Oh, and my fingers have been crossed all night for Sass.

At this hour, I'd try a neti pot and a hot, wrung out washcloth against my forehead first. But, really, Sudafed. The real stuff. Ugh. I hope you feel better, Burrell.

I just accidentally flashed my ass in email and had to apologize. Fun.

Finally, although it's gross -- neti pot (which can be achieved with an actual small teapot if needs must, or by putting the salt water in a small bowl and sniffing it through one nostril and spitting it out -- that option is really gross, but it works if you don't have an actual neti pot).

I'm going to second Steph's neti suggestion with an addendum.

I highly recommend the Neilmed Sinus Relief Kit. Less tilting of the head, better pressure for getting things moving.

When I had my recent bout with adult-onset hay fever, I gave many, many thanks for my neti bottle.

Also, when you finish with either the neti pot or bottle, I STRONGLY recommend a blowing regimen that includes flopping over from the waist and then blowing out as you slowly stand back up.

My sinuses feel so much cleaner after said swinging blow. It isn't as fun as it sounds, but it's hella effective.

Also, when you finish with either the neti pot or bottle, I STRONGLY recommend a blowing regimen that includes flopping over from the waist and then blowing out as you slowly stand back up

Oh, definitely this. You know, I automatically assume this is part of the neti procedure, but I guess maybe it isn't axiomatic.

Points for axiomatic!!

I had to figure out the swinging blow on my own, even though a friend hipped me to the neti experience and had been using one for years.

Perhaps it's common sense, but she didn't have it.

The neti pot I have came with a how-to booklet (or perhaps just one page), and it included emphatic instructions to blow your nose while bending over, after all the rinsing is finished, in order to get all the salt water out of the sinuses.

Thanks Steph and bonny.

I don't have any Sudafed around as it can sometimes make my headache worse. (I seem to be a freak when it comes to decongestants. I should have added that as another caveat.) I do have Benadryl, but does it make sense to take that if I don't have any mucus, or at least I don't have any mucus in my nose? I assume there must be something mucus-y going on up in my actual sinuses.

DH loves the Neilmed kit, but I think there are some things married couples shouldn't share, and the nose irrigator is one of them. I do have a bowl, and another friend metioned the same thing as you, Steph. I should try that.

Is the bending like bending forward? Because I'm picturing it in my head with me bending over forward.

I do have Benadryl, but does it make sense to take that if I don't have any mucus, or at least I don't have any mucus in my nose?

Yes, because Benadryl also reduces histamine-induced inflammation, and the sinus cavities are so relatively small that just a little swelling can block them.

I do have a bowl, and another friend metioned the same thing as you, Steph. I should try that.

It is gross, since you have to snort the water through your nostril, down your throat, and spit it out your mouth. But as a hack, it's effective.

Is the bending like bending forward? Because I'm picturing it in my head with me bending over forward.

Yeah -- bend forward at the waist. I guess the idea is that gravity will help get any residual salt water out.