Very stupid question re: Neti pots

JennyAnne022776 · January 2010

Hi ladies!

I have googled this and can't seem to find the information I'm looking for. I don't know if anyone here will know. I am trying to avoid things like Afrin and to use a Neti pot to clear up some of my sinus issues. So far, my right side is fantastic and my left side is terrible. Rather than continuing to use the Neti on both sides, I am going to continue working on clearing my left side.

So here's the stupid question: to clear the left sinus, should the water be going in the left nostril or the right? I won't try to explain any further than that...those who use Neti pots will understand what I'm asking.

Thanks for any advice. I would like to be able to breathe again some time before spring.

j_luvs_r · January 2010

You should do it on both sides. In my experience, it's the pouring in AND the pouring out that really helps to clear it up. Good luck. Neti Pots are awesome.

Mrs.Umm · January 2010

I think it should go in the right, since you kind of tilt to the left then. But, that's just my experience. I've never really seen any official instructions on one-sided use.

Starbuck5 · January 2010

If you want to clear out the left, pour into the right.

And of course vice versa. Good luck clearing those sinuses!!!

ETA: And I'm glad you're using a NetiPot....I'm a recovering Afrin addict....and have since moved on to the pot!

JennyAnne022776 · January 2010

j_luvs_r:
You should do it on both sides. In my experience, it's the pouring in AND the pouring out that really helps to clear it up. Good luck. Neti Pots are awesome.

I know you're probably right. I should keep doing it with both. I was looking to make the process a bit simpler. I can't figure out why it's working so well for one side and not for the other.

Blueyezz0530 · January 2010

Im not sure, but hope you start feeling better!

JennyAnne022776 · January 2010

Starbuck5:
If you want to clear out the left, pour into the right.
And of course vice versa. Good luck clearing those sinuses!!!
ETA: And I'm glad you're using a NetiPot....I'm a recovering Afrin addict....and have since moved on to the pot!

That makes sense. Every time I pour it in the right, it's all going down my throat (due to the blockage). Every time I pour it in the left, it goes through pretty well. And yes, I am addicted to the Afrin as well and trying very, very hard to stay away from it. It's just so hard when I'm teaching all day and become blocked up. There's no way I could neti into the sink at work. Ick!

Mrs.Umm · January 2010

Have you tried ear coning? My yoga instructor friend turned me onto it last winter when I had a bad sinus infection. Sometimes you're so congested that a good ear cleaning helps loosen things up too. She did mine, and I felt soooooo much better!

Starbuck5 · January 2010

JennyAnne022776:
Starbuck5:
If you want to clear out the left, pour into the right.
And of course vice versa. Good luck clearing those sinuses!!!
ETA: And I'm glad you're using a NetiPot....I'm a recovering Afrin addict....and have since moved on to the pot!
That makes sense. Every time I pour it in the right, it's all going down my throat (due to the blockage). Every time I pour it in the left, it goes through pretty well. And yes, I am addicted to the Afrin as well and trying very, very hard to stay away from it. It's just so hard when I'm teaching all day and become blocked up. There's no way I could neti into the sink at work.

When your pouring into the right, make sure to lean forward (chin to chest) and tilt your head to the left so it doesn't go down your throat. Also try lightly "blowing" out your left to try and push the blockage out. If that makes sense...put pressure behind it. Hope it works!

I know....I wish Afrin wasn't so bad for you. SO much easier!

JennyAnne022776 · January 2010

Mrs.Umm:
Have you tried ear coning? My yoga instructor friend turned me onto it last winter when I had a bad sinus infection. Sometimes you're so congested that a good ear cleaning helps loosen things up too. She did mine, and I felt soooooo much better!

I have not heard of this. Is it something I can do at home or is it something that I need to have someone else do?

j_luvs_r · January 2010

JennyAnne022776:
Starbuck5:
If you want to clear out the left, pour into the right.
And of course vice versa. Good luck clearing those sinuses!!!
ETA: And I'm glad you're using a NetiPot....I'm a recovering Afrin addict....and have since moved on to the pot!
That makes sense. Every time I pour it in the right, it's all going down my throat (due to the blockage). Every time I pour it in the left, it goes through pretty well. And yes, I am addicted to the Afrin as well and trying very, very hard to stay away from it. It's just so hard when I'm teaching all day and become blocked up. There's no way I could neti into the sink at work.

For that instance, you could just use a saline spray. That way you are not using the addictive Afrin.

neko621 · January 2010

I love the neti pot! I had problems with it going down my throat at first too, but I have learned to tilt my head over a little more and it helps. Hope you feel better!

Mrs.Umm · January 2010

My friend does her own, but I wouldn't try it. You basically have a cone shaped candle stuck in your ear to 'smoke it out' as she says. I'm not sure why, but it works!

Starbuck5 · January 2010

Mrs.Umm:
My friend does her own, but I wouldn't try it. You basically have a cone shaped candle stuck in your ear to 'smoke it out' as she says. I'm not sure why, but it works!

LOL....like that Jessica Simpson video with the candle in her ear.

pinkflipflops44 · January 2010

Mrs.Umm:
My friend does her own, but I wouldn't try it. You basically have a cone shaped candle stuck in your ear to 'smoke it out' as she says. I'm not sure why, but it works!

I have no experience with this but I have heard very good things about it from people who have had really bad sinus issues that the netti pot wasn't taking care of.

Chelle712 · January 2010

j_luvs_r:
You should do it on both sides. In my experience, it's the pouring in AND the pouring out that really helps to clear it up. Good luck. Neti Pots are awesome.

This! I love the Neti Pot!

j_luvs_r · January 2010

Mrs.Umm:
My friend does her own, but I wouldn't try it. You basically have a cone shaped candle stuck in your ear to 'smoke it out' as she says. I'm not sure why, but it works!

I have never done this, but have heard good things. You can purchase them at any health food store.

mommajen8 · January 2010

j_luvs_r:
You should do it on both sides. In my experience, it's the pouring in AND the pouring out that really helps to clear it up. Good luck. Neti Pots are awesome.

this. love my neti pot!

JennyAnne022776 · January 2010

Thank you so much ladies! I never thought there would be so many people with Neti knowledge. Happily, my left side just popped open in the shower, along with both ears. I'm hoping if I can keep it open at least a little bit, I'll keep using the pot every couple of hours. Thanks again!

jesscullen · January 2010

From what I do I pour water into the side that is ok...I am not sure if it is right I just feel it is "pouring out the bad."

I realize how stupid that sounds. I have been doing lesson plans...forgive me I am on a first grade level right now.

LTMann · January 2010

I've been using the Neti Pot for about a year. I have a deviated septum (due to my dh and clowning around in a pool) and chronic sinus problems since I moved to Texas. I usually only do the neti pot after a shower when I wake up and before bed. I have found that I have to do it at least an hour before bed otherwise my sinuses will get inflammed laying down afterwards (remaining solution? I'm not sure). Due to my septum one side is always stuffed up more than the other but my doctor told me to always do both sides with the pot. Have you tried the breath right strips? Fabulous for bedtime along with rubbing a little tea tree oil on your upper lip. Wow I just rambled quite a bit about the Neti... I love my Neti though! As long as I keep to it every day I stay pretty clear!

MrsB1010 · February 2010

Starbuck5:
If you want to clear out the left, pour into the right.
And of course vice versa. Good luck clearing those sinuses!!!
ETA: And I'm glad you're using a NetiPot....I'm a recovering Afrin addict....and have since moved on to the pot!

Yes

Want a personalized experience?

Very stupid question re: Neti pots

Re: Very stupid question re: Neti pots

Choose Another Board

Search Boards