My mother went through 10 regimens of antibiotics (10 days each) and 2 sinus surguries for her chronic sinusitis. After all that, she discovered neti-pots. She says using a neti-pot (they come in many different shapes) was the most effective treatment for her sinusitis, and she recommends it to everyone. I find it to be overkill to take care of mild seasonal allergies, but if your sinus symptoms include chronic headaches or other pain, then the grossness of rinsing out your nasal passages is easy to get over.

My wife has one, and the one time I tried to use it I ended up waterboarding myself.

I'm surprised the video directions don't say anything about warming the water up to body temperature -- failing to do this results in an unpleasant experience.

Neti pots are definitely cool tools, given how cheap & simply they can outperform allergy medication.

I can't believe this hasn't been a cool tool before. Try to take my neti pot and I will need to retrieve it from your cold dead hands.

Those of us who use them can be a little evangelical about how amazing they are, so I avoid discussing it.

A recent study indicates long-term use is not such a good thing: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20091109/long-term-neti-pot-use-may-backfire

You really ought to look at this:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_91628.html

Doctors disagree about whether nasal irrigation is of benefit. Some say it's good when you have a cold but not at other times, some say it's of no benefit. Either way, it's best to do some research before using one.

A recent study indicates long-term use is not such a good thing: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20091109/long-term-neti-pot-use-may-backfire

There have been scientific studies on the efficacy on Neti pots; while not definitive, they demonstrate possible utility for relief from chronic sinus infections.

They are not suggested for daily/regular use in healthy people as a hygiene regiment. Doing so can deprive your body of exposure to small, harmless amounts of germs--your body needs this minimal exposure to stimulate the immune system, as a way of continuously vaccinating yourself naturally. Overly hygienic people are more prone to infections because their body's immune response has been under-stimulated.

It can also kill "good" bacteria, which makes infections of "bad" bacteria more likely.

In short: Good tool if used when necessary.

When I was a kid, my doctor always advised me to gargle and snuff with warm salt water when I got a cold. No neti pot required -- I just poured some warm salt water into my cupped hand, brought it up to my nose, and snuffed. Worked fine for me.

I used to use a neti pot but have since switched to the NeilMed system:
http://www.neilmed.com/usa/sinusrinse.php

I think it is way, way easier to use, and I end up using it much more regularly than I ever did the neti pot. I was actually going to try to get it posted to Cool Tools.

I have used a neil med variety off and on for the last couple of years. All I can say is that as an asthmatic and allergic to just about everything, it has made a dramatic difference. I used to live on pills to clear my sinuses and stop the pressure headaches. I can't remember the last time I needed to take anything.
It can be a little uncomfortable and I have to agree that the water needs to be nice and warm - not hot. But for that minute of shooting water up my nose I get to breath all day.

I've also used the NeilMed version of a Neti Pot. I find it a bit more convenient since it's not gravity-fed, and the packets of solution are convenient vs. measuring out salt. You can warm the water in the unit directly in the microwave. After 4 sinus surgeries, this is one thing that provided relief.

As with everything health-related, you mileage may vary. Neti pot water flows along the path of least resistance, so if you're really congested (as I am most of the time), it won't really get into the sinuses. I've found a nasal syringe more effective, but it's no miracle cure either. At best it takes the edge off my sinus symptoms for a short time.

Just because something's been around for ages doesn't make it wise and wonderful. We'd be using flint knives if that were true. (Oops, did I give away the next "Cool Tool"?)

Why don't you just blow your nose? I'm being serious!

If your nose is too dry, then stick your pinky finger under water, put it in your nostril to moisten it, sniffle a few seconds, then try blowing your nose again.

I've been using the Grossan Hydro Pulse Sinus System for the last three years with, I think, good results. Many fewer colds and no bouts of the flu. This device is effectively an electrically powered Neti pot with a pulsating action to mimic the action of nasal cilia.

http://www.hydromedonline.com/hp.html

One of the reasons that nasal irrigation with a simple saline solution might not be effective, or even harmful in the long term, is that such a solution is not isotonic, and as such, it tends to dry out the sinuses. A better idea is to use an isotonic solution combined with a sugar, such as Ringer's solution + xylitol. See here:

http://www.nasal-xylitol.com/helping.htm

Nasal irrigation takes a bit of getting used to, but it works for me.

