NOW CLOSED: Kleenex Balsam Feedback thread

[AnnMumsnet]

This thread is for the 65 Mumsnetters trying out the Kleenex Balsam tissue range.

All testers were sent one of each of the following products from the range:

~ Balsam tissues in regular, man-size and pocket pack formats
~ Balsam Fresh tissue in regular & pocket pack formats
~ Kleenex Balsam Nose and Lip Balm

Please add your feedback to the thread below, everyone who does so will be entered into a prize draw for John Lewis vouchers where one lucky MNer will win £100 of vouchers AND two runners up will each receive £50 of vouchers.

Please note Kleenex may well use quotes from the feedback on the Kleenex hub on Mumsnet - along with your MN name E.g. AnnMumsnet said "xxx". If Kleenex want to use one of your comments anywhere other than on the Kleenex MN pages (for example, in press ads, on the Kleenex website and Facebook pages) they will also want to include your name and location (e.g. Sally of Norwich said "xxx"). If your comment is selected, we will contact you beforehand to confirm these details and for your permission, and you can decline if you wish. The Kleenex team may also want testers to act as case studies and again if so, you will be contacted by Mumsnet.

Kleenex just have a couple of questions for you. Though you are welcome to add any other comments you may have also.

So, which product did you like the best from the range? Why?

How did you and your family use the products in the range? Can you give some examples of how you all used them - for example did any pocket packs go in school bags, does the lip balm live in your handbag or car? Where did you keep the boxes?

Thanks, MNHQ

[Nevergarglebrandybutter]

kleenex conspiracy theories! love it.

how else could they ensure we would use them?
i've run out, just got the little handypacks left.

Send more!!! (minus the virus this time)

[boxoftricks]

So, which product did you like the best from the range? Why?

We really liked the menthol tissues. The smell was lovely, and not as strong as the Olbas tissues which were just too harsh.

How did you and your family use the products in the range?

Pocket packs went in jacket pockets/ handbags. Boxes in bedroom and kitchen.
The tissues were much thicker than the Sainsbury's ones I usually buy which is a great point. I think this would convince me to buy Kleenex in future.
The balsam tissues were great, and I could definitely feel the difference compared to normal tissues. The runny nose I developed in the last couple of days is normally agravated by tissues after a day of wiping, but these were great!
I am a bit of a lip balm lover but conscious that putting scented things round your nostrils can irritate, so although I dont think I would use the balm for my lips primarily, I would definitely use it round the nose area. It was less shiny and slightly thicker than normal Vaseline, which is what I normally use on sore noses.

Thanks!! Think we are definitely converts!

[jollyoldstnickschick]

So, which product did you like the best from the range? Why?

I got mansize tissues and 2 boxes of balsam regular,2 handy packs 1 menthol 1 balsam and the lip balm.....

I liked them all,were not a tissue family we use cotton hankies instead but im converted ,the tissues were very gentle on delicate skin my cold sore ravaged nose was soothed and ds1 was very pleased with them too they were far better for his skin than a hanky (the pocket pack came in v handy for use during his law exams whilst ds3 is 'saving' his for when he gets a poorly snot??(think he means a heavy cold).....however I adore the lip and nose balm and ds2s friend who is a girl (not his girlfriend) is equally impressed and asked me to say she thinks it should be better marketed as its far nicer than you imagine.


how did you and your family use the products in the range?

Colds,allergic reactions,drippy eyes from wind and makeup removal.

Can you give some examples of how you all used them - for example did any pocket packs go in school bags, does the lip balm live in your handbag or car?

Pocket packs went with ds1 during his law exams and ds3 has hidden a pack -lip balm is in my handbag and has been used by lots of people I shall be sad when its gone its a fab product.
Where did you keep the boxes?
boxes are in the bedroom,kitchen and living room.

As an added thing I rarely buy tissues but I am amazed how long theyre lasting,what great quality they are and shall continue to use .....ds3 saw them and said 'these are posh were they on offer?'.

Thanks Kleenex .

[ScorpionQueen]

Just to add- DD1 (age 10) has been experimenting with mascara and I used the non-smelly tissues with a little cleanser to clean her sensitive (panda) eye area. They were lovely and soft.

DD2 has trained(?) the puppy to help himself to tissues from the box so they won't last much longer in the living room.
:)

[TheNewandImprovedMrsHollywood]

So, which product did you like the best from the range? Why?

The Fresh tissues. The menthol isn't too strong which means they are great for small children with stuffy noses.

How did you and your family use the products in the range? Can you give some examples of how you all used them - for example did any pocket packs go in school bags, does the lip balm live in your handbag or car? Where did you keep the boxes?

