icon cross All You Need To Know About Nasal Irrigation

What is Nasal Irrigation?

Nasal irrigation is a technique in which a solution of saline (salt water) is used to flush out the nasal passages. It can be used to help relieve the symptoms of nasal congestion, sinusitis, allergies, and other conditions that cause inflammation or excess mucus in the nose. There are several ways to perform sinus irrigation, including using a neti pot, a squeeze bottle, a nasal rinse cup or modern equipment designed to make the process faster and more comfortable. Some people also use a saline spray or a saline nasal gel. Nasal washing can be done at home and is generally considered safe, although it is important to use sterile water or a sterile saline solution to avoid infection.

To many people using a nasal rinse is a strange and unappealing concept, but as the benefits of it become clearer its popularity has started to increase rapidly. Nasal rinsing originated in India, where it has been used for centuries and is now considered as much a part of the daily routine as the brushing of teeth.

In this section of the website, you can find out exactly what nasal irrigation is, what it does and how it works. You can also find out about its history, the different methods used and the clinical research that has been conducted into its effectiveness. You can also find out more about the SinuPulse Elite, the device that is modernising the ancient technique, making it easier, more comfortable and more effective than ever before.

What does nasal irrigation do?

A nasal irrigation kit can help to relieve the symptoms of nasal congestion and other conditions that cause inflammation or excess mucus in the nose. It works by flushing out the nasal passages with a saline solution, which helps to thin and remove mucus, and reduce inflammation. By removing mucus and reducing inflammation, saline nasal rinse can help the cilia (tiny strands that help remove mucus) work more effectively to improve breathing and reduce the symptoms of nasal congestion, such as a stuffy nose, difficulty breathing through the nose, and a reduced sense of smell or taste. Nasal wash kits can also help to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis, allergies, and other conditions that cause inflammation or excess mucus in the nose. In addition, some people find that sinus irrigation helps to improve their overall sense of well-being and helps them to feel more clear-headed and alert.

A full list of conditions which can be treated with a nasal wash kit is provided further down this article.

How do you perform nasal irrigation?

Sinus irrigation is usually performed in one of three ways; using a netipot, a spray bottle or using modern methods, such as the SinuPulse Elite.

You can find out more on our nasal irrigation methods guidance page.

Sinupulse Elite Nasal Irrigator | Intus Healthcare

SinuPulse Nasal Irrigator

Nasal irrigation is an inexpensive, easy way to relieve uncomfortable symptoms related to common allergies and respiratory conditions. Many people who try a nasal wash feel better after just one use.

The SinuPulse is an easy to use device that can treat an array of conditions. It delivers a gentle saline solution to flush out your sinus passages and relieve discomfort quickly.

 

How often can you use nasal irrigation?

The frequency of using a nasal wash depends on your individual needs and the recommendations of your healthcare provider. Some people find relief with just a few uses per week, while others may need to use sinus irrigation more frequently. In general, it is safe to use these devices as often as needed to relieve symptoms. However, if you are using sinus irrigation on a daily basis and are not finding relief, you should consult your healthcare provider, as there may be an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.

It is also important to avoid overuse of nasal irrigation, as it can lead to dryness and irritation of the nasal passages. If you are an irrigator more than once a day and are experiencing dryness or irritation, you may want to reduce the frequency of use or use a saline solution that is less concentrated.

Is nasal irrigation better than nasal spray?

Using plain water can irritate the lining of the nose, but saline allows water to move through delicate nasal membranes without irritation. Many people find relief in this type of saltwater irrigation of their sinuses, and it can be more effective than nasal sprays for severe congestion.

 

SinuPulse vs Alternative Nasal Washers

SinuPulse EliteSinuPulse TravelerNasal Wash BottlesNeti PotsNavage Care
No Expensive Refills – Use with Any SalineYesYesYesYesNo
Dozens of Published Medical ReportsYesYesYesYesNo
Intellipulse Technology for Consistent Pulsating RinseYesYesNoNoNo
Adjustable Pressure for Comfort & ControlYesYesNoNoNo
Breakdown Biofilm, Remove Bacteria & Restore Ciliary HealthYesYesNoNoNo
Dual Pulsating Spray Rinse Action to Moisturize & CleanseYesNoNoNoNo
High Capacity Water Tank (700ml) for Large Volume IrrigationYesNoNoNoNo
Health Insurance EligibilityYesNoNoNoNo
Included Throat Irrigator & Tongue CleanerYesNoNoNoNo
Cordless DesignNoYesYesYesYes

Conditions that can be treated with nasal irrigation

Sinus irrigation can be used to treat a wide range of nasal and sinus related conditions.

It is also used by professional sportspeople and those who scuba dive. There is limited scientific evidence to suggest that it can directly improve athletic performance. However, if nasal congestion is causing difficulty with breathing during exercise, sinus irrigation may indirectly improve performance by helping to alleviate this symptom.

Conditions treated include:

  • Tinnitus
  • Rhinitis
  • Sinusitis
  • Halitosis
  • Snoring
  • Trouble breathing

If you have one of this conditions and it is causing you to have restless sleep or issues during the day, regular nasal washing could help. Click on the links below to find out more.

Who shouldn’t use a nasal wash?

Nasal irrigation can relieve a number of discomforts, but it isn’t for everyone. You shouldn’t try a nasal wash kit if you:

  • Have had surgery on your sinuses or ears
  • Have an ear infection
  • If your nostrils are completely blocked
  • Have pressure in one or both of your ears.

How to irrigate your nose

Nasal irrigation, sometimes called a ‘nasal wash’ or ‘sinus rinse’ is a simple process to flush our our nasal passages with a salt-water solution. You can use a neti pot, a bulb syringe, a specially designed squeeze bottle or a device to irrigate your nose. The steps below outline the process you should follow.

  1. Prepare solution. If you’re using a container which arrived with saline powder, follow the instructions and prepare the solution. If you are using boiled water, make sure to boil the water for five minutes.
  2. Get the container ready. Pour the saline solution into the container. If you’re using boiled water, leave the water to cool until it’s lukewarm before using it.
  3. Get positioned. Lean over the sink, looking down. Turn your head to one side so that one ear is toward the sink and the other is toward the ceiling. Consider your position by thinking of how you want the water to flow. The water will flow into the top nostril and out of the bottom one.
  4. Irrigate. Breathe through your mouth. Place the container’s tip or spout inside your top nostril until you get a gentle seal. Tilt the container, squeeze the bottle or run the device so that water flows through your top nostril into your bottom one. You’ll feel the water trickle as it flows downward into the sink. You should continue until the solution is gone.
  5. Blow your nose. Once completed, blow you nose forcefully into a tissue to get rid of any remaining solution or mucus.

icon cross Sinus irrigation has never been simpler

Sinupulse Elite Nasal Irrigator | Intus Healthcare

SinuPulse Nasal Irrigator

Sinus irrigation is a proven technique that has been used for centuries but is now being brought up to date with the revolutionary SinuPulse Elite. This drug-free solution uses a pulsating mechanism to make nasal flushing faster, more comfortable and more effective than ever before.

Nasal irrigation is a clinically proven treatment for reliving congestion in both non CPAP users and those who use the therapy full time.