Nebulizing 7% saline issues

I started out with 3% but that was not strong enough to keep things at bay. At first 7% seemed strong but I found that I adjusted to it pretty quickly. Now it does not bother me at all to use it twice a day. You might find that you adjust to it?

@mimifeels It is not uncommon for many us to have a little trouble with the 7% saline. After 3+ years, sometimes it still bothers me.
Here are a few tricks that have worked for me:
Start slowly, I mixed 3% and 7% at first. Started with half of each, and gradually increased the 7% until I tolerated it. Even now, if I have a sore or scratchy throat, I sometimes mix them.
Make sure I am "huff coughing" - forcing a regular cough can be irritating.
Drink extra water before and after nebbing to help lubricate my throat.
Take half teaspoon of honey after nebbing. Or drink a cup of "Throat Coat" Tea by Traditional Medicinals - available in most larger grocers, some WalMart SuperCenters and on-line. Or use soothing throat lozenges (not cough drops) - I like Ricola.

Have you tried any of these tricks?
Sue

@mimifeels I start out by just putting in about half of the vial of 7% in my nebulizer. (What I get is a 4 ml vial) If I tolerate that much then I add the rest. If I don’t tolerate that much, it’s all I do. But I think you will find that the more you use it, the less it will bother you. Hope this helps.

No I haven't, and thank you for your tips! I will start by mixing the two, I hope I can get used to the 7% saline soon.

May I ask if you use a mouthpiece or mask when you nebulise?
Some people find honey helpful for their throats, others gargling with plain (previously boiled) water. Or maybe try 3% and see if that still does the job

I use a mouthpiece.
I will try mixing the two and see if I can tolerate it.
Thank you!

Here’s what helps me for 7%
I use a mask instead of mouthpiece and breath through nose I stead of mouth. 7% doesn’t bother my sinuses like it does my throat.
I coat my throat with thick yogurt — I don’t do dairy, so I use almond milk yogurt.

Is using a mask an alternative to the mouthpiece? I have wondered about that. Do you get just as much saline benefit into the lungs using a mask? Seems it would also help the sinus. Has anyone asked their Pulmo about using it instead?

Is using a mask an alternative to the mouthpiece? I have wondered about that.
Yes, you can use the mask.
Do you get just as much saline benefit into the lungs using a mask?
I believe so, but I'm not a doctor.
Seems it would also help the sinus.
Well, back when I used .9% (aka "normal") saline, I felt it was helpful. BUT...when I switched to 7% saline and tried the mask, inhalation was positively painful. And I sneezed for hours afterwards because my nose was so irritated.
Has anyone asked their Pulmo about using it instead?
Always a good idea - or ask the respiratory therapist if your pulmonary office has one on staff.
Sue

I only use 3% and the mouth piece but...it opens up my sinuses as much as my lungs. I think I blow my nose as much as I cough up stuff. I find it amazing!