If you always find yourself having to deal with a stuffy nose, you should never be without a nasal decongestant in your purse or in your desk drawer. These instant relief products are highly accessible, with countless brands and varieties lining drugstore shelves. Of course, while they’re very easy to find, locating the best nasal decongestant for yourself isn’t always that easy. That’s because what works for someone else might not work as well for you.
With this in mind, it pays to know what you need and what you should be looking for when you step into the pharmacy. This way, you can keep yourself from spending money on a nasal decongestant that won’t work for you. If you want to find out how to make sure that every penny you spend is worth it, read through this comprehensive buying guide for nasal decongestants.
Top 10 Nasal Decongestants Chart
Buying Information for Nasal Decongestant
Lots of different manufacturers have released an endless variety of nasal decongestants. To better understand which of your options is the best nasal decongestant for you, remember to keep these three considerations in mind.
- Herbal vs Synthetic. Nasal decongestants can come as either an herbal remedy or a synthetic, medicated formula. There are pros and cons to each, and choosing depends on your preference and your body’s reaction to either option.
Herbal nasal decongestants are made from natural and organic ingredients. Usually, these include mint, a variety of oils, and flower extracts. They’re usually effective and cause very few side effects, if any at all. Generally, they’re safe for use for all individuals, including small children and even pregnant women. That said however, some herbal nasal decongestants may not work as well because of the lack of potency.
Chemical, medicated products are formulated in labs and are composed of a list of different synthetic ingredients that aim to resolve nasal congestion. Although they’re highly effective and fast-acting, these products can also cause side-effects and adverse reactions in certain people with specific sensitivities. Reading all the labels and understanding what a product contains before using it will ensure utmost safety.
- Spray vs Inhaler vs Strips vs Pills. Decongestants can come as sprays, strips, or inhalers. The first is a liquid formula that contains ingredients that draw out the mucus to clarify the passageway from the nose to the lungs.
The second are strongly scented adhesive strips that are placed within the proximity of the nasal cavity to allow the scent to work its way through the congestion. These are usually used for sleeping.
The third is usually a wax-like substance that’s contained in a tube which is then inhaled by a user. The smell clarifies the airways to provide relief against clogging and congestion.
Finally, pills are much more of a systemic treatment than a direct solution. While it does take a while for results to appear, pills generally provide much longer lasting and noticeable results compared to other options. Mostly, pills are ideal for people who have severely congested sinuses however don’t mind waiting for relief.
It’s much more suitable for people with mild or unilateral congestion to use the inhaler as it’s much safer, accessible, affordable, and less likely to cause side-effects. For people who experience sever congestion, a spray would be much better suited. During night time or before sleeping, an adhesive nasal strip would provide relief throughout the night.
- Antihistamine. It’s common for nasal decongestants to contain antihistamine to help relieve what caused the symptom. But because not all congestion is caused by allergic reactions, it pays to understand first what is causing your nasal congestion before choosing a product that includes antihistamine. This way, you won’t be using any products that your body doesn’t need.
Top 5 Best Nasal Decongestant Reviews
1. Inspirol, Herbal Breathing
Considered by many as the best decongestant for sinus congestion, Inspirol Herbal Breathing is an all natural remedy that poses very few risks and side-effects. Using eucalyptus as its main ingredient, this product aims to relieve congestion by leaving a strong menthol scent throughout the nasal cavity, which works away accumulated mucus.
The oils in the product are also good for irritation inside the nose. By soothing the skin and tissues within, the product reduces mucus production and provides long-lasting, however temporary relief. Use is also straightforward and convenient – ideal for people on the go. Simply open the bottle and use the inhaling tube that comes with the product and the fumes from the solution work its way into the nose for instant relief.
Safe, affordable, and ease of use are the three main selling points for Inspirol Herbal Breathing, and based on consumer reviews, this combination of features have made this product a premium pick.
2. Vicks Sinex Moisturizing Nasal Decongestant
Vicks is a popular name in the nasal congestion relief category. Their Ultra Fine Mist is one of the top rated products for nasal congestion, mainly because it’s straightforward, potent, and highly effective.
The product works by spraying a very fine mist into the nasal cavity, which then mixes in with the mucus to make it runnier. The now fluid mucus is then drawn out of the nose to clear out the nasal passage and ease breathing.
This product works fast, making it the ideal solution for people who want instant relief that they can keep in their pocket. The only downside is that some users complain the scent can be very overpowering. So if you’re sensitive to potent menthol scents, this product may overwhelm you.
3. Benzedrex Nasal Decongestant Inhaler
Another bet for best decongestant is Benzedrex Nasal Decongestant Inhaler. This product comes in the form of an inhaler, which you can use on the go or at work for a quick decongestion fix. The substance inside is composed of a combination of antihistamines and menthol scents that work to clear out mucus and relieve allergies.
However, despite being a fairly effective product for decongesting the sinus, the antihistamine content is very low. This makes it relatively ineffective at resolving an allergic reaction all together. So if your sinus congestion was caused by allergies, taking an oral antihistamine on top of using this product for congestion should be your best course of action.
4. Xlear, Xylitol Sinus Care Spray
Another popular spray is the Xlear, Xylitol Sinus Care Spray. This all natural product is mostly saline, which is a salt solution that draws out mucus. For many, this is a highly effective formula which is also very safe. Causing zero side-effects, Xlear, Xylitol Sinus Care Spray is perfect for people with sensitive nasal regions.
The only issue that some people have with the product is that it tends to leak out of the nose after each spray. For those who want to use this product while at work or when away from home may struggle to keep the fluid from dripping onto clothing. Be sure to have a tissue or hanky in handy when using this spray while you’re out and about.
5. Robert Youngs Acupuncture Nasal Congestion Pills
Offering much longer lasting results, Sinus Clear Natural Herbal Sinus Relief and Nasal Congestion combines several Chinese medicinal herbs to achieve relief and decongestion. The pills have no side-effects, no chemicals, and no harmful chemicals that could cause adverse reactions.
Generally, the product has gotten positive reviews from many of its users. The only issue is that some consumers have had is that the product takes some time to provide results. This is because the pill first has to be digested before the components are metabolized and put into effect. What’s more, there is some antihistamine in the formulation. So unless your congestion was caused by allergies, taking Sinus Clear Natural Herbal Sinus Relief and Nasal Congestion wouldn’t be ideal.