If you’re currently suffering from a case of the common cold, a congested sinus isn’t likely to be far behind. When you catch a cold, your body works double time to eject the virus out of your system. That’s why it produces more mucus than usual in order to coat the foreign body and prevent it from damaging your system.
While this reaction is generally defensive in nature, it can cause some serious discomfort. The best way to get rid of that stuffy feeling would be to use a decongestant designed for relief against cold congestion. Although they are generally accessible, the wide array of options makes it a challenge to choose the best decongestant for cold. So if you’re wondering which product to purchase, this comprehensive guide should help you land the right solution.
Top 10 Decongestants for Cold Chart
What to Remember When Buying Decongestant for Cold
Decongestants come in many different forms and formulations. This is because people experience different reactions and results from these products depending on how their body responds to the formula. That said, it’s important to make sure you consider these factors to land the best decongestant for cold.
- Delivery Mechanism/ Form. Decongestants for colds come in many different forms, but the most common are nasal sprays, nasal rinses, scents and pills taken orally. These different forms offer varied results, so depending on your preferences and needs, you may have to consider what delivery mechanism will work best for your body.
- Pills and Syrups. Tablets, capsules, caplets, and syrups have special formulations that allow them to do much more than just decongest. Often, these product offer multi-symptom relief, meaning they target more than just congestion. This is ideal if you want to cure the congestion and all the other cold symptoms you might develop with it. Bear in mind however that pills and syrups do take more time to produce results, but their effects are geared towards long-term relief.
- Nasal Sprays. Sprays are ideal for people on the go. These formulations only provide temporary relief against congestion, but also produce immediate results. So if you’re on the commute to work and you need a little relief, a spray will help you navigate your way to the office without the stuffy nose.
- Nasal Rinses. These products take a little more time to use than sprays, but often provide better results. Albeit a temporary solution, nasal rinses clear out nearly all congestion, giving you much longer results than sprays. That said however, they still do not cure your cold, and so congestion will return after a few hours from use.
- Essential Oils. Congestion affects the nasal passageways, preventing airflow from freely entering through the nose. Powerful scents and inhalable substances are commonly formulated from herbal and natural ingredients, and these aim to clear up the passageways by loosening the mucus.
These are the least effective among all options, but they can be very beneficial for some people. Simply slathering some of the scent above your upper lip can provide long-lasting relief throughout the day.
- Herbal Versus Synthetic. Herbal remedies are very common, and promise to provide the same level of relief as their synthetic counterparts. The only difference is that herbal remedies are much less likely to cause side-effects associated with clinically developed remedies. Despite this however, the effectiveness of herbal remedies has been a point of debate for a lot of consumers.
While there are numerous buyers who claim that these natural solutions provide real relief, there are others who say these products don’t provide any sort of results. This all depends on how well your body responds to the formulation as there are some people who are much more resistant to herbal solutions.
Top 3 Best Decongestant for Cold Reviews
1. Puriya Natural Chest and Nasal Congestion Relief
Despite inhalable remedies being the least effective according to research, the best decongestant for cold based on consumer reviews is Puriya Breathe-Ease Balm Natural Congestion Relief. This natural balm is slathered over the chest, around the nostrils, and even on the upper back to resolve congestion.
The product has a very high eucalyptus content, which leaves a lasting menthol sensation on the skin. The scent penetrates mucus and provides clarity against congestion, as well as relieves heaviness in the chest.
Combining effectiveness, fast results, and safety, this all natural remedy has become a hit among buyers who want a product that will guarantee relief without risking side effects and adverse reactions.
2. Contac Maximum Strength Non-drowsy Formula
The second best remedy for cold congestion is Contact Day Cold + Flu Caplets. These caplets contain ingredients such as phenylephrine and acetaminophen which are for decongestion and fever reduction. This is a multi-symptom relief formula which works to stop decongestion, as well as cure the cold that caused it.
What many consumers like about Contact Day Cold + Flu Caplets, aside from its general effectiveness, is the fact that it comes at a pocket-friendly cost. So if you don’t mind waiting a while for the effects and you want something that will help resolve your cold all together, Contact Day Cold + Flu Caplets should be your best bet.
3. BUCKLEY’S ‘Night Time’ COUGH CONGESTION
The only syrup on the list, Buckley’s Original Night Time Cough and Congestion Syrup is a top contender for best remedy for decongestion. This formula contains a high concentration of menthol as well as diphenhydramine hydrochloride which help to reduce mucus production all together.
Generally effective, there are some downsides to Buckley’s. The main concern that some people have is that the formula causes drowsiness, which doesn’t make it an ideal remedy if you’re out at work or away from home.