anyone use a neti pot?

[Hibou]

If so, what did you put in it, and how well did it work for you? I am thinking of trying one for a constant sinus blockage I seem to have. I guess my other question is do you have to use a real neti pot, or could I just buy one of those little single-serving tea pots to use instead?

[CorbinsMama]

Hi, I just stumbled across your post!

I have used a Neti Pot for about 6 years now, and have completely converted my skeptical-but-sinusitis-plagued dad over to it as well.

I had sugery on my sinuses in 1995 and 2000. After the second time, my sinus polyps were growing back just 2 weeks later. I started using the Neti with salinated water and have had no sinus infections, no serious allergic reactions, and have regained my senses of taste and smell, which were all but gone for several years.

I would recommend using a real Neti only because it has a longer spout. You need to be able to have the end in your nostril while you tilt your head the right way so that you don't have the feeling of getting pool water up your nose. If you have that sensation, you need to adjust the position of your head.

I usually do mine over the sink, but my dad uses his in the shower so he doesn't have to worry about slopping it all over. My aunt has started using it, and I also recommended it to my fertility doc!

Like I said, I have used salt water (made with pickling salt because it is so fine and dissolves so quickly), but I also have tried this: http://www.isabellacatalog.com/prod....21306/inv/2835

If you're coming down with something, I think the Neti Wash is good, but for everyday use, just the salt water is fine.

HTH!

Megan
DS Corbin (6) Wife to Kevin

[Hibou]

Thanks so much for your reply Megan! I'd all but given up on this thread.

[Ruthla]

I'd suggest using a real neti pot- they're designed for this purpose and are probably easier to use.

I just use salt water in my neti pot. I've found that it's uncomfortable if the water is too cold, too warm, too salty, or not salty enough. It takes a little practice to figure out the "perfect" water to use in it, but then it's fairly easy to use. I also use mine in the shower.

[anotherKatrina]

I love my neti pot and I just use salt in my water. I do think the shape of it helps with the ease of use.

[CorbinsMama]

You're welcome, Hibou!

I forgot to mention that I also converted a friend's mother to the Neti. Now that this same friend is having Spring allergies, her mom is now giving her the "Neti lecture"!

I ought to be getting kickbacks for all the people I have recommended the Neti to!

[Hibou]

I just ordered one. Should be here next week. Can't wait to try it. I talked to another woman who uses one, and she had nothing but good things to say.

[kewb]

I had never heard of one until this thread. I think I may purchase one.

[heket]

I *had* a ceramic one til dh accidentally dropped it... :

I liked it. Have to ditto the comment about finding the perfect temp and saline solution comment.

Has anyone tried the (I think) plastic one? It's blue and usally a bit cheaper than the ceramic one. I've wondered if it's as good or if i should just get another ceramic one...

[smudge]

LOVE THE NETI POT!!!
It was a lifesaver during my pregnancy when I came down with a cold. I got the OK from the doc to take Sudafed but I hate the stuff and I really didn't want to take it as a pg lady. My sis is a singer, got me turned on to it. She does have the ceramic one, but the one I bought is the plastic variety and works just as well. I use a pinch of regular old table salt in it and make the water warm enough to where, if I stick my finger in it, I can't tell if my finger is in the water or not- hope that makes sense. Anyway, I highly recommend it and I start using immediately if I start feeling snotty.

[Hibou]

Originally Posted by smudge

and make the water warm enough to where, if I stick my finger in it, I can't tell if my finger is in the water or not- hope that makes sense.

That totally makes sense. thanks for the tip. I'm glad you guys are telling me this stuff before I try it!

[ThreeJane]

Yeppers, I have one and use it every time I shower, wish hubby would so he'd stop getting these chronic sinus headaches (whole 'nother story).

It took me a while to realize to bend my head FORWARD while tilting to the side. I used to get TONS of water that would just stay n' slosh inside my sinuses (think of surfing and getting ragrolled and all that saltwater in yer nose, okay that's specific but you get the idea).

Now that I've figured it out I don't get the *burn* behind my eyes either.

Sometimes I'm kinda a slow learner. Great for getting out "Faire boogers" (lots of boogies and dirt balls caused by blowing dust) and just regular old yickies in there.

Okay TMI but I love my Neti. I would use the regular Neti design (long spout) so you don't have to tilt your head too far. You can get 'em fairly cheap on ebay.

[Hibou]

It's arrived!!
I've been using it for a couple weeks on and off (not every day), but I'm amazed at how quickly it clears out the sinuses! I love how well I can breathe right after. I just have to learn to get the right angle, because I keep getting it either down my throat or up too far, and that burn really does hurt!

[swimswamswum]

I my neti pot!!!!!

I have turned so many people on to "the cult of neti". It is amazing and has seriously changed my life- I used to have major sinus infections until I started using it. Even though I still have some problems- they are never as serious as before I used it.

[CorbinsMama]

Hibou, I'm so glad you are having luck with the Neti!

[Meiri]

I've used mine occasionally, probably should use it more often.

I boil the water before using it, just to be safe, and aim for just under a 1% saline solution, like the isotonic (matches normal salinity for our bodies) IV solutions which are 0.9%.

A touch on the salty side clears congestion quickly by drawing the moisture out of the swollen cells, aka osmosis, but can easily be on the rough side if you're not very careful.

[applecider]

I was just wondering where I might get one of these? My boyfriend is willing to try it (he has terrible sinus problems).

[mavery]

Originally Posted by cody'smomma

I was just wondering where I might get one of these? My boyfriend is willing to try it (he has terrible sinus problems).

Whole foods, or a health food store. Or just google 'neti pot'.

[PancakeGoddess]

can I revive this thread? I've been afraid to try this for YEARS. Today I bought one and tried it.

One side is more stuffy, and on that side I barely got anything to go in, but eventually it was dribbling out the other side. Cool. Then on the other side, which is pretty clear, woah, major eye-burn, feeling like I was in the ocean with water up my nose, yow.

So I need to adjust my position if that happens? I really want to try again because I think this is helpful.

Table salt is ok?

[CorbinsMama]

You would be better off using pickling salt. It is finer so it dissolves quicker.

If you're having that burning feeling, try leaning your head over more, to the front, that is. Just keep kind of moving around while you're pouring the water in until you feel better.

HTH!