Nasal irrigation is becoming increasingly more and more popular as Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists have begun recommending it to their patients as a way to prevent and treat recurring sinus infections. If you suffer from sinus infection after sinus infection, learning about nasal irrigation and choosing the right system for you may greatly help relieve the pressure and pain so you can get back to enjoying your life again. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and in just three minutes you may feel better than you’ve felt in a long time!
First things first: What is Nasal Irrigation?
Many doctors compare it to brushing your teeth. Just like you brush your teeth on a regular basis, more and more doctors are believing it is helpful to rinse out your nasal passages on a regular basis. Nasal irrigation is basically running water through your nasal cavities in order to help loosen congestion and to prevent blockages that cause sinus infections.
How Do I Do It?
It’s not painful to rinse out your sinuses, but it may seem a bit awkward or strange at first. Most of us are not too keen on having water up our nose, but it usually only lasts for about 30 seconds or so when done properly with the right type of system. Depending on which method you decide to use, it generally consists of using a water or saline solution and either tipping back your head a bit and letting the water run through your nose. It feels funny at first, but it’s not painful and you’ll get used to it after the first few times. When you can breathe afterward for the first time in what seems like ages, you’ll be glad you tried it!
What type of nasal irrigation system is best?
There is no one size fits all answer to the best nasal irrigation system, as everyone will likely have their own personal preferences. The different systems range from very simple and cost effective (less than what you may pay for over the counter medications!) to more advanced systems. We will go over the most common types below to give you an idea of what options are available to you for you to try to help you find sinus relief fast!
Nasaline Nasal Irrigator: This is one of the most afforadable and easy to use systems out there. At around only $11, it is less expensive than most over the counter decongestants, so if you’re on the fence about whether or not to try nasal irrigation, this is a low cost solution to use to get started. It’s practical, highly reviewed (over 44 5-star reviews!), and simple. Another nice advantage is that you can control how much water goes through, which can be hard to manage with some other systems. The manufacturer recommends that you use Nasaline Salt Packets
The Neti Pot: The Neti Pot is the original method used for rinsing out the sinuses. Basically, you use a specially designed pot and fill it with water or saline solution, tilt your head back, and allow it to flow through. It takes a bit of practice, but some people still prefer this simple and tried and true way the best. Be prepared to dump water all over yourself the first time, but after some practice it will all get much easier! We recommend going with the best, which is the Himalayan Institute Original Neti Pot
SinuPulse Pulsating Irrigation System: For those with severe allergies or sinus congestion, another good option to look into is a pulsating nasal irrigation system. While it is certainly more complex than using a neti pot and does come with a higher price of $79 retail, the relief it gives is money well spent compared to the dollars you’ve likely wasted on medications, doctor visits, and time off work. Because it is motorized, it is actually very easy to use and delivers pulsating water to help clear the nasal passages. With over 62 5-star reviews, it is one to look into. Click Here for the SinuPulse Elite Advanced Nasal Sinus Irrigation System
Sanvic Family Nasal Irrigation System: It is likely that in your household is not just one allergy sufferer but many. Most machines only come with one tip and no place to really store it, but the Sanvic family model comes with three additional tips, which is handy even if you don’t intend on using the machine for other members of your household. They are also the only machine we are aware of that has a tip available to order separately for children aged 4-10. It gives three different settings for water flow and while more expensive, does have some nice features for those with children who need it or will be sharing with a spouse or other family member. While it is pricier, it is still less expensive than buying two machines for one household. Learn More About the Sanvic Pulsatle Nasal/Sinus Irrigator
Choosing the right nasal irrigation system for you is a personal choice, whether you choose the easy but simple methods such as using a neti pot, or invest in a pulsating system instead. Many people choose to use both, especially those who travel frequently and want something effective for at home but something convenient while away. No matter which one you decide on, you’ll likely be amazed at the results you see and feel in your health – and be thankful the days of waiting at the doctors office with sinus congestion are gone.
Remember to check with your doctor prior to using a nasal irrigation system or sinus rinse. If congestion is severe, you should wait until it lessens first and then use it as a preventative measure.
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