B, 9D, and 9H, during the user's inhalation, the one-way flow resistance valve 4200 is in an open state to allow air flow to enter the hollow nasal dilator body 4000, allowing the user to breathe easily. At this time, the pressure of the air flow acts on the one-way flow resistance valve 4200, causing the one-way flow resistance valve 4200 to deform into an umbrella shape toward the second open end 4002, thereby creating a gap between the one-way flow resistance valve 4200 and the valve seat 4100 to form a fluid channel. The vent hole 4202 of the one-way flow resistance valve 4200 also becomes a fluid channel between the hollow nasal dilator body 4000 and the outside environment. During the user's exhalation, the air flow from the second open end 4002 of the hollow nasal dilator body 4000 flows to the first open end 4001. The one-way flow resistance valve 4200 is in a closed state to prevent air flow through it, and the air flow pressure causes the one-way flow resistance valve 4200 to return from an umbrella shape to its original state and abut against the bottom of the first hollow annular portion 4110 of the valve seat 4100, closing the common opening 4100a of the valve seat 4100 (see FIG. 9G and FIG. 9F). At this time, air flow inside the hollow nasal dilator body 4000 can pass only through the vent hole 4202 of the one-way flow resistance valve 4200 to the outside of the nasal cavity. As a result, the expiratory flow resistance is increased compared to the inhalation flow resistance. Thus, a positive pressure is generated inside the user's upper airway, which keeps the upper airway patent and stabilizes the soft tissue in the user's mouth, preventing the soft tissue from collapsing.

[0038] 15C is a variation of the one-way flow resistance valve 4200 of the fourth embodiment. In this variation, the one-way flow resistance valve 1550 includes two radial cuts 1552a, 1552b and two vent holes 1554 spaced apart from the two radial cuts 1552a, 1552b. FIG. 15D shows a schematic top view of the assembly of the valve seat 1540 and the one-way flow resistance valve 1550.

[0039] 10A-10H are various schematic views of a nasal dilator 5 with an EPAP valve insert according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A is a schematic exploded perspective view, FIG. 10B is a schematic front perspective view, FIG. 10C is a schematic bottom perspective view, FIG. 10D is a schematic top view, FIG. 10E is a schematic front view, FIG. 10F is a schematic cross-sectional view along the AA section line of FIG. 10E, FIG. 10G is a schematic cross-sectional view along the BB section line of FIG. 10D, and FIG. 10H is a schematic bottom view. The difference between the fifth embodiment and the fourth embodiment is only the flange shape and number around the outer peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body. In the fifth embodiment, a first annular flange 5010 and a second annular flange 5020 are disposed around the outer peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 5000. The outer diameter of the first annular flange 5010 is larger than the outer diameter of the second annular flange 5020. The first annular flange 5010 is disposed around a middle portion of the outer peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 5000, while the second annular flange 5020 is disposed around the second open end 5002 such that the first annular flange 5010 is closer to the first open end 5001 of the hollow nasal dilator body 5000 relative to the second annular flange 5020. When a user wears the nasal dilator 5 with the EPAP valve insert as needed, a portion of the hollow nasal dilator body 5000 from the first annular flange 5010 to the first open end 5001 is exposed to the outside of the nasal cavity to allow the first annular flange 5010 to abut against the nose. Alternatively, as needed, the first annular flange 5010 is disposed inside the nasal cavity to improve the degree of engagement between the hollow nasal dilator body 5000 and the nasal cavity to support and dilate the user's nasal cavity.

[0040] 17A and 17B, for the fourth and fifth embodiments, by rotating the rotatable baffle 5210, the vent 5202 may be partially blocked to adjust the airflow resistance.

[0041] In addition, the engagement mechanism between the outer peripheral wall of the valve seat and the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body (such as the engagement mechanism consisting of recesses and protrusions) is not only beneficial for the connection between the valve seat and the hollow nasal dilator body, but also can provide a foolproof mechanism for guiding the assembly direction of the valve seat and the one-way flow resistance valve in the hollow nasal dilator body, so as to ensure that the valve seat and the one-way flow resistance valve are correctly assembled in the hollow nasal dilator body. Referring to Fig. 18A and Fig. 18B, Fig. 18A shows that the valve seat 1820 is accurately and smoothly assembled into the hollow nasal dilator body 1800 through the guidance of the engagement mechanism 1840, while Fig. 18B shows that when the valve seat 1820 is assembled into the hollow nasal dilator body 1800 in the reverse direction, it results in an unsmooth assembly process, indicating that the components of the engagement mechanism 1840 cannot match with each other and the assembly direction may be inaccurate.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 19, the hollow nasal dilator body of the present invention may have various materials, for example, a portion 1900a of the hollow nasal dilator body 1900 pointed to by an up arrow above the dotted line may be made of a harder material to increase the supporting strength of the hollow nasal dilator body 1900, while another portion 1900b of the hollow nasal dilator body 1900 pointed to by a down arrow below the dotted line may be made of a softer material to improve wearing comfort for the user.

[0043] 14A is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a variation of the nasal dilator 5 including the EPAP valve insert of the fifth embodiment, in which the engagement relationship between the valve seat 1410a and the hollow nasal dilator body 1400a is such that the top and bottom outer periphery of the valve seat 1410a includes a pair of opposing first protrusions 1412a and a pair of opposing second protrusions 1414a, respectively, for assembling the valve seat 1410a in the hollow nasal dilator body 1400a, and the inner periphery of the hollow nasal dilator body 1400a includes a pair of first recesses 1402a and a pair of second recesses 1404a, respectively, corresponding to the first protrusions 1412a and the second protrusions 1414a of the valve seat 1410a. Furthermore, an annular stepped surface 1406a is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 1400a below the second recess 1404a, so that the diameter of the upper opening 1401 of the hollow nasal dilator body 1400a is larger than the diameter of the opening 1402 of the hollow nasal dilator body 1400a at the stepped surface 1406a, which can further increase the expiratory flow resistance and increase the positive pressure inside the nasal cavity. The annular stepped surface 1406a may also replace the cross stent. The stepped surface 1406a can also support the one-way flow resistance valve 1420a to prevent the one-way flow resistance valve 1420a from dropping into the nasal cavity.

