Neti pots Bulb syringe Squeeze bottle
Unsafe tap water used for nasal irrigation can lead to bacterial infections and amoebic meningitis, a severe condition that is usually fatal. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Distilled or sterile water is ideal. These can be purchased in most stores, and should specifically say “distilled” or “sterile” on the label. [6] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source You can create sterile water at home. Boil tap water for three to five minutes, then cool until it is lukewarm. Do not use hot water, as this can cause serious and painful burns. Water that has passed through a filter with an absolute pore size of less than or equal to one micron is safe to use. These filters are small enough that they can trap microorganisms, rendering the tap water safe to use. You can buy these tap filters at many hardware stores or online. Find out more about these filters at the Center for Disease Control website.
Measure three teaspoons of salt. You should only use kosher, canning, or pickling salt. Do not use salt with iodine, anti-caking agents, or preservatives, as these can irritate the nasal and sinus cavities. In a clean bowl or container, mix the salt with one teaspoon of baking soda. [7] X Research source Add 8 ounces (1 cup) of lukewarm water that is either distilled, sterile, boiled and cooled, or properly filtered. Stir until the salt and baking soda are dissolved in the water. Use this mixture to fill your irrigation device. [8] X Research source Make sure you are using a sterile instrument to stir the mixture.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water before handling or using your irrigation device. Dry your hands with a clean, disposable paper towel. [10] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source Wash the irrigation device using distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled tap water to ensure that the device does not become contaminated while washing. Let the device air dry, or wipe the inside dry with a clean, disposable paper towel.
Tilt your head sideways over the sink. [12] X Research source Some experts recommend tilting your head at a 45-degree angle to facilitate the best flow of water without any getting into your mouth. [13] X Research source When you’re ready, press the spout of your irrigation device gently into the nostril that is closer to the ceiling (the “upper” nostril, when your head is tilted). Do not shove the spout deep inside the nose or against the septum, as this may cause discomfort or injury. [14] X Research source
Breathe through your mouth. Do not under any circumstances attempt to breathe through your nose, as this may cause water to go into your lungs and could present a choking hazard. [15] X Research source Slowly raise the handle of your irrigation device. If you are using a syringe bulb, you may now begin to gently squeeze the saline solution out. If you are using a neti pot, simply let the water pour slowly into the nostril.
