Any neti pot users here?

waltzingmatilda13 · September 2011

So my H has an upper respiratory infection and I seem to have gotten a mild version of this, so my sinuses are stuffed up. I've looked at my list of approved meds from the doc and it basically doesn't include any decongestants except Mucinex, which has never worked for me. I'm thinking about trying the neti pot because it's just a saline solution but I don't know anything about them. If you have used one before please come share your wisdom with me.

tardiswho10 · September 2011

It's amazing!! - Creepy, but amazing! Be sure when you use it to tilt your head very far forward over the sink. The first time I used one I didn't have my head tilted far enough at first and the solution started to run down the back of my throat. It's pretty simple otherwise, just hold it up to your nostril and relax (then switch to the other nostril). Depending on the severity of my stuffy-ness I occasionally have to do it twice in a row, but afterwards I feel like a whole new person. I highly recommend it!

starswinger · September 2011

I use a sinus rinse bottle that is similar to the neti pot. It is the same solution, but you squeeze the bottle into your nose instead of tilting your head and waiting for gravity. I feel a drowning sensation at first, but it drains all types of icky out of the sinuses and it is absolutely wonderful! It keeps me from getting so many sinus infections. Here is a link so you can see what I use.

https://www.amazon.com/NeilMed-Sinus-Rinse-Bottles-Premixed/dp/B001HDRHR8

ashleyann82 · September 2011

I use one whenever I get a cold and it seems to help make the cold go away faster and it'll clear it up. I do it once in the morning and once in the evening before bed. It's a life saver!!

LPQueenie99 · September 2011

I had an AWFUL head cold last week, which is finally going away. I used the Netti Pot when it first started, but half way through the week I was so congested it didn't work. I used Vicks Vapo Rub and a Vaporizor - the Dr also suggested Salene Nose Spray too, it didn't really help though. Ugh I was miserable. I hope you get some relief soon, I feel for you.

waltzingmatilda13 · September 2011

Thanks ladies. It helps to hear that it really works for people because I'm tired of being a mouth breather.

nrjones728 · September 2011

It took me a while to get use to it, but it works like a charm.

Lanatir · September 2011

I love them! Kept my spring sinus infection at bay. I get a sinus infection every spring and it's significantly worse in the fall (I always end up needing to go to the doctors for it), but I'm hoping it will keep it at bay enough that between the rinsing and some hot water steaming open my sinuses that I will not have to go to the doctors this year!

Kathschu · September 2011

It's fantastic. I've been attempting to use it for my seasonal allergies, but I'm so stuffed up that the water won't go through. Other than that: effective.

pattymctatty · September 2011

I use the sinus rinse squeeze bottle. It's amazing when it works! You can breath again!

BabyBear12 · September 2011

I have used it for minor sinus irritations but when I had a full blown sinus infection last year, nothing worked except antibiotics. That being said, the neti pot is worth a try. If you do use it, just relax relax relax. You will probably get a drowning sensation at first, it's a little freaky, keep your head tilted to the side (opposite the side the water is going in) and forward and you will be fine.

u_rica77 · September 2011

I use the squirt bottle one- now that I can't take Claritin D anymore this is my only way to keep my allergies in check . It takes a little getting used to but it does work really well- especially if you are prone to sinus infections. Keep in mind that if you are super stuffed up (like from a cold) it's hard to do because the solution doesn't have anywhere to go. It will sometimes drip down the back of your throat so you have to make sure you don't swallow and breathe through your mouth. The strangest thing is when my ears will occasionally pop after doing it- it's weird how everything is connected to your sinuses.

MTAtlanta · September 2011

Love love love mine! My OB said in general it's good to try more natural remedies before reaching for drugs which makes sense - I've had mine for a couple of years. However, I seem to be extra clogged up and sometimes even the neti pot water can't bust through.

Get one! It's awkward at first but after a few days you'll feel great. Plus, you don't have to worry about the effects like you would drugs.

MTAtlanta · September 2011

Another thing I've used in the past is something called a 'shower soother' from Vicks vapor rub (or the Target brand). I'm not sure if it's OK to use while PG, but I would think so if Vick's is. You just take a regular shower and put the alka-seltzer like tablet on the bottom of the shower. The water dissolves it and you get pleasant/not super harsh vapor smells that help clear you up.

Might have to check to see if they are approved for PG, but grab some if they are. They are WONDERFUL!

farfanoogen · September 2011

MTAtlanta:
Another thing I've used in the past is something called a 'shower soother' from Vicks vapor rub (or the Target brand). I'm not sure if it's OK to use while PG, but I would think so if Vick's is. You just take a regular shower and put the alka-seltzer like tablet on the bottom of the shower. The water dissolves it and you get pleasant/not super harsh vapor smells that help clear you up.

Might have to check to see if they are approved for PG, but grab some if they are. They are WONDERFUL!

With my first PG I got bronchitis twice. The shower soother's were amazing.

jkjohnsonwedding · September 2011

I have a sinus infection right now. I tried one the other night for the first time and it worked like magic!!! I woke up with a stuffy nose again the next morning, but that's probably because I might end up needing antibiotics to get rid of this thing. I was warned by a co-worker today to make sure you boil the water instead of using straight up tap water. Apparently some people have been having serious problems. Her husband works at Publix, not sure if there's a lawsuit toward netti pots or what. Who really knows if the problems are solely based on not boiling water, but I'd rather be safe than sorry!

LizzyBlueEyes · September 2011

I LOVE the netty pot, but I like the sinus rinse bottle better because the pressures easier. You can do it up to 4-5 times a day also. It is so worth it!!

DGandDG · September 2011

My ENT doctor gave me the squeeze bottle for a sinus infection and it's amazing and gross what comes out. The instructions on my package said to use distilled water.

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