Nasal Care
Hypertonic Seawater Nasal Spray: How It Relieves a Blocked Nose
Colds, rhinitis, sinusitis: hypertonic seawater sprays use osmosis to decongest the nose naturally. How they work, who they are for and how the HYPOMER® and ZYLOMER® formulas differ.
A blocked nose is one of the most common reasons for visiting a pharmacy. Before reaching for a medicinal decongestant, many people look for a natural option: the hypertonic seawater nasal spray. It contains no active drug substance, only concentrated natural seawater, and works through a simple physical principle: osmosis.
What does “hypertonic” mean?
A hypertonic solution has a higher salt concentration than the body’s fluids. When it is sprayed into the nose, water naturally moves from the less concentrated side (the swollen nasal mucosa) to the more concentrated side (the spray). This osmotic action helps relieve the swelling of the mucosa, makes mucus more fluid and eases its evacuation, so that breathing becomes easier.
That is the difference with an isotonic seawater nasal spray, which has the same concentration as the body’s fluids and is used for daily cleansing rather than decongestion.
When is a hypertonic seawater spray recommended?
- Colds and rhinopharyngitis
- Rhinitis and allergic rhinitis
- Sinusitis and other ENT infections
- Any episode where the nose needs to be unblocked and cleared of mucus, allergens and pollutants
Hypertonic seawater sprays are intended for children over 3 years and adults. A temporary tingling sensation may occur during the first uses, especially when the nasal mucosa is very irritated.
Four hypertonic formulas for different needs
| Product | Composition | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| HYPOMER® STRONG | 80% natural seawater, the “extra strength” formula | Strongly decongesting and unblocking the nose |
| HYPOMER® FRESH | 70% natural seawater, aqueous extracts of eucalyptus and mint | Decongestion with a cooling, refreshing sensation |
| HYPOMER® RELAX | 70% natural seawater, aqueous extracts of chamomile and aloe vera | Decongestion with a soothing effect on irritated, dry nasal passages |
| ZYLOMER® ATTACK | 68% natural seawater and 11% xylitol, with an osmolality twice that of pure seawater | Clearing the nose and helping prevent bacterial infections during congestion |
All four are 100% natural, preservative-free and made in France. HYPOMER® FRESH and RELAX are slightly hypertonic: their botanical extracts add a sensory benefit to the decongesting action of seawater. ZYLOMER® ATTACK adds xylitol, a natural-origin ingredient that prevents harmful bacteria from adhering to the nasal mucosa (see how a xylitol nasal spray works).
How to use a hypertonic nasal spray
- Tilt your head to one side and gently insert the nozzle into the upper nostril.
- Press quickly and firmly: 1 to 3 sprays per nostril, 2 or 3 times a day.
- Repeat on the other side, then straighten your head and blow your nose.
- Wash the nozzle with warm water after each use.
Not for children under 3 years. Do not use in case of hypersensitivity to one of the components. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional.
Isotonic for every day, hypertonic for congestion
The two types complement each other: an isotonic spray for daily hygiene, a hypertonic spray when the nose is blocked. Offering both is what makes a nasal care range complete. Our comparison isotonic vs hypertonic seawater nasal sprays sums up the differences.
Hypertonic seawater nasal spray in private label
The hypertonic segment is where customers expect visible results, and where a recognised formula makes the difference. The HYPOMER® and ZYLOMER® hypertonic formulas can be supplied as a hypertonic seawater nasal spray in private label, under your own brand, manufactured in France in bag-on-valve sprays. Try the private label simulator or discover our distributor programme.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hypertonic seawater spray a medicinal decongestant?
No. It contains no drug substance: it decongests by osmosis, thanks to its higher concentration of natural seawater.
From what age can it be used?
Hypertonic seawater sprays such as HYPOMER® STRONG, FRESH, RELAX and ZYLOMER® ATTACK are intended for children over 3 years and adults.
Why does it sometimes tingle?
Because of its higher salt concentration, a temporary tingling sensation may occur during the first uses, particularly when the nasal mucosa is very irritated.
Which formula should I choose?
HYPOMER® STRONG for maximum decongestion, FRESH for a cooling sensation, RELAX to soothe irritated passages, and ZYLOMER® ATTACK to add the protection of xylitol during congestion.
