Clinical Application of Nasal Filters: An Observational Study on the Usability of Nasal Filters in Managing Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Abstract

Background: A recent park study found a substantial preventive effect of a new nasal filter for seasonal allergic rhinitis. However, the nasal filter still needs to prove that it is sufficiently convenient and comfortable for everyday use during a regular pollen season.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the usability of the nasal filter (Rhinix, Rhinix ApS, Aarhus, Denmark) in a large population.

Methods: An observational, open-label study (NCT02108379) conducted during the main grass pollen season in 2014 in Denmark included 1073 participants with seasonal allergic rhinitis, with or without asthma. Participants received the filters for a 2-week use period. Identical online questionnaires were answered after each week of use. End points included ratings on satisfaction, usage, and interest in continued use, stratified by allergy and asthma severity.

Results: There were 834 filter users in week 1; 634 of these continued use in week 2. After week 1, 630 (76%) expressed interest in continued use of the filters. Participants who continued use in week 2 had higher screening scores for nasal symptoms (P = .01), had more severe asthma for those with asthma (P = .04), and were more dissatisfied with their usual treatment compared with the participants who discontinued use (P = .03).

Conclusions: Of 834 new users, 630 stated interest in continued use of the filters. On the basis of the findings of this large observational usability study, the nasal filters appear sufficiently convenient and comfortable to use and thus clinically relevant for symptom management for many allergy sufferers.

Keywords: Adherence; Allergen avoidance; Asthma; Compliance; Moderate-to-severe; Nasal filter; Observational; Prevention; Seasonal allergic rhinitis; Total nasal symptom score; Usability.