Have you ever used a neti pot?

Actually, you can take Simply Saline - or any other saline spray - store brand or otherwise and instead of misting it, you do a slow and steady squeeze with your head tilted and it works just like a netipot. The typical bottle is 1.5 oz, and will irrigate ya out a good 10 times. Someone said you need to do it over and over - if you aren't sick, you probably don't need that much - just blow your nose after doing each side, when nothing comes out, you're done. I typically use this when I feel a cold coming on, or just stuffy. I seldom get sick, and I think this is why.

My cousin, a nurse, swore by this many years ago, I laughed at her till about two years ago, I had a horrible cold and no decongestant helped me to get any sleep. In desperation I tried the saline trick and pretty much became a believer.

 

A friend of mine who recently had sinus surgery said her ENT recommended this too. DH tried it and it really helped. I haven't been sick, so haven't tried it myself, but I will for sure next time. I've also seen Dr. Oz recommend this and demonstrate it on Oprah, I think it was last year.

 

BTW - If you decide to do this on a regular basis, it is more economical to buy the sterile saline solution in the 12 oz bottle for a couple bucks (drug store brand) that is manufactured for rinsing contact lenses. The bottle is pretty easy to use, just takes up a bit more space on the bathroom counter - BUT, if you are like me and wear contacts, be sure to CLEARLY label which one is for your contact lens use and which one is snot :shock: :lol:

 

LOL ... Gives a whole new meaning to eye boogers.

 

Yep, he did that Dr. Oz. And he said not to use contact solutions without showing or asking your ENT. Some aren't balanced for the delicate sinus tissues and also why you use the distilled water.