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Sinus Rinse Q&A

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1. You want me to put water up my nose?!

Yes, we do. But don’t worry, it’s nothing like the painful feeling of getting water up your nose in the pool. In fact, it doesn’t hurt at all because the water is not going too deeply or getting stuck in your sinus cavity. And that’s what can hurt. Sinus washing thoroughly cleanses your sinus passages with a gentle stream of water that goes in one nostril and painlessly comes out the other. Most people get the hang of it right away. Follow the directions in the box and you’ll do fine.

2.What kind of water should I use in my Waterpik SinuSense device?

We recommend warm distilled/purified water or pre-boiled water for use. We do not recommend using tap water as there are hundreds of thousands of water sources across the country and we have no way of knowing their contents.

3. Is sinus wash new? I’ve never heard of it before.

Saline sinus washings have been used for centuries to maintain clear sinus passages. Sinus washing or nasal irrigation is an ancient Ayurvedic technique, Jala Neti, which literally means nasal cleansing in Sanskrit. Its origins are based in the yoga tradition. Eastern cultures perform Jala Neti as routinely as our daily brushing of teeth.

Although antihistamines, decongestants, steroids and antibiotics are commonly prescribed, doctors typically recommend sinus washing for allergy sufferers, post-operative sinus surgery patients and patients with chronic sinusitis. And recently, more and more allergists and ENTs have been encouraging the use of sinus rinse as a preventive approach to good sinus health.

4. What are the benefits of using Waterpik® SinuSense™ sinus rinse products?

Overall, daily sinus washing keeps nasal passages and sinuses clean, clear and healthy. It clears airway passages, moisturizes and soothes irritated nasal membranes by removing mucus, irritants and other debris. Other benefits include:

  • Relieves the symptoms of sinus infections and colds
  • Clears out sticky, thick mucus to help reduce nasal congestion
  • Allows sinus cavities to drain freely so allergens, irritants, bacteria, viruses and contaminants can wash away naturally
  • Soothes dry, cakey nasal passages
  • Reduces coughing and other symptoms that result from post-nasal drip
  • Improves your sense of smell and taste
  • May help mitigate snoring
5.Isn’t sinus washing mostly for people with allergies?

Actually, Waterpik® SinuSense™ can help almost anyone who comes in contact with all the little irritants that can annoy your sinuses and ruin your day. Others who benefit from sinus washing include:

  • Seasonal allergy sufferers
  • People who get frequent sinus infections, which are usually caused by bacteria
  • Asthma sufferers who have allergy and sinus problems
  • Serious athletes for whom good breathing is part of their performance
  • Recreational athletes—hikers, bikers, runners, tennis players, golfers and others who don’t want to miss a fun weekend
  • People who work in environments with “particulate pollution”—including members of the military, construction workers, landscapers, recreation workers, firefighters and farmers
  • People who travel frequently—for work or play—whether by car, bus, train or plane
  • Actors, singers and other performers for whom the show must go on
  • Chronic allergy sufferers with year-round symptoms (indoor and outdoor allergies)
  • Moms-to-be who suffer from pregnancy-triggered rhinitis
  • Seniors who have trouble breathing
  • People who smoke or who live or work around smokers
  • Anyone who already has a cold or flu
6. How do I know if I have the flu/cold or allergies?

Cough. Sneeze. Wheeze. You know the symptoms, but do you really know the cause? The similarities between symptoms of the flu/cold and nasal allergies (also called allergic rhinitis, indoor or outdoor allergies, seasonal allergies, or hay fever) can cause confusion. Worse, they can cause you to make the wrong diagnosis and treat with the wrong medications. And, if allergies are left untreated, they can cause more serious conditions like sinusitis or ear infections.

Learn about the differences below, and talk to your doctor about a complete medical exam to find out for sure:

 

Allergies

Flu/Cold

Symptoms

 Allergies usually cause runny nose (clear discharge), stuffed nose, violent sneezing, wheezing, coughing, watery and itchy eyes. There is no fever with allergies. Flu/cold usually includes runny nose (yellow discharge), aches and pains, sore and scratchy throat along with sneezing and coughing

Fever

 There is no fever with allergies. If you have a fever it is almost certainly a flu/cold rather than allergies.

