Himalayan Institue Original Neti Pot, Non-breakable

The neti pot is one of those things that I always knew I *needed* and would love once I got one and started using it.

But I still dragged my heels about getting one.

When we were out in a store one day, we saw one and my 17 year old son told me to get it. As always, I didn't feel like spending the $20 right then. There always seems to be *other* things I'd rather spend $20 on. And there we were, each ordering a gourmet coffee at $4 each. ::shame::

My son *firmly* said, for the second time, "Mom ~ GET IT!"

So I did.

And still, it just sat there. On the counter. All clean and ready to go, but picking it up and using it was another matter entirely.

And then one day, I just did it. I had been having allergy attacks, from being in the enclosed house with the woodstove burning all of the time. I couldn't believe I was sneezing so much!

So I picked up the pot, prepared the water and the salt, and did it.

It was so funny ~ I came out of the bathroom with my eyes all red and watery, with my throat all itchy feeling, my head all dizzy. My sons were like, "Yeah! That worked REALLY well!" <>

But once you get over the *trauma* of the first time using it (it's like going underwater and getting water up your nose, but after you do it the first time, you know what to expect...), it's amazing.

I usually do it in the morning now before I do my yoga and I feel great all day. From that *first* day I used it, those allergy symptoms I wrote about were GONE. I still am sneezy once in awhile, but just from normal irritants. I'm going to start doing it once in the morning and once in the evening.

It is amazing to be able to BREATHE and to have CLEAR feeling sinuses!!

If you are even *thinking* of getting this for yourself, just DO it. You won't be sorry. Everyone I know who has one is in love with it. It's easy ~ don't worry about getting all the special *washes* or *salts*. It works with regular salt or sea salt.

You'll be so happy you got it and used it when you're not getting those colds and sinus infections anymore.

I have purchased three Neti pots: both of the ones here--the Himalayan Institute ceramic and plastic--and the Ancient Secrets ceramic pot. I gave away this ceramic one, but kept the plastic one for travel. The Ancient Secrets is my preferred pot. If they ever make a plastic one, I will get it also and get rid of my Himalayan Institute plastic one!

Why I don't like this specific pot:
- it does not form a good "seal" around my nostril
- water does not flow smoothly through my sinuses
- water is always coming out of the top and dripping down the outside of the pot and therefore down my face

The Ancient Secrets pot has none of these problems! It seals well, flows smoothly, and does not come out of the top. Definitely get it instead.

I might have rated this pot higher, perhaps even a two or three, had I not used the Ancient Secrets one and found it to be so much better! The price on both seems too high, but I have yet to see a reasonably priced Neti pot!

Last but not least, there is no need to buy any special salts. Plain table salt works fine (get the NON-IODIZED variety) as does Kosher salt (it should be non-iodized but has a larger grain so you need to use about twice as much). Think about it: you are most likely going to be using tap water rather than heating up filtered water, so do you really need some overpriced "pure", "medical grade" salt? Save your money!!!

You can pay $100 or so for the electric pumps or just over half that for a Waterpik with a Grossan attachment. But, read the reviews. They have serious quality and support problems and I've tried both and the Neti pot works just fine. It takes a couple of uses to get the hang of it, and you may feel like an idiot the first time bent over the sink learning to suppress the drowning reflex making privacy helpful at first, but I've used it for more than three years and it's as routine as brushing my teeth.

I have serious allergies and severe sleep apnea and am on CPAP so clear sinuses are really important to me. When I started using the Neti pot, I was able to get off of OTC nasal inhalers which have side effects that can be hard to pin down but can cause insomnia and dependency. (I was a thirty year abuser.)

You don't need the special saline packets though they are kind of handy. University of Michigan Med suggests using 1/4 tsp of kosher or pickling salt with an equal amount of baking soda in 8 oz. of warm tap water. I like the water just slightly warmer than body temp. Iodized salt and even some "natural" salts can burn. Some, but not all, sea salts work fine alone. Using a saline solution that is comfortable helps a lot.

Try this before investing in one of the "high-tech" products and see if it doesn't meet your needs just as well. I'll never stop using it.

I thought about getting a Neti Pot a long time before I bought this, and I've had it for several months now. It's very pretty, but holds only 6 oz., and that is filled clear to the brim. I find I can get about 4 1/2 oz. in the pot to use without spilling. That's not much, so for best results, I have to do each nostril twice. The spout doesn't taper and is really too large for my nostrils (I have an average size nose, not big, not small). Because of that, I have difficulty getting a good seal without pinching the nostril closed. This one does work, it's just not great. The 15 oz stainless steel neti pot I bought later works wonderfully. Unfortunately, I've never seen one on Amazon. It has a cone-shaped piece at the end of the spout. Because this piece is tapered, I can get a good seal. Also, the pot is deeper and the spout is attached close to the bottom, making it easier to pour the solution through the nostril. I can fill this pot up once and clean both nostrils, making the process quicker, easier, and more effective.

