Dealing with nasal congestion can be a real pain. Whether it’s due to allergies, a cold, or sinus issues, a stuffy nose can make it hard to breathe and even harder to get a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, there are several hacks and remedies that can help provide relief and clear up that congestion. From steam therapy to essential oils, these 11 hacks will have you breathing easy in no time.

One of the simplest ways to relieve nasal congestion is by staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water thins mucus and helps to keep your nasal passages moist, making it easier to breathe. Warm liquids such as herbal teas or broths can also provide added relief by helping to soothe inflamed tissues.

Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help to ease nasal congestion, especially during dry winter months. A cool mist humidifier can be particularly effective for providing relief, as it helps to keep nasal passages moist without introducing any added heat.

Inhaling steam is a classic remedy for nasal congestion. You can create your own steam treatment by boiling water and leaning over the pot with a towel draped over your head to trap the steam. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil can provide even more relief. Another option is to take a hot shower and let the steam work its magic.

Keeping your head slightly elevated while sleeping can help to reduce nasal congestion. This can be achieved by using an extra pillow or by adding a wedge pillow to your bed to elevate your upper body. By doing so, you can help to prevent mucus from pooling in your nasal passages and causing further congestion.

Using a saline nasal spray or rinse can help to clear out mucus and irritants from your nasal passages. These products work by moisturizing and flushing out the nasal passages, providing quick relief from congestion. There are also easy-to-use squeeze bottles available for rinsing, which can be particularly helpful when dealing with severe congestion.

A warm compress can help to soothe the discomfort associated with nasal congestion. Simply apply a warm, damp cloth to your face for a few minutes, focusing on the areas around your nose and forehead. This can help to alleviate pressure and provide immediate relief.

Certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus and peppermint, have natural decongestant properties that can help to open up nasal passages. Aromatherapy diffusers or steam inhalation with a few drops of these oils can provide relief from congestion and make it easier to breathe.

Nasal strips are adhesive bandages that can be applied to the outside of your nose to help lift and open your nasal passages. This can aid in improving airflow and reducing nasal congestion, especially while sleeping. Nasal strips are a simple and non-invasive way to alleviate nasal congestion and improve breathing.

Avoiding irritants such as cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, and other airborne allergens can help to prevent further irritation of your nasal passages. By minimizing exposure to these irritants, you can reduce inflammation and congestion, allowing your nasal passages to clear more easily.

There are several over-the-counter remedies available for relieving nasal congestion, including decongestant nasal sprays and oral decongestants. These medications work by reducing swelling in the nasal passages and can provide quick relief. However, it’s important to use these products as directed and to avoid prolonged or excessive use, as they can lead to rebound congestion.

If nasal congestion persists despite trying home remedies and over-the-counter treatments, it’s important to seek medical advice. Chronic nasal congestion could be a symptom of an underlying issue such as allergies, sinusitis, or nasal polyps. A healthcare professional can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.