How to use a neti pot

So what exactly is a neti pot? It’s a handheld vessel to wash out the nose and nasal passages. It looks a little like a teapot, and the first ones were made thousands of years ago for the Ayurvedic medical traditions of India.¹

For an old tool, neti pots are still pretty useful, explains Nick Rowan, MD, an associate professor of otolaryngology at Johns Hopkins Medicine.² Their benefits “are supported by the highest level of scientific evidence,” he says.³ In fact, he starts his own patients on sinus rinses (using a neti pot) for many of their sinus-related issues.

Read on to learn how to purchase and properly use a neti pot. And remember, follow package instructions carefully, and it’s always best to speak with your health care provider before adopting any new health practice.

In this article:

• Why is nasal irrigation important?
• Preparing to use a neti pot
• Tips for using a neti pot
• Tips for getting the most from a neti pot
• Common neti pot mistakes
• Alternatives to neti pots

Why is nasal irrigation important?

The main use for a neti pot is to deliver saline solution into the nose. “The idea is to remove allergens, germs and excessive mucus,” says Marta Becker, MD, an otolaryngologist and owner of Clarity ENT in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.⁴ When you use a neti pot properly, saltwater flows into one nostril and flows out the other.

When the nose is functioning normally, it catches pollutants, viruses and other undesirable particles. It uses mucus to flush them down into the gut, where they get neutralized.⁵ But sometimes mucus backs up or these harmful particles get trapped in the nasal passages. The surrounding tissue becomes inflamed, and that causes congestion, sinus pressure and pain.⁶

Some research supports the use of nasal irrigation in these situations. An international consensus on the treatment of rhinosinusitis in 2021 looked at all the treatments being used and found that saltwater rinses had excellent benefits and lower risks.⁷

Preparing to use a neti pot

So, you’re in the market for a neti pot. Read on for some general practices, but make sure that you follow any instructions on the product labels for safety and proper use.

Today, neti pots are made from many different materials. Plastic neti pots have become popular, while ceramic neti pots are the most traditional, notes Dr. Becker.

Dr. Rowan explains that the material doesn’t really matter. What is most important, he adds, is that it is sanitized and cleaned properly before each use. “If you are putting another substance in your body, it should be clean,” he says. If you use a plastic neti pot, be aware that the plastic degrades over time and should be replaced regularly according to the specifications of the product, Dr. Rowan notes.

Equally important, according to Dr. Becker, is the saline solution. It should be lukewarm or room temperature. “One must use a fairly exact ratio of salt to water,” she says. It is possible to mix your own solution using specifications published by medical societies that focus on allergies and asthma.⁸ If you do that, Dr. Becker notes, use water that is distilled or previously boiled to eliminate pathogens.

To remove some of the guesswork, CVS Health® instant-relief saline sinus wash packet refills offer pre-measured quantities of salt to be combined with filtered or distilled water.

Tips for using a neti pot

You should read the instructions on your neti pot thoroughly. Putting your neti pot to good use should be pretty straightforward:

1. When the neti pot is prepared and filled with saltwater, Dr. Becker recommends leaning over a sink with your head cocked to the side, so that one ear faces downward toward the basin.

2. Take a deep breath and slowly pour the saline mixture into one nostril. The solution should exit out through the other nostril with the aid of gravity.

3. If you feel it going into your ear or causing discomfort, Dr. Rowan explains, adjust the positioning of your head.

4. After you’ve rinsed one side, turn the direction of your head and rinse the other.

Tips for getting the most from a neti pot

It’s common practice, according to Dr. Becker, to add some “extras” to the saltwater. Xylitol can be beneficial to reduce bacterial adhesion, while essential oils like eucalyptus can be soothing. A doctor may prescribe a medication like a steroid or antibiotic to add, as well, notes Dr. Rowan. Consult with your health care provider before adding anything to the solution.

For xylitol pre-mixed into a saline packet, try NeilMed sinus rinse xylitol refill packets.

Generally, doctors recommend using a neti pot twice a day to alleviate symptoms of congestion, but since the treatment is gentle on the body, it can be done on an as-needed basis, notes Dr. Rowan.

After you are done with the rinse, carefully clean the neti pot and store it in a cool, dry place. “Soap and water are pretty good,” says Dr. Rowan. To ensure that the neti pot dries properly, you may consider hanging it in a well-aerated spot. Dr. Becker notes that the device can also be run through a dishwasher once a week, but check the packaging to make sure this is safe for the material.

Common neti pot mistakes

Some common mistakes include using water that is too cold or too hot, which can cause discomfort. If you forget to add salt to the water, it causes a burning sensation similar to getting water up your nose in a pool. And finally, going too fast may bother your ears.

Dr. Becker strongly recommends against breathing through your nose while using a neti pot. “Breathe through your mouth and let the water flow through the nose,” she says. She also notes that if one of the sides of your nose is so swollen that you can’t get any air through it, a sinus rinse will not flow. “Don’t even try,” she says.

One of the most important things to remember is to clean the device properly after each use. Not doing so may lead to reinserting irritating particles back into the nose or causing a new infection.⁹ Infection can also be a risk if you don’t use boiled, distilled or filtered water.¹⁰

If you experience symptoms that seem related to the use of the device, including new nasal pain, pressure in your face or water stuck in your ear, talk to a health care professional. The same goes if your symptoms persist for more than two weeks, Dr. Becker adds.

Alternatives to neti pots

If a neti pot doesn’t work for you, there are alternatives. For example, you can use a nasal wash squeeze bottle, which allows you to control the pressure of the saline solution through the nasal passage. Or you can use a motorized nasal irrigation kit, which takes the guesswork out of your body positioning.

One squeeze bottle to try is the CVS Health soft tip nasal wash squeeze bottle sinus wash system. And for a motorized kit, there’s the Navage nasal irrigation kit multi-user bonus pack.

Consider a nasal saline spray or congestion relief sprays as additional options that may help you find relief when used as directed.

But taking the extra time to find your groove with a neti pot might be worth it for some people. “It augments the basic functioning of the nose,” says Dr. Rowan.

*This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.