When

 Anytime of the year: spring, summer, fall or winter. Usually appear in winter, but are also possible in the fall, spring, or summer.

Warning

 Symptoms begin almost immediately after exposure to allergens. Usually takes a few days for flu/cold symptoms to appear.

Duration

 Symptoms last a long time, as long as you are exposed to the allergen. If the allergen is present all year long, symptoms can be chronic. Flu/cold symptoms should clear up within a few days to a week, rarely lasting more than 10 days.

Flu/Colds

A flu/cold is commonly caused by a virus. You can get a flu/cold from another person who has that virus, even though you may be in good health. This happens when you breathe in germs or come in direct contact with the infected person. To prevent yourself from getting a flu/cold, get a flu shot every year, frequently wash your hands, and use a disinfectant.

Let a flu/cold run its course. Get rest, drink a lot of fluids, and eat healthy foods. Over-the-counter medications, like a decongestant or nasal sprays, can help relieve your symptoms, but they do not cure your cold - only time can do that.

Allergies

Nasal allergies occur during exposure to an allergen, and your nasal cavity becomes irritated and inflamed. Unlike a flu/cold, allergies are not contagious. If you have a high temperature or an achy body, it is most likely a flu/cold rather than allergies. Common indoor and outdoor allergens include tree, grass, and weed pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold, and cockroaches.

There is no cure for allergies, but there are prescription and over-the-counter medications that treat allergy symptoms. For some people, allergy shots (immunotherapy) can help to reduce sensitivity to allergens over time. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.


SOURCE: This information should not substitute for seeking responsible, professional medical care. First created 1995; fully updated 1998; most recently updated 2005. © Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Editorial Board

7. What do isotonic and hypertonic mean—and how do I choose?

We recommend using only an isotonic solution—one Soothing Saline Easy-Pour Pack with 8 ounces of water. Just so you know, hypertonic buffered saline solutions use two Soothing Saline Easy-Pour Packs with each 8-ounce solution of water. However, please consult a doctor before using a hypertonic saline solution. Isotonic solutions may be used up to four times per day as needed.

8. Is Waterpik® SinuSense™ safe for all ages?

SinuSense™ sinus rinse products are safe for daily use for adults and children as young as 4. We recommend theSinuSense™ Water Pulsator only for those age 6 and older.

9. When should I use Waterpik® SinuSense™?

Here are some possible advantages at different times of the day:

  • Waking Up: SinuSense™ is a great way to start your day, especially if you sleep with the windows open. Those microscopic allergens in the air will pass right through your window screen, and if you use a ceiling fan, they’ll get all stirred up. Either way, you could wake to congestion.
  • Early Morning: If you like to exercise outdoors early in the morning, SinuSense™ is a great way to remove potential allergens that lurk most prominently in the first few hours after dawn. Try SinuSense™ immediately after an early morning run, bike ride, hike, tennis or golf game.
  • Before Strenuous Activities: SinuSense™ is also a great way to clear your nasal passages before any type of exercise of physical activity. If you exercise at the end of the day, try SinuSense™ just before your workout to clear away the day’s particulates.
  • Evening: If you work outside or near dust and other particulates all day long—landscaping or construction, for example—SinuSense™ is a great way to clear away the gunk before sitting down to dinner. It’s also a smart idea after gardening or mowing the lawn.

Important tip: Be sure to use SinuSense™ at least one hour before going to bed. A slight nasal drip can occur shortly after any sinus rinse, and it’s better to have it drip into a tissue than down the back of your throat while you’re trying to get to sleep.

Important caution: Whenever you blow your nose, even when you’re not using SinuSense™ sinus wash products, please blow very gently. Your sinus cavity, including your ears and your Eustachian tubes, are delicate.

10. Should I use all the saline solution?

Definitely, you’ll find that 8 ounces of Waterpik® SinuSense™ Soothing Saline formula goes quicker than you might imagine. The goal should be 4 ounces in each nostril. And remember to blow your nose—gently—before moving from one side to the next.

Important caution: Whenever you blow your nose, even when you’re not using SinuSense™ sinus rinse products, please blow very gently. It’s much kinder to your ears and the rest of your sinus system.

11. Should I blow my nose when I’m done?

Yes, Waterpik® SinuSense™ sinus rinse products clear away mucus and particulates that can clog your breathing. But to be most effective, always blow your nose—gently—before moving from one nostril to the next.

