The best Nasal Sprays & Drops: Reddit reviews

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

I had to do 4 cycles of chemo earlier this year. Quickly learned how badly chemo affects the body.

I dried out like a prune. I had a bloody nose for about 4 weeks straight. Not a dripping type, but where it would just kind of hang out, get really sticky and scab up.

I was drinking up to and sometimes more than a gallon of water a day. My skin I could slap a soothing lotion on. But with my nose, everyone recommended Vaseline. I’m not a fan of using petroleum based products, but was desperate for a solution.

My oncologist recommended I use a saline spray. When I was in the pharmacy trying to find some saline spray, which I did buy and I attribute some of the healing from, I found a saline nasal gel with aloe vera.

It was goopy and has a slightly thinner texture than Vaseline, but this stuff works! It actually moisturizes and helps to heal, which is different than Vaseline, which acts as a barrier. Moisture doesn’t get out, but it also can’t get in. Saved my nose from the remainder of chemo.

I’ve since recommended it to a coworker who was going through tons of Aquaphor while on Accutane. She was having the same issue. Bloody nose and scabbing from dry nasal passages. She used it over a weekend and came back and told me how amazing it was.

Ayers Nasal Gel with aloe Amazon link, just in case any one is curious. I highly recommend. Since it sounds like you will inevitably be around smoke again, you may want to pick up a tube.

You need a snotsucker. It has a filter so that the snot does not make it into your mouth.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N093BYV/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_BaCmDbG0K8JD4

I have used it on both my kiddos.

Dude I know it’s kinda gross but the nose frida is AMAZING and waaaayy more sanitary than a bulb syringe. 10/10 will suck boogers again.

NoseFrida the Snotsucker Baby Nasal Aspirator and Saline Nasal Spray Kit with 10 Hygiene filters by Fridababy – Sinus Congestion Relief for newborns up to toddlers

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N093BYV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9rPtBbG5BZGQR

Put some Vaseline in your nostrils before they start to hurt. It's an uphill battle once they are raw.

Someone pointed out Saline Nasal Gel is far superior to Vaseline. I'll be trying that this year.

This is what I use: https://www.amazon.com/NeilMed-Sinugator-Cordless-Pulsating-Premixed/dp/B005UO6NRA

But their regular squeeze bottle is great too.

Definitely ensure you are using distilled water. I heat it in the microwave for 25 seconds so it isn’t too cold. Depending on your microwave and your preference you may want to do shorter or longer.

some people are opposed to q-tips but i’ve never had an issue with them, i suggest you use a premise solution for simplicity sake. idk if they have neil med in the uk but H2Ocean is a good alternative. as long as it’s sterile saline wound wash you’re set. https://www.amazon.ca/NeilMed-Antiseptic-Wound-Wash-177-Milliliter/dp/B00EC6DE7Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=saline&qid=1627499504&sr=8-14 here’s a link to some saline that i use but i’m in canada so idk if it’ll work for you. good luck

SinuCleanse Soft Tip Neti-Pot Nasal Wash System - Includes 30 All, Natural, Pre-Mixed Buffered Saline Packets - Relieves Nasal Symptoms and Congestion due to Cold, Flu, Dry Air, or Allergies https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TFR6MG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Y14J6DR57Z62M5SCMMZW

Absolute life saver. Cheep, easy, no clogged nose in the morning

Yeah that sounds about right. The first week I couldn’t believe how weak I felt. I guess my body was working hard healing.

What surprised me is that is isn’t a sliding scale of feeling better. It’s highs and lows really. Expect some setbacks- especially after the debridements. I feel that makes your body heal over again.

I’ve been going with the sinus rinses 3x a day. I hate them but I think they help. I use the neilmed sinugator which automatically pushes the water up your nose and has a pulsating action. And I bought a bunch of gallons of distilled Water and saline rinse packets from Walmart.

You’ll do great. Just listen to your body and take it easy.

The day after I had a post-op appointment first thing in the morning. The Dr said the debridement he did would count as the first cleaning.

The second one I did was later that day. TBH I have the bottle but if found this to be more effective. It does all the water pushing automatically and also pulses so I think it is better than just a gentle stream.

To answer your question I don’t think you feel the saline water over a wound as such. The discomfort is

a) just the feeling of temperature (cold/warm or hot) inside your nose

b) the feeling of pressure when it is pushing something out.

