neti pot questions

[LaurieG]

The pollens have officially gotten me down. I'm going to try getting by without meds for as long as I can, since they all are either completely useless or make me feel terrible or both. I have a neti pot that I've decided to try to be my lifeline for the next month - 6 weeks, but I really haven't gotten it down how to use it. My angle is never very good. When I get the water to flow it doesn't drain very well and the effect is fluid filled sinuses which drip out over the next few hours. But I'm trying and learning.

So I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on the angle. Also wondering how frequently it is okay to use? Like is it okay to use multiple times daily? (The instructions mention once a day). Is it better to use distilled water? I've been using tap + the salt and wonder if that is part of the irritation I'm having. How often do you wash them? Sticking it in the dishwasher every day is not going to happen around here but I don't want to create more issues by having invisible bacteria or mold in the pot.

[WaturMama]

Sometimes tilting my head forward a little helps--don't know if you've tried that. What kind of irritation are you having? If it feels uncomfortable while you are pouring the water temp may be off.

We don't have a dishwasher, but I wash it well by hand every time I use. I use tap and stick to once/day, but I think I've heard of folks using it more.

Dried nettles capsules are another non-med option that really helps me. Also, wearing a silk mask from here: www.icanbreathe.com helps a lot. It is super light and keeps out the pollens. They also make organic cotton if you don't like buying silk. I wear mine at night or if I'm doing yard work, when I'm having bad seasonal allergies.

Good luck!

[LaurieG]

Thanks for the info. Maybe I need to bring detergent into our bathroom to wash it.

I broke down and took some Veramyst Sunday but will try the nettle caps to see if that helps. And the silk mask looks like it would help a lot. Is there a reason why silk is preferable to cotton?

[WaturMama]

I think because the silk is so light and densely woven. It is very comfortable. I feel like I get plenty of air without the pollen. I emailed and called and asked questions of the woman that runs that company (though that was over 3 years ago). She was very helpful.

[MMMOM]

Just be sure to use the neti pot at least a couple of hours before you go to bed, you don't want any post nasal drip or water in your lungs. Also, consider other types of rinses(nelli rinse) where you squirt the water. I've had water get in my ears, due to not tilting at the right angle. My friends swear by the netti pot, so don't give up too easily!