The pocket packs went straight into my handbag and changing bag. It was very nice to have nice, soft and thick tissues to use rather than the thinner ones I normally buy. The man size ones had to go in the living room, as the box is too big to go anywhere else. The Fresh ones are currently in DS's bedroom as they are helping his blocked up nose. The other balsam ones are now in the living room.

The balm is by the front door, ready to apply to sore noses and lips before leaving the house. DS likes it, and it is quite soothing on a sore nose. However, it's a bit too sticky for me - I'm sticking with the Vaseline, I'm afraid!

Overall, the tissues are definitely thicker and softer than other brands. For normal, daily tissue use, I'll probably continue to buy something cheaper. However, if on offer or if a family member (or all of us!) are suffering from a bad cold, then I think both the balsam and fresh balsam tissues could offer valuable relief and I would definitely buy them.

Thanks for the free samples!

[gingercat12]

I changed my mind. I like the methol tissues after all. Their smell is a bit strong right after opening the box, but it is fine later on.

[ProfCoxWouldGetIt]

Thanks so much for inviting us to test this product, with 3 of us with various levels of cold it was the most timely and probably best test ever.

We ran out quite quickly, so have bought replacements, I never thought I would spend the extra cash on them, but having tested them they are well worth it.

Man size
Location: living room.
I don't normally purchase man sized tissues, but found they were actually fantastic for DD to carry around, for her mini blows, wipes.

Menthol tissues
Location: living room.
I used these first, and I loved the smell, actually felt the menthol really helped clear my sinuses, I wish I had known about these years ago. And I love the fact that I am not sporting a red nose after a week of nose blowing - these ran out very quickly

Regular Tissues
Location: Bed room
I must admit I really prefer the menthol ones, but still like the fact that I can blow my nose without worrying that I'm going to start looking like Rudolf.

Packets
Location:Both my laptop bag, for my train commute
I love the handy travel packs, and I thought it was just a gimick and lazy way to carry tissues, I love these now and hate the idea of carry regular tissues loose in my bag.

Nose and Lip balm
Location: my bedside cabinet
DD and I have both used this, we both use it before bed on our nose and the area between our nose and lip, and it's definitely stopped the red raw skin the DD in particular gets due to her nose running at night.

The only bad thing that has come out of this test was DP commenting that if he wiped his glasses with the tissues it came out smudgey - which was to be expected, and he does have 3 clothes specifically for cleaning his glasses.

But, we're a converted family, and will definitely getting these from now on.

Thanks again

[AlmaMartyr]

So, which product did you like the best from the range? Why?
Just the normal tissues I think. I haven't really used the small travel packets yet (). They are very soft, and despite having to wipe my nose a lot lately it hasn't got sore at all, hurrah! DD is very fond of them and has become a bit of a hypochondriac, constantly begging for a tissue. DS (who hates having his face touched at all and once threw an 10 minute tantrum because I cleaned his face) is actually OK with me cleaning his nose with these. We've all had nasty colds and they've coped brilliantly, and no-one has a sore chapped nose.

How did you and your family use the products in the range? Can you give some examples of how you all used them - for example did any pocket packs go in school bags, does the lip balm live in your handbag or car? Where did you keep the boxes?
I keep the balm in my topic for lips/noses. I haven't had any problems with the screwtop but I admit I'm not a fan of the balm. It seems to dry out my lips . It's quite soothing on the nose though. Pocket packs are in my handbag and in the car ready for action. We have one box on the dining table in our sitting room, the mansize box in the kitchen and another box upstairs in our bedroom although that will probably come downstairs soon.

I admit, we're converted. DH particularly likes the menthol tissues, although I can't really smell the menthol - I have an awful sense of smell though so probably just me! I don't normally buy tissues because I tend to think they're a waste of money but having seen how much nicer they are to use for us all I will carry on buying them.

[SleepyFergus]

Firstly, this is my first mumsnet review, so thanks v much for the opportunity to test these, it's appreciated

Secondly - don't know if it was just me, but I was missing the menthol handy pack, and my package arrived in a shocking state, boxes ripped and crushed. It may be the overzealous postage system that did that, but it was a bit of a shame to open up the packet to discover the variuos bit either missing or damaged.

So, which product did you like the best from the range? Why?
The menthol tissues, they were nicely refreshing for a bunged up nose. I usually use Olbas tissues, and they are fantastic, great for when you are completely stuffed, but a bit overpowering otherwise. So I would probably continue to use Olbas for rerally bad colds, and then move onto these ones for afterwards.