I bought many gallons of distilled water from Walmart (89c I think) and just microwave a 3rd of a gallon for each rinse. I don’t mind them much now but if I was given a choice I would not like to do them.

My dr said I should do them for at least 3 more weeks but suggested I keep doing them even after just as a matter of hygiene like brushing your teeth.

Hope this helps.

I hate/d it also. I’ve been doing it for a week now post op and it’s hit or miss each time. I’m doing it 3x daily. I use distilled water that I microwave for a min+ for temp comfort.

If nothing is coming out, maybe the flow is too gentle. I use the NeilMed Sinugator which is a pulsating nasal wash. You just stick it to one nostril and it pushes water up by itself. Maybe it will make a difference.

Also it is important to tilt your head and keep your mouth open.

No, it's different. Those have lubricants and mild sterilizing agents to keep the contacts clean. You'll find it in the first aid section of the pharmacy. It's sold for use as a deep wound rinse because it doesn't contain anything that will cause problems if it gets into your bloodstream. It will say "sterile saline 0.9%" or "sodium chloride 0.9%." Ask the pharmacist.

I use a spray one like this one: https://www.amazon.ca/NeilMed-Antiseptic-Wound-Wash-177-Milliliter/dp/B00EC6DE7Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_16?dchild=1&keywords=Sterile+saline+wound&qid=1613001046&sr=8-16

Don't spray it on her though the stream is very strong! Soak the cotton ball and dab it so some stays on her skin/fur, leave it for a minute or two, then continue to remove the icky stuff as usual.

Neil med is one of the main makes or the type of wound wash we are talking about. here’s a link to it on amazon ca

You can try a neti pot, I hear they work wonders for many people.

​

I love the idea of being able to use "I could kill you with my brain" lol So powerful!!

A bit late for you, but some advice from another person prone to earache: nasal rinsing. I had ear infections when I was young and even had tubes in my ears to help the eustachian tubes drain. I start using my Neilmed Sinulgator a couple times a day at the start of any sinus issues. It helps to clean any blockage which might otherwise escalate to a blocked eustachian tube and ear infection. It takes a bit of time to get used to, but the awkwardness and inconvenience is a small price. Instead of the saline packets which come with the device (and can be purchased), I mix salt in with boiled water and use when cooled.

I use this one..

https://www.amazon.com/Xlear-Nasal-Spray-Sinus-Relief/dp/B000M4W2E6/ref=sxts_rp_s_a_sp_2_0?content-id=amzn1.sym.e1d0fd65-dbff-454d-9e35-926f4c285911%3Aamzn1.sym.e1d0fd65-dbff-454d-9e35-926f4c285911&crid=1FUE6CGLRJTWO&cv_ct_cx=xlear+nasal+s...

I get the 3 pack on my monthly subscription every 3 months.. one bottle lasts a month with 3 squirts per nostril per day . I use it about 3 hours before bed and blow my nose gently in the shower prior to bed. You will also want to blow your nose after using the spray too. I was getting bad sinus infection and inner ear tube issues when I first started Apap . But xlear fixed me up perfectly. No sides . My wife and son use it also when we get home from being around people for anti-covid measures. Some studies show it helps . But who knows.

I like this the elegant handle allows for comfortable handling and control whilst clearing the sinuses. But I think that does the same shit. Got mine from Walgreens.

I used Ivermectin and beat covid in less than 48 hours. I also used a nasal spray called Xlear recommended by a few https://www.amazon.com/Xlear-Nasal-Spray-Sinus-Relief/dp/B000M4W2E6/

I did not opt in to try the brand new covid vaccines, and declined them mainly due to them being rushed and no long term studies. also I was not at risk and very healthy.

I caught covid from a vaccinated coworker

Now I have natural immunity

I used Ivermectin and beat covid in less than 48 hours. I also used a naisal spray called Xlear recommended by a few https://www.amazon.com/Xlear-Nasal-Spray-Sinus-Relief/dp/B000M4W2E6/

I am not vaccinated

My APP piercer advised this NeilMed kit because it's both saline and it has varying pressure nozzle attachments. They sometimes use a toothpick to clean up my jewellery, but this is done by someone highly trained in a well lit, clean environment, so it probably won't have the same results when done on oneself. I'd advise against needles, as somebody else mentioned, or other items that can cause micro damage to the jewellery (or potentially worse damage to your body if you slipped or something else went wrong). Build up is typically easiest to deal with after being softened in warm water, as it's kinda mushy (that felt gross to type). It can take a while to get used to keeping intricate pieces clean, but remember to steer clear of over-cleaning or irritating movements- it's better to have a bit of outer build up that takes a little longer to get rid of than it is to keep irritating the piercing channel itself. If nothing else, an APP piercer should be able to advise a personalised cleaning routine for best results for you.

