Removing the TomNose: 3 Simple Steps

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Learn how to insert and remove the TomNose effortlessly after swimming

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How to Remove the TomNose

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How to Insert It

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What It Is

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How It’s Made

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Olympians, artistic swimmers, and professional mermaids are fans of the TomNose—a custom-made nose plug that looks invisible to the audience. But, how do you remove it if it fits inside the nose perfectly—without any gaps? In this article, we’ll teach you how to take out your TomNose plugs in just a few seconds (without any pain or discomfort).

Things You Should Know

Lift the tip of your nose to expose the base of the TomNose plugs.
Use your index finger and thumb to grip the TomNose plug, then blow air out of your nose while you pull it out.
If you’re having trouble removing the TomNose, press down on one side of your nose and breathe out of the other side—the air pressure helps it slide out easily.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Remove the TomNose

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1
Lift the tip of your nose. Use your index finger to gently push the tip of your nose upward (until you see the base of your TomNose plugs).
- Sometimes, the TomNose falls out after lifting your nose, but if not, don’t worry! Just move forward with the following steps.
2
Use your index finger and thumb to grip the TomNose. If possible, grab the outer rim of your nose plug so it slides out smoothly.^{[1]XResearch source}
- If you have fingernails, use them to help you grab the outer rim of your nose plug.
- If you don't have fingernails (and you can't grip the TomNose), use a pair of tweezers to help you pull it out.
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If you’re having trouble getting your TomNose out, press down one side of your nose (to completely block airflow), then breathe out only using the other side—the air pressure can help you slide out the plug more easily.^{[2]XResearch source}

Section 2 of 4:

How to Insert the TomNose

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Lick your TomNose so it fits comfortably. If water gets into your nose while you’re wearing it, massage your nose with your fingertips to readjust your plugs—you should not be able to sniff if they’re in the correct position.^{[3]XResearch source}

Section 3 of 4:

What is the TomNose?

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The TomNose is a set of custom-made silicone nose plugs. It’s an alternative to a nose clip, and it blocks water from entering your nose when you’re swimming. Unlike a nose clip, you cannot see the TomNose when it’s inserted because it’s made to fit inside your nose perfectly.^{[4]XResearch source}
- They’re made by Tom van der Hoff, and you can only purchase them in the Netherlands.^{[5]XResearch source}
- For people over the age of 14, the TomNose is expected to last 5-10 years.
- You can breathe out of the TomNose, but you cannot breathe in.
- After using the TomNose, clean them with hand soap, then store them dry in a nylon pouch.

Section 4 of 4:

How is the TomNose made?

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Tom takes an imprint of the nose by filling it with a clay-like substance. To begin the process, he checks the inside of the nose for irregularities and prepares an activator that hardens over time. The activator is placed inside a piece of clay, which is then rolled up and injected. To get the right fit, he injects the clay-activator substance into the nose and gently moves it around. As soon as the mixture dries, it's pulled out and molded into the TomNose.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Since the TomNose is custom-made, Tom makes an impression of every client’s nose in his studio in Holland.
- For large groups, Tom can visit your location to make impressions on the spot.^{[7]XResearch source}