I use a Neti Pot every night and it makes a big difference for me in keeping my nose uncongested so that I can breathe through it, and NOT my mouth, at night -- so, it goes hand in hand with CPAP treatment.
If you don't have this, or some sort of sinus rinse, you should really look into it. They're often sold at local drug stores, and definitely sold at www.apnealife.com.
Thanks for the video, I had never heard of a Neti Pot. I had trouble with nose bleeds due to my oxygen so I use a saline solution sometimes. I could not imagine having allergies while trying to use a CPAP and oxygen, wow.
Permalink Reply by Jan on December 5, 2009 at 9:01pm
Thanks for the video. For the first time since starting CPAP therapy, I didn't sleep with it on for most of the night last night. I've got some kind of cold/yucky very congested thing going on and I couldn't get comfortable or fall asleep with my nasal pillows mask. Girl Scout that I am ;-) I had purchased a netti pot, but never used it till now. I used it a few minutes ago and am still not congestion free.
Wondering how often you can use this, if there are side effects or things I need to watch out for. I am using the little pre-measured packets that come with the pot.
Thanks
Jan
P.S. For those of you who have never used one, it sounds way grosser than it is. It was really quite easy to use.
Permalink Reply by Jan on December 5, 2009 at 9:23pm
I guess I wasn't enough of a Girl Scout afterall. I don't have one of those devices around...but will get one.
Not sure that the netie pot is going to help with sleeping tonight, I'm already congested again and used it less than an hour ago ;-( I already take claritan and flonase daily and took some cold pills today. Ugh.
I purchased both the NeilMed bottle and the Neti-pot when I was at Walgreen's last winter. I used the squeeze bottle and have found that I must do it really early in the evening.
I use approximately 1/2 in each side. But for some reason I always get a big gush an hour or so after using it. I tilt my head as shown and use it according to the directions. It has done this every time I have tried using it so it wasn't a one-time thing. If I use it for example around 6 p.m. between 7 and 8 I will have a significant amount leak, actually pour out my nose from both sides. Somehow it isn't all draining and until it does I can feel the pressure. I have tried gently clearing my nose, tried blowing it afterwards, shaking my head, holding the above position for awhile after it stops draining, bending over at the waist for a couple of minutes etc. and nothing seems to actually help, except time.
Permalink Reply by 99 on December 5, 2009 at 9:51pm
i have never used a neti pot
however
what i have previouly done is remarkably very simular
use a shallow bowl with desoloved salt and warm water
put your nose into the bowl and suck up the solution into the nose and discharge out of the mouth
do the same for the other nose
After seeing kids at school sucking up milk in their nose, I think I will stick to either the bottle or neti-pot!!
Yes, I know they shouldn't suck the milk through their nose, but kids do things when you aren't looking and I put a stop to it when I catch them. I have preK-3 during cafeteria duty. :)
After my recent sinus problems I do believe I will be purchasing some sort of neti pot. After my car accident the doc told me that one day my sinuses were going to go beserk. I believe that time is here.