Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesOptionsHow-to InfoWhen Not to UseFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Options
How-to Info
When Not to Use
Frequently Asked Questions
A sinus rinse is a drug-free means of flushing mucus, pollen, and other irritants that have collected in the nose and sinuses. Also known asnasal irrigationor a saline rinse, this effective remedy for congestion also helps keep mucous membranes moist.
A sinus rinse can help relieve stuffiness due to issues such as thecommon cold, the flu, allergies, sinus infections,and COVID-19.It can be used on its own or along with cold or allergy medications.
This article discusses sinus rinses, how they are used, how to do it, and the different saline nasal rinses available.
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What Sinus Rinses Can Help With
Sinus rinse products and systems perform the same action as aneti pot, but many find these choices easier and less intimidating to use.
Using a sinus rinse can help improve symptoms such as:
After using a sinus rinse, your sinuses should be cleared out, making it easier for you to breathe (especially at night) and reducing the extent to which mucus has caused you discomfort.
Could You Have a Sinus Infection?
Saline Rinse Options
There are various different brands of sinus rinses on the market. Which you should use largely comes down to personal preference.
These products contain a sterile squeeze bottle and sinus rinse solution packets, which you mix with previously boiled or distilled water to create saline (basically mild salt water).
Here are just a few that you may find at your local drugstore include:
You will likely also see pre-filled saline nasal sprays/mists on the shelf right alongside these and products like them. One popular example is Arm and Hammer Simply Saline. These are convenient in that you do not need to mix the rinse solution prior to use, but they do not dispense as much fluid as squeeze-bottle options. As such, some may find them more beneficial for nasal irritation.
Rinse Devices
If chronic sinus congestion is a concern for you, and particularly if options like the above are not providing adequate relief, you might consider a sinus rinse device.
One top seller is theNaväge Nasal Care Retail Starter Kit.This battery-operated, handheld device flushes your sinuses with saline solution (which you mix with provided packets). It is more forceful than a squeeze bottle solution, which may be helpful for some.
Other sinus rinse systems function similarly but resemble dental water picks when it comes to their design. One example isHealth Solutions SinuPulse Elite, which plugs into an electrical outlet and has two modes: a light spray and a stream for more substantial irrigation.
These systems are pricer and larger than squeeze bottles, which may make them inconvenient or impractical for some.
How to Make Your Own Saline Rinse Solution
How to Use a Sinus Rinse
Sinus rinse devices/systems differ depending on their design, so be sure to read and follow provided instructions.
In general, most saline rinse products contain a squeezable plastic bottle containing 8 ounces of water, saline solution packets, and a tube extending from the cap into the bottle.
Typical instructions for preparing a sinus rinse include:
Touse the sinus rinse:
Sinus rinses are commonly recommended for use two to four times a day. Sinus rinse bottles should not be shared among family members and should be washed and dried thoroughly between uses.
When Not to Use a Saline Rinse
With proper use, sinus rinses are safe for most people. Saline solution is not a medication and does not pose any risk of drug interactions.
The product is also safe for use in children, but a child should be old enough to understand what will happen when they use it and perform the rinse themselves.
That said, you shouldnotuse a nasal rinse if:
Yes, but only if done incorrectly. A sinus rinse can cause an infection if you use non-sterile water, which can introduce bacteria into the sinus cavity. To avoid this, use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water. Also, clean your sinus rinse bottle/device between uses.
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.
If done properly, a sinus rinse should not have any side effects. However, some people may experience a burning or stinging sensation in the nasal passages after a sinus rinse.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rabago D, Zgierska A.Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions.Am Fam Physician. 2009;80(10):1117‐1119.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Is rinsing your sinuses with neti pots safe?UCLA Health.Ask the Doctors: Nasal irrigation may help, won’t hurt COVID-19.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rabago D, Zgierska A.Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions.Am Fam Physician. 2009;80(10):1117‐1119.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Is rinsing your sinuses with neti pots safe?UCLA Health.Ask the Doctors: Nasal irrigation may help, won’t hurt COVID-19.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Rabago D, Zgierska A.Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions.Am Fam Physician. 2009;80(10):1117‐1119.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Is rinsing your sinuses with neti pots safe?UCLA Health.Ask the Doctors: Nasal irrigation may help, won’t hurt COVID-19.
Rabago D, Zgierska A.Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions.Am Fam Physician. 2009;80(10):1117‐1119.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Is rinsing your sinuses with neti pots safe?
UCLA Health.Ask the Doctors: Nasal irrigation may help, won’t hurt COVID-19.
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