If you’ve been affected by the pollen and the spring air we have neti pots! Below are the how to’s and how to understand.
Ear, nose, and throat surgeons recommend nasal irrigation with a Neti pot or other method for their patients who’ve undergone sinus surgery, to clear away crusting in the nasal passages. Many patients with chronic sinus symptoms from bacterial infections, allergies, and environmental irritants also have begun to regularly use the Neti pot or other nasal irrigation devices, claiming that these devices alleviate congestion, facial pain and pressure, and reduce the need for antibiotics and nasal sprays. Research backs up these claims, finding that nasal irrigation can be an effective way to relieve sinus symptoms when used along with standard sinus treatments.
The basic explanation of how the Neti pot works is that it thins mucus to help flush it out of the nasal passages, according to David Rabago, MD, assistant professor in the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and a leading researcher on nasal irrigation.
A more biological explanation for how the Neti pot works has to do with tiny, hair-like structures called cilia that line the inside of the nasal and sinus cavities. These cilia wave back and forth to push mucus either to the back of the throat where it can be swallowed, or to the nose to be blown out. “Chronic sinus problems cause the cilia to beat in a slow and uncoordinated way,” Rabago explains. Saline solution can help increase the speed and improve coordination of the cilia so that they may more effectively remove the bacteria, allergens, and other irritants that cause sinus problems, he says.
1. Prepare the Saline Solution
Generally most people find that non-iodized table salt is the best source of the salt for mixing the saline solution. We do not recommend the use of sea salt as it is sometimes too strong and may irritate. Mix approximately 1/4 teaspoon of fine table salt into about 1 cup (8 oz.) of warm water, until it is fully dissolved. The water should be warm, but not hot. It should feel pleasantly warm to the touch so as to not irritate your nasal passages with either too hot or too cold water. Never use either HOT or COLD water. You may prefer to use bottled water if your local water supply is too hard or has chemicals or an unappealing taste.
2. Fill your Nasal Cleansing Pot
Once you have the saline solution mixed, pour it into the Nasal Cleansing Pot. You may choose to actually mix it right in the pot to save a step.
3. The Process of Nasal Cleansing
- Nasal Cleansing is best done as part of a regular hygiene routine. As you will have saline water flowing and mucus being discharged, it is best to practice this process over a sink or basin.
- Tilt your head to the side as shown. You will notice that when you get the proper angle, the water will flow easily from the upper nostril and out the lower nostril. It takes just a little bit of practice to get it just right. This is the most important factor in a successful nasal wash. Don’t be afraid to adjust your head slightly to get the most comfortable angle for your own personal practice. You should find that having your forehead at an angle about the same level as your chin will be just right.
- Insert spout of Nasal Cleansing Pot gently into the raised nostril and create a seal between the Pot and your nostril.
- Raise the Nasal Cleansing Pot slowly to develop a steady flow of saline solution through the upper nostril and out the lower nostril. You are in total control of the flow of the saline water by the way you hold the pot. The higher you hold it, the faster the flow. Try to find the right flow just for you by raising the pot slowly while you hold your head in the correct position.
- During the process breathe through your mouth. The angle of your head is important to allow you to breath easily through your mouth during the process. If you do not have sufficient angle to keep your forehead at about the level of your chin or just slightly higher than your chin, you will find water draining into your mouth. If this happens as you get to know the process, simply adjust the angle of your head to bring the forehead more or less in line with your chin and start over again.
- Upon completion of the process, exhale gently several times to clear the nasal passages. You may want to use a tissue to catch any excess mucus.
- Reverse the tilt of your head and repeat the process on the other side. Some people find they can clear both sides with one pot full of saline solution, but most people prefer using an entire potful for each nostril.
- Once you get into practice, the entire process only takes a couple of minutes.
4. Completion of the Process
- It is beneficial to do some simple gentle exhalation blowing through both of your nostrils after completion. Either do this over a sink or into a tissue. Be sure to not close off your nostrils as you blow as you are trying to expel the excess solution and any residual mucus.
- Some people find it beneficial to do some side or forward bending to allow easier drainage. Experiment with this to find out what works best for you.
5. Cleaning your Nasal Cleansing Pot
After use, simply wash out the pot with warm water and dish soap and rinse away all soap and other residues. We have made our device out of sturdy food-grade porcelain so that it is dishwasher safe if you prefer.
6. Cautions and Warnings
While most people can safely and conveniently use this product, please note the following. If you are unable to blow your nose, you should not use this product except under the specific care and recommendation of your health care practitioner. Children using the product should be aided by a responsible adult. As with your toothbrush, you should not share your Nasal Cleansing Pot with others. If you have any chronic illness or health condition, or if you experience any kind of discomfort or nosebleed, do not use this product except under the specific guidance of your health care practitioner.
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