What is a neti pot? And why would I use one?
Answer From James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D.
A neti pot is a container made to rinse debris or mucus from the nasal cavity using saltwater. You might use a neti pot to treat symptoms of nasal allergies, sinus problems or colds. Using a neti pot can help when indoor air dries out nasal passages.
Neti pots use saltwater to avoid irritating nasal passages.
To start, use water labeled as distilled or sterilized. To use tap water, boil it for several minutes and then let it cool until it's only slightly warm, called lukewarm. If you can't boil water, you can use tap water that's been passed through a water filter. Filters may be labeled in a few different ways. Look for terms such as: 1 micron or smaller pore size, NSF 53, NSF 58, cyst removal or cyst reduction.
Salt packets may be sold with the neti pot or bought separately. You also can make your own salt mix. In a lidded container, combine three measures of noniodized salt with one measure of baking soda and stir. Add 1 teaspoon of the mixture to 1 cup of the boiled, distilled, sterilized or filtered water.
To use the neti pot:
- Add the salt to the water and stir to dissolve the salt mix. You can combine the water and salt it in the neti pot or in a separate, clean container and pour it into the neti pot.
- Tilt your head down and sideways over a sink.
- Place the spout of the neti pot just at the entrance of the upper nostril.
- While you breathe through your open mouth, start to pour the water into the top nostril. If the water flows into your mouth, tilt your head further down so the water flows into the bottom nostril.
- The water may drip out of the bottom nostril at first. But once the water is draining out of the nostril, you can stop pouring and set down the neti pot. Then blow your nose.
- Repeat, switching sides to allow water to drain from the other nostril.
Rinse the neti pot after each use with distilled, sterile or filtered water or water that has been boiled and cooled. Leave the neti pot in the open to air-dry.
Neti pots are often sold in pharmacies, health food stores and online. Other devices, such as squeeze bottles and pressurized canisters, also can be used to rinse or irrigate the nasal passages.
Talk with your healthcare professional to see if nasal rinsing is right for you.
With
James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D.
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- Sinus rinsing for health or religious practice. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/sinus-rinsing.html. Accessed Feb. 20, 2024.
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FAQs
You might use a neti pot to treat symptoms of nasal allergies, sinus problems or colds. Using a neti pot can help when indoor air dries out nasal passages.
Is a neti pot good for sinus problems? ›
Neti pots are a type of nasal irrigation device. They can help clear the sinuses in cases of allergies or sinusitis. However, it is very important to use sterilized water and follow the correct steps. If not, a person risks contracting a bacteria or amoeba that can reach the brain and cause life threatening illnesses.
Can a sinus rinse get rid of a cold? ›
Secondly, nasal rinses can remove the cold viruses themselves. By dislodging these from the nasal lining, the saline solution aids in decreasing viral load, potentially reducing the duration of cold symptoms.
What is the difference between a neti pot and a nasal rinse? ›
Nasal rinses work similarly to the neti pot, but come in a number of different delivery mechanisms. These include squeeze bottles and even a battery operated, pulsating device that sprays saline directly into the nasal cavity. Like the neti pot, nasal rinses are comprised of a non-medicated saline solution.
Can water get stuck in your sinuses from a sinus rinse? ›
Yes, it is possible to get water stuck in your sinuses from a sinus rinse. This can happen if your sinuses are swollen or if your head is not tilted properly. If you feel like water is stuck, keep your head upright for a while and try blowing your nose. The water should work its way out.
When to not use a neti pot? ›
DON'T overuse it.
Use a nasal rinse as needed, whether it be a few days or once a week. When your allergies are bad, you can use a neti pot or nasal rinse one to two times per day. Be aware, though, that using nasal rinses too often can irritate your nasal passages.
Do neti pots work for colds? ›
While Neti pots can be effective for treating cold and flu symptoms, make sure to fill them with distilled or boiled water to prevent infections. Gargling with salt water helped our throat discomfort temporarily, and we also tried a warm compress for sinus congestion. Dr.
Is it good to flush sinuses when sick? ›
Sinus rinsing can remove dust, pollen and other debris, as well as help to loosen thick mucus. It can also help relieve nasal symptoms of sinus infections, allergies, colds and flu.
How do you shorten a cold or sinus infection? ›
For most colds and sinus infections, the best treatment is to rest and let your body heal. While you wait, there are many things you can do to feel better: Breathe in steam, but be careful of burns from hot water. Drink plenty of fluids.
What is the best time of day to do a nasal rinse? ›
Nasal rinses can be done at any time of day.
Doctors we spoke to say Neti Pots are the better option to keep your nose and sinus area clean.
Do you switch nostrils when using a neti pot? ›
The water may drip out of the bottom nostril at first. But once the water is draining out of the nostril, you can stop pouring and set down the neti pot. Then blow your nose. Repeat, switching sides to allow water to drain from the other nostril.
Can I use a neti pot with just water? ›
Your congestion can feel worse after a sinus rinse if you use only water rather than the saline solution. It can cause swelling in the nasal passages, making symptoms worse. Water from the neti pot can get stuck in your sinuses if you don't tilt your head correctly.
What are the side effects of a sinus rinse? ›
Side effects of sinus rinsing
The most common issues resulting from a nasal rinse are a burning or stinging sensation in the nose and mild irritation in the nasal passages. To make your nasal rinse more comfortable, make sure to use a saline solution instead of plain water, which can aggravate the inside of your nose.
Why use baking soda in nasal rinse? ›
Nasal washes or rinses containing baking soda can be particularly helpful in thinning the mucus out and making it clear. People with allergic rhinitis and acute or chronic sinusitis might consider using baking soda nasal rinses regularly. This can help keep airways clear from mucus and reduce the risk of infection.
Does drinking water unclog sinuses? ›
Staying hydrated is crucial when you're dealing with congested or infected sinuses. Drinking plenty of water can help to thin out mucus and make it easier to expel. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages, which can actually dehydrate you.
What is the best thing to flush your sinuses with? ›
Usually, they remain open so you can breathe easily. If your sinuses become irritated or inflamed, however, mucus (snot) can clog your nasal cavities. With nasal irrigation, you flush away the clog using a saline solution (water and sodium chloride mix) with a neti pot or a rinse bottle.
Can you be too congested to use a neti pot? ›
DON'T use while completely clogged. If your nose isn't actively running, you might not see any benefits from using a neti pot because the saline solution won't be able to penetrate the nasal cavity. Instead try steam inhalation (head covered with a towel over a bowl of steaming water) first to loosen up the congestion.
What actually clears sinuses? ›
Keep nasal passages moist
Drink lots of fluids. This will thin out your mucus, which could help prevent blocked sinuses. Use a nasal saline spray. It's salt water, and it will help keep your nasal passages from drying out.