Saline nose flushes do a remarkable job of rehydrating the nose. https://www.amazon.com/Multi-Purpose-Saline-Spray-ounces/dp/B002GU64EI This is the one I use for travel, but I have an at home system that uses distilled water and a saline/bicarbonate mix.

I use during allergy season to get rid of allergens, in winter because its bone sucking dry here to rehydrate. You DO have to stand over a sink to do it, so might be best to do in the evening.

You may want to try flushing out your sinuses with a neti pot or a Navage. Both of them feel really weird, but don't hurt.

There is also a REALLY old sinus rinse called Alkalol that might work well for you: https://www.amazon.com/Alkalol-Natural-Soothing-Solvent-Cleaner/dp/B003YFG0M0

That stuff does burn a bit since it's pretty minty, but helps a great deal.

Don’t sweat it; that’s why we’re here. For future reference (and the health of your sinuses), you may want to get some saline nasal spray to give your nostrils a clean rinse

It's called a nose frida and definitely takes some trust factor for the little booger filter thing. But honestly between that and a screaming infant at 3 am I'm suckin boogs yo. Baby

Nasal Aspirator NoseFrida- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N093BYV/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_6DV4Z1Y8P6HEWGTX8M63?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Nasal Irrigation. Everyday, sometimes twice a day(or more as needed). I use this:

https://www.amazon.com/NeilMed-Sinugator-Cordless-Pulsating-Premixed/dp/B005UO6NRA

with these packets

https://www.amazon.com/NeilMed-Natural-Relief-Premixed-Packets/dp/B00TU5P33K

I also have a nasal irrigation attachment for a waterpik. My doctor many years ago recommended this....

I haven't had a sinus infection since I started doing this. Used to have many a year.

I second all of this except for removing the jewelry. Doing that can trap the infection in the tissue and cause an abscess. Leave the jewelry in until you can get it changed to a flat back labret (I recommend getting in with your piercer ASAP) and continue cleaning with a saline wound wash like this

I didn't think about the wide end on it, maybe something like a saline nail spray might be better then. A quick Google search lead me to a "neilmed saline nasil spray" on Amazon and it has 3 different ends for it including a narrow one, which might be better? https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B002GU64EI?ref_=d6k_applink_bb_marketplace&ascsubtag=[]st[p]cjf8jrhtv008bc1y6k8evo3hx[i]bed36u[t]a&linkCode=gs2&tag=voxcan-20

This works well for me. I save it for the really flarey dry spells and use genexa saline in bt Ponaris Nasal Emollient 1 oz https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000NB5BFA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_KZ89PJKC7NXRCNYZ99CF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Ayr Saline Nasal Gel with Soothing AloeAyr I read things like Vaseline can be dangerous if it gets in your lungs, so this is what i use. I apply it inside my nostrils with a Q-tip before bed, or anytime I need it. It only takes a tiny bit. Saline Nasal Gel with Soothing Aloe

Saline nasal spray works very well.

Also hot showers without the fan on in the bathroom.

However if you are dead set on this then there is a better way to do what you asked.

https://www.amazon.com/NoseFrida-Snotsucker-Aspirator-Hygiene-Fridababy/dp/B01N093BYV/ref=sr_1_37?crid=RDWE6PXEP5TZ&dchild=1&keywords=infant+nasal+aspirator+bulb&qid=1630832271&sprefix=Infant+asal+aspir%2Caps%2C270&sr=8-37

Here some recommendations.

Vitamin D3 4,000 IU/Day

Gargle Mouthwash 3 x daily – gargle (do not swallow) antiseptic mouthwash with cetylpyri­ dinium chloride (e.g. ScopeTM, ActTM, CrestTM), ListerineTM with essential oils, or povidone/iodine 1 % solution as alternative.

Nasal/oral rinse 3 x Daily. Look for nasal spray with grapefruit seed extract and xylitol

Xlear Nasal Spray for Sinus Relief 1.5 fl oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000M4W2E6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MS7CJGVRRGPCJ49FZEBA