Coughing (mostly at night) and during social events really irks me, especially in light of the twice a day airway clearance I do. Things could be worse but right now it tops the list for most annoyance and bother. So, in other words, @brian93 I can relate!

I can tell you what I do but it's not perfect and foolproof. First, try 2 vials of 7% saline prior to airway clearance. Work to clear as much gunk and no more than 45 minutes. I usually try to get the 2nd airway clearance session in before dinner. If I feel gunky before bed I use autogenic drainage to clear what I can (10 minutes-ish). I also keep an albuterol inhaler on my bedside and if I wake up coughing I take a puff. It calms the coughing without making me jittery.

Sleeping propped up on a wedge can help. Avoid eating/drinking 3 hours before sleep. Treat GERD if that's an issue for you.

Have you been worked up for asthma? Sometimes asthma can add to the coughing burden. If so, an inhaled corticosteroid can help reduce inflammation, and therefore coughing. Also, it's worthwhile dropping off a sputum sample to see if you have a current infection as an antibiotic might be prescribed. An infection can cause additional coughing.

Outside of an active infection, some people take azithromycin 3x week to control inflammation, which helps reduce cough. Your doctor will need to make sure you do not have NTM first, as azithromycin is a mainstay treatment in NTM. Some doctors shy away from prescribing it to non-NTM patients for that reason. On the other hand, several people here have been on it for years with good results. My pulmonologist said there's some evidence (scant) that azithromycin can help prevent NTM. More research is needed.

You mentioned benzonotate. I've tried the smallest dose and it helps some. I do not like to take often as I think it interferes with airway clearance. What really helped when I was sick and desperately needed sleep was a codeine based cough syrup. OTC Delsym or Robitussin can also be useful at night when you're sick with a cold.