Congrats on your success with this. It’s amazing what we can do when we really need to
Swimming has always been my passion. I used to swim occasionally until 2017 when I decided to start training seriously. I joined a Master swimming team in 2018 and took part in my first open-water competitions in the lakes of northern Italy and Liguria.
But during winter training, I started having issues with rhinitis. Each session left me needing to blow my nose more. Over the years, it got worse, and I would end up sneezing all day after swimming. I tried everything—nose clips, petroleum jelly, and sinus rinses—but nothing helped.
In 2022, I had to stop completely because even a short swim left me feeling awful for days. After a year away from the chlorine, I decided to give it another go in 2023. I was hopeful things might have improved, but I was wrong. The rhinitis was still there, as if it had been waiting for me.
I realized that when I had rhinitis, I would feel a tingling around my nostrils. The nose clip would leave that area open to chlorine, which seemed to make things worse. One night, I thought about how to create a cover to protect my nose. I found the shape of a plastic bottle and worked all night to turn it into something that could protect my nose.
The next week, I took it to the pool with my son. It took some courage to wear it in front of other swimmers and risk a day of sneezing if it didn’t work. But to my surprise, I had no sneezing or runny nose! I was cautious and waited a couple of days to make sure it wasn’t just a fluke. I tested it out for five more days without any issues—it actually worked! Water got in from time to time, but it was way less than before. I even could exhale through my nose while swimming, pushing out any water that got in.
I had to learn 3D software and 3D printing while making many prototypes to get it just right. Being able to swim without issues again made all the effort worthwhile. I even rejoined my swimming team after leaving because of rhinitis.
This experience highlights the causes of rhinitis from chlorine in pools. Don’t just take antihistamines or use nose clips. Try to protect your nostrils and swim when the pool is cleaner or find a solution like what I did.
@Eren
For me, it’s the opposite. I get what I call ‘Lake Nose’ every time I swim in open water.
Congrats on finding a solution
Corwin said:
@Eren
For me, it’s the opposite. I get what I call ‘Lake Nose’ every time I swim in open water.
Congrats on finding a solution
I always have so much water in my sinuses after swimming, is that what you mean by lake nose?
@Eren
I love everything about your story.
You wrote it well.
You faced a problem and found a way through it.
You succeeded, solved it, and shared it so others can benefit. You made a positive impact in the community.
And you share!
@Eren
There is beauty in the struggle. Keep going strong
@Eren
Just curious, but could you not have used SCUBA goggles instead? You know, the ones that cover your eyes and nose?
Ciel said:
@Eren
Just curious, but could you not have used SCUBA goggles instead? You know, the ones that cover your eyes and nose?
Those goggles wouldn’t let him exhale naturally, that’s the point of this invention
@Eren
So happy for you!
@Eren
You are very creative and brave. Good story
@Eren
Glad you’re back in the water! Great job
@Eren
I relate to your story. I also struggle with rhinitis after swimming in chlorine pools. My doctor confirmed the link between rhinitis and chlorine, and he deals with it too.
I moved to a salt water pool and I’ve seen a big improvement. No more need for a nose cover.
That’s wonderful! I had to stop swimming in pools for the same reason. Natural waters are fine for me. You could find a market for your nose thing
Frances said:
That’s wonderful! I had to stop swimming in pools for the same reason. Natural waters are fine for me. You could find a market for your nose thing
[deleted]
Frances said:
That’s wonderful! I had to stop swimming in pools for the same reason. Natural waters are fine for me. You could find a market for your nose thing
[deleted]
Awesome! So, can I order a mask that fits my nose?
@Pax
Yes
Frances said:
That’s wonderful! I had to stop swimming in pools for the same reason. Natural waters are fine for me. You could find a market for your nose thing
[deleted]
I found it. Really cool invention!
Frances said:
That’s wonderful! I had to stop swimming in pools for the same reason. Natural waters are fine for me. You could find a market for your nose thing
[deleted]
Why aren’t you on Shark Tank?
Are you selling these anywhere?