Snot,snot and more snot

Two out of my three boys have come down with the weekly cold (it seems this family has been sick with something this whole month!). They are so miserable and I feel so bad for them. The baby screams and runs from me if he even sees a tissue in my hand and the middle boy screams "nuh uh, no, it hurts!". My response to both of them, "I'm sorry" and then I tackle them.
If there is one thing I cannot stand it's a kid with a runny snotty nose. I try to be gentle but after a full day of wiping they are raw and sore. I swear they have been like snot faucets all day. Now they are getting a dry hacking cough (probably due to the snot). What's a mom to do? Your not even suppose to give them cough/cold medicine anymore! I love what the doctors tell you "just keep them comfortable, use a humidifier, and keep liquids in them". Yeah that all works in the long run but my kids want relief NOW.
Last night the baby was miserable and neither one of us got any sleep. I think I was up with him 4 times and then we finally got up at 4:30 am. Ugh. So I half slept on the couch while he watched his movie. Now this evening he is even more miserable. I can see that I wont be getting much sleep tonight either. So I did what I know is safe for him.

• Torture him with the booger sucker
• Slather him with Vaseline and baby Vicks
• Give him some Tylenol
• Prop his pillow to practically sitting position and pray for sleep (for all of us)

Is that enough? Will he be able to breathe and sleep at the same time? I really wish we could come up with a solution to making our poor snotty, coughing kids feel better. So wish us sleep for the night!