Using your nasal obturators

Nasal obturators are used if your speech is affected by too much air escaping through your nose.

Wearing your nasal obturators

Nasal obturators should only be worn when an improvement in speech is important. For example, when you are:

• using the phone
• giving a speech or presentation
• in meetings
• at social gatherings

Do not wear them when you don't need to, such as watching the TV, reading a book or eating dinner. You should not wear them when sleeping, exercising, or during any activity that causes an increase in breathing.

Airflow through your nose will be reduced when wearing your nasal obturators, but you can still breathe in and out.

You might have breathing difficulties through the nose when wearing them for longer periods of time. This is because natural secretions block the holes in the top. When this happens you need to remove and clean them .

If your breathing is continually uncomfortable when wearing the obturators, please speak to your maxillofacial prosthetist.

Inserting and removing

Your nasal obturators can be put into your nostrils using fingertips. Using a small amount of Vaseline^® can help, but don't use too much as it can make it harder to keep the obturators in when you breathe out.

Sometimes we can label them 'L' for left, and 'R' for right, to help you fit them.

Only put the obturators into the nostril opening, do not try to push them further up into your nasal cavity.

Your nasal obturators sit in your nostrils. While we try to reduce the risk of you inhaling them and make sure you are safe, you must remain vigilant.

To remove them, simply pull the joining bar.

It should not be difficult or painful to insert or remove your obturators. Speak to your maxillofacial prosthetist if you're having difficulty.

Cleaning and storing

Cleaning

Your obturators can easily be cleaned using soap and warm or cold water. The soap you use for washing your hands is OK.

Clean your obturators every time you remove them, and always dry them thoroughly before wearing or storing them.

Do not use chemicals, hot or boiling water, or abrasives to clean your obturators. This will damage the silicone.

Storing

After cleaning, dry them fully and store them in a small pot or box. Do not store them wet or damp as this can encourage bacteria to grow.

Avoid contact with any heat sources, for example radiators or direct sunlight, as this will damage the silicone.

How long will they last?

This depends on how often you wear them, how long you wear them for, and how well you look after them.

During your review appointments, the silicone will be examined for signs of wear. They will be remade when your maxillofacial prosthetist thinks it is needed.