Need Some Neti-Pot Help

**AmyBoz** · 03-01-2010, 08:07 PM

So, as part of the regimen, following my sinus surgery, I am supposed to use a Neti-pot, or sinus rinse 4 times a day.

Well, I don't think I'm doing it right. I'm bending all the way down, pouring or spraying it in. But, it's going in one side, and coming back out that side, not going over to the other side.

Could it be that I'm congested and it can't break through, or am I just doing it wrong???

**Palooka** · 03-01-2010, 08:19 PM

That's weird. I have a ton of sinus troubles. When I use my neti pot, I tip my head and breath through my mouth and pour the whole thing in. It comes out the other side even if I'm stopped up.(the side I'm leaning towards) Then I blow my nose.

Then do it for the other side. I'm not really sure as I just started using the neti pot last year.

**lisaflex** · 03-01-2010, 08:20 PM

wish i could help. i do know there are sites that actually show you how to do it....

**stinkbug** · 03-01-2010, 09:02 PM

You may be leaning over too far....it's kind of a personal learning curve, if you've never used one before. Try positioning differently. And there are lots of vidoes on youtube....just google neti pot use.

**frugalfranny** · 03-02-2010, 12:21 AM

Originally Posted by AmyBoz

Well, I don't think I'm doing it right. I'm bending all the way down, pouring or spraying it in. But, it's going in one side, and coming back out that side, not going over to the other side.

Could it be that I'm congested and it can't break through, or am I just doing it wrong???

Amy---you said 'bending down'..........but are you turning your head to the side.......and at a flat angle to the sink----as if putting your head, to the side, on a pillow.

You only bend 'down' to get your head over your sink.......then pretend that you are looking over your left shoulder---with your head at a flat angle to the counter (as if you were going to lay your head down on a pillow) -- and pour it in the LEFT nostril. Then reverse..........look over right shoulder - pour into right nostril and it should come out the LEFT nostril when you do this.

Breathe through your mouth while doing this.

BTW------there is a homemade solution for it posted here ---unless you have to have some medicine in it. It is a 3 to 1 ratio (UN-iodized salt and soda).........I posted it last year-------you could probably find it with a search. If you want it-------and can't find it---pm me and I can check my past posts to see if I can find it.

**cheles2kids** · 03-02-2010, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

Amy---you said 'bending down'..........but are you turning your head to the side.......and at a flat angle to the sink----as if putting your head, to the side, on a pillow.

Breathe through your mouth while doing this.

This is what I was going to suggest too, it doesn't sound like you have you're head tilted to the side enough.

There are several youtube videos that show how to use the Neti, just do a search for them.

Good Luck to you, I hope you get to feeling better soon.

**stinkbug** · 03-02-2010, 10:04 AM

I'll share my neti pot story......

For 4 1/2 years (!) I had a constant cough....constant. To the point that I gave up my job because I literally could not talk to anyone without coughing. I went to MANY doctors, specialists, etc. Breathing tests, ashtma tests, lung tests, CT scan, steroids, inhalers, anti biotics,.....thousands of dollars :-(
Finally a friend recommended the neti pot. I was like....that's stupid. I googled it. Then I figured it was a 20.00 investment and cold not hurt me. It was horrible!!! I gagged, it burned....it HURT!!!! Then I got used to it and within TWO WEEKS my cough was almost completely gone. Now, if I feel a little scratchy in my throat, I do the neti and I'm fine. I do it maybe once a month now.
I suffered for so long and nobody ever suggested such a simple solution. One Dr. even told me I would simply be amoung the 5% of patients that are just never diaganosed or can't be helped. Gee, thanks. Basically, I had a lot of Dr's inply it was all in my head and I was exagerating the symtoms :-(

**Didi** · 03-03-2010, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by cheles2kids

This is what I was going to suggest too, it doesn't sound like you have you're head tilted to the side enough.

There are several youtube videos that show how to use the Neti, just do a search for them.

Good Luck to you, I hope you get to feeling better soon.

Thanks for this suggestion! I bought one last week and could not really get it to work for me (the water went into my mouth). For me it works even better if I let one shoulder lean on the sink. Well, the sink is high and I'm rather small.

**Didi** · 03-03-2010, 07:54 AM

Originally Posted by stinkbug

I'll share my neti pot story......

For 4 1/2 years (!) I had a constant cough....constant. To the point that I gave up my job because I literally could not talk to anyone without coughing. I went to MANY doctors, specialists, etc. Breathing tests, ashtma tests, lung tests, CT scan, steroids, inhalers, anti biotics,.....thousands of dollars :-(
Finally a friend recommended the neti pot. I was like....that's stupid. I googled it. Then I figured it was a 20.00 investment and cold not hurt me. It was horrible!!! I gagged, it burned....it HURT!!!! Then I got used to it and within TWO WEEKS my cough was almost completely gone. Now, if I feel a little scratchy in my throat, I do the neti and I'm fine. I do it maybe once a month now.
I suffered for so long and nobody ever suggested such a simple solution. One Dr. even told me I would simply be amoung the 5% of patients that are just never diaganosed or can't be helped. Gee, thanks. Basically, I had a lot of Dr's inply it was all in my head and I was exagerating the symtoms :-(

Wow, I'm glad you found your remedy despite " all the help".

**2ndGenGranola** · 03-03-2010, 08:18 AM

I agree that you need to find another angle. Just move and tilt your head all around until you find "your" angle. Mine will not flow through if I am clogged but it will flow in. Try to stay relaxed (I know it is hard at first).

I used to have sinus infections all the time (about 3x a year). I haven't had one since I bought my neti. I've cut my general allergy problems too.

**shortstack** · 03-03-2010, 09:22 AM

Think of the angle as getting gravity to work for you instead of against you.

**AmyBoz** · 03-03-2010, 01:45 PM

Thanks to everyone! Great suggestions! I'll definitely check out YouTube. I do have my head to the side, but maybe I just need to make a few adjustments.

**stinkbug** · 03-03-2010, 02:28 PM

Also...I do it in the shower...less mess.

**krbshappy71** · 03-23-2010, 03:33 PM

I hate my neti-pot. I love the relief.

Takes me a few tries each time I go back to using it to get just the right angle.

Hope you got this taken care of and are feeling much better. Sinus stuff is so painful.

Stinkbug thanks for shower tip I might try that myself. Didn't think of it.

**frugalfranny** · 03-23-2010, 08:25 PM

I LOVE MY NETI-POT!!

I have not had a 'full blown' headache since I got it and started using it at the first little twinge of one!!

Don't know what I did without it and I make my own soda/salt powder so I can use it OFTEN..........and I do, if needed.