Saline nasal sprays are typically pretty much the same, however there are some differences in additives. I prefer the off brand or store brands they are just as good and they don’t have additives that can irritate the nose. Saline nasal sprays are meant to keep the nose moist and maintain a airway that isn’t dry and doesn’t get stuffy.
Saline nasal spray provides relief for general moisturizing such as dry climates, airplanes, etc.
It provides relief for allergy sufferers, congestion, medication induced dry and atrophic membranes within the nasal passages. It is great to use as a cleanser for nosebleed sufferers and to keep the nostrils moisturized. It also can be used by people using oxygen treatments so they don’t get a dry nose resulting in stuffiness or crusting.
Here are some of the top selling name brand saline nasal sprays.
1. Ocean Premium is probably the original saline nasal spray and comes in a variety of forms.
2. Ayr is also a great brand and is known for their saline nasal gel.
3. Xlear is a brand that has Xylitol and is known for their pediatric nasal spray.
4. Simply saline is another saline nasal spray.
5. Entsol is a saline nasal spray that claims to be used and recommended by most ENT’s and pediatricians however it is similar to the others and claims to be buffered with the highest control of ingredients.
I personally see no extreme differences in saline nasal sprays, if the nasal spray is a true saline nasal spray then it should be relatively the same. However there are saline nasal sprays of all brands that come in different forms such as drops, gels, washes and sprays. There are some washes that even come with small teapot looking objects that help you irrigate the sinuses and wash out the mucus. Most washes are referred to as “nasal irrigation” and sometimes they are recommended by a doctor for sinus irrigations that can relieve stuffiness. Some nasal irrigation systems come with a packet that should be mixed with water in order to be used to irrigate the nasal passages. They come with additives in most brands including aloe, vitamin E, which are supposed there to soothe the nostrils. However if you indeed have an infection or sinus infection brewing the additives can do more harm than good. Thick gels or additives can go up into the sinuses and cause more infection symptoms than having used nothing. So please use just a regular saline wash or spray no additives are needed to breathe easier.
In conclusion saline nasal sprays are a good way to keep stuffiness at bay and moisture your nasal passages especially during allergy or winter. They are highly recommended due to they are not addicting like decongestant nasal sprays which should be used sparingly. Please seek a medical professional if you have pain, bleeding or any continued nasal problems. Sinus infections if not properly treated can lead to major sinus infections requiring surgery. This article is only meant to help you find a brand if you are in need of a saline nasal spray for minor symptoms of stuffiness and dryness.
References for this article include: Web MD, American Academy of Otolaryngology, American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology.
