Have you tried this for a sinus infection?

[KnottedYet]

So do you end up snorting and spitting the salt water out?

I've seen the Neti pots at Central Market and been curious, but haven't felt the need yet. (my sinuses are pretty low maintainence.)

[songlady]

Thanks for the review, mine came yesterday and I am still too afraid to try it. Wait til allergy season, I may be singing a completely different tune

[teigyr]

It just comes running out the other side. I'm adept at one side and challenged with the other. It's kind of like swimming and breathing.

I love it! I've noticed that my nose is running more than before but I think that's my sinuses clearing themselves out. I haven't been good about doing it every night but I should start being more diligent.

I've noticed the headaches are gone, borderline sinus infections never manifest, and I have not had a cold since I started. I've also had more energy and waking up is SO much easier.

I know that this could be in our minds but I think it isn't. The first time I used it (and sorry to be gross here), I didn't have a full-blown sinus infection or anything. I felt better than usual, actually. After using it, I blew my nose and all these little yellow dried bits came out. I think it's pretty cool to be flushing that stuff out.

[sundial]

So do you end up snorting and spitting the salt water out?

*Most* of the time the water just drains out the other nostril.

I've started using the NeilMed Sinus Rinse kit and I like it because unlike the neti pot it doesn't use gravity to flush the sinuses. Instead it's a squeeze bottle that you control the flow and pressure to get back into the sinus cavity.

I don't have sinus problems but I have chronic allergies. I've noticed that I've cut back on my Rx's since I've started rinsing. It really is soothing and will moisturize the passages during cold, dry days.

[Blueberry]

I kind of snort the water out of the neti pot - this seems to get it in the sinuses a little better, and then it drains out the other side with all the icky stuff. It's been a savior for me this year with dry heat. My sinuses bleed CONSTANTLY in winter.

[Brandi]

I honestly believe it works! And I have two Dr who believe it works too! I have been on the verg of sinus infection and my Dr has told me to go that route first before he would prescribe a antibiotic. and I am glad. They are perscribed to often. There is no wool here!

[Starfish]

Haven't read this whole thread, so apologies if someone already wrote this.

My mom taught me this over 35 years ago. No special pot or system needed. I just cup some salt water in my palm and snuffle it up through my sinuses.

It flushes stuff out...sometimes gross stuff that makes me glad it is out of my head.

Sometimes it just drains out the other side. Sometimes back into the throat where I swallow and let my digestive tract expel it.

Anyhow, I swear by this for head colds and sinus infections.

[OakLeaf]

I've had conventional MDs recommend irrigation to me, as well.

I have one of each, actually - a NeilMed SinusRinse squeeze bottle, and the SinuCleanse plastic neti pot. I find the traditional pot is much more effective and reaches a lot more of my sinuses. The squeeze bottle, on the other hand, is a lot quicker and easier to use, not least because you can mix the solution by shaking it right in the bottle.

Starfish, if I tried your method, I think I'd drown. Probably one of those things, like peeing standing up, that if your mom didn't teach you when you were 2, you're just never going to have the determination to teach yourself (and yes I know some adult women do have the determination and enough free time in the shower to teach themselves how to pee standing up - I'm just not one of them)

[sundial]

Oakleaf, did you see the NeilMed neti pot? It comes with a lid and when you want to regulate the flow, you place your finger over the hole on the lid.