Sinus rinse - success with HYPERTONIC / high salt solution?

Lots of people on this site suggest using sinus rinse if people are congested.

I use the NeilMed 8oz squeeze bottle twice per day per my Ear / Nose / Throat doctor. He recommended it and said he uses it every day.

I just caught my first sinus infection or head cold a couple of days ago; first one since I've been on CPAP and it really made the nasal mask difficult to use. Reading another post about "aren't colds miserable?", reminded me of something...

1) From NeilMed's website http://www.neilmed.com/usa/faq_search.php
"Question:
What if I prefer a higher concentration of salt solution (also called hypertonic solution)?
Answer:
Some physicians do recommend hypertonic solutions in certain cases. They believe that a higher concentrated solution will draw the fluid and mucous out of congested nasal and maybe sinus openings. If you prefer higher salinity or hypertonic solution, you can use 2-3 blue packets of the mixture in 240 mL (8 oz.) of water OR use our new green Hypertonic Refill Packet."

2) This also reminded me of something a pharmacist I used to work for always told customers. If they'd come in with a sore throat, he'd always say "I can sell you something for a sore throat, but the best thing you can do is gargle with salt water."

I tried using a double dose of NeilMed saline packs in my 8oz bottle and it really seemed to help. It says on their website you can go up to 3 blue packets per 8 oz of water. I'm going to keep trying this to see if it kicks whatever I am fighting.

I found a related article in the THE JOURNAL OF FAMILY PRACTICE on "Efficacy of daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation among patients with sinusitis" (http://www.jfponline.com/Pages.asp?AID=1355)
"CONCLUSIONS: Daily hypertonic saline nasal irrigation improves sinus-related quality of life, decreases symptoms, and decreases medication use in patients with frequent sinusitis. Primary care physicians can feel comfortable recommending this therapy."


Has anyone else had success using slightly higher salt concentration saline rinse to fight sinus infection, sinusitus or colds?

Yes I have used stronger doses of salt brine for both, congestion and to help heal a deviated septum operation, suggested by the surgeon. I mixed table salt with warm water in a berry dish and then snorted it back thru each nostril. I found it very helpful.

I have tried using 2 NeilMed packets but I don't find the solution as comfortable, and it can even cause a burning sensation if your nose is irritated inside.

I prefer to use the regular isotonic solution (1 packet or 1/4 teaspoon salt + 1/4 teaspoon baking soda) and just step up the frequency to 2 or 3 times a day instead of just once, if I feel I need more.

I currently have my first cold in over 2 years (I guess I was due), but haven't had sinusitis since the 90s when I started doing the nasal rinses.

A good & helpful thread..
Yes, I have used a basic neti-pot for years, and found it quite helpful for my allergies and colds (seldom have one). I have also just started using the NeilMed squeesable bottle and like it very much. I have also doubled my recipe on occasions but can;t honestly say that I could tell the difference in therapeutic results. I use Kosher/cooking salt, w/ no baking.

It is not about rinses, but you might find this thread of interest viewtopic.php?f=1&t=58490&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... c+solution .

NightMonkey wrote:It is not about rinses, but you might find this thread of interest viewtopic.php?f=1&t=58490&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... c+solution .

NightMonkey,

Yes that was a bit off topic, but I read all 7 pages and it was very interesting. Although I think the original posters intended question was "Does a small amount of salt in the humidifier help congestion?", what really jumped out at me was WATCH OUT, SOME OF WHAT'S IN YOUR HUMIDIFIER MAY COME THROUGH YOUR MASK!

My DME told me to put my humidifier through the top rack of the dishwasher once per week and to use only distilled water. I've been really careful about washing the humidifier and mask each week, but the hose is a bit trickier. I run hot water through the hose in the shower once a week and hang it to dry, but the hose buddy and snugglehose cover take time to remove, so I only wash the hose and hang it once per week. I'm hoping my hose isn't "buggy".

RandyJ wrote:I have tried using 2 NeilMed packets but I don't find the solution as comfortable, and it can even cause a burning sensation if your nose is irritated inside.

I prefer to use the regular isotonic solution (1 packet or 1/4 teaspoon salt + 1/4 teaspoon baking soda) and just step up the frequency to 2 or 3 times a day instead of just once, if I feel I need more.

I've tried doing the standard isotonic solution multiple times per day as well when congested (I use it twice per day minimum, already). Unfortunately, more frequent standard dose doesn't seem to do anything extra for me (unless I've been working outside and then I get to see all of the things come out in the sink that I inhaled while working outside, which is why I do sinus rinse immediately after mowing the lawn EVERY time).

RandyJ wrote:I currently have my first cold in over 2 years (I guess I was due), but haven't had sinusitis since the 90s when I started doing the nasal rinses.

I've only been doing the sinus rinses since January, but this is my first "forehead pressure, faucet nose" event since using sinus rinse. Somehow a bug or something has made it past my twice a day saline rinse barrier and has got me.

Java Time wrote: NightMonkey,

but I read all 7 pages

So sorry. I did not mean to torture you. haha

(I never read it myself.)

Java Time wrote: NightMonkey,

what really jumped out at me was WATCH OUT, SOME OF WHAT'S IN YOUR HUMIDIFIER MAY COME THROUGH YOUR MASK!

My DME told me to put my humidifier through the top rack of the dishwasher once per week and to use only distilled water. I've been really careful about washing the humidifier and mask each week, but the hose is a bit trickier. I run hot water through the hose in the shower once a week and hang it to dry, but the hose buddy and snugglehose cover take time to remove, so I only wash the hose and hang it once per week. I'm hoping my hose isn't 'buggy".