[0044] Fig. 14B is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of another variation of the nasal dilator 5 with the EPAP valve insert of the fifth embodiment. In this variation, the longitudinal length of the valve seat 1410b is shorter than that of the valve seat 1410a, but the engagement relationship between the valve seat 1410b and the hollow nasal dilator body 1400b is similar to that of the variation of Fig. 14A. In the variation of Fig. 14B, a cross stent 1405 is provided inside the hollow nasal dilator body 1400b, joining to the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 1400b, to provide a support means for the one-way flow resistance valve 1420b and prevent the one-way flow resistance valve 1402b from dropping into the nasal cavity.

[0045] FIG. 16A is a schematic assembly diagram of a valve seat 1600 and a one-way flow resistance valve 1620 according to a variation of the nasal dilator 5 with the EPAP valve insert of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 16B is a schematic diagram of the one-way flow resistance valve of FIG. 16A. In this variation, the one-way flow resistance valve 1620 adopts a design concept in which the vent hole and the radial score line are integrated into one. The one-way flow resistance valve 1620 includes a centrally located post 1624 for assembling the one-way flow resistance valve 1620 to the valve connecting portion 1604 of the valve seat 1600. The one-way flow resistance valve 1620 includes a pair of elongated slit-type vent holes 1622 facing each other. Each of the elongated slit-type vent holes 1622 includes a middle portion 1622a curved around the circumference of the centrally located post 1624. The elongated slit-type vent 1622 extends longitudinally from both ends of the curved middle portion 1622a toward the periphery of the one-way flow resistance valve 1620. The elongated slit-type vent 1622 integrates the functions of a vent and a score line. When the airflow pressure acts on the one-way flow resistance valve 1620, the elongated slit-type vent 1622 assists the one-way flow resistance valve 1620 to bend or return to its original state from the deformed state. During the user's inhalation, the one-way flow resistance valve 1620 is in an open state to allow the airflow to enter the hollow nasal dilator body and allow the user to breathe easily. At this time, the airflow pressure acts on the one-way flow resistance valve 1620, causing the one-way flow resistance valve 1620 to deform into an umbrella shape toward the hollow nasal dilator body, thereby creating a gap between the one-way flow resistance valve 1620 and the valve seat 1600 to form a fluid channel. The elongated slit-type vent 1622 of the one-way flow resistance valve 1620 also becomes a fluid channel between the hollow nasal dilator body and the outside environment. During the user's exhalation, airflow from the hollow nasal dilator body flows to the one-way flow resistance valve 1620, which is in a closed state to prevent airflow through the valve, and the airflow pressure causes the one-way flow resistance valve 1620 to return from an umbrella shape to its original state and close the opening 1603 of the valve seat 1600. At this time, airflow inside the hollow nasal dilator body can pass to the outside of the nasal cavity only through the elongated slit-type vent 1622 of the one-way flow resistance valve 1620. As a result, the exhalation flow resistance is increased compared to the inhalation flow resistance.Thus, positive pressure is created within the user's upper airway, keeping the upper airway patent and stabilizing the soft tissue within the user's mouth, preventing the soft tissue from collapsing. Additionally, the rotatable baffle 4210 shown in FIG. 9A is omitted in this variation.

[0046] 16C, 16E, and 16F show various variations of the one-way flow resistance valve 1620, with 16C and 16F being schematic perspective views and 16E being schematic bottom view. FIG. 16C shows a one-way flow resistance valve 1640 comprising a pair of opposing elongated slit-type vent holes 1646 and a centrally located post 1644 to aid in assembling the one-way flow resistance valve to the valve connection of the valve seat. Each of the elongated slit-type vent holes 1646 comprises a curved middle portion 1646a around the periphery of the centrally located post 1644. The elongated slit-type vent holes 1646 extend longitudinally from both ends of the curved middle portion 1646a towards the periphery of the one-way flow resistance valve 1640. A score line 1648 is formed between the elongated slit-type vent holes 1646 and the periphery of the one-way flow resistance valve 1640. The score line 1648 allows the one-way flow resistance valve 1640 to flex more easily, increasing the gap between the one-way flow resistance valve 1640 and the valve seat during the user's inhalation, allowing the user to breathe more easily. The one-way flow resistance valve 1660 of FIG. 16E changes the elongated slit vent 1622 of FIG. 16B to three separate sub-slit vent holes 1662, 1664, 1666 spaced apart and aligned along the length. The one-way flow resistance valve 1680 of FIG. 16F also has three separate sub-slit vent holes 1682, 1684, 1686 spaced apart and aligned along the length. A V-shaped cut 1682a connects the sub-slit vent holes 1682, 1684. A V-shaped cut 1682b connects the sub-slit vent holes 1682, 1686. These V-shaped notches 1682a, 1682b allow the one-way flow resistance valve 1680 to deform more easily under the action of airflow pressure.

[0047] 16D and 16E, number markings may be provided on the bottom side of the one-way flow resistance valves of the present invention to represent the model number of the one-way flow resistance valve. For example, one-way flow resistance valve 1620 may be marked with the number "2" on its bottom side, and one-way flow resistance valve 1660 may be marked with the number "3" on its bottom side, so that the model number of the one-way flow resistance valve may be easily and quickly recognized.

[0048] Furthermore, the one-way flow resistance valves shown in Figures 16B, 16C, 16E, and 16F may be modifications of the one-way flow resistance valves of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 9 and the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 10.

