Nasal Rinses HF#5437

Nasal saline is a buffered hypertonic solution that loosens dry or thick mucus when sprayed or rinsed through the nose and gives soothing relief of congested nasal passages.  Nasal rinses can be done at home safely with proper care and technique.  This handout will guide you through the steps.  If you have questions, please ask your health care provider.

 

Phone number: ________________________________________

 

 

Supplies you will need:

• SinuCleans™ system (neti pot) or
• SinuCleanse™ Squeeze™ or
• Sinus Rinse™
• Saline recipe on the last page
• Warm distilled, boiled or faucet level filtered water  (96° to 99°F)
• A clean container

 

 

Procedure

 

1. Make a ‘normal saline’ solution (salt water) using the recipe on the back page. Note:  the salt solution is the same concentration as tears and other body fluids.  This makes it soothing to the fragile membranes on the inside of the nose.  If plain water is used, it could sting and make the congestion worse.

  

For SinuCleanse™ Squeeze™ or Sinus Rinse™  system

• Remove the cap from the bottle.
• Pour the contents of the premixed Sinucleanse saline packet or ½ tsp of the dry mixture into the bottle.
• Fill the bottle with lukewarm distilled, boiled or faucet level filtered water.  Leave about  ½” between the water line and the top of the bottle.
• Tighten the cap on the bottle, place one finger over the tip of the cap and gently shake the bottle until the contents of the packet have dissolved. 

 

Lean over the sink, or if you prefer do the nasal rinse when you shower.   If you are using SinuCleanse™ Squeeze™, place the rim of the cap up to the right nostril and gently insert the tip so that it forms a comfortable seal.  If you are using Sinu Rinse™, place cap snugly against your nostril.  Aim the tip at the back of your head, not at the top of your head.

 

                               

 

Squeeze the bottle gently so that the solution enters the right nostril.  Breathe normally through your mouth.  In a few moments the solution will begin to drain out of the left nostril.  Keep squeezing the bottle gently until you have used about half of the solution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remove the tip and repeat on other side.  You may gently blow your nose between nasal rinses.

Repeat the nasal rinses with extra solution as ordered by your doctor.

 

Number of times per day: ______________

Total amount of solution to use: __________________________________

 

If you are using a SinuCleanse™ system

• Fill pot with saline solution.
• Place tip of pot into nostril and tilt head as instructed.
• You may gently blow your nose between  nasal rinses.
• Repeat the nasal rinses with extra solution as ordered by your doctor.

Number of times per day ______. 

Total amount of solution to use _________.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Your syringe, spoons to measure and mixing container must be kept clean.  Wash them once a day with hot soapy water.  Lay out to dry between uses. The SinuCleanse™ (neti pot) may be hand washed or it is top-rack dishwasher safe.

 

• Do not share the bulb syringe or neti pot with anyone else or use it for any other purpose.

 

• You may store the unused saline on the counter for 7 days.

 

• You may need to blow your nose a few times times over the next 15 – 20 minutes after you do a nasal rinse as small amounts of fluid drain out.

 

Call your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Resources

 

Web site www.Sinucleanse.com

 

 

 

 

 

Buffered Hypertonic Saline for Nasal Irrigation

 

To mix your own solution at home, you will need

 

• Pickling and Canning salt (available in most grocery stores). Only use this type of salt.  Other types of salt (table salt, sea salt, kosher salt) contain properties that can be irritating to the lining of your nose.
• Baking soda (any brand)
• Distilled, boiled or faucet level filtered water (96°to 99°F)
• A clean container with an air-tight lid
• A measuring teaspoon

 

To make 1 quart of solution, combine

 

1 to 2 teaspoons of pickling and canning salt

½ to 1 teaspoon of baking soda

1 quart of distilled, boiled or faucet level filtered water

 

Mix the above ingredients in a 1-quart container.

 

NOTE:  Because there are no preservatives in this solution, you need to throw it away after 7 days and make another batch.

 

To make 1 cup of solution at a time, combine

 

3 teaspoons of pickling and canning salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small airtight container.

 

Add a measured 1 teaspoon* of the dry ingredients to 1 cup of distilled, boiled or faucet level filtered water.

 

*You may use less of the dry ingredients if you find the solution causes burning or stinging in your nose.  Ask your Doctor or nurse if you have questions about making the solution.

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/20/2012

Copyright © 06/20/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5437

Print Health Fact For You