Pharmacleft Nasal Retainer® is used in treatment of a deviated septum and/or nostrils. The retainer can be worn prior/after cleft lip surgery and nose surgery. Prior to surgery, the device helps to correct deformities of the nasal septum and nostrils to a more centred shape. After surgery, the Pharmacleft Nasal Retainer® is used to sustain the results of the surgical correction and further shape the nasal dome.

The Pharmacleft Nasal Retainer® shapes the nasal dome in a natural centred position and creates good airflow at the same time. The curved design follows the symmetrical shape of nostrils. Combined with the soft touch silicone the Pharmacleft Nasal Retainer® ensures optimal user comfort. The device has two tubes that are connected with a ‘connection bridge’ for safety.

The nostrils, the tip of the nose and the nasal cartilage are not made of tough bone, like an arm or leg is. Instead they are made of cartilage, which is more flexible and resilient. The nasal cartilage is most weak and thus flexible with babies and young children. By correcting the position of the nostrils after surgery or during growth of the patient, the nose will take this shape more permanently. Therefore, it is important to use a good nasal retainer that really shapes the nose and not just two tubes that are inserted in the nose.

Before touching the device for insertion, please make sure to wash or disinfect your hands. Make sure the nostrils are clean and cleared before inserting the device. For comfortable insertion, potable water or a sterile saline solution can be used to decrease friction. When inserting the device, some small discomfort may be experienced. However, this discomfort should be limited and last no longer than a few minutes! Consult your treating physician if the discomfort persists.

To insert the retainer into the nose, first insert one tube into the biggest nostril with the convex side (bulb) facing upwards. Then, gently insert the second tube into the smallest nostril.

For caregivers and parents, Pharmacleft products can be purchased through our webshop. For professionals and hospitals, please contact us directly to order.

It is recommended to wear the device for at least 12 hours a day. The Pharmacleft Nasal Retainer® should not be used for a period longer than 30 days. Please follow directives from your doctor at all times.

 If the Pharmacleft Nasal Retainer® is used in young children under the age of 2: the retainer is best fixed to the columella skin using medical tape, especially when the patient cannot be looked after closely (for instance during sleep). Do not cover the breathing holes in the nostrils while doing so!

• Do not cut the connection between the tubes due to choking hazard. Do not disassemble.

• Store the device away from direct sunlight and at room temperature.

• Do not use beyond expiry date.

• Do not use in open wounds.

Both doctors and patients (caregivers) ask us this question. 

The length of the Pharmacleft Nasal Retainer is a standard length that has been tested and suits most of the patients. In some cases it might be necessary to shorten the tubes a little bit.

Caution:

1. If you are a patient or caregiver: go see your treating surgeon to adjust the nasal retainers together. Do not adjust them by yourself.

2. When shortening a tube, cut only small bits of 1 mm at a time. If you cut too much off, the retainer will become too short and will not stay in the nose. You do not need to cut both tubes. Only the tube that is really too long (in case of cleft lip, mostly it will be the cleft side).

3. Do NOT cut the connection bridge between the two tubes EVER! The two tubes are interconnected for safety. Do not cut that connection. If you feel you might need a bigger/smaller connection bridge (e.g. bilateral cleft patients), please contact us to talk about the possibilities.

4. If your child has a cold and produces a lot of nasal mucus (snot), the retainer might slip out more easily. This should be temporary until the cold is over. And does not immediately mean your retainer is too long. If your child is sick or ill, consider leaving the Nasal Retainer out for a few days.

Use running potable water or a saline solution to clean the inside and outside of the retainer after every use and once a day minimum. A cotton swab can be used to remove crusts from the inside of the retainer. If necessary, put the device in boiling water, crusts will loosen immediately. Make sure the Pharmacleft Nasal Retainer® has cooled down to body temperature before reinsertion in the patient’s nose.

Pharmacleft Nasal Retainers are made from medical-grade biocompatible materials and are designed in the safest way possible. However, your baby must be supervised at all times when using the Nasal retainer. 

Click on the link below to see the instructions for use of the Nasal retainer v1.2

We refer to the blog page for scientific info or latest news.

Never hesitate to contact us via email or phone directly. Our contact details can be found in the contact page.