How It's Done

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There are several irrigation devices available, but the squeeze bottle (pictured above) is generally the easiest to use, and the most effective. It's very important that you add saline to your sinus rinse - it makes the pH of the water the same as your body and prevents the rinse from causing a burning sensation. You can purchase prepared saline packets at any pharmacy - or you can make your own:

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• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 8 oz warm water

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We recommend using the prepared packets to ensure purity. It can be difficult to find salt without added iodine or preservatives (which can irritate the sinuses).

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It is critically important that you use only sterile water. You can buy gallons of distilled water at any grocery store, or you can boil your tap water before making your rinse with it. This is vital to prevent pathogens from contaminated water from entering your sinuses, which can be extremely dangerous.

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Using warm water makes the irrigation process more comfortable, but you can also use room temperature water. Sinus bottles can be microwaved for a few seconds to heat the water slightly. Never put very hot or very cold water into your sinuses.

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After preparing your sinus bottle, lean over the sink and gently squeeze the water into one nostril until it runs out of the other nostril. Breathe through your mouth while you do this. Use half of the bottle in one nostril and then repeat the process in the other nostril.