[0049] 11A-11G are various schematic diagrams of a nasal dilator 6 with an EPAP valve insert according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11A is a schematic exploded perspective view, FIG. 11B is a schematic front perspective view, FIG. 11C is a schematic bottom perspective view, FIG. 11D is a schematic top view, FIG. 11E is a schematic front view, FIG. 11F is a schematic side view, and FIG. 11G is a schematic bottom view. The nasal dilator 6 with an EPAP valve insert includes a pair of nasal dilator units 600. Each of the pair of nasal dilator units 600 includes a mesh-like nasal dilator body 6000, a valve seat 6100, a flow resistance adjustment element 6150, and a one-way flow resistance valve 6200. The nasal dilator 6 with an EPAP valve insert further includes a joint part 6300 including a pair of support posts 6310 facing each other. Each of the support posts 6310 is provided with projections 6310a, 6310b, 6310c, 6310d spaced apart from one another and longitudinally disposed around the circumferential wall of the support post 6310, on which the flow resistance adjusting element 6150, the valve seat 6100, the one-way flow resistance valve 6200, and the mesh nasal dilator body 6000 may be respectively positioned and connected in series to the joining piece 6300, thereby assembling together the components of the nasal dilator unit 600. The mesh nasal dilator body 6000 includes an upper opening 6001 and a mesh bottom 6002. In a direction from the mesh bottom 6002 to the top opening 6001, the one-way flow resistance valve 6200 and the valve seat 6100 are assembled to the mesh nasal dilator body 6000 adjacent to the top opening 6001, while the flow resistance adjustment element 6150 is assembled to the outside of the mesh nasal dilator body 6000 adjacent to the top opening 6001. The valve seat 6100 has a periphery 6102 forming a mesh cavity 6104, and a plurality of through holes 6102a arranged annularly around the valve seat 6100 are in fluid communication with the interior of the mesh nasal dilator body 6000. The outer diameter of the one-way flow resistance valve 6200 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the periphery 6102 of the valve seat 6100, so that the one-way flow resistance valve 6200, in its original state, may completely cover the inner diameter of the periphery 6102 while not blocking the through holes 6102a. The flow resistance adjusting element 6150 comprises a perimeter 6152 for forming a mesh-like cavity 6154 .A plurality of through-holes 6152a are arranged annularly on the circumference 6152, each of the through-holes 6152a corresponding to one of the through-holes 6102a of the valve seat 6100, so that a fluid channel is established between the through-holes 6102a, 6152a and the mesh-like nasal dilator body 6000. The flow resistance adjusting element 6150 may include a pair of opposing rotating parts 6156. The size of the fluid channel between the through-holes 6102a, 6152a and the mesh-like nasal dilator body 6000 can be adjusted by rotating the rotating parts 6156 to rotate the flow resistance adjusting element 6150. The one-way flow resistance valve 6200 includes one or more radial score lines 6201. The one-way flow resistance valve 6200 may be implemented by a check valve. The one-way flow resistance valve 6200 may be made of a flexible material. The one-way flow resistance valve 6200 deforms under the action of airflow pressure. Additionally, the radial score lines 6201 assist the one-way flow resistance valve 6200 in deforming along the airflow direction upon the action of airflow pressure.

[0050] During the user's inhalation, the one-way flow resistance valve 6200 is in an open state to allow airflow to enter the hollow nasal dilator body 6000, so that the user can breathe easily. At this time, the pressure of the airflow acts on the one-way flow resistance valve 6200, causing the one-way flow resistance valve 6200 to deform into an umbrella shape toward the mesh bottom 6002, forming a gap between the one-way flow resistance valve 6200 and the valve seat 6100. As a result, airflow from the external environment may pass through the one-way flow resistance valve 6200, the gap between the one-way flow resistance valve 6200 and the valve seat 6100, and the through-holes 6102a, 6152a, and enter the inside of the mesh nasal dilator body 6000 during the user's inhalation. During the user's exhalation, the airflow from the mesh bottom 6002 of the mesh nasal dilator body 6000 flows to the upper opening 6001. The one-way flow resistance valve 6200 is in a closed state to prevent air flow through the valve. The air flow pressure causes the one-way flow resistance valve 6200 to return from the umbrella shape to its original state, completely covering the inner diameter of the flow resistance adjustment element 6150, such that there is no gap between the one-way flow resistance valve 6200 and the valve seat 6150. At this time, air flow inside the mesh-like nasal dilator body 6000 can pass to the outside of the nasal cavity only through the through holes 6102a, 6152a. Thereby, the user's exhalation flow resistance is increased compared to the user's inhalation flow resistance. Thus, a positive pressure is generated inside the user's upper airway, which keeps the upper airway patent and stabilizes the soft tissue in the user's mouth, preventing the soft tissue from collapsing. Furthermore, the user's exhalation flow resistance and positive pressure inside the nasal cavity can be adjusted by rotating the rotating portion 6156 to rotate the flow resistance adjusting element 6150 and adjust the size of the fluid channel between the through holes 6102a, 6152a and the mesh nasal dilator body 6000.

[0051] 12A-12H are various schematic views of a nasal dilator 7 with an EPAP valve insert according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12A is a schematic exploded perspective view, FIG. 12B is a schematic front perspective view, FIG. 12C is a schematic bottom perspective view, FIG. 12D is a schematic top view, FIG. 12E is a schematic front view, FIG. 12F is a schematic side view, FIG. 12G is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line BB in FIG. 12D, and FIG. 12H is a schematic bottom view. The difference between the seventh embodiment and the sixth embodiment is in the structure of the hollow nasal dilator body. In the seventh embodiment, the hollow nasal dilator body 7000 comprises an upper opening 7001 and a mesh-like bottom 7002, and the hollow nasal dilator body 7000 extends longitudinally from the mesh-like bottom 7002 to the upper opening 7001. An annular flange 7003 is provided around the periphery of the middle portion of the hollow nasal dilator body 7000. When a user wears the nasal dilator 7 with the EPAP valve insert, as desired, a portion of the hollow nasal dilator body 7000 from the annular flange 7003 to the upper opening 7001 is exposed to the exterior of the nasal cavity, with the annular flange 7003 abutting against the exterior of the nose, or, as desired, the annular flange 7003 is positioned inside the nasal cavity, increasing the degree of engagement between the hollow nasal dilator body 7000 and the nasal cavity to support and dilate the user's nasal cavity.

[0052] 13A-13H are various schematic views of a nasal dilator 8 with an EPAP valve insert according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13A is a schematic exploded perspective view, FIG. 13B is a schematic front perspective view, FIG. 13C is a schematic bottom perspective view, FIG. 13D is a schematic top view, FIG. 13E is a schematic front view, FIG. 13F is a schematic side view, FIG. 13G is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line BB in FIG. 13D, and FIG. 13H is a schematic bottom view. The difference between the eighth embodiment and the sixth embodiment is in the structure of the hollow nasal dilator body 8000. In the eighth embodiment, the hollow nasal dilator body 8000 comprises an upper opening 8001 and a mesh-like bottom 8002, and the hollow nasal dilator body 8000 extends longitudinally from the mesh-like bottom 8002 to the upper opening 8001. The periphery of the hollow nasal dilator body 8000 near the mesh-like bottom 8002 is also mesh-like. An annular flange 8003 is provided around the periphery of the middle portion of the hollow nasal dilator body 8000. When a user wears the nasal dilator 8 with the EPAP valve insert as required, a portion of the hollow nasal dilator body 8000 from the annular flange 8003 to the top opening 8001 is exposed to the exterior of the nasal cavity, with the annular flange 8003 abutting against the exterior of the nose. Alternatively, as required, the annular flange 8003 is positioned inside the nasal cavity, increasing the degree of engagement between the hollow nasal dilator body 8000 and the nasal cavity to support and dilate the user's nasal cavity.

