Deb,

I gargled with regular club soda and then ginger ale when I could handle the taste. The carbonation seemed to help for temporary relief.

The Netti pot is a damned godsend after waking up. If he hasnt used one, I would try the squeeze bottle kind. I went thru probably 500 of the solution packets recovering, they are cheap on amazon.

I would spray the back of my throat and then use it thru the nose. Sounds gross, but judge me after he tries it.