How did you and your family use the products in the range? Can you give some examples of how you all used them - for example did any pocket packs go in school bags, does the lip balm live in your handbag or car? Where did you keep the boxes?
The pocket pack went in my handbags, as yet unused, but they will certainly not go amiss!
The mansize box went went on my DHs bedside table, and he's been steadily working his way through them. Asked if he had anything to add about them, and he said "not really, they're just tissues". Not a reflection on Kleenex, just the fact that he's not hugely brand aware. As long as a box of tissues is handy, he's happy. They could be pink with blue polka dots, he couldn't give a toss.
The lip/nose balm - have to admit it's too small for me, and fiddlely. I half expected it to smell a bit nicer too, it has an odd - not unpleasant - smell that doesn't entice me to use it. I'll probably stick with Vaseline if I'm being honest!
The other boxes of tissues are in the living room, and (the menthol ones) on my bedside table. The menthol ones are nice, and I'll keep them for just me! As for the regular box in the living room - they are being used, but nothing special.

Tissues in our house are not a luxury. I usually buy a twin pack of Sainsburys own. We have boxes all over the place, and they get used for all sorts, from mopping up spills, to wiping noses, to picking up dead flies, wiping DDs mouth if I don't have a wet wipe to hand etc etc. Also, my DH is of the 'blow nose once and bin' brigade so a bit of a waste. Therefore, I probably won't buy a brand name pack of tissues when I can get more tissues for my money buying a supermarket own brand. Tissues are expensive, and I'm afraid a slightly softer, nicer smelling tissue, in a smaller quantity is not going to win me over! I'll still continue to buy Olbas handy packs though, as they really do cut the mustard when it comes to a stinker of a cold.

[DaisyFields]

Still happily trying them all out, when would you like our feedback by?

[KatieBMumsnet]

DaisyFields glad to see you're enjoying the product test!
We need all feedback by Friday 3rd Feb, but we will send a reminder out to everyone on Wednesday 1st Feb.

Katie

[EquestrianStatue]

Just popping in to let the nice Kleenex people know that a potential water/computer disaster was averted at work today, with the assistance of a couple of the Balsam pocket tissues Colleague (for it was she who knocked her cup over) was very grateful for their water-soaking-up properties!

Our colds have all cleared up now, but tissues still coming in handy for wiping DS2's dribbly teething face. DS1 (4) has FINALLY started using a tissue instead of a sleeve to wipe his nose/face, as I told him he could use as many tissues as he liked as 'they were a present from the postman'!

[MustControlFistOfDeath]

DS has used most of the tissues as he has had a stinker of a cold for the last week. He is only 14 months old so can't really comment on the effectiveness himself, however I can report that his nose remains soft and un-crusty despite repeated wiping.

I have today started to come down with a cold myself (did a virus come with the tissues I wonder?), and will report in more depth tomorrow wrt softness etc assuming I am not completely incapacitated by man-flu

[charliechinuk]

So, which product did you like the best from the range? Why?

The best product for me was the Kleenex with Menthol. I had a bad cold when I received the tissues and this made the experience better. The menthol worked well to help unblock my nose. The other tissues were fab too but the added menthol was a godsend.

The balm is very good too. It did help my nose get less sore. What with the balsam in the tissues, I didn't have a sore nose at all.

How did you and your family use the products in the range? Can you give some examples of how you all used them - for example did any pocket packs go in school bags, does the lip balm live in your handbag or car? Where did you keep the boxes?

I carried both the varieties of the pocket packs in my bag, menthol for me and balsam for my little girl. She had a runny nose at the same time too. She normally moans when I wipe her nose with a tissue but not with these! She is two years old.

I am very impressed with the quality of the tissues. I think I will have to stick to the balsam ones from now on and make sure I have a pack of menthol ones for when we have colds.

My fiance used the normal balsam tissues, he certainly didn't moan when blowing his nose!

[sherbertfountain]

Thanks for the pack :) We also came down with the lurgi a few days after delivery...Ds(2) still very snotty and trying to sleep now but may get called away. The normal balsam tissues are softer than I have ever come across before and I love them for me and for him , they are obviously not scratching in spite of a very red nose. The menthol fresh balsam ones are just as soft and as ds is so young I would say he is unaware but I love these most of all, the smell is so comforting. I would buy both but especially these for colds. Don?t think I would gravitate so much to this one in the summer when I have hay fever though, perhaps it is a winter / colds thing.

The man size tissues have been lovely but are a bit of an extravagance as they are thrown away with a lot of room left for blowing! I would probably never buy this size for this reason. These have been kept inthe lounge, the regular size pack in ds's room and the menthol next to my bed and moved around the house. The pocket packs have been taken out in coat pockets/bags and are much better than loose tissues. They have all been used quite quickly.

The nose and lip balm has grown on me, it doesnt soak in at first but it stays on longer and has made my lips soft. Ds loves it on his upper lip (very red) but not his nose, which is a pity. I personally love the screw top lid , I always struggle getting lids off other brands. Will defiitely buy more and it is now in my bag.

