I really hope this will get RIGHT UP YOUR NOSE TOO!!! (Vicks Sinex Micromist)

Member Name: luigi0778

Product:	Vicks Sinex Micromist
Date:	23/04/09 (389 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Clears nasal congestion (decongestant), lasts ages, ease of use

Disadvantages: Quite expensive

Vicks Sinex Micromist is part of a group of treatments referred to as a "topical decongestant", this product is sprayed into the nostrils where the active chemicals get to work at relieving inflamation and helping shift mucus secretions (known as snot to anyone under 30).


-Micromist Vs Traditional-
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Prior to purchasing this Micromist product, the last time I had turned to Sinex, I was about 18 and suffering from a heavy cold, the Sinex nasal spray I purchased was one of the old fashioned ones in the squeezy white plastic bottles. You know the ones with the green writing, and screw cap lid.

To be honest it did help with a bunged up nose, it did do the job. However the one major downside from my experience was the inadequate product delivery system.

The traditional Vicks Sinex was basically a squeezy white plastic bottle with a small holed nozzle, and the propulsion of the fluid into the nasal passage was not a reliable method, because it was dependant on the quantity of the fluid left in the bottle, and the amount of hand pressure applied. An what with both of those being variables, all to often it would deliver nothing at all, or alternatively a jet of high powered fluid up your nose (not pleasant) rather than a controlled metered dose.

Thankfully the days described above are gone, and for the more discerning user, Vicks Sinex now also comes in a Micromist bottle which contains the same active chemical Oxymetazoline ( a topical decongestant) as the main ingredient, but the biggest difference is the pump system for delivering a metered dose, and the convenient slimmer size.



-Appearance, General Information and Opinion-
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Bottle size: 15ml
Active Ingredient: Oxymetazoline
Cost: £3.40 to £3.41 (at time of writing: data from mysupermarket.com)

The bottle is a brown glass, and measures in at around 2cm in diameter, with an 8cm total length from base to top, making it conveniently a nice size to drop into a pocket or handbag (not that I have one of those of course).

The top of the bottle is the real point of interest however, beneath the clear plastic protective cap, there is a hygenic wipeable nozzle, with a "pump action" head unit. This is specially designed to create a metered "mist" of product when pressure is applied to the pump action system. In addition the pressure needed is minimal..

This means that when you insert the nozzle gently into your nostril, you can easily push on the pump system, and get a fine mist of decongestant sprayed into your nose, right where you need it, and in a controlled dose.

I mention, and have kept mentioning controlled dose, because actually its pretty important! Over using (overdosing) this product either intentionally or unintentionally (if not using a metered dose) can cause the opposite effect of decongesting, it can actually exacerbate a blocked nose by causing irratation and promoting extra mucus secretions. So actually getting the right dose delivered is pretty important.

On average I found the relief depending on severity to be almost instant, to a few minutes maximum. On occasion it did cause a sneezing fit, or an excessively runny nose, but that cleared up in minutes and left me breathing freely for well over the 6 hours stated.

Although I used this to deal with the horrible symptons of a cold, I do understand it can relieve the symptons of Allergies such as hayfever, although I would consult a Dr if intending to use this for a prolonged period.


-Summary-
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I would say that if your suffering from a cold, and having trouble breathing through your nose, then this product is perfect. Vicks Micromist certainly works and is far more reliable and easy to use than the old fashioned products.

As mentioned a moment ago. As well as the obvious uses (i.e. if you have a cold/flu) this product is also of great use if you suffer from Hay Fever, and/or an Allergy. Although this will not prevent the symptoms it will assist greatly as a reliever. An can be used occasionally quite safely.

One for the medicine cabinet for sure!

Summary: Handy to have around if your suffering from a cold....