Rhino rinse ? for Snoredog

Thanks again for all of the additional advice and the links too.

I now have a much better understanding of how the rinse is done as well as the many options for how and what to do it with.

rooster wrote:http://www.sinucleanse.com/.

This is the best system. Opt for the neti pot. I believe the system, including the premeasured salt packets, is about $14 at Walgreen's and there is a $2 coupon on sinucleanse.com. The web site has a video demonstration of how to use the system.

I would stay away from anything, including squirt bottles, that applies pressure into the nose. The neti pot is an exception. The pressure is a steady gentle pressure of gravity as the water is poured into the nostrils.

Why is applied pressure into the nose a bad thing? My logic would see it as a good thing but my logic is also quite limited on this subject.

Anyhow, I have had many sinus problems in the past, but never since starting PAP treatment. I missed one day of PAP treatment since starting and it was extremely unpleasant ... I cannot fathom that unpleasantness while also suffering from a cold/flu ... no way I will go without again.

Many thanks again to everyone!

- r

DreamStalker wrote:................................................................
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Why is applied pressure into the nose a bad thing?

OK, I was being partly facetious. As CPAP brethren we go to great trouble and expense to apply pressure into the nose eight hours every day!!!!

On the other hand, with nasal rinses I would stick with the gentle neti pot. Maybe it is very unlikely, but I would be concerned about forcing material into the ear canals if using a squirt or spray bottle with a vigorous action.

More importantly to me, the neti pot seems to give a really complete flush while squirt bottles I have used do not.

rooster wrote:http://www.sinucleanse.com/.

I would stay away from anything, including squirt bottles, that applies pressure into the nose. The neti pot is an exception. The pressure is a steady gentle pressure of gravity as the water is poured into the nostrils.

That definitely looks like a good system too. But if you can't find that, the SinusRinse is another option. Although you are squirting it into your nostrils, you control the pressure, and because it's a large opening, you aren't really getting a fast jet of water going up there.

Because my sinus congestion is higher up, I found the neti pot didn't really get high enough for me, and since I had to lean over to allow it to drain properly, that also inhibited it from reaching the higher places.

I used my SinusRinse again last night and remembered that half of it comes out of my nostril, half out of my mouth, and I keep breathing through my mouth while rinsing.

Also, DON'T do a neti pot, SinusRinse or Sinus Cleanse or any nasal lavage if your nose is completely plugged. I did this once when I was using the neti pot and pushed some fluid into my ears, resulting in a sore ear for about a week. But if air is flowing, whether it's a neti pot or a nasal rinse system, if applied gently, it shouldn't get into your ears.

Also remember, it takes regular use (one to two times per day, morning and/or night) for at least a week or two, to notice a lasting difference. It's not an overnight fix.

Theresa

Well, I believe in the "keep it simple or it won't happen" school of regular habits.

I have been saline flushing since my sinus surgery and I am still alive to tell the tale, in fact MUCH less colds and allergies, even though I keep it REALLY simple.

I get the blue irrigator bulb from the local pharmacy and use it to GENTLY squirt the solution up one nostril a bit, as much as feels comfortable. Then I blow it out, not really caring which nostril it comes out of, but just doing what comes naturally. I lean over a sink or in the shower leaning over. Sometimes tilt, sometimes not.

Biggest trick is getting the last bits of water out when done. Basically hanging head upside down then swooping up gets it draining. Absolute best way to clear it out is do a yoga position "Salute the sun" then "downward dog" then another salute the sun the other leg, and your nose is drained and your legs are stretched out all in one shot.

Solution I use is really simplified, but then we have pretty good water in our area. I use warm tap water with a pinch of sea salt (non-aluminum) stirred in. Thats it.

I do this twice a day. For some reason it bugs the bejeebers out of my wife even though I lock myself away in the bathroom when I do it. Just too gross a concept.
Frankly, I find KEEPING that junk I flush out in my sinuses is what REALLY would gross me out!

Roberto - It's really not bad at all. My little guy (9 yrs. young - the one in my avatar) recently came down with a bit of a cold and sore throat. I thought it might help so I asked if he wanted to give it a try. He was all for it, and had no problem at all with it. He now does it on his own accord whenever he feels a little stuffy and even talked his mom into buying him a kit for when he is over there. We use the NeilMed kits - pediatric kit for him and the reguar 8 oz. kit for myself. I also use the Grossen tip attachment for my WaterPik periodically. It really is a good thing to do. You may want to start carrying a hankerchief or stick a few kleenex's in you pocket because you very well may get some unexpected drainage of saline up to about 20 minutes later from solution that has been trapped in upper passages. Sometimes I will do a double 8 oz. rinse and have often found that the second rinse is the one that does biggest cleaning. Like cpap, once you start you will realize how good it is for you and it will become regular. I even carry a kit in my truck - wish I would have started doing that a long time ago. --- BT

Thanks for the heads-up on the delayed leakag Byront ... I'll start wearing long-sleeved shirts ... just kidding, tissues will do just fine.

My hope is to make it a daily addition to my shower session.

Thanks everyone.

- r