How to Use a Neilmed Sinus Rinse

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Obtain a Neilmed Sinus Rinse kit.

   You can get the kit from your local pharmacy or NeilMed's website.
   
   NeilMed offers three types of kits:
   The Sinus Rinse Starter Kit includes an 8-ounce (240ml) squeeze bottle and 5 packets of premixed rinse solution.
   
   The Sinus Rinse Complete Kit includes an 8-ounce (240 ml) squeeze bottle and 50 packets of premixed rinse solution.
   
   The Sinus Rinse Kids Starter Kit includes a 4-ounce (120ml) squeeze bottle and 30 packets of premixed rinse solution, specially formulated for children.
2. 2

   Step 2: Wash your hands to avoid contaminating the product.

   The CDC recommends that you use warm water and soap.
   
   Scrub your hands for about 20 seconds, or about the amount of time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice., You should warm the water for 5 seconds at a time if using a microwave.
   
   It should be at body-temperature, or "lukewarm." Do not use water that is not micro-filtered, boiled, or distilled to rinse your sinuses.
   
   Tap water may contain microorganisms that could cause illness., The correct amount of water should be 8 oz. (240 ml).
   
   Your water line should be at the dotted fill line of the bottle.
   
   If you are using a Kids Sinus Rinse kit, you will use 4 oz. (120 ml) of water. , Don't use your teeth to tear the packet. , Make sure you screw the cap on tightly so it doesn't fall off in the next step. , This will allow the saline mixture to dissolve into the water. , Tilt your head down and breathe through your mouth, not your nose. , Keep your mouth open, because the mixture can drain from your mouth as well as the opposite nostril.
   
   This also reduces pressure on the ears. , Squeeze until the solution begins to drain from the opposite nostril. , You can use up to half the solution per nostril, but you should always use at least one-quarter of the solution for each. , Pinching your nose entirely shut would put too much pressure on your eardrums.
   
   Then, try sniffing in the remaining solution to help clear out the nasopharyngeal area (at the back of your nasal passages).
   
   Tilt your head to the opposite side to expel any remaining solution from your sinuses or nasal passage.
   
   Spit out any solution that reaches the back of your throat. , Use the rest of the solution. , Never store leftover solution.
   
   It can breed bacteria. , Rinse the cap, tube, and rinse bottle with water.
   
   Then, add a drop of dishwashing detergent to the bottle and fill it with water.
   
   Put the cap on and shake the bottle well.
   
   Squeeze the soapy water through the cap.
   
   Use a bottle brush to scrub the bottle, cap, and tube.
   
   Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
   
   Air dry the bottle and nozzle on a clean towel or glass plate.
3. 3

   Step 3: Warm up distilled or previously boiled water until it is slightly warm.You can warm water up on the stove or in the microwave in a clean safe container.

4. 4

   Step 4: Fill the bottle with the designated amount of water.

5. 5

   Step 5: Cut the corner of a mixture packet that came with the kit.

6. 6

   Step 6: Pour the contents into the bottle and tighten the cap.

7. 7

   Step 7: Place one finger over the tip and shake the bottle gently.

8. 8

   Step 8: Bend forward over a sink to your comfort level.

9. 9

   Step 9: Put the nozzle tip snugly against one of your nostrils.

10. 10

    Step 10: Squeeze the bottle gently to force the liquid into your nasal passages.

11. 11

    Step 11: Squeeze the bottle until 1/4-to-1/2 (60-to-120 ml) is used in one nostril.

12. 12

    Step 12: Blow your nose without pinching it completely shut.

13. 13

    Step 13: Repeat the last five steps for the other nostril.

14. 14

    Step 14: Discard the tiny amount of solution left over.

15. 15

    Step 15: Disinfect the sinus rinse bottle.

Detailed Guide

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