[0053] 20A-20H are various schematic diagrams of a nasal dilator 9 with an EPAP valve insert according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20A is a schematic exploded perspective view, FIG. 20B is a schematic front perspective view, FIG. 20C is a schematic bottom perspective view, FIG. 20D is a schematic top view, FIG. 20E is a schematic front view, FIG. 20F is a schematic cross-sectional view along the AA section line of FIG. 20E, FIG. 20G is a schematic cross-sectional view along the BB section line of FIG. 20D, and FIG. 20H is a schematic bottom view. The difference between the ninth embodiment and the fifth embodiment of FIG. 10 lies in the structure of the valve seat and the one-way flow resistance valve. The nasal dilator 9 with an EPAP valve insert of the ninth embodiment includes a pair of nasal dilator units 900. Each of the pair of nasal dilator units 200 includes a hollow nasal dilator body 9000, a valve seat 9100, and a one-way flow resistance valve 9200. The nasal dilator 9 with the EPAP valve insert further comprises a joint part 9300 for connecting the pair of nasal dilator units 900. The hollow nasal dilator body 9000 comprises a first open end 9001 and a second open end 9002 facing each other. The outer periphery of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000 comprises a first annular flange 9010 and a second annular flange 9020 spaced apart from each other between the first open end 9001 and the second open end 9002 to increase the degree of engagement between the hollow nasal dilator body 9000 and the nasal cavity to support and dilate the user's nasal cavity. The valve seat 9100 comprises a hollow valve seat body with a through hole 9102. A valve connection portion 9104 connects with the inner peripheral wall of the hollow valve seat body and crosses the through hole 9102. The valve connection portion 9104 has a fence structure. The centrally located post 9104a of the fence structure may connect the one-way flow resistance valve 9200. The one-way flow resistance valve 9200 adopts a design concept in which the vent and the score line are integrated into one. The one-way flow resistance valve 9200 includes a centrally located post 9224 to help the one-way flow resistance valve connect to the valve connecting portion 9104 of the valve seat 9100, and the valve seat 9100 and the one-way flow resistance valve 9200 are assembled inside the hollow nasal dilator body 9000 adjacent to the first open end 9001. The one-way flow resistance valve 9200 includes a pair of elongated slit-type vent holes 9222 facing each other. Each of the elongated slit-type vent holes 9222 includes an arc-shaped middle section 9222a around the centrally located post 9224.The elongated slit-type vent 9222 extends longitudinally from both ends of the arc-shaped middle section 9222a toward the periphery of the one-way flow resistance valve 9200. The elongated slit-type vent 9222 integrates the functions of a vent and a score line. The elongated slit-type vent 9222 assists the one-way flow resistance valve 9200 to bend and return to its original state when the air flow pressure acts on the one-way flow resistance valve 9200. The outer diameter of the one-way flow resistance valve 9200 is larger than the top opening 9102 of the valve seat 9100. The one-way flow resistance valve 9200 may be implemented by a check valve. The one-way flow resistance valve 9200 may be made of a flexible material so that the one-way flow resistance valve is deformed when the air flow pressure acts on the one-way flow resistance valve 9200. Additionally, the elongated slit-type vent 9222 may assist the one-way flow resistance valve 9200 in deforming along the direction of airflow.

[0054] During the user's inhalation, the one-way flow resistance valve 9200 is in an open state to allow airflow to enter the hollow nasal dilator body 9000, allowing the user to breathe easily. At this time, the pressure of the airflow acts on the one-way flow resistance valve 9200, causing the one-way flow resistance valve 9200 to deform into an umbrella shape toward the second open end 9002, forming a gap as a fluid channel between the one-way flow resistance valve 9200 and the valve seat 9100. The elongated slit-shaped vent 9222 of the one-way flow resistance valve 9200 also forms a fluid channel between the outside environment and the hollow nasal dilator body 9000. During the user's exhalation, the airflow from the second open end 9002 of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000 flows to the first open end 9001. The one-way flow resistance valve 9200 is in a closed state to prevent airflow from passing through the valve. The airflow pressure causes the one-way flow resistance valve 9200 to return from the umbrella shape to its original state and close the through-hole 9102 of the valve seat 9100, as shown in FIG. 20F and FIG. 20G. At this time, the airflow inside the hollow nasal dilator body 9000 can pass to the outside of the nasal cavity only through the elongated slit-shaped vent hole 9222 of the one-way flow resistance valve 9200. Thereby, the user's exhalation flow resistance is increased compared to the user's inhalation flow resistance. Thus, a positive pressure is generated inside the user's upper airway, which keeps the upper airway patent, stabilizes the soft tissue in the user's oral cavity, and prevents the soft tissue from collapsing. Furthermore, during the user's exhalation, the fence structure of the valve connection portion 9104 of the valve seat 9100 further prevents the interface between the outer periphery of the one-way flow resistance valve 9200 and the inner periphery wall of the valve seat 9100 from leaking air, thereby maintaining the positive pressure inside the hollow nasal dilator body 9000.

[0055] FIG. 21 shows a first modification of the nasal dilator 9 with the EPAP valve insert of the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 21A is a schematic perspective view, FIG. 21B is a schematic exploded perspective view, FIG. 21C is a schematic bottom view, FIG. 21D is a schematic front view, FIG. 21E is a schematic cross-sectional view along the AA section line of FIG. 21D, FIG. 21F is a schematic cross-sectional view along the BB section line of FIG. 21C, and FIG. 21G is a schematic bottom view. In the first modification, the hollow nasal dilator body 9000a has a first open end 9001a and a second open end 9002a opposed to each other. The hollow nasal dilator body 9000a extends longitudinally from the first open end 9001a to the second open end 9002a. A first annular flange 9010a and a second annular flange 9020a spaced apart from each other are provided around the outer peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000a between the first open end 9001a and the second open end 9002a. A plurality of perforations 9003 are provided around the outer peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000a below the second annular flange 9020a, and these perforations 9003 are continuously connected by an easy-detachment means 9004 (see Figs. 21E and 21F). In a first variation, a portion of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000a below the second annular flange 9020a may be removed by the easy-detachment means 9004 so as to be adaptable to shorter noses.

