Nasal Irrigation

[sleepingbetter0209]

Does anyone have experience with using Saline Rinse similar to Neti Pot or similar ones in cleansing out sinuses? Is it effective and can it help clear irritants and help facilitate better nasal breathing? Are there any downsides? I would appreciate any advice. I know if can be kind of harsh pouring water up my nose, but if it helps, I am willing to try anything. I have blocked nasal breathing and I am looking for the least invasive solution and really do not want to have surgery now.

[ozij]

Lukewarm water, with the correct amount of salt - neither too much nor too little - used with a Neti pot or a squirt bottle can be very helpful. Not harsh at all.
It rinses out your nasal passages.
I use a squirt bottle.
Certainly worth trying.

[Miss Emerita]

I’ve used NeilMed Sinus Rinse to good effect. There’s a squirt bottle and packets of prepared salts that you use with distilled water. It’s a little strange at first, but I got used to it fast. I watched a couple of how-to videos, which were helpful.

[chunkyfrog]

If it is too difficult pouring saline into your nose, try a spray, followed by a snort.
Ocean brand is effective, and already sterile.
Way less solution, but a little could be enough.
Home made solution should only be made with sterile water and salts.

[Cpapian]

It's good and recommended by my doctor for when I have a cold. The distilled water is a thing because of the possibility of something in the water that is horrible and can enter the brain through the nasal passage. Can't remember all the details. Occasionally one hears of a swimmer getting whatever it is. I have no idea what the likelihood is. Probably different from water source to water source. Better safe than sorry.

[pratzert]

I've been using the "NeilMed" Sinus Rinse packets (kit).

You can purchase an entire box with 50 salt packets, a bottle and cap/nozzle.

Very easy to use.

I got the entire kit for $17.00 on Amazon.

[chunkyfrog]

Brain eating amoeba, (or Naegleria fowleri,) is the nasty thing.
Your nasal passages come very close to your brain--so be careful what goes up there.

[MikeekiM]

AKA Nasal Enema!

I started out using a standard neti pot, and it really made a huge difference.

I am now (as others have mentioned) using the NeilMed Sinus Rinse. I have to admit that I have been "lazy" and am just using warm tap water. I'm not suggesting that anyone do the same, but that's what is what I do. Everyone needs to make their own decision on what level of risk they are willing to take, and based on the numbers that I have seen, it's been a risk I have been willing to take.

The big difference between a standard neti pot and the NeilMed Sinus Rinse is that the standard neti pot uses gravity to gently move nasal debris whereas the NeilMed Sinus Rinse bottle uses pressure that forces the water through your nasal passages. I think the neti pot was a great way for me to introduce myself to the idea of a nasal rinse (and the feeling of a clean and rinsed nasal passage)!

After I am done with the "rinse" cycle, I lean my head upside down and move my head slowly left and right to drain any excess "trapped" water.

I used to perform my nasal rinse on an "as needed" basis, usually triggered by congestion or a stuffed or runny nose. But in the last two weeks that I started "mouth taping", I have been adding a nightly rinse as part of my regular routine just to make sure my passages are as clear as possible for 100% nose breathing.

[Cpapian]

Here's an article on the amoeba plus a new one

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/wha ... al-rinsing

[pratzert]

I use nothing but Distilled water with my NeilMed Sinus Rinse kit.

It's like $1.29/Gallon at my local Grocery store.

[Cecioboe]

I've used my Neti pot daily for years. I use Ancient Secrets Nasal Cleaning Salts and the little spoon that came with the pot - nothing fancy or prepackaged. If my allergies are really bad, or if I have a rare cold, I'll use it 2-3 times a day. I think it works great.