How to Use a Neti Pot for Sinus Relief

Maybe you have a friend who swears by their neti pot. Or maybe, at certain times of the year, your allergy medications and nasal sprays aren’t quite enough to get you through the day. But do neti pots really help? And are they safe? 

Read on to learn more about the most recent research and expert advice on neti pots.

What is a neti pot?

A neti pot looks like a teapot with a long spout. It holds a saline (saltwater) solution that people use to clear out congested nasal passages and sinuses. Other devices that look more like a squirt bottle can be used for the same thing.

What nasal issues does a neti pot help with?

Using a neti pot can help decrease congestion and inflammation of the airways in and around your nose. The saline rinse helps:

• Thin out mucus

• Wash out viruses and bacteria

• Get rid of pollen, dust, and particles that trigger allergies

• Free up small hairs called cilia in the nasal passages so they work better

• Decrease inflammation and swelling

Although rinsing the nasal passages has been a health practice in some cultures for thousands of years, the risks and benefits have only recently been studied. Most experts now agree that neti pots and other forms of nasal irrigation may help people manage conditions like:

• Colds

• Sinus inflammation

• Allergies

• Nasal polyps

How do you use a neti pot?

Although the procedure itself is pretty simple, it takes a little getting used to. It’s OK if it takes a few tries to get the hang of it. But it’s important to use sterile water and follow the instructions for mixing the solution each time. To rinse your nasal passages with a neti pot:

• Prepare the saline solution with sterile water. Or use a premixed sterile saline solution.

• Stand over a sink or in the shower. Lean forward, and tilt your head to one side. 

• Pour about 4 oz of the saline solution into your top nostril. You’ll know you’ve used enough when it runs out of your bottom nostril. 

• Tilt your head to the other side, and repeat with the other nostril.

• Gently blow your nose to get rid of mucus and any leftover solution in your nasal passages.

What kind of water should you use with a neti pot, and why?

Most tap water is safe to drink because the acid in your stomach gets rid of small amounts of bacteria and other microscopic organisms that may be present. But it’s not the same with your sinuses. Rinsing your nasal passages with plain tap water could cause serious infections, including life-threatening brain infections.

It’s important to use only sterile water with a neti pot or any other device to rinse your nostrils. You can buy distilled water or boil and cool tap water to mix the solution. Or you can buy premixed sterile saline solution for nasal irrigation.

When you’re ready to do the nasal rinse, the liquid should be at room temperature or just a little warm. Cold water can lead to bony growths in your nasal passages over time. Very hot water could cause burns.

Can you make your own saline solution at home?

You can buy premixed packets to make saline solution for your neti pot. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAI) also has a recipe to make your own saline solution at home:

• 3 tsp of pickling or canning salt with no preservatives or iodide

• 1 tsp of baking soda

• Add 1 tsp of this mixture to 8 oz (1 c) of sterile water

Make a fresh solution each time you use your neti pot.

How often is it OK to use a neti pot?

Start with once a day. Some people with chronic conditions will use it twice a day to keep symptoms under control. If you use prescription nasal spray for allergy or chronic inflammation, use your neti pot before the nasal spray.

Who should not use a neti pot?

For most people with nasal congestion or sinus inflammation, using a neti pot correctly can help with symptoms and doesn’t have many risks. For adults and children as young as 2, studies have shown that nasal irrigation can help with symptoms and minimize the need for other medications.

But a neti pot isn’t for everyone. Don’t use a neti pot if you have:

• Trauma or unhealed fractures of your face

• A muscle or nerve condition that would make it hard to use the neti pot correctly

• Nasal passages that are completely blocked

• Frequent or severe nosebleeds

A neti pot is generally safe for children if they tolerate it. But young children under 2 years of age should use saline drops instead of a neti pot. And if you have a condition that affects your immune system, talk to your healthcare provider first.

What are the risks of using a neti pot daily?

Some people may feel burning or irritation in their nasal passages. If this happens to you, decrease the amount of salt and baking soda in the solution. If you’re using a pre-made mix, you can try changing brands. Irritated nasal passages can lead to a small risk of nosebleeds.

How often should you wash your neti pot?

Ideally, you should wash your neti pot with soap and water and dry it after each use. Many neti pots are also dishwasher safe. Replace the neti pot periodically if you use it a lot. Don’t share neti pots; use a different device for each person in your household.

Why does it feel like I have water in my sinuses?

Because of the way that the nasal passages, sinuses, and ears are connected, you might feel a temporary fullness in your nose, face, or ears after using your neti pot. Gently blowing your nose after use helps get rid of extra solution and evens out the pressure in those connected areas. The fullness feeling should go away within 10 to 15 minutes. 

Can I use my FSA or HSA on a neti pot?

Many people can use money in their flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase a neti pot and supplies. But it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider to make sure a neti pot is right for you and to provide documentation of your health conditions.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Anne Jacobson, MD, MPH

Anne Jacobson, MD, MPH has been a board-certified family physician since 1999. She worked as a full-scope family physician (inpatient, outpatient, obstetrics, and office procedures) in the Cook County Ambulatory Health Network for 15 years.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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