The first year I cleaned the hose often but then after doing some reading here I have gone two years without cleaning it. This includes taking it on frequent business trips and leaving it in hotel rooms and rental cars. I do bag it every morning so it is not lying out for a hotel maid to touch.

The argument I saw posted in the forum is washing the hose is more likely to introduce contaminants than leaving it alone. Drying it is a problem as mold spores (and amoeba maybe?) might collect in the rinse water. Using a hair dryer might be worse because who knows what has collected in the dryer.

But we are breathing unfiltered air 16 hours per day and then we get cleaner filtered air at night!

If I shine a light down my hose it looks very clean after two years of use.

If my brain gets eaten away I will start cleaning the hose more often.

pap4life wrote:I have also just started using the NeilMed squeezable bottle and like it very much. I have also doubled my recipe on occasions but can't honestly say that I could tell the difference in therapeutic results.

I'm not sure exactly what is causing my forehead pressure and drippy nose, but the double-strength saline rinse seems to be stopping whatever is the cause. After feeling bad for 2 or 3 days, even after the first double-strength saline rinse I felt better and less pressure. Bear in mind I have been using single strength saline throughout the day, but it hasn't been strong enough to relieve the pressure and stop the drip.

It doesn't last forever though, it seems like I needed to rinse again after about 3 hours.

I pretty much didn't sleep at all last night, if it happens again tonight, I intend to try this heavy salt rinse as required tonight.

I do know, as I mentioned above, that the pharmacist I used to work for was a huge believer in gargling with salt water. The throat and and sinuses are similar in many ways. It doesn't seem like that much of a stretch to think a "salty" solution would help some sinus issues and might even help fight off certain things.

The JOURNAL OF FAMILY PRACTICE article in the original post seems to indicate a double-strength solution is safe, but I don't know if there are any long term concerns. I found a reference in another post from someone indicating people shouldn't have long term hypertonic solution use, but the reason wasn't mentioned.

Since I am only doubling the salt mixture, not just dumping salt in, I don't think it is too big of a concern. I would think someone who lives near the ocean or even someone who goes out on saltwater frequently must ingest much higher amounts of salt than I am taking in with a quick rinse.

My wife's worry about using it too much is it might lose it's effectiveness. I'm not quite sure what to think of that argument, although others on a different thread pointed out that when they lived near the sea they never developed sinus issues, so maybe saline in the nasal passages works even over the long term.

All very interesting...

NightMonkey wrote:The argument I saw posted in the forum is washing the hose is more likely to introduce contaminants than leaving it alone. Drying it is a problem as mold spores (and amoeba maybe?) might collect in the rinse water.

You can't win, can you? Now I'm going to get "neti-pot amoeba killers" from our well water when rinsing my hose in the shower. Big sigh...

Thanks for the perspective, what I'm currently doing in my weekly cleaning regimen seems like enough for now.

I think that if you can tolerate the heavier salt concentration, go for it... it can only help.

When I have forehead pressure, I usually take something like guaifenesin (Mucinex et al.) for a day or 2 to make the secretions more fluid and relieve pressure. It works for me.

When you are out of salt, just use pickling salt. it is pure salt without additives that you find in table salt. use the amount that you need. Hypertonic is fine, and so is the normal concentration. The number of times that you use it may be more important. Two or three times in one sitting will clear out the mucus better than a strong solution used at one time.

If it helps any...

Once you get your sinus condition under control you may find that adding a little salt to your humidifier water may help keep things from going south again.

I have been using this for quite some time now, and have no issues with congestion.

No promises, but I am of the opinion that "salt air" is a little more soothing than just moist air.

According to Dr. Park, a guy who certainly knows his ENT stuff:

"Nasal irrigation with saline is a great way of addressing many nasal/sinus issues. Regarding isotnic vs. hypertonic, the debate has been going on for years. There are proponents of both. Hypertonic works better because it's saltier and therefore decongests your nasal membranes much more effectively. However, there are studies that show that hypertonic saline immobilizes the cilia of the nasal mucous membranes. Either way, you need to experiment with both and keep using whichever works better for you."

http://www.sleepguide.com/forum/topics/ ... inus-rinse

HoseCrusher wrote:If it helps any...

Once you get your sinus condition under control you may find that adding a little salt to your humidifier water may help keep things from going south again.

I have been using this for quite some time now, and have no issues with congestion.

Thanks HoseCrusher. Night Monkey also sent me to your "Wanted - Lab Rats" thread and I read all 7 pages last night. (viewtopic.php?f=1&t=58490&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... c+solution)

I really liked your comment that the salt opened you up after you put the mask on. Even when I'm NOT congested, I get swelling of my nasal membranes when I lay down that "feels like" congestion. This is an ongoing problem for me and I would be willing to try salt in the humidifier might help me.

I notice on this site, a handful of people recommend a "pinch of salt", but most are against it either feeling it won't work since evaporation wouldn't carry the salt particles or that the risk of damage to your machine just isn't worth it due to fear of damaging the machine.

It seems like the testing described in your thread showed some of the salt particles do get transported by some of the "salty" water particles moving mechanically, rather than through evaporation, so your idea seems reasonable based on your test results .

But... My PRS1 machine appears to have a round disk of metal at the bottom of it. I'm afraid the salt would be bad on that.