The Commuter's Nasal Care Routine: Dry Air, Crowds and a 60-Second Habit

Winter commutes are uncomfortable for a reason your nose notices before you do: recycled bus air, the dry blast of a car heater, and a lot of people in a small space. The good news is that a nasal care routine for the commute takes about a minute a day.

The morning commute

Whether you are on public transport or in your own car, the enclosed environment exposes your nasal passages to dry air, pollutants and airborne irritants. Vehicle ventilation systems are built for temperature, not for your nose.

Quick fix: crack a window slightly to increase airflow, and avoid pointing dry heat directly at your face.

The afternoon slump — your nose feels it too

By mid-day, cold outdoor air and dry indoor air have both had a go at the nasal lining. That dry, tight feeling is the nose asking for moisture.

Tip: a small desk humidifier helps, and so does drinking water — hydration matters for the nasal lining as much as anywhere else.

A cleanser built for the commute

NOWONDER™ nasal spray (also known as Enovid) is a daily nasal cleanser that fits in a pocket and takes 60 seconds. It releases nitric oxide in the nasal passages as it is sprayed, cleansing and refreshing them and clearing the dust, pollen and pollution a commute delivers. Details on how to use it.

• Pocket-sized — 25 ml, no water, no rinsing.
• Steroid-free and not habit-forming; it is not a decongestant.
• Daily use — two sprays in each nostril before and after crowded places, per the label up to 3–4 times daily or 6 as needed.

Prepare your nose like you prepare your day

Just as you brush your teeth before you leave, a nasal cleanse before the commute and another on arrival is a routine worth keeping. Keeping one bottle at home and one at your desk means it never depends on remembering to pack it. The everyday version of the routine is in A Daily Nasal Spray Routine.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my nose feel dry after commuting?
Cars, buses and trains use heated or recycled air with very low humidity, and enclosed spaces concentrate dust and irritants. Both dry out the nasal lining.

What can I do about it?
Crack a window for airflow, avoid blasting dry heat at your face, stay hydrated, and add a quick nasal cleanse before and after the commute.

How do commuters use NOWONDER?
Two sprays in each nostril before leaving, on arrival and again on the way home, within the label guidance of 3 to 4 times daily or up to 6 as needed.

Is NOWONDER a decongestant?
No. It contains no steroids or vasoconstrictors and is not habit-forming. It is a daily nasal cleanser.

Looking for Enovid nasal spray? Shop all pack sizes with free worldwide shipping — now available as NOWONDER™ in the US.