Congestion. Coughing. Facial pressure. Headaches. If you feel like your allergies, sinus, and upper respiratory problems are escalating, it might be time to try a nasal irrigation device, such as a neti pot. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), neti pots are nasal irrigation devices that use saltwater or saline solution to moisten nasal passages and clean out mucus. There are many types of neti pots on the market and they can be purchased at pharmacies, supermarkets, and online retailers. Neti pots work similarly to other nasal irrigation devices, such as bulb syringes and squeeze bottles, that can be used to alleviate allergy, cold, and sinus symptoms. “Saline irrigations provide a non-pharmacologic way to cleanse the nose and help with symptoms of allergies, congestion, nasal drainage, and pressure,” says Anthony Del Signore, MD, director of rhinology and endoscopic skull base surgery at Mount Sinai Union Square in New York City. “It works by reducing the allergic load within the nasal cavity by washing out the allergens and inciting factors leading to the localized allergic reaction.” Dr. Del Signore says neti pots, can also help with chronic sinus issues, since they minimize the bacterial load within the nasal cavity. A neti pot can deliver saline solution to the sinus cavities and prevent backup within the sinuses that might lead to chronic infections. Before testing a neti pot, speak with your doctor first to determine if nasal saline irrigation is the right option for you. After discussing neti pot use with your doctor, try out a neti pot and take note of how your nasal and sinus passages feel. Make sure to tell your doctor if symptoms are not improving following neti pot use. “There are other diagnoses that we rule out at the time of the evaluation, which include brain fluid leaks, nasal polyps, nasal masses, and bacterial infections,” says Del Signore. “The differential diagnosis is quite extensive for many of these conditions, and it’s important to understand the underlying cause prior to using a saline rinse.”
What to Look for in a Neti Pot
There are a few key features you might want to consider before buying a neti pot.
Design How is the neti pot designed? First, check to see what type of material the neti pot is made from. Plastic neti pots, such as the NeilMed NasaFlo Neti Pot, are a great option if you are searching for a durable nasal irrigation device that doesn’t break, while porcelain neti pots, like the Himalayan Chandra Porcelain Neti Pot, provide a more sustainable option for nasal and sinus cleansing.Saline Packets What’s the quality of the neti pot’s premixed saline packets? It’s important to check the packets’ quality because they will be used to flush out your nasal and sinus passages. Look for United States Pharmacopeia (USP) grade sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, 99.99 percent non-iodized salt, or pharmaceutical grade in the neti pot’s manual and drug facts to ensure safe use.Instructions Are the neti pot instructions easy to follow? Using a neti pot can be tricky, so it’s critical for you to have clear instructions and know when it’s time to replace the neti pot. If a neti pot’s directions are confusing, skip it and find another neti pot with better guidelines. If in doubt about the quality of a neti pot, you can always check the recall list on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)’s website.
How to Safely Use a Neti Pot
Step One: Check Your Neti Pot Equipment
Before using a neti pot, make sure you have these items on deck: your neti pot, one of your neti pot’s premixed saline packets, and water from a safe source. The FDA says three types of water are safe for neti pot use: distilled or sterile water, which you can buy at the store, boiled and cooled tap water, or water passed through a filter that can trap potentially hazardous organisms. For boiled and cooled tap water, the FDA advises that water is first boiled for 3 to 5 minutes and cooled until it reaches a lukewarm temperature. If you are using filtered water, the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) notes that filter labels should say “NSF 53,” “NSF 58,” “cyst removal,” or “cyst reduction” for extra protection against germs and bacteria.
Step Two: Prepare the Neti Pot Mixture
Wash your hands and make sure the neti pot is clean. Read your neti pot’s instructions for preparing the saline rinse. Carefully measure your water and premixed saline packet contents, and place the contents in your neti pot.
Step Three: Neti Pot Movements
Even though instructions vary by neti pot, the FDA divides neti pot movements into four clear steps. First, lean over your sink and tilt your head sideways, keeping your chin and forehead at the same level. Next, breathe gently with your mouth open and insert the neti pot spout in your upper nostril. This movement will cause the saline solution to drain out of your lower nostril. Then, gently clear your nostrils with a tissue to get rid of extra mucus and discharge. Lastly, repeat the steps above for the other side.
Step Four: Cleaning Your Neti Pot
If you think your neti pot is contaminated, Del Signore suggests that you use white, distilled vinegar or 70 percent isopropyl alcohol for proper cleaning. After using alcohol or vinegar, make sure to rinse your neti pot with distilled water that’s below 120 degrees. Lastly, air dry your neti pot on a clean paper towel.
Options to Consider
Himalayan Chandra Neti Pot
NeilMed NasaFlo Neti Pot
See price on NeilMed
SinuCleanse Soft Tip Neti Pot
See price on SinuCleanse
Dr. Hana’s Nasopure System Kit
Ancient Secrets’ Neti Nasal Cleansing Pot
See price on Thrive Market