Or you could just go surfing.

As a healthcare provider, I have to say that I have seen the neti pot be very effective for some people and less so for others. All said, I think that it is a great idea to try it to see if it is helpful for your specific symptoms. I don't put much stock in the mainstream medical "authorities" deciding whether or not such remedies are effective. Biomedical research can be a great source of information, but it can also be flawed and biased. It is also so rare as to be nonexistent that mainstream research condones the use of products that do not serve the mainstream medical community.

Does the 'healthcare' you provide have anything to do with crystals / homeopathy / aromatherapy? Just curious.

I started with a neti pot, then syringe, now use a waterpik with nasal attachment daily. Teaspoon of kosher salt in 92 degree tap water, I use a hypertonic solution (extra salt) to help reduce swelling.
I have not had a cold, sinus headache, infection or sinusitis in 3 1/2 years.
It does not flush the sinuses themselves but encourages drainage via The slight suction of the waterflow.
It is very effective after years of failed treatments for my sinus problems including surgery, meds, etc all failed.

I am in the "great when needed but don't make it a routine" camp. When I first got into it about a year ago, I needed it at the time. I continued after the allergy issues were no longer occurring. Though it may have been partially my fault(probably a little forceful in nose blowing), I was flirting with inner ear pain. Stopped using the neti pot and my ears cleared up. I still use it when needed, and it works well, in fact my allergy issues are trivial compared to years past.

I found much better allergy relief from the "waterpik" kind of machine, specifically this one: http://www.amazon.com/SinuPulse-Elite-Advanced-Irrigation-System/dp/B001CWT4JI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1258670351&sr=1-1

Not having to tilt your head up means no chance of "waterboarding" and the pulsing seems to help in clearing gunk out.

I did read somewhere that you should not use iodized salt if you make your own saline solution.

I have used them occasionally, but I agree with the assessment that regular use may do more harm. There is a product 4 Way Nasal saline spray that I use to moisturize. Just be sure to get the saline one and not the one with a nasal decongestant. The neti pot I use is the Rhino Horn pot which can be found on Amazon as well and to me is easier to use than the one shown. Ayr nasal gel is another good moisturizing product for the dry indoor winter air.

Yes, I too love the NeilMed system way more than a plain neti pot. I believe the effect is similar to the machines mentioned. The solution is delivered with pressure, with the head face down.

To those of you (#6 Mantelli) who recommend research - I recommend my version of research and that is if you think it would benefit you, spend the $9 and give it a try. It shouldn't be too tough or take very long to figure out if it works for you or not.

I have chronic sinus issues related to an allergy to corn, which unfortunately is in just about everything and unlabeled. I have tried a lot of things - including a lot of drugs and sinus irrigation has changed my life. Just being able to get a good nights sleep in a regular basis has been a godsend!

Would any of the systems discussed be good for post nasal drip? My mother has tried just about everything, and it's only getting worse with age!

Personally I use an Ayr irrigator, and not particularly often. It's easy to use and pretty low-mess (and is a lot cheaper than the Waterpik solution).

Concerning irrigation, we used to live in France, and the pharmacist sometimes suggested irrigating our small children's noses with little tubes of saline. That cleared up the mucous, and then we gave them a nasal spray. Apparently, it's not available in the US.

I think Cool Tools would benefit from a forum... I always enjoy reading the comments as much as I enjoy the actual reviews. A forum would allow for an easier and quicker exchange of information... Obviously not everyone has the time to write a review (Ive been meaning to write one on 550 lb. Paracord). If there was a forum I could just start a thread and say "hey, 550 lb. paracord rocks" and the discussion would start, you get the idea... that's essentially what's going on now, isn't is?

I have thirty years of experience with nasal irrigation, developed as consequence of hay fever and sensitivity. At the sink or in the shower I keep a small plastic cup, I pour in a bit of salt and then warm water. Sip the water and adjust for warmth and salinity. When it is right, with a mouthful I then through my head back and gargle. Then immediately bend a bit forward and bring your head down low. The water will flow out your nose and blow clear. Repeat once or twice, now rinse off your face, in a few minutes you will want to blow your nose. I do this morning and evening or if I have been in a dusty environment. I like the clean feeling and see no downside.

