How to Use a Nasal Irrigator: 15 Steps

2025 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-24 13:28

The irrigation of the nasal passages and sinuses allows to rinse the mucus and the various irritants present, such as pollen, dust and bacteria. These rinses provide relief from various symptoms, such as rhinorrhea and its consequences. They are suitable for allergy sufferers and other rhinitis problems. This article tells you how to use a nasal irrigator.

Steps

Step 1. Get a nasal irrigation kit

You can easily find it in pharmacies or online (in the US NeilMed's is very popular, which you can buy through eBay)

Step 2. Wash your hands to avoid contaminating the product

Step 3. Heat some distilled water or take previously boiled tap water and wait for it to become lukewarm

You can also heat the water on the stove or in the microwave in a clean, safe container. If you use the microwave, you should reheat it for 5 seconds at a time

Step 4. Fill the bottle with the amount of water indicated on the package

The correct amount should be around 250ml. There should be a mark on the bottle to delineate the ideal amount

Step 5. Cut the corner of the mix packet found in the kit (if your chosen product allows for it)

Step 6. Pour the contents into the bottle and close the lid

Step 7. Put your finger on the tip and shake the bottle

In this way the saline mixture dissolves in the water

Step 8. Lean forward over a sink to feel comfortable

Step 9. Place the tip of the nozzle firmly against one of your nostrils

Step 10. Gently squeeze the bottle to force the liquid through your nasal passages

You should keep your mouth open, as the mixture can drain from your mouth, as well as from the opposite nostril. This also reduces the pressure on your ears

Step 11. Squeeze the package until you have used approximately 60-120ml in one nostril

Step 12. Blow your nose without pinching or closing it completely

Tilt your head to the opposite side to expel any residue of the solution from your nostrils

Step 13. Repeat the last five steps for the other nostril, using the rest of the solution

Step 14. Discard the small amount of remaining product

Step 15. Let the bottle and nozzle air dry on a clean towel or glass shelf

Advice

You can get a rack to allow the bottle and nozzle to dry comfortably in the air.
Do the nasal rinse at least 1 hour before bedtime, to avoid possible residual dripping in the throat.
The nasal irrigation kits contain detailed and illustrated instructions.
Before step 15 (air-dry the bottle and the nozzle) you should fill the bottle with warm (not hot) water and put a drop of dish soap. Shake (keeping a finger on the nozzle) to create foam. Crush the bottle with water and detergent to clean the nozzle well. Then remove the nozzle and wash it thoroughly together with the bottle with lukewarm water.

Warnings

Do not do a nasal wash if you have an ear infection, mucus in your ears, or if your nasal passages are completely blocked. Under these conditions, you could create pressure on the eardrums, injuring them.
Always use distilled or previously boiled water. Normal tap water causes a severe burning sensation in the nose.

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