Ceramic Neti Pot

I've been using this neti pot for over a year now and have to say that it really works great. My breathing is easier through my nose and my sinuses feel much more clear throughout the day. I don't feel bogged down by my allergies nearly as much. This particular neti pot is well-constructed and easy to use. I've had other neti pots that had odd angles or were made of cheap materials and were uncomfortable to use, but this one is glass and seems to have a great angle to it. Of course, being glass, it's easily broken, so that is one thing to consider.For the new Neti Pot users, a couple of things to take note of:The mixture: Using warm water with a 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt is best. Obviously, cold water does not feel good and using table salt or too little/too much salt creates a horrible sensation. One time, I forgot to add salt and I sneezed all day long and my sinuses were extremely irritated. A grocery store near me sells cheap jars of salt specially for neti pots. I've also seen special oils you can add, but haven't tried them (I've also read about loss of your sense of smell from some oils, so be sure to do your research on them before using!).Actual use: Basically, the neti pot works by gently pouring a stream of water through your sinuses, so you tilt your head and pour through one nostril so the stream comes out the other. The one thing I make sure to do after each use is to blow my nose to get the excess water out and then I have a bottle of rubbing alcohol that I dab a q-tip in and run over the inside of my ear. I've found that the water from the neti pot often gets into my ear and I've even had it cause some irritation over time. Ever since I have been trying to dry the excess water up with the rubbing alcohol, there have been no problems. Of course, not everyone will have this issue. Also, if you are too clogged up, the water from the neti pot isn't going to go anywhere. It'd probably be best to take some medication to try to loosen the clog and then use the neti pot.Overall, the neti pot is a wonderful product for anyone who has trouble with allergies or their sinuses. It's not something you use as a quick fix for colds or sinus issues. Like I said before, it doesn't do anything if you are too clogged. It's great for those with constant allergies and mild congestion though. Used daily over a long period of time, it seems to have really helped me out.

After first hearing about the practice of Neti Pot, I was slow to jump on the bandwagon. It sounded pretty strange and uncomfortable.However, I have suffered from allergies and congestion for about ten years and I eventually warmed up to giving it a try. I could not be more glad I did. The practice helps me breath better than any decongestant or allergy medicine ever has. And the nice thing is there are no side effects from taking any medicine. It really goes into the depths of your sinuses and opens them up.Usually, using it once every couple days is about right for me. Spring is coming though and that is when my allergies tend to make me very miserable. I'm prepared to use it quite a bit more often through the spring.As far as this particular model, it is well made and I like that I can just throw it in the dishwasher to clean it. It definitely seems a lot better than the plastic ones that are sold in drugstores.For the water, make sure you use distilled water or boil it yourself ahead of time. I personally just boil a pot of tap water and store it in a jug. It lasts several uses before I need to replenish. For the salt, cheap Morton salt seems to work just fine.If you have any type of chronic problem with sinuses, allergy or other, I would definitely give it a try. In fact I'm hoping you will. There is a bit of a learning curve but after about 5 tries or so you should get the hang of using it and it will become very simple.

This netipot is better than most others on the market because its shape makes it easy to use and the glossy porcelain makes it easy to clean and even boil to sanitize. I know many who swear by these to aid with allergy attacks, sinus infections and keeping off colds. At the recommendation of my functional medicine doctor, I add a little xylitol when I use for sinus infections. It works so well to clear things up. I use regularly when I've been doing dusty or dirty cleaning projects also and it reduces the amount of congestion I experience from that. I gave less than five stars as a travel item because of it being bulky, potentially fragile, and heavier than plastic versions. My husband successfully traveled with it to and from Hawaii, though.

As this is my first Neti pot, I am unqualified to compare this product to other similar products, design or otherwise. However, I am very happy with my purchase! I have suffered from nasal congestion problems since I was young and I have a mild case of asthma. Now, whenever I feel like I am catching a cold or I have a stuffy nose, I use this Neti pot to help me breathe again. I haven't fully caught a cold since I started using this Neti pot, knock on wood.Furthermore, the design works flawlessly with my nostril shape and size (since, if I remember correctly, I think the major complaint about this product according to past Amazon reviews is the lack of comfort with different nose shapes). I also really appreciate the splash guard, for obvious reasons. The Neti pot being ceramic is a plus for me, since it helps regulate the temperature of the water I put in so I don't burn my hands (I assume metal Neti pots have an opposite effect, ouch).My only complaint (and it is a minor complaint) is that the Neti Pot spout is fairly difficult to clean thoroughly.Overall, this purchase is undoubtedly worth every penny. I would/will definitely recommended this product to my friends and family. :)Also, here is the link that I used to get started with my neti pot:[...]---Update: After suffering from a severe sinus infection (a yearly one, at that), I tried using the neti pot with a probiotic capsule. Overnight, my infection was gone. I'm not saying that probiotics up your nose is always a good idea, but if you're getting desperate and have a history of antiobiotic use... you might want to try it. :) Read up on the literature first though!