NeilMed Sinus Rinse Review

The Neti pot is a traditional vessel that resembles a tiny teapot.  The idea is to fill the pot with salt water for a daily nasal rinse.  Daily rinsing will purportedly heal the tiny hairs lining the mucous membranes so that they can do their work more effectively, i.e. keep your nasal passages clear.

When I first heard about this method, I was very skeptical.  How could something as mild as a saline solution solve the chronic congestion that years of prescription strength sprays have trouble controlling?  I dismissed this "natural remedy" as quaint and well meaning, but probably ineffective.  I would soon learn how misguided I was!

After battling the side effects of chemical over-the-counter decongestants and the stings and arrows of prescription nasal sprays, I finally decided to give nature a try.  I initially began searching online for a neti pot and stumbled upon a product that took the saline rinse idea several steps further:  the NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit. 

At neilmed.com, there is an abundant amount of information regarding the history, use, and science behind the success of the patented sinus rinse kit.  In a nutshell, the advantage of the NeilMed kit is that a large volume, low pressure squirt bottle has replaced the smaller neti pot.  With a larger amount of saline solution per use, sinuses are more thoroughly irrigated and moisturized for more effective rinsing.

The kit contains an 8 oz plastic bottle, 50 packets of preservative-free saline mixture, and educational brochure and directions (English, Spanish, French).  I purchased mine online but these kits are widely available in major drug stores like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, etc.

I read the directions thoroughly and began my first rinse.  The four step process is quick and easy:  1)  fill the bottle with 8 ounces of slightly warm filtered water; 2) add the powder saline packet; 3) bend over a sink and gently apply pressure to the bottle.  (the solution squirts up one nostril and flows out of the other); and 4) blow your nose gently and repeat in the opposite nostril.  That's it!

I always rinse out the device when I'm finished, and allow it to dry thoroughly before I put it away.  I've been using this product on a daily basis for a couple of months now, and I couldn't be happier.  It has become a part of my daily regimen, like brushing my teeth or making the bed.

While I didn't see immediate results, I began to feel relief within the first week.  By the second week of use, I noticed that I had stopped reaching for my nasal spray.  By the end of the first month, my sinus headaches were reduced by about 70% and I discontinued using nasal decongestants.   The best part is that this product is good for both my wallet and my mucous membranes.  I no longer have to shell out money for chemical pharmaceuticals, I don't have the burning and stinging side effects, and I like that I am treating my chronic congestion with a natural AND effective alternative.