My daughter introduced me to the Neti pot. Changed her life during crippling-allergies seasons. I tried it and, like Eric, waterboarded myself. Repeatedly. So now I just rely on the old tried and true method:
1. Lay down on your bed, head hanging over the side.
2. Use an eyedropper to gently and slowly drip warm saltwater from a nearby cup into each nostril, taking your time.
3. Let the saltwater do its magic deep up in the sinus cavities.
4. Cover your nose, sit up, stand over the nearest toilet, and blow your nose gently several times. You'll be stunned.
It's more controllable (for me), gentler, and far more thorough because the water gets way up in there.

I love my neti pot and recommend nasal irrigation all the time! No, it’s not exactly killer party conversation but good habits w/ the sinuses can go a long way toward good health.
I am a huge believer in natural cures, and in not jumping to meds or surgery too quickly. However I must say that if things get to the “chronic” stage don’t mess around. See your doctor and then if you get a ct scan make sure you know all your options (it used to be that sinus surgery was the only option. but now there are less invasive choices like balloon sinuplasty).
That’s my two cents. Take care everybody and keep those nasal passages clean!
–Erin G

To Andy,

No, the healthcare that I provide has nothing to do with crystals, homeopathy, or aromatherapy. I routinely see patients with chronic pain, IBS, menstrual problems, migraine headaches, asthma, upper respiratory infections, physical trauma, etc. I use a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, medical massage, and lifestyle suggestions. I am assuming that you think that makes me unscientific and unable to assess research?

Craig M.

This video illustrates the wrong way to use a neti pot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQm7YpxgOnA

(some profanity)

I've used a Neti for about a year. The thing has helped reduce the frequency and duration of the sinus headaches to which I'm prone. I also enjoy freer breathing, although it doesn't seem to reduce snoring.

My doc recommended the NeilMed solution to help with chronic sinus infections. Said it was better than any medication she could prescribe. Have to admit, I haven't had a serious infection in some time. Basically, start using it when I feel something coming on. I agree with some previous posts ... using after you've already got serious congestion could be a problem. If the solution can't drain properly, you could end up doing more harm than good.

I got the attachment for an already existing waterpik, so it was a fairly inexpensive repurposing of a device I already used.

Basically the attachment makes a better seal and is wider before the saline leaves the device - bernouilli blah blah blah - so it doesn't come rushing out at the high speeds a waterpik normally features. Still, be careful you don't pop your eardrums (be aware of forcing too tight a seal).

When I was researching this, I found a number of interesting articles citing the use of dead sea salt in the solutions (search DSS nasal irrigation) and bought a big bag online for the purposes of whipping up my own.

My expensive Beverly Hills ONT doc suggested what has been a sure fire sinus trouble reliever - an old old patent medicine called Alkalol. I don't use nasal irrigation except when problems start to arise, but this stuff (half regular nasal saline spray like Ocean/half Alkalol) has been working well for me for 15 years.

http://www.alkalolcompany.com/

Sorry for triple posting, BUT I use the phrase "patent medicine" because that's what Alkalol looks like (and started out as), but it is an actually effective nostril nostrum.

Another vote for neti! I have used mine off and on for years, especially during "cold and flu season."
Some one above mentioned chronic sinusitis and balloon sinuplasty. This keeps coming up and seems to be something people are excited about if they can't keep things under control with neti. Supposed to be much less invasive, better recovery time, ect.
Obviously this is a very hot topic - just look at all these replies!
Happy Thanksgiving everybody.
-Liz

I used to use a saline (salt) solution in mine. I was good for kind-of opening things up. But then my Sister gave me this stuff that she found that is some kind of anti-microbial thing. I used it when I had a sinus infection last week (after my cold of course) and WOW. I can't say that I've ever had my sinuses as clear as they are now. It really knocked out that sinus infection like nobodies business. The stuff is called Super Neti Juice and I would rate it at 5 stars *****. Good stuff. I'm not sure about the web address cause the one on the bottle is different than the one that Sis told me but the one that is in her email is http://www.mynaturesrite.com/index_files/super-neti-juice-pot-salt.php
This is worth a try for sure.