[0056] Fig. 24 shows a second variation of the nasal dilator 9 with the EPAP valve insert of the ninth embodiment shown in Fig. 20. Fig. 24A is a schematic perspective view, Fig. 24B is a schematic top view, Fig. 24C is a schematic front view, Fig. 24D is a schematic cross-sectional view along the AA section line of Fig. 24C, Fig. 24E is a schematic cross-sectional view along the BB section line of Fig. 24B, and Fig. 24F is a schematic bottom view. In the second variation, the hollow nasal dilator body 9000b has a first open end 9001b and a second open end 9002b opposed to each other. The hollow nasal dilator body 9000b extends longitudinally from the first open end 9001b to the second open end 9002b. A first annular flange 9010b, a second annular flange 9020b, and a third annular flange 9030b spaced apart from one another are provided around the outer peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000b between the first open end 9001b and the second open end 9002b to increase the degree of engagement between the hollow nasal dilator body 9000b and the nasal cavity. The valve seat 9100b comprises a hollow valve seat body with a through hole 9102b. A valve connecting portion 9104b connects with the inner peripheral wall of the hollow valve seat body and traverses the through hole 9102b. The valve connecting portion 9104b has a radial fence structure as shown in FIG. 24B. The one-way flow resistance valve 9200b is similar to the one-way flow resistance valve 9200 of the ninth embodiment, and comprises a centrally located post 9224b for connecting the valve connecting portion 9104b of the valve seat 9100b. The valve seat 9100b and the one-way flow resistance valve 9200b are assembled inside the hollow nasal dilator body 9000b adjacent to the first open end 9001b. Furthermore, the one-way flow resistance valve 9200b may be replaced by the one-way flow resistance valve variations shown in Figures 16C, 16E, and 16F. The hollow nasal dilator body 9000b includes a cross stent 9005b that connects with the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000b corresponding to the first annular flange 9100b. As shown in Figure 24F, the cross stent 9005b includes a first rib 9015a and a second rib 9015b. The length of the first rib 9015a is longer than the length of the second rib 9015b, and the first rib 9015a traverses the inner diameter of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000b, while the second rib 9015b is spaced from the inner circumferential wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000b.The rest of the structure of the second variant is similar to that of the nasal dilator 9 with the EPAP valve insert.

[0057] 24G, during a user's inhalation, the one-way flow resistance valve 9200b deflects toward the second open end 9002b under the action of airflow pressure. The second rib 9015b of the cross stent 9005b may help increase the deflection of the one-way flow resistance valve 9200b to eliminate the inhalation flow resistance. The second rib 9015b also functions as an umbrella stopper to effectively reduce the flapping sound of the valve components of the one-way flow resistance valve 9200b.

[0058] Figure 25 shows a third variation of the nasal dilator 9 with the EPAP valve insert of the ninth embodiment shown in Figure 20. Figure 25A is a schematic partial cross-sectional view, Figure 25B is a schematic top view, Figure 25C is a schematic front view, Figure 25D is a schematic cross-sectional view along the AA section line of Figure 25C, Figure 25E is a schematic cross-sectional view along the BB section line of Figure 25B, and Figure 25F is a schematic bottom view. The difference between the third variation and the second variation is that the hollow nasal dilator body 9000c of the third variation includes a T-stent 9005c that connects with the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000c corresponding to the first annular flange 9100c. The T-stent 9005c includes a first rib 9016a and a second rib 9016b. The first rib 9016a traverses the inner diameter of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000c and connects with the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000c. As shown in FIG. 25F, one end of the second rib 9016b connects with the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000c and the other end of the second rib 9016b connects with the middle portion of the first rib 9016a.

[0059] 25G, during a user's inhalation, the one-way flow resistance valve 9200c deflects toward the second open end 9002c under the action of airflow pressure, and the second rib 9016b of the T-stent 9005c increases the deflection of the one-way flow resistance valve 9200c toward the second open end 9002c to eliminate the inhalation flow resistance. Furthermore, the second rib 9016b can act as an umbrella stopper to effectively reduce the flapping sound of the valve parts of the one-way flow resistance valve 9200c.

[0060] Figure 26 shows a fourth variation of the nasal dilator 9 with the EPAP valve insert of the ninth embodiment shown in Figure 20. Figure 26A is a schematic partial cross-sectional view, Figure 26B is a schematic top view, Figure 26C is a schematic front view, Figure 26D is a schematic cross-sectional view along the AA section line of Figure 26C, Figure 26E is a schematic cross-sectional view along the BB section line of Figure 26B, and Figure 26F is a schematic bottom view. The difference between the fourth variation and the second variation is that the hollow nasal dilator body 9000d includes a single rib stent 9005d on the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000d corresponding to the first annular flange 9100d. The single rib stent 9005d traverses the inner diameter of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000d, and both ends of the single rib stent 9005d are connected to the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 9000d, as shown in Figure 26F.

[0061] 26G, during a user's inhalation, the one-way flow resistance valve 9200d deflects toward the second open end 9002d under the action of airflow pressure, and the single rib stent 9005d increases the deflection of the one-way flow resistance valve 9200d toward the second open end 9002d to eliminate the inhalation flow resistance. Furthermore, the single rib stent 9005d can act as an umbrella stopper to effectively reduce the flapping sound of the valve parts of the one-way flow resistance valve 9200d.

