Custom-made NSV

• Custom-made NSV fits well on your nostrils. It can be fabricated by taking silicone rubber impression of your nose.
• The connector between the left and right shells can be made of resin plastic or nylon cable. The nylon cable offers less visibility. If you have some difficulties in manipulating small objects, the resin plastic bar will be easier to handle. You can select each type depending on your conditions.
• In Japan, Dentists take impression for NSV. Usually, three sessions will be necessary for fabrication: 1) taking impression, 2) insertion of NSV, and 3) adjustment. The cost of a custom-made NSV is about ￥40,000 in Okayama University Hospital.

Fabrication procedures of Custom-made NSV

1) Impression (mold) taking
Important Notice: Following the impression procedure and type of material shown below is ESSENTIAL to get a well-fitting. The fit of NSV cannot be better than the impression mold.
2) Insertion of NSV
3) Adjustment and recall
Usually, the three sessions above will be necessary.

Impression materials Examination of nostrils and preparation procedure Preliminary impression with silicone putty Finishing impressions and connection of two part

A Clinical Example of the silicone impression (mold)

　　Viewed from nostrilsLower view

　Viewed from nose topOblique view

Does NSV fit me?

The NSV can improve your speech only when the problem is caused by the nasal emission of your exhalation. It would be the best to ask your Speech-Language Pathologist or rehabilitation doctor about the cause of your speech problem.

Here is a simple method to check your condition.
Seal both of your nostrils with your fingers. If sealing your nostrils improves your speech, especially /p/ or /t/ sound, the NSV would be effective.
Although speaking with your nostrils sealed would cause a stuffy nose sound, your speech with the NSV would usually be much better than that.