Using nasal spray: Should you sniff while you spray it, or after?

What do the directions say?

They were too vague to tell. Something like “Push down on the shoulders to release the mist. Sniff gently. Blah blah”.

Judging by the quote, I would say after.

I sniff it in while I spray it.

Sniff while you’re spraying it, you should be able to taste it if you’re sniffing it correctly.

during, but not too hard

Absolutely during.

During. It seems more effective that way.

I sniff after, personally.

All of the above.

I’m always amazed that doctors will prescribe this without giving precise directions. The most common reason for people to complain that this medicine “fails” is not using it correctly. Here’s what you need to do:
1. If this is the first time you use the device, make sure to prime it by squirting the device a few times until you see the spray come out.
2. To use daily, stand straight up.
3. Bend your head downward approximately 30 degrees.
4. Insert tip of spray device into first nostril and aim in the direction of your eye.
5. Inhale as you squirt the spray.
6. Repeat in second nostril.

@shilolo Thanks for the tips, doc!

You should be careful about using it at all, because of the well-documented rebound effect

@pdworkin: YOU should be careful about making assumptions about what type of spray I use! The very first line of your article says that it only applies to over-the-counter decongestant nasal spray, which this isn’t.

I’m glad it doesn’t apply to you, but I wasn’t trying to hurt your feelings, I was just making a general suggestion.

You did make an assumption.

I did make an assumption. i apologize. I will try very hard in the future to be much more careful when I am answering your questions. I hope you will forgive me for my failures.

Ok, thanks. Sorry if I was kind of militant.