What are the benefits of saline sprays?
If you’re no stranger to a dry nose that becomes uncomfortably annoying when the cold weather sets in and the heat is on, adding a nasal spray to the daily routine might just be the answer.
Saline nasal sprays add moisture to lubricate nasal and sinus tissues. They loosen thickened mucus, sooth dry passages, help relieve congestion, have a cleansing effect, moisten and cleanse the mucus and membranes, and can remove pollen, dust, germs, and debris.
Sprays are effective soothers and help prevent those irritating and uncomfortable dry patches in the nose that can crack, bleed, and scab.
Nasal sprays with xylitol can help the body filter germs and particles that may cause illness, allergy like symptoms, blockages, congestion, headaches, earaches, and infection.
What exactly is xylitol?
Xylitol is a natural sugar with a very low glycemic index or GI, a measurement of how quickly it will raise blood sugar after being eaten. Xylitol’s glycemic index is 7 compared to natural sugar’s rating of 60–70. It also has 40% less calories than sugar.
Since it doesn’t spike blood sugar due its low index, xylitol is a good match for those watching sugar intake and diabetics .¹
It’s often the sweetener of choice in natural toothpastes, gums, and mouth rinses. It’s very effective.
In nasal sprays, xylitol can help the body maintain upper respiratory health.
For more detailed information on xylitol from K. Gunnar at Healthline, Click here. It’s a good read when you have the time.
There are a lot of sprays out there, and believe me, I’ve tried my share. Here’s my favorite always effective “go to” spray. It’s also non-GMO (not genetically modified). I always appreciate that.
Xlear Nasal Spray ingredients and details.
The sprays pictured above have about 240 metered sprays per 1.5 ounce bottle.
Here’s something to keep in mind for those with allergies. Depending upon the product, Xlear may contain grapefruit seed extract, capsicum, oregano, parsley, tea tree, and eucalyptus. As with any product avoid if you have a known allergy to any of its contents.
The regular version pictured above to the right of the box contains purified water, xylitol, USP sodium chloride, and grapefruit seed extract and is considered safe for all ages. It’s helpful for sinus congestion, nasal irritation and itch, and for its cleansing effect removing pollens, dust, and pollutants.
Xlear MAX pictured to the left of the box seems better for more intense congestion, flu-like symptoms, and the common cold. In addition to the ingredients listed above, this version contains aloe vera and Capsicum oleoresin (hot pepper).
I have also tried the Rescue Nasal Spray (not pictured) which contains Pau d’Arco, oregano, tea tree, eucalyptus, and parsley in addition to the base ingredients.
It’s recommended to prime the pump before the first use, shake the bottle well before each use, clean the outside of the nozzle after each use and before recapping, and not to share the product with others.
For quick reference, here’s a link to Xlear’s sinus product line and more detailed information on their nasal health products for adults and children.
Xlear Nasal Spray Review
My experience with these nasal sprays is remarkable. Here’s my take.
The regular Xlear adds moisture, removes congestion, and actually relieves my nasal allergy symptoms. I noticed a mild tingling sensation and loosening of secretions and/or itch relief within 1–2 minutes. I carry one in my purse during allergy season.
For the more intense “I can’t breathe at all through my nose” type of congestion, I use 2 sprays in each nostril of the Xlear Max with capsicum.
I found this product to have a significant sting at first which quickly resolves. It relieved my congestion to the point that I could breathe completely and easily from passages that were previous blocked.
So the sting was worth the result. Just have some tissues handy. On the rare occasion it didn’t work the first time, a repeat spray did the job.
For cold related congestion, the spray may need to be used several times daily for a few days as needed. The MAX spray does what the box says “cleans, soothes, moisturizes, and helps loosen secretions and congestion”.
Since the pepper can be irritating with continued use, I alternate or follow up with a simple saline spray from the local pharmacy or the regular Xlear to remoisturize as needed.
I have mixed reviews on my brief experience with Xlear’s Rescue Nasal Spray. On the one hand it was an effective congestion reliever. On the other, I couldn’t get past the lingering oregano, tea tree, eucalyptus, and parsley taste and aroma after using it.
Although I like them all in a tea, the spray seemed a bit overpowering so I decided to stick with the Max version for congestion relief.
Where to purchase and cost.
Xlear products can be found at Amazon, Vitacost, Swanson Vitamins, iHerb as well as chain pharmacies and grocery stores.
The product containing oregano has a fragrance. If it’s not your cup of tea, there are other Xlear sprays to choose from. On-line prices range from $9.99 -$14.99 for a 1.5 ounce spray bottle that delivers about 240 metered sprays.
Adding humidity to the indoor environment is also helpful for sinus health. For more information on the importance of moisture and humidity for sinus health, visit this link.
I hope this information was helpful. Please share, link, and pass the word to others. If you have questions, suggestions, or comments, please reach out. I would love to hear from you.
Here’s an interesting link to studies noting Xlear nasal spray as a supportive therapy for Covid-19 symptom management.²
Here’s a link with information on an aspartame free, xylitol based chewing gum by Pur.
Click here for more of my product reviews, if interested.
Wishing you continued wellness.
Kimberly I
Updated December 2023 by Kimberly Iacoponi
Sources
- Gunnars, K. ( 2018, October 4). Xylitol: Everything You Need to Know. healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/xylitol-101#ear-and-yeast-infections
- Pugmire, G. (2021, November 4). Xlear CEO Responds to Justice Department Lawsuit. Daily Herald. https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/2021/nov/04/xlear-ceo-responds-to-justice-department-lawsuit/
Note: Note: Any product mentioned is something I have used myself and benefitted from. I don’t receive revenue for any product recommendations or reviews, but if this changes, it will be noted.
The information provided is for educational and reference purposes only. It is not approved or intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or illness, suggest a specific treatment, or to be used as the replacement for or substitution of treatment by a qualified medical professional.
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