Thermal nasal dilator and method of treatment for relief of nasal congestion and other symptoms associated with common cold and allergies

A nasal dilator comprising a unitary truss member having an elongated shape and a normally, substantially planar state, comprising:

• a. a strip of flexible base material having a first side and a second side;
• a first end region adapted to fit over a first nasal passage;
• a second end region adapted to fit over a second nasal passage;
• an intermediate segment coupling said first end region to said second end region and configured to traverse a portion of a nose located between said first nasal passage and said second nasal passage;
• and
• a layer of an adhesive substance which extends over said first end region and said second end region of said first side of said strip of flexible base material to releasably engage said first end region with outer wall tissue of said first nasal passage and said second end region with outer wall tissue of said second nasal passage;
• b. a resilient means extending along said unitary truss member such that said resilient means is oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal extent of said unitary truss member;
• c. at least one thermal element;
• and
• d. a strip of flexible top material having a first side and a second side wherein said second side of said strip of flexible top material is fixedly attached around its peripheral edges to the peripheral edges of said second side of said strip of flexible base material such that said at least one thermal element is sealed between said strip of flexible base material and said strip of flexible top material;
• wherein the inherent tendency of said unitary truss member is to return to its normally planar state when flexed to engage said outer wall tissue of said first nasal passage and second nasal passage so as to pull said outer wall tissue of said first nasal passage and second nasal passage outward.