This product works okay, but it is somewhat fragile and I chipped mine on the faucet during the first week of use. I prefer, instead, to use a stainless steel NetiPot in place of the ceramic style here. Stainless steel is more durable and seems to work better than the ceramic NetiPot with its unique design.

This was my first neti pot, more than a decade ago. At the time, it did the job; but I now understand after using much better pots that this is not a very good neti pot.

The spout's fit is not snug and if it isn't snug, the user does not get the full benefit of the ablution.

It's also a small pot requiring reloading to rinse both sinuses. All other pots I've used over the years were large enough to rinse both sinuses without having to reload.

A miracle device!

I must admit, I ended up using the Neti Pot out of sheer desperation - not out of recommendation. It seems that when I get a cold I always have the worst sinus problems, total blockage and a terribly runny nose. Sinus problems are definitely the most annoying symptoms with a cold, for me anyways.

For me, when I get a cold usually it goes like this -
First I'll try steam, vapor-rub, and pretty much every non-medicine based approach. I don't like using cold medicine because often-times it doesn't work at all, in the best case my sinuses will clear slightly and I'll have a terrible runny nose. But usually it doesn't work and I'm stuck with that 'medicine-head' feeling the next day. So, meds don't work. I don't like using sprays because they only work briefly and my mom actually lost her sense of smell by using a nasal spray, so that scared me away. In the end I just fight a losing battle until I eventually get over the cold.

Recently a terrible cold started going around at my office. I work in a small office of a dozen people so it hit everybody - hard. I started going through the same rituals of steam, vapors, etc (they do seem to work slightly, though it's often short-lived). After doing a little research I ran across this device. The whole thing sounded odd, but it did make sense so out of desperation I decided to give it a try. Let me say, I'm never going back to my old rituals! This thing really is magic.

I can't believe how well the neti pot works! It's so simple, so basic, but it works so well! When I flush my sinuses with the neti pot I get instant relief and long lasting relief at that! Before I would beg for just 5 minutes of relief and now I can go at least a couple hours (and that's when my cold is at its worst). Unlike medicine my nose dries up enough to where it doesn't run at all! (But not too dry) It's almost too good to be true, instant, long-lasting relief and no runny nose? No way! Also, I swear my cold is going away much faster then usual. I'm writing this on my break and as I write this review I'm hearing people sniffle and talk funny and they've had this cold for a couple weeks now. I just got this cold a few days ago and I'm feeling much better all-around. I'm not sure if this is helping me get over the cold faster then usual, but it sure seems that way.

I do have a few tips for you though if you decide to go this route -
First, if your nose is 100% blocked (or a nostril is) then the neti pot might not work so well - you should have at least a little bit of air-movement through your nostrils. If you're totally blocked then try to clear your nose temporarily, even slightly, so you can use this device. Try taking a hot shower, using a vapor-rub, or even try doing as many push-ups as you can (this really does work).

Try clearing out the most blocked nostril first. I have read reviews where people experience ear pain when using a neti pot. I think what happens is that people have a really plugged nostril and they start by trying to clear the lesser-plugged nostril and the unclear nostril is so clogged that the solution takes another route - to the ear, which causes ear pain. If you start with the most plugged nostril then if the solution doesn't clear it, at least the solution is blocked right away and not taking another route in your head!

Don't tilt your head too much. Once you have the solution flowing through your sinuses and the neti pot starts to empty a bit, just tilt the neti pot more, not your head. When I used this for the first time I tilted my head too far and I could feel the solution go deep in my ears and it caused a little bit of ear pain. I immediately stopped so the pain wasn't too bad, but you can avoid it by not tilting too much. This all may sound complicated but it's not, just watch a couple YouTube videos and you'll see how to do it correctly.

The neti pot isn't just great for colds and allergies - it's safe to use every day! Go ahead and use it so your sinuses are always nice and clean.

In the end I can't recommend this enough. It's the only thing that works well for me when I have a cold. When I'm over this cold completely I still plan on using this pot at least a few times a week, just to keep things clear. This device may sound weird (my wife thinks I'm nuts!) but it really does work. Try it!

I've owned this neti pot and this one (Ancient Secrets Ceramic Nasal Cleansing Pot, 1 