Influence of nasal sponges on patients' complaints after nasal and sinus surgery.

Background: The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of nasal sponges on the subjective nasal well-being after nasal and sinus surgery.

Methods: The study was designed as a randomized prospective clinical trial comparing four different types of sponges used as nasal passive humidifiers (NPHs). The 40 participants were blinded to the size and pore structure of the NPHs. The NPHs were applied in both nostrils for 1 hour on the 2nd postoperative day. Subjective nasal sensations were evaluated on a visual analog scale.

Results: Wearing comfort was rated as satisfactory. Intranasal humidity and feeling of a dry nose were rated as improved after wearing the NPHs.

Conclusion: The use of NPHs may have a positive effect on the patients' perception of nasal obstruction and intranasal humidity. Additional investigations in patients with intranasal dryness are planned to improve patients' complaints.