Oh Dh has had less lurgi but still some sneezing etc. Usually he would not notice a soft tissue if it bit him and will blow his nose with kitchen roll ... but even he commented on the loveliness of the menthol tissues especially (may not actually have mentioned 'loveliness' as such but they registered and that is quite something).

[ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

Just wanted to update...

We're still suffering with our colds so I've liberated the mansize tissues from DP's office and DS and I have been using them. They're equally lovely and soft as the normal size ones, but does anyone really need tissues that size though? I rip them in half for me and into quarters for DS.

The balm is still being used and I like the fact it doens't make your nose shiny when you put it on. When I've used other brands it feels like I have a big shiny sign on my face ("Look! I've got a cold! And a bright red nose to match! I've made it shiny so you all notice it even more!") but this balm is much more subtle. Thank you.

The boxes, by the way, are still DS's favourite toy I have a video of him playing with it if Kleenex would like it!

[Fillybuster]

Sorry for slightly delayed feedback - I held off for a few days longer than normal as I wanted to give a complete review.

Now that we have run the emtional and physical gamut (moved house, v ill baby, dd1's birthday, massive colds all round, lots of dust and dirt triggering mad sneezing as a result of packing for house move) and road-tested the tissues on lots of people (family, friends and removal men, mainly), here goes:

We loved the tissues. All of them, but most especially the menthol ones. DS and our removal men, in particular, have been jostling over them, but I'm fairly partial, too. They started in our living room (when we had one...) but DS and DD1 have claimed them for their temporary bedroom in my parents home.

I still have doubts about 'mansize' tissues. Partly, its the name (a bit out of date on the branding?) and partly, I find the size off-putting. Mind you, they were great when I was properly smitten with the lurgy last week, and my father swears by them. He has claimed the remains of that box for his office. They were also fab when I was in floods of tears as I bade farewell to our lovely home....

The 'regular' balsam tissues are alsoi a revelation. I always assumed they were over-priced marketing spin, so am v impressed by how genuinely lovely and soft (and strong!) they really are. DH and I have kept ownership of these, and they now reside next to our (temporary) bed.

Both pocket packs were finished quickly - handbag and changing bag respectively. Brilliant - really strong, a great size and the dcs were overjoyed by the minty travel tissues....I shall definitely be buying these again :)

The balm is the only thing we've not tested hard....I did try it a couple of times, and it's quite nice, but I think I prefer Carmex for my lips and vaseline for my nose. Haven't tried it on the dcs yet but I suspect they will quite like it. Its in my handbag for now.

Thank you again for selecting us to take part in the test - we've all enjoyed the posh tissues (I couldn't believe the dcs even noticed!) and the timing was perfect! :)

[onadietcokebreak]

Favourite product - the balm. Not too overpowering for any member of the family although wouldn't use it on baby as not sure what age suitable from.
Methol- not too strong- on bedroom cabinet- I fine you need the extra help at night

Pocket sized in handbag.

[onadietcokebreak]

Agree mansize ones are very big! Perfect for when you feel proper ill

[ChippyMinton]

Are we the only family who hasn't had an outbreak of sniffles?

DD put the pocket pack in her school coat pocket. The balsam tissues are in the kitchen for anyone to use. I've given DS1 the lip balm as he suffers from dry lips but isn't keen on the chapstick style ones.

I thought the balsam fresh were a bit overpowering but will come into their own if one of use gets a cold -we tend to use Olbas oil on one of DH's old-fashioned cotton hankies for bedtime if anyone's bunged up, so these would make a good disposable alternative.

I couldn't open the lipbalm until DD(8) pointed out the lid twists rather than pries open.

Much as I hate the lower the tone, I have decided against keeping the fresh balsam on my bedside table in case DH or I grab one for cleaning up. Not sure I want menthol on my fanjo

[Brambleschooks]

Hahaha chippy same thought here re the menthol!

Popping back into say that I did ds2's cannula change last night, which involves quantities of numbing Emla cream which requires wiping off. Tissues did the job a treat, much better than my usual Cheapies and soft on ds's bum too. Didn't fall apart either. Cheers.

[MustControlFistOfDeath]

So, which product did you like the best from the range? Why?
The menthol tissues were my favourite as I had a cold, however, for normal use I would stick with the balsam as they became a little overpowering once my blocked nose cleared up. Both tissues lovely and soft. My nose also really liked the balm.

How did you and your family use the products in the range?
Man-size tissues have yet to be opened. They are my least favourite as I find them too big. But they will be used, oh yes.
Standard balsam box is nearly finished and lives in the living room out of reach of DS who keeps pulling the tissues out and shredding them
Menthol box is half finished and has been put away in readiness for the next bout of illness.
Both travel packs are in my handbag.
Lip balm is in the bathroom.

Thanks for selecting me to take part