If you’re anything like me, your nose is a precious commodity that you don’t want to leave unprotected. This means keeping a steady supply of saline nose spray on hand at all times. However, as with all medication and healthcare products, there’s the question of whether or not it can expire.

The Short Answer

Yes, saline nose spray can expire. Most manufacturers recommend discarding an opened bottle after three months or sooner if the expiration date has passed.

Why Does It Expire?

Saline nasal sprays are made of salt and water in varying ratios to mimic the body’s natural moisture levels in the nasal passages. Over time, bacteria can grow inside the bottle due to exposure to air and use by multiple people (gross).

Even with proper storage, which involves sealing tightly after each use and avoiding temperature extremes (e.g., direct sunlight), these bacteria will inevitably multiply over time beyond what our immune system can handle.

As such, it’s important to check for any packaging labeling upon purchase regarding manufacturing dates before making any assumptions about shelf life expectations beyond their expiration period (because nobody wants nasal infections).

How Can You Tell If Your Bottle Has Expired?

Three months seems like an awfully short amount of time! At least we know from showering that humans require some exposure to water-laden microbes…but I digress.

The good news is that most bottles should have information stamped onto them indicating expiration/ manufacturing dates so that tracking how long they’ve been around shouldn’t be too hard!

Manufacturers will typically indicate other care instructions such as usage frequency: typically no more than twice daily per nostril (otherwise we’d walk around resembling basset hounds) …and toss out +7 days if left unrefrigerated (now THAT doesn’t go up my schnozz)!

Despite this however – some things to lookout for when evaluating the potential “bad happens” from expired saline nasal spray could include:

• Discoloration of the saline solution
• Strange/moldy smells coming from your little bottle buddy (As a bacterium – this smell can feel more at home than you’d like it to)
• Experiencing increased nasal dryness after using

If any of these present themselves, probly best to send mister walk around with Petri dish nose off into retirement.

Can You Use Expired Saline Nose Spray?

Well, technically (aka from a microbiology perspective) – yes …but probably not without consequence! Extended use post-3 months or longer past the expiration date may leave people vulnerable to bacterial infections and other unpleasant side effects such as irritating/harsh sensations. Better safe than sorry: just toss it if you have doubts of contamination (It’s Only $10..).

How To Extend The Shelf-Life Of Your Saline Nose Spray

Despite what that one college suitemate might have told you about storing opened PBRs in their fridge for over 30 hours… refridgerating does make it last longer! Similarly open bottles should be placed indoors at room temperature once refrigerated; Otherwise raw cold temperatures can generate instances where there is water-vapor freezing on inside surfaces (Turn A/C vent away while usin’ too)!

Regardless though, unused unopened bottles will still swell & expire anyways (just like Halls cough drops). Thus refrigerating may only help curb bacteria growth (it’s physics).

That being said…

Conclusion

Saline nose spray is a great way to hydrate and soothe your nasal passages, but be sure to discard it after three months or upon expiration if that date comes first. Watch out for signs of discoloration, smells, greater dryness (Within reason), etc… If any doubts arise about its safety, toss that sucker like he’s coming from downtown AND rooting against your sports team!

Stay healthy out there friends 👃🏻💦