Which Method Should I Use: Nasal Washing, Nasal Spray, or Nasal Mists?

There are a variety of ways to treat your nasal and sinus symptoms with saline. The most common methods are nasal washing, nasal sprays, and nasal mists. Each method is effective, but there are important differences that you should be aware of.

Nasal Washing
According to current medical research, nasal washing provides the most effective relief from sinus symptoms. Nasal washing treats the root of sinus problems by fully rinsing the sinus passageway, which moisturizes the nasal cavity and removes excess, thickened mucus that leads to congestion, drainage, headaches, cough and post nasal drip. Nasal washing removes irritants completely and more effectively than saline sprays and mists. In fact, a recent medical study conducted at the University of Michigan showed that nasal washing is significantly more effective than saline sprays and mists for adult sinus relief. Nasal washing helps relive symptoms caused sinus infections, the common cold, the flu, and allergies.

Saline Spray
Saline nasal sprays are also popular. According to WebMD, sprays help relive sinus symptoms by loosening mucous in the nasal passages and moisturizing the sinus dry nasal passages and sinuses. Unfortunately, saline spray does not rinse the sinus passageway as completely as nasal washing does, and is therefore not as effective. Saline sprays are often sold in pre-mixed spray canisters. As a result, the user has no control over the concentration of saline in the solution. Saline sprays also run the risk of re-contamination.

Saline Mists
Saline mists deliver a steady, comfortable mist that provides moisture to the nasal passages. The benefits of saline mists are similar to saline sprays. Saline mists moisturize dry nasal passages and sinuses, and may help loosen mucous. However, saline mists do not rinse the sinus passageway as completely as nasal washing does. Saline mists also run the risk of bacteria build up and re-contamination.

What is Nasal Washing?

Nasal washing is a personal hygiene practice in which the nasal cavity is washed to flush out excess mucus and irritants while moistening the mucus membranes of the nose and sinuses. Nasal washing has been practiced in India for centuries as one of the disciplines of yoga. Clinical testing has shown that nasal washing is safe and beneficial with no significant side effects. Nasal washing often involves the use of a neti pot, squeeze bottle, or syringe to pour or squirt a warm salt water (saline) solution into a nostril. The saline solution floods the sinuses and then either runs out of the other nostril or goes through the sinuses to the back of the throat from where it may be spat out.

Click on the image below to learn more about nasal washing:

SinuCleanse Neti Pot

The SinuCleanse® Neti Pot is the #1 selling neti pot worldwide. Designed from the ground up by Dr. Diane Heatley, the SinuCleanse® Neti Pot is based upon a unique, time-tested delivery system. Developed centuries ago in ancient India, the neti pot uses the gentle flow of gravity to deliver the 100% all-natural, SinuCleanse® saline solution.

Because there are no preservatives, no chemicals and no medications, the SinuCleanse® Neti Pot can be used in conjunction with current medication to increase the effectiveness of those drugs. It is completely free from side-effects and has no drug interactions. The SinuCleanse® Neti Pot is made of unbreakable plastic and is dishwasher safe to prevent contamination. Click on the image below to learn more about SinuCleanse:

Nasopure Nasal Wash System

The Nasopure nasal wash system consists of a pre-packaged nasal wash mix and a nasal wash bottle. Nasopure removes debris that can irritate the mucous membranes of the nasal passages. The wash thins secretions and cleans the cilia that function as a filter for the nose. Perhaps most importantly, the ergonomically-designed bottle makes sure that the wash solution is applied for maximum effectiveness and comfort. All of this allows the sinuses, nose and throat to function more effectively.