Important caution: Whenever you blow your nose, even when you’re not using SinuSense™ sinus wash products, please blow very gently. Your sinus cavity, including your ears and your Eustachian tubes, are delicate.

12. Is there an advantage to doing this in the shower vs. over a sink?

Either way will be just as effective in clearing your sinuses. But we’ve found that for some younger children, it’s better to be in a shower, where water is already rushing down the drain. And, of course, you won’t have to worry about accidently dripping water on your shirt if you miss the sink. Plus, it saves on tissues when you blow your nose—gently—as you move from one nostril to the next.

Important caution: Whenever you blow your nose, even when you’re not using Waterpik® SinuSense™ sinus rinse products, please blow very gently. Your sinus cavity, including your ears and your Eustachian tubes, are delicate.

13. How do I choose the right Waterpik® SinuSense™ product for me?

Time for a little self-analysis, this part is a little more art than science:

  • Waterpik® SinuSense™ Neti Pot: If you prefer a traditional approach to sinus wash, then the SinuSense™ Neti Pot is the right choice for you. Waterpik® SinuSense™ brand’s proprietary neti pot provides a gravity-fed water flow for the gentlest sinus rinse available. This unique neti pot is made with performance and comfort enhancements, so it’s easier and much less messy than traditional designs and it’s safe for everyday use for ages 4 and up.
  • Waterpik® SinuSense™ Neti Bottle: This is a unique option for people who want the gentle cleanse of a neti pot, but with the ease and flow control of a squeeze bottle. Waterpik® SinuSense™ brand’s proprietary neti bottle takes a innovative approach to the traditional neti pot with a handle-free comfort grip and sleek shape that is easy to use for a gentle, gravity-fed water flow that you control. And it’s safe for everyday use for ages 4 and up.
  • Waterpik® SinuSense™ Squeeze Bottle: This is for people who want control and power. Waterpik® SinuSense™ brand’s proprietary squeeze bottle lets you customize your water flow depending on how gently or forcefully you squeeze. Either way, you get a complete cleansing and it’s safe for everyday use for ages 4 and up.
  • Waterpik® SinuSense™ Water Pulsator: A revolution in sinus rinse, Waterpik® SinuSense™ brand's proprietary water pulsator is for people who want a maximum cleanse and comfort from a gentle pulsating stream that massages and moisturizes the sinus passages. The easy-to-use, battery-powered water pulsator does all the work with an easy squeeze of the trigger, and it’s safe for everyday use for ages 6 and up.
14. Why does it sting when I do a sinus wash?

If your water is too hot or too cold, it can create a mild sting. The formulation in the Soothing Saline Easy-Pour Packs is specially buffered to prevent stinging, as long as it’s mixed with 8 ounces of warm water. Occasionally, you might get a mild sting if the formula is not completely dissolved in your water. Be sure to give a good shake to the Pulsator reservoir, squeeze bottle, neti pot or neti bottle before using.

15. Why does my throat burn after doing a sinus rinse?

Learning to use Waterpik® SinuSense™ sinus rinse comes pretty quickly. Still, if you don’t tip your head forward just a little and continue breathing through your mouth, there’s a chance of a little solution reaching your throat. Don’t worry—it can’t harm you.

16. Can I still use Waterpik® SinuSense™ when I have a cold or allergies?

That’s a great time to use SinuSense™. Not only will it remove more mucus and stuffiness than just blowing your nose, it will also make breathing a little easier. And that makes all the other symptoms of cold, flu and allergies a little more bearable.

17. Can Waterpik® SinuSense™ prevent a cold or sinus infection?

It may help. Many regular users of SinuSense™ products tell us they increase from once or twice a day to as often as four times each day whenever they feel a cold or sinus infection coming on.

Important caution: Do not do sinus rinse if nasal passages are completely blocked or if you have an ear infection or blocked ears.

18. Will Waterpik® SinuSense™ work with my allergy medications?

It certainly won’t hurt. And if you’re using nasal sprays, SinuSense™ sinus rinse products will make it easier for them to reach their target—swollen nasal membranes and inflamed sinus tissue. Plus, you may find your breathing improves enough that you might want to cut back on prescription or over-the-counter medications.