Using neti pots, nasal sprays and bulb syringe has now become popular in terms of treating sinus problems. The devices used in these treatments are collectively known as nasal irrigator products. A nasal irrigator is designed to rinse or irrigate nasal passages and by its nature is a personal hygiene apparatus used by sinusitis sufferers to get relief and feel well.

Physicians may recommend a particular type of nasal irrigation that may work best for you. But isn’t it nicer that you have an idea of the process beforehand, like what things are being used and even what they look like so you won’t scare away from doing the nasal irrigation steps or be anxious to agree with your doctor? It’s also good to know and talk about some options that you may deem comfortable of doing.

Neti Pot

The next thing you might want yourself to be familiar with is the apparatuses. They may look a bit strange. An example is the neti pot. This is a ceramic tea pot being used to flush nasal cavities by pouring a saline solution into your upper nostril while the water flows into your lower nostril.  Surprising and strange but yes, this tea pot serves as a nasal irrigation device.

Nasal Bulb Syringe

A nasal bulb syringe is another device that is used to cleanse nasal passages. This one looks like a small squeeze bulb-like bottle with a tip. Like the neti pot, a saline solution is poured inside this bottle and serves as a tool to clean out the nose and sinuses.

Nasal Spray

Nasal spray on the other hand uses another type of a squeeze bottle, unlike the bulb syringe that has a tip, this one of course has a spray. So irrigation happens in form of a mist filtered from the solution by an applicator. Same as with the neti pot and bulb syringe, the process is to apply it to force the mist within the nostrils and the insides of your face. This also uses a saline based solution but the commercially available ones come with a solution that includes decongestant and moisturizers.

In these processes, whether neti pot, bulb syringe or nasal spray, a saline solution is a staple substance needed to pour into the said containers. There are available saline sinus rinse solution in drug stores and homemade salt water solution which can be prepared by mixing the following ingredients:

- ¼   teaspoon non-iodized salt

-  ¼ teaspoon of baking soda

-  8 ounces of distilled lukewarm water

To start the irrigation process, just tilt your head down with the neti pot or bulb syringe placed into the one nostril, letting the solution flow from the upper nostril to the lower nostril. Remember to breathe through your mouth or say “ah”. The solution should drain out of your left nostril and should not be allowed to go down your throat.  Blow your nose very gently until the remaining solution has been cleared out. Repeat the process with the other nostril.

As it is natural, this method mechanically washes away the particles accumulated inside the nose, so you get that feeling of relief right after the process.