How to clean your nose properly

[davidr]

Hi, how can my wife get her nose clean, she cannot use her hands, she has not got the capacity to blow it, any ideas please.
dave.

[Terry]

Hi David,

Not quite in the same boat but do often get dried and other bits stuck up my nose.

I use one flat sheet of normal kitchen roll, fold in one corner about two inches, then fold it down the middle roll up roughly from the folded right angle. I then just dampen the very tip, just to soften it. It then can be put in with a twisting motion.

My nostrils are quite big so you will probably need to scale it down for your wife.

Some tissues don't have enough integrity, so experiment.

Love Terry

[Ellie]

Hi David,

I know you keep posing questions to MND Connect and I keep answering - I do apologise for this !

First off, maybe try a decongestant spray or, failing that...

I can't blow my nose either so, if my nose is blocked, I use a sea water spray in each nostril which helps clear it (available in pharmacies)

If it's very stuffed and blocked, I use a nebuliser with saline - my Community Nurse organised one for me but it may differ where you are.

The aftermath of each method isn't pretty and have a box of tissues to hand. In my experience, it may also take some rolled up tissue to (carefully) fully clear the nostrils and get relief to breathe again!

For those of us with poor breathing, blocked noses make life difficult as we can't do a decent sniff or have the ability to blow our noses.

Good luck.

Love Ellie.

[MNDConnect]

Hi David

Ellie has suggested some really good solutions. There are various sprays available which might help. It might be worth asking the GP what they suggest.

Thanks for the help Ellie. It's appreciated as always

Best Wishes
Rachel
MND Connect Adviser

[kernowmum]

We have the same problem with my husband. I use a dampened cotton bud gently then a dry one to wipe each nostril

[rachelr]

I find inhaling essential oils in hot water helps clear my nose. I also put olive oil drops in my ears.

[Mary C]

Hi,I don’t have that problem yet as can clean my nose.However my nostrils get really dry,and crusty so I find a wet wipe cleans better than paper tissue.Best wishes Mary

[Tess]

I started off by doing the scrunched up toilet paper thing and sometimes i still do for my partner. But often i just go for it with my finger- after he said 'just stick your finger up my nose' haha.

I wash my hands afterwards of course. My level of involvement surprises even me each week.

[Bowler]

Cotton buds

[GaryM]

Cotton buds

You shouldn't put cotton buds up your nose or in your ears in case the cotton tip comes off.

[Bowler]

You shouldn't put cotton buds up your nose or in your ears in case the cotton tip comes off.

Fair play Gary you’re spot on. Taxi for bowler 🙈

[Ellie]

You shouldn't put cotton buds up your nose or in your ears in case the cotton tip comes off.

Yes but everyone does, if there's no other option (whilst crossing their fingers 😄😄)