[0062] 22A-22H are various schematic diagrams of a nasal dilator 10 with an EPAP valve insert according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22A is a schematic exploded perspective view, FIG. 22B is a schematic front perspective view, FIG. 22C is a schematic bottom perspective view, FIG. 22D is a schematic top view, FIG. 22E is a schematic front view, FIG. 22F is a schematic cross-sectional view along the AA section line of FIG. 22E, FIG. 22G is a schematic cross-sectional view along the BB section line of FIG. 22D, and FIG. 22H is a schematic bottom view. The nasal dilator 10 with an EPAP valve insert comprises a pair of nasal dilator units 250. Each of the pair of nasal dilator units 250 comprises a hollow nasal dilator body 2500, a valve seat 2510, and a one-way flow resistance valve 2520 having a three-dimensional trapezoidal shape. The nasal dilator 10 with an EPAP valve insert further comprises a joint part 2600 for connecting the pair of nasal dilator units 250. The hollow nasal dilator body 2500 includes opposed first and second open ends 2501 and 2502. The hollow nasal dilator body 2500 extends longitudinally from the first open end 2501 to the second open end 2502. A first annular flange 2500a is provided around an intermediate portion of the outer peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 2500, and a second annular flange 2500b is provided around the outer peripheral wall at the second open end 2502. The outer diameter of the first annular flange 2500a is larger than the outer diameter of the second annular flange 2500b. When a user wears the nasal dilator 10 with the EPAP valve insert, a portion of the hollow nasal dilator body 2500 from the first annular flange 2500a to the first open end 2501 may be exposed to the exterior of the user's nose and the first annular flange 2500a may abut against the exterior of the user's nose, if desired. Alternatively, the first annular flange 2500a may be disposed inside the nasal cavity to increase the degree of engagement between the hollow nasal dilator body 2500 and the nasal cavity, if desired. Referring to Figures 22C and 22H, an annular step surface 2504 is provided around the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 2500 at a height level slightly higher than the first annular flange 2500a. A cross stent 2505 is disposed immediately below the annular step surface 2504.As a result, the cross stent 2505 is at approximately the same height level as the first annular flange 2500a, and connects with the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 2500, forming a plate inside the hollow nasal dilator body 2500. As a result, when the one-way flow resistance valve 2520 falls off the valve seat 2510 during the user's inhalation, the cross stent 2505 can prevent the one-way flow resistance valve 2500 from falling into the nasal cavity. A pair of first engagement blocks 2506 are provided on the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 2500 and on the top of the annular step surface 2504. A pair of second engagement blocks 2507 are provided on the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 2500 near the first open end 2501, corresponding to the first engagement blocks 2506. The first engagement block 2506 and the second engagement block 2507 engageably connect the valve seat 2510 to help the valve seat 2510 to be firmly assembled to the hollow nasal dilator body 2500. Referring to FIG. 22A, the valve seat 2510 comprises a hollow valve seat body with a three-dimensional trapezoidal shape, and the contour of the inner wall of the hollow valve seat body is adapted to the shape of the one-way flow resistance valve 2520. The hollow valve seat body comprises an upper side 2511, a bottom side 2512 opposite to the upper side 2511, and a three-dimensional conical middle portion 2513 provided between the upper side 2511 and the bottom side 2512. The upper side 2511 comprises a valve connection portion 2514 at the center of the upper side 2511 for connecting the one-way flow resistance valve 2520. A plurality of first vent holes 2515 are provided along the periphery of the upper side 2511, through which air from the external environment may enter the valve seat 2510. The three-dimensional conical middle portion 2513 includes a pair of trapezoidal through holes 2513a facing each other and a pair of second vent holes 2516a, 2516b longitudinally disposed on a portion of the peripheral wall of the three-dimensional conical middle portion 2513. A pair of third vent holes (not shown) longitudinally disposed are provided on another peripheral wall of the three-dimensional conical middle portion 2513 corresponding to the second vent holes 2516a, 2516b. One or more of the second vent holes 2516a, 2516b may be blocked with a plug 2518 to adjust the airflow resistance of the nasal dilator 10 with the EPAP valve insert.The trapezoidal through hole 2513a, the second vent holes 2516a, 2516b and the third vent hole are provided annularly around the three-dimensional conical middle portion 2513. The hollow valve seat body comprises a first hollow annular part 2530 and a second hollow annular part 2540 provided on its bottom side 2512, and a hollow middle portion 2550 connecting the first hollow annular part 2530 and the second hollow annular part 2540. A pair of opposing recesses 2530a are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the first hollow annular part 2530 for engaging with the second engagement block 2507 on the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 2500. A pair of opposing recesses 2540a are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the second hollow annular part 2540 for engaging with the first engagement block 2506 on the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 2500. A pair of opposing recesses 2540b spaced apart from the recess 2540a are provided in the outer peripheral wall of the second hollow annular part 2540. A pair of protrusions 2508 are provided inside the hollow nasal dilator body 2500 on top of the annular stepped surface 2504 for engaging with the pair of recesses 2540b. According to the tenth embodiment, the recesses 2530a, 2540a, 2540b of the valve seat 2510 and the engagement blocks 2506, 2507 and protrusions 2508 provided on the inner peripheral wall of the hollow nasal dilator body 2500 constitute a foolproof mechanism to assist the valve seat 2510 and the one-way flow resistance valve 2520 to be correctly assembled inside the hollow nasal dilator body 2500. The one-way flow resistance valve 2520 comprises a top side 2521, a bottom side 2522, and a hollow conical middle portion 2523 provided between the top side 2521 and the bottom side 2522. The top side 2521 comprises an engagement portion 2524 for engagingly connecting the valve connection portion 2514. The bottom side 2522 forms an opening. The hollow conical middle portion 2523 comprises opposed trapezoidal openings 2523a extending longitudinally from the top side 2521 to the bottom side 2522. The one-way flow resistance valve 2520 may be a check valve. The one-way flow resistance valve 2520 may be made of a flexible material to facilitate deformation of the one-way flow resistance valve 2520 under the action of air flow pressure. FIG. 22I shows a schematic perspective view of an assembly of the valve seat 2510 and the one-way flow resistance valve 2520.The trapezoidal opening 2523a of the one-way flow resistance valve 2520 faces the vent holes 2516a, 2516b, while the trapezoidal through-hole 2513a of the valve seat 2510 faces a portion of the hollow conical middle portion 2523 of the one-way flow resistance valve 2520. In other words, the trapezoidal opening 2523a is in fluid communication with the second vent holes 2516a, 2516b, while a portion of the hollow conical middle portion 2523 deformably covers the trapezoidal through-hole 2513a.

[0063] See Figures 23A, 23B, and 23C. During the user's inhalation, as shown in Figure 23A, the one-way flow resistance valve 2520 is in an open state to allow airflow to pass through the one-way flow resistance valve 2520 and enter the hollow nasal dilator body 2500, allowing the user to breathe easily. At this time, the pressure of the airflow acts on the one-way flow resistance valve 2520, deforming it in a direction away from the upper side 2511 and the three-dimensional conical middle portion 2513 of the valve seat 2510, forming a gap between the one-way flow resistance valve 2520 and the valve seat 2510 to establish a fluid channel communicating with the outside environment. During the user's exhalation, the airflow from the second open end 2502 of the hollow nasal dilator body 2500 flows to the first open end 2501. The one-way flow resistance valve 2520 is in a closed state to prevent air flow through it. The air flow pressure causes the one-way flow resistance valve 2520 to return from deformation to its original state and abut against the inner peripheral wall of the valve seat 2510, closing the first air vent 2515 and the trapezoidal through hole 2513a, as shown in Figures 23B and 23C. At this time, air flow inside the hollow nasal dilator body 2500 can pass to the outside of the nasal cavity only through the second air vent 2516a that is not blocked by the plug 2518. As a result, the user's exhalation flow resistance is increased compared to the user's inhalation flow resistance. Thus, a positive pressure is generated inside the user's upper airway, which keeps the upper airway patent and stabilizes the soft tissue in the user's mouth, preventing the soft tissue from collapsing.

