VICK'S DECONGESTANT MICROMIST SPRAY


Thankfully, I rarely catch colds. I wouldn't say I'm particularly healthy but, where colds are concerned, it's quite rare for me to suffer with them. Perhaps this is because when I was younger I did suffer frequently with colds. But I'm certainly not being smug as the cold that I recently came down with was (still is) rotten and its effects are still with me after more than two weeks. Perhaps this is to make up for the years that go by when I don't have a cold.

And although I don't often have a cold I do still suffer with blocked sinuses; I always have. Because of this I am quite familiar with remedies or aids for a stuffy nose. I have used many forms of decongestant preparations. I have often, over the years, used Vick's Sinex Spray-the one which comes in the white plastic bottle with the green lid. And while I do find this effective I believe it shouldn't, as with the Micromist, be used too often.

I feel that if used too frequently one becomes used to decongestant sprays and then I think they have to be used more frequently to gain a good effect. I also wonder if the nasal linings are a little too sensitive to have this type of spray squirted on them often. But there are times when Vick's sprays can really help and so if used sensibly I would recommend them, especially the Micromist spray.

It must have been about a year ago that I first tried Vick's Sinex Micromist. It is much the same as the Sinex Spray in the plastic bottle but its operation is different. When looking at the Micromist on the shop's shelf, before purchasing, I compared the two Vick's products. I was familiar with the old type Sinex spray. I noticed that they both contained Oxymetazoline but I thought I would try the newer version mainly because I thought it might be less wasteful in use. I get so fed up with the spray in the plastic container not working when there is still some liquid within it but it is getting low. I feel it's expensive enough and so find it annoying that I can shake the bottle and know there is liquid inside but it won't squirt out. After trying this newer idea in its glass bottle with the pump format I find it is more cost effective than the older style of plastic squeeze bottle. I find that it's still operational when almost completely empty which I cannot say for the squeeze container.

HOW DOES IT HELP?

This preparation contains oxymetazoline which is a decongestant. When the nasal passages are blocked then a squirt of this up each nostril will very soon, in fact, usually almost immediately, give some relief. I find if I feel uncomfortable with a blocked nose but it isn't blocked to the extent that a cold causes then, one squirt into each nostril will be all that's needed. However, if I have a cold then two squirts of this spray are usually needed to alleviate the symptoms.

I also use this spray if I am suffering with a migraine as I think blocked sinuses have a lot to answer for, in my case, with headaches. I have read up on how Oxymetazoline works and understand that the blood vesels inside one's nasal linings and sinus passages contain receptors and these are narrowed when oxymetazoline is used. This works to reduce swelling in these linings and helps to reduce the mucous, thus easing congestion.

The product is said to remain effective for between six to eight hours but I feel that the amount of time that one can breathe clearly really depends on the severity of congestion. I think it is long lasting but a good level of easy breathing in my opinion is, probably more like up to six hours than six to eight.

USES

Vick's Sinex Micromist is a helpful aid for relieving blocked noses and sinuses when suffering with a cold or flu or, when simply feeling uncomfortably 'bunged up' with and it also can be beneficial when suffering with hay fever. As said, I use this to help alleviate a headache or migraine, along with painkillers. I also use this before travelling on an aeroplane when I know I need my sinus passages to feel clear. And, although I try to limit usage, I do always have one of these handy.

I think it is useful to use this spray just before meals as clearing nasal congestion makes eating a much more pleasant experience.

HOW TO USE

This decongestant spray is available in a small 15 ml brown coloured glass bottle with plastic nozzle and a clear plastic hygienic cover/lid to fit over this.

It is simple to use. While holding close to ones nostril it is easy to hold the base of the bottle with your thumb whilst two fingers can rest and then depress the lid down and away from the nozzle which will then release a spray into the nostril. This can be repeated into the other nostril. Two squirts can be used for each nostril but may not always be necessary.

HOW OFTEN CAN IT BE USED?

I am confident that this spray is safe to use if following the directions but I personally would try to limit its use to a few days, if suffering with a cold or flu and if, like me, you are one of those who often feels congested, then I would say to try not to rely on it too much. It is recommended that the spray shouldn't be used for more than seven days at a time as if used too often it isn't as effective. It can also (if used for a prolonged or excessive period) cause what is called 'rebound congestion.' I do think that refraining from using this when feeling 'bunged up' is easier said than done as the Micro Mist does quickly give a feeling of relief and so, knowing that a squirt or two of this will do the trick makes it difficult to not keep using.

However, it must be said that saline remedies can be used more frequently without side effects.

And I tend to use other preparations as well as this, such as saline drops or spray in between use if needed. I do think that sprays such as this which contain Oxymetazoline are the most effective for quick and also for a good level of relief as a temporary remedy. However, it must be said that saline remedies can be used more frequently without the risk of side effects. With the cold that I have been suffering with I have needed more than the saline drops and to be honest, also actually more than the Sinex spray, to be able to breathe at all clearly. But this has been a particularly severe head cold causing enormous sinus congestion and undoubtedly the Sinex spray helped. I was grateful to have it to hand; especially when I was feeling really congested and uncomfortable but had to travel by underground to the city of London for an important legal appointment that couldn't be missed for a cold.

WHO SHOULDN'T USE THIS?

I understand that Vick's Micro Mist is safe to use in most cases but there are some who should avoid or take extra care in its use.

According to the website, www.vicks.co.uk, you should take special care and seek advice before using if you suffer from:

*High blood pressure
Heart complaints
Diabetes
Thyroid disease
Liver or kidney disorders

**Some people with certain conditions and/or taking certain medications should not take this medication at all and so, as with all medicines the leaflet must be read before using.

***If pregnant or breastfeeding then your doctor should be consulted before you take this. It hasn't yet been established whether this is a completely safe medication to take whilst pregnant or breastfeeding and so I wouldn't think it is worth considering using this but would think it better to persevere with saline sprays and drops.

****Only suitable for children over the age of twelve years.

INGREDIENTS:

(0.05% w/v) Oxymetazoline hydrochloride, sodium citrate dehydrate, tyloxapol, citric acid anhydrous, chlorhexidine digluconate, menthol, benzalkonium chloride, camphor, disodium edetate, eucalyptol, sodium hydroxide and purified water.
Vick's decongestant sprays are for adult use and for children over the age of twelve years.
The Micro Mist spray shouldn't be kept for longer than twenty eight days after opening due to hygiene reasons.

AVAILABILITY/PRICE

I have purchased Vick's Sinex Micro Mist spray from various places including Sainsbury's supermarkets as well as pharmacies.

A guide to prices:

Lloyds Pharmacy-£3.55

Boots the Chemist-£3.89

Sainsbury's-£2.76

OVERALL OPINION

I wouldn't be without some form of decongestant and always have several around alternate their use. I think these are on the expensive side and so have tried cheaper brands but in all honesty have to say that as far as these medicinal sprays go I have yet to find anything which I feel works as well as Vicks. I prefer the Micromist spray to the spray in the plastic bottle in terms of ease and pleasantness of use and cost effectiveness.