Fess vs Sudafed:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Sudafed had more branded searches than Fess among nasal spray brands in New Zealand. Sudafed had about 5,500 branded searches, while Fess had 1,110. Sudafed made up 57.5% of all nasal spray brand searches we track, and Fess accounted for 11.6%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about nasal spray brands, Fess appeared in three of the five answers and Sudafed in none.
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Top nasal spray brands in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, Fess was mentioned in three out of five: in two of the three ChatGPT answers and in one of the two Google AI Overviews. Sudafed did not appear in any of the five answers.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
See every answer about nasal spray brands
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which nasal spray brand should I buy in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best nasal spray brands in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best nasal spray brand in New Zealand for blocked nose?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“nasal spray nz”
- 1
Fess
- 1
Searched Google, AI Overview
“hay fever spray”
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in New Zealand on October 21, 2026.
Is Fess or Sudafed more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for Fess and Sudafed by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all four nasal spray brands we track, month by month, from searches in New Zealand.
Share of searches by month for Sudafed, Fess. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Sudafed | Otrivin | Fess | Rhinocort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 58.1% | 30.7% | 10.7% | 0.53% |
| Nov 2025 | 52.2% | 34.6% | 12.3% | 0.87% |
| Dec 2025 | 52.3% | 34.1% | 11.8% | 1.8% |
| Jan 2026 | 53.3% | 32.1% | 13.4% | 1.1% |
| Feb 2026 | 55.7% | 30.7% | 12.5% | 1.2% |
| Mar 2026 | 55.4% | 32.9% | 11% | 0.76% |
| Apr 2026 | 56.9% | 30.9% | 11.4% | 0.77% |
| May 2026 | 56.3% | 33.9% | 9% | 0.85% |
| Jun 2026 | 56.1% | 33.3% | 9.5% | 1.1% |
| Jul 2026 | 59.3% | 30.3% | 9.6% | 0.87% |
| Aug 2026 | 58.8% | 30.9% | 9.8% | 0.5% |
| Sep 2026 | 57.5% | 30.3% | 11.6% | 0.63% |
How has the Fess and Sudafed comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Sudafed was ahead of Fess in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Fess’ share of searches among nasal spray brands in New Zealand moved from 10.7% to 11.6%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 800 to 1.1K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Sudafed’s share of searches among nasal spray brands in New Zealand moved from 58.1% to 57.5%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 4.3K to 5.5K.
How did search popularity change for New Zealand nasal spray brands in September 2026?
2 changes
In September 2026, Fess gained share of searches among nasal spray brands in New Zealand, from 9.8% to 11.6%.
In September 2026, Sudafed lost share of searches among nasal spray brands in New Zealand, from 58.8% to 57.5%.
How are branded searches counted?
10 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Fess’ and Sudafed’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Other head-to-heads among nasal spray brands
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