[0064] Fig. 27A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a nasal dilator 11 with an EPAP valve insert according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 27B is a schematic perspective exploded view of Fig. 27A. Fig. 27C shows a schematic use state of the nasal dilator 11 with the EPAP valve insert of the eleventh embodiment. The nasal dilator 11 with the EPAP valve insert comprises a first hollow nasal dilator body 110a, a second hollow nasal dilator body 110b, a rear cover 111, a first one-way flow resistance valve 112a, a second one-way flow resistance valve 112b, a valve seat 113, a filter 114, a front cover 115, a mesh cover 116, a first outlet flow regulator 117a, and a second outlet flow regulator 117b. Each of the first outlet flow regulator 117a and the second outlet flow regulator 117b includes a one-way valve for allowing airflow from the first hollow nasal dilator body 110a and the second hollow nasal dilator body 110b to the outside environment. During the user's inhalation, the first one-way flow resistance valve 112a and the second one-way flow resistance valve 112b allow airflow to pass through them. As the airflow direction is represented by the solid arrow shown in FIG. 27A, the airflow from the outside environment passing through the mesh cover 116 and the front cover 115 enters the nasal dilator 11 with the EPAP valve insert, and after being filtered by the filter 114, passes through the first one-way flow resistance valve 112a and the second one-way flow resistance valve 112b assembled on the valve seat 113, and then flows inside the first hollow nasal dilator body 110a and the second hollow nasal dilator body 110b, respectively, to allow the user to breathe easily. During the user's exhalation, the first one-way flow resistance valve 112a and the second one-way flow resistance valve 112b prevent airflow from passing therethrough, so that airflow within the first hollow nasal dilator body 110a and the second hollow nasal dilator body 110b can only pass through the first outlet flow regulator 117a and the second outlet flow regulator 117b to the outside of the nasal cavity, as the airflow direction represented by the dotted arrow shown in Fig. 27A, so that the user's exhalation flow resistance is increased relative to the user's inhalation flow resistance. Thus, a positive pressure is generated within the user's upper airway, keeping the upper airway patent and stabilizing the soft tissues in the user's mouth and preventing the soft tissues from collapsing.Furthermore, by rotating the first and second outlet flow adjusters 117a, 117b, the size of the openings 1170a, 1170b can be adjusted, and therefore the expiratory flow resistance can be adjusted. The positive pressure inside the first and second hollow nasal dilator bodies 110a, 110b can then be adjusted.

[0065] Fig. 28 is a variation of the eleventh embodiment, Fig. 28A is a schematic cross-sectional view of this variation, and Fig. 28B is a schematic exploded view of Fig. 28A. The difference between this variation and the eleventh embodiment is that a common one-way flow resistance valve replaces the two one-way flow resistance valves used in the left and right nasal cavities, respectively. In this variation, the nasal dilator 12 with the EPAP valve insert comprises a first hollow nasal dilator body 120a, a second hollow nasal dilator body 120b, a rear cover 121, a common one-way flow resistance valve 122, a valve seat 123, a filter 124, a front cover 125, a mesh cover 126, a first outlet flow regulator 127a, and a second outlet flow regulator 127b. Each of the first outlet flow regulator 127a and the second outlet flow regulator 127b includes a one-way valve for allowing airflow from the first hollow nasal dilator body 120a and the second hollow nasal dilator body 120b to the outside environment. During the user's inhalation, the common one-way flow resistance valve 122 allows airflow to pass through the common one-way flow resistance valve 122. As the airflow direction is represented by the solid arrow shown in FIG. 28A, the airflow from the outside environment passing through the mesh cover 126 and the front cover 125 enters the nasal dilator 12 with the EPAP valve insert, and after being filtered by the filter 124, passes through the common one-way flow resistance valve 122 assembled to the valve seat 123, and then flows inside the first hollow nasal dilator body 120a and the second hollow nasal dilator body 120b, respectively, to allow the user to breathe easily. During the user's exhalation, the common one-way flow resistance valve 122 prevents airflow from passing through the common one-way flow resistance valve 122, so that airflow within the first hollow nasal dilator body 120a and the second hollow nasal dilator body 120b can flow only through the first outlet flow regulator 127a and the second outlet flow regulator 127b to the outside of the nasal cavity, as the airflow direction represented by the dotted arrow shown in Figure 28A, so that the user's exhalation flow resistance is increased relative to the user's inhalation flow resistance. Thus, a positive pressure is generated within the user's upper airway, keeping the upper airway patent and stabilizing the soft tissues in the user's mouth and preventing the soft tissues from collapsing.Furthermore, by rotating the first and second outlet flow adjusters 127a, 127b, the size of the openings 1270a, 1270b can be adjusted, and therefore the expiratory flow resistance can be adjusted. The positive pressure inside the first and second hollow nasal dilator bodies 120a, 120b can then be adjusted.

[0066] 29A and 29B are application examples of the nasal dilator 130 with the EPAP valve insert of the present invention. The nasal dilator 130 with the EPAP valve insert can be combined with a negative pressure sleep respiratory therapy system for treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Referring to FIG. 29A, the negative pressure sleep respiratory therapy system includes an electric console 142, an oral interface 144, and a saliva reservoir 146. The electric console 142 provides negative pressure and may deliver the negative pressure to the oral cavity of the user through a tube 148 and the oral interface 144. The saliva reservoir 146 collects saliva from the oral cavity of the user through the tube 148. The negative pressure sleep respiratory therapy system of U.S. Pat. No. 10,166,140 owned by the applicant of the present invention may be adopted in the present invention. Also, the oral interface of commonly owned US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0190489 and 2020 / 0352776 may be used as oral interface 144. Further, referring to FIG. 29B, a sensing unit 150 detects one or more user physiological signals including temperature, humidity, airflow, airflow pressure, breathing patterns, and snoring through nasal dilator 130 with EPAP valve insert, and may also detect vibrations and chemicals inside the user's nasal cavity. The sensing unit 150 transmits the detected physiological signals to the electrical console 142 for algorithmic calculation, which accordingly adjusts the negative pressure provided, and then controls the pressure in the user's oral cavity via oral interface 144.

[0067] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications or alterations that are made without departing from the spirit of the present invention and achieve the same effect shall be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention. After reading the above disclosure of the present invention, a person skilled in the art of the present invention can easily understand that various components of the above-mentioned embodiments, such as the valve seat, the one-way flow resistance valve, the hollow nasal dilator body, etc., can be removed from the nasal dilator of the present invention, so that various valve seats can be replaced with each other, various one-way flow resistance valves can be replaced with each other, and various hollow nasal dilator bodies can be replaced with each other to achieve the technical means and desired effects of the present invention. Furthermore, the hollow nasal dilator body of the present invention is capable of supporting and expanding the nasal cavity of a user, and the outer circumferential wall of the hollow nasal dilator body can be provided with one or more annular flanges to further expand the nasal cavity of a user and increase the degree of engagement between the hollow nasal dilator body and the nasal cavity. In addition, the present invention may include various one-way flow resistance units that can provide various flow resistances by matching various valve seats with various one-way flow resistance valves. In order to facilitate quick and easy identification and selection of one-way flow resistance units that can provide required airflow resistance, the present invention further provides one-way flow resistance units with different flow resistances with different colors, or different color marks are made on these one-way flow resistance units with different flow resistances to facilitate mapping different color codes to one-way flow resistance units with different flow resistances, so that users can select the one-way flow resistance units they want according to the color codes.

Claims

1. 1. A nasal dilator for treating a breathing problem, comprising: a hollow nasal dilator body having a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end, the hollow nasal dilator body extending longitudinally from the first open end to the second open end, the hollow nasal dilator body configured to be inserted into a user's nostril with the second open end disposed within the user's nasal cavity such that the hollow nasal dilator body supports and dilates the nasal cavity; a one-way flow resistance unit mounted on the hollow nasal dilator body proximate the first open end and distal to the second open end, the one-way flow resistance unit generating an expiratory flow resistance higher than an inhalation flow resistance such that an expiratory positive airway pressure is generated in the nasal cavity.

2. The nasal dilator of claim 1 , wherein the unidirectional flow resistance unit is removable and replaceable from the nasal dilator.

3. 2. The nasal dilator of claim 1, wherein the unidirectional flow resistance unit is capable of adjusting the ratio of the expiratory flow resistance to the inhalation flow resistance.

4. 2. The nasal dilator of claim 1, wherein the one-way flow resistance unit comprises a one-way flow resistance valve and a valve seat, the one-way flow resistance valve being fixed to the valve seat, and the valve seat being assembled to the hollow nasal dilator body.

5. 5. The nasal dilator of claim 4, wherein the one-way flow resistance valve comprises one or more radial cuts.

6. 6. The nasal dilator of claim 5, wherein the one-way flow resistance valve comprises one or more vents spaced from the radial cut.

7. 5. The nasal dilator of claim 4, wherein the one-way flow resistance valve comprises one or more radial slit-type vents.

8. 8. The nasal dilator of claim 7, wherein the one-way flow resistance valve comprises a notch between the slit-type vent and a periphery of the one-way flow resistance valve.

9. 8. The nasal dilator of claim 7, wherein the one-way flow resistance valve comprises a plurality of slit-type vents spaced apart from one another and disposed along one or more radial directions.

10. 8. The nasal dilator of claim 7, wherein the one-way flow resistance valve comprises a notch between at least one pair of adjacent slit-type vents.

11. 5. The nasal dilator of claim 4, wherein the one-way flow resistance valve and the valve seat are each in the shape of a three-dimensional trapezoid.

12. 10. The nasal dilator of claim 1, wherein the hollow nasal dilator body includes one or more sidewall thru-holes proximate the first open end.

13. 5. The nasal dilator of claim 4, wherein the hollow nasal dilator body includes a flow-resistant structural unit adjacent the first open end.

14. 14. The nasal dilator of claim 13, wherein the valve seat comprises a rotatable flow resistance adjustment unit, the rotatable flow resistance adjustment unit having the ability to adjust the expiratory flow resistance by changing the relative orientation between the flow resistance adjustment unit and the flow resistance structural unit.

15. 7. The nasal dilator of claim 6, further comprising a rotatable baffle mounted between the valve seat and the one-way flow resistance valve for blocking a partial area of ​​the vent.

16. 5. The nasal dilator of claim 4, further comprising one or more stoppers disposed on an inner surface of the hollow nasal dilator body proximate the first open end to limit a bending angle of the one-way flow resistance valve under force from an inhalation flow.

17. 5. The nasal dilator of claim 4, further comprising a stent mounted below the one-way flow resistance valve and connected to an inner circumferential wall of the hollow nasal dilator body, the stent traversing a portion or all of the inner diameter of the hollow nasal dilator body.

18. 20. The nasal dilator of claim 17, wherein the stent has one of the following shapes: a cross, an X, a T, and a single rib.

19. 10. The nasal dilator of claim 1, wherein the one-way flow resistance units are individually color-coded based on their individual flow resistances.

20. 2. The nasal dilator of claim 1, wherein easy-removal means is formed along an inner peripheral wall of said hollow nasal dilator body proximate said second open end for removing a portion of said hollow nasal dilator body via said easy-removal means.

21. 10. The nasal dilator of claim 1, further comprising one or more sensing units for detecting temperature, humidity, airflow pressure, breathing patterns, vibrations, snoring, and chemicals inside the user's nasal cavity.

22. A nasal dilator assembly comprising two nasal dilators according to claim 1 and a joint piece connected between the two nasal dilators.

23. 23. The nasal dilator assembly of claim 22, wherein the unidirectional flow resistance unit of each of the nasal dilators is capable of adjusting the ratio of the expiratory flow resistance to the inhalation flow resistance.

24. 1. A sleep respiratory therapy system, comprising:

23. A nasal dilator assembly as claimed in claim 22; Electric console; An oral interface; A detection unit, a nasal dilator assembly attached to the user's nose such that expiratory positive airway pressure is generated in the user's nasal cavity; the electrical console provides negative pressure delivered to the user's oral cavity via the oral interface such that a negative pressure environment is generated inside the user's oral cavity; the sensing unit detects one or more user physiological signals including temperature, humidity, airflow pressure, breathing patterns, vibrations, snoring, and chemicals inside the user's nasal cavity; the sensing unit transmits the detected physiological signals to the electrical console for algorithmic calculation; and the electrical console adjusts the provided negative pressure accordingly to then control the pressure inside the user's oral cavity via the oral interface.

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