neti pots...how weird are they?

ajbeans

so, i feel like i've been fighting off the same sinus beast for the last two years or so, and i am turning to desperate measures. well, thinking about it, at least. i have an aversion to sticking things up my nose, especially water, but i think i'm going to give a neti pot a go.

does anyone use them? are they horrible to get used to? is the process akin to water-borading? do they work? i've heard a couple of good reviews, but not enough to actually get me to stick one up my nose, so i'm halfway hoping for a huge vote of confidence on the neti pot front, and i'm halfway hoping everyone will tell me to keep the blasted thing out of my nose, because the thought of it pretty much freaks me out.

what say you?

No, they are not like water-boarding. :laugh: It does feel weird though. I've had mine for a couple of years and I can't say I'm "used" to it, but it doesn't weird me out as much. It still feels funny though, and I find myself making funny faces when I first start the rinse every time. It kind of tickles when it runs out the other side of your nose.

I will say that I personally haven't seen any difference from an allergy standpoint, BUT I'm not consistent in using it every day. I do find that it helps immensely when I have a sinus infection, and when the winter air is dry and my sinuses hurt from lack of moisture.

Two tips: Even if it seems like a good idea, NEVER put any peroxide into your neti pot mixture. Not even 2 drops like I did. It will set your face on fire. But DO get some iodine and put a couple of drops into your mixture when you use it. It does not burn, and it helps get rid of the infection.

ajbeans

I love my neti pot...I remember the first time I used one infront of my son, he was absolutely horrified...but I'm telling you, as a drug free alternative (I still pop the claritan) it's fantastic, and you feel great. If you don't like that, fill a sink with steaming hot water, bend over and put a towel over your and the sink so the steam can't escape, that clears you up AND opens your pores lol

Every time I try to do this I pass out. I have no idea why. I just can't do it. I've tried using cooler water, thinking I got overheated, but no. It's just the steam. Weird. I pass out if the bathroom gets steamy when I take a shower too.

chanstriste13

well, i popped my neti-cherry! :blushing:

it really wasn't so bad. my nose is still getting clogged up, but when i breathe, i feel like i'm actually taking big, deep breaths, and when i blow my nose, i'm actually sending something out other than air. so it's a definite improvement. i'm going to do it again before bedtime and see if it helps any tonight - that will be the real test!

ajbeans

well, i popped my neti-cherry! :blushing:

it really wasn't so bad. my nose is still getting clogged up, but when i breathe, i feel like i'm actually taking big, deep breaths, and when i blow my nose, i'm actually sending something out other than air. so it's a definite improvement. i'm going to do it again before bedtime and see if it helps any tonight - that will be the real test!

Make sure to do it at least an hour before bed. If you don't, you'll probably have water draining down your throat all night. Which isn't a huge health problem, it just doesn't feel nice.

UpEarly

Just keep your head down and your mouth open when you're flushing the saline solution through. With a little proper technique, none of the salt water goes down your throat and it doesn't really feel weird at all.

smirk, chortle, smirk, grunt!

my mind is always halfway to the gutter, and this sounded deliciously inappropriate at the start! thanks for the (unintended) chuckles! but i will take your advice - i do not want salt water attacking the back of my throat!

LOL... yes... I admit - I was thinking the same things you were when I wrote the post. haha

And I'm glad to hear your first time wasn't so painful! :-)

alimac92

Really usefull tips Pals.
Iwas only thinking about trying this procedure myself recently.
I woke up with a horrible sticky mucus throat.
I suffer with sinuses and I always feel like one nostrill is always slightly blocked.
I'm going to definately try it soon.

42hockeymom

I am so not coordinated for the Neti-Pot. I have the squeezie bottle thingy. I LOVE IT. Makes a huge difference.

cabaray

After having sinus surgery, the ENT gave me the squeeze bottle kit. It works great and you can buy it at the pharmacy (probably Walmart too). Whatever you decide to use, DO NOT use plain water. One time I forgot to put the saline packet in the water and thought I was going to die! Also, lukewarm water works the best.

cmriverside

well, i popped my neti-cherry! :blushing:

it really wasn't so bad. my nose is still getting clogged up, but when i breathe, i feel like i'm actually taking big, deep breaths, and when i blow my nose, i'm actually sending something out other than air. so it's a definite improvement. i'm going to do it again before bedtime and see if it helps any tonight - that will be the real test!

I use mine daily. You can use it as many times a day as you want. You can also make your own "powder" by using equal parts salt ( canning salt is a good choice, but you can use kosher salt, or sea salt, too.) and baking soda. 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt, with 1/4 Teaspoon of Baking soda. I use Brita filtered water, I've been doing it for years. It is a miracle cure for sinus problems and sinus headaches. Sometimes I'll use it three or four times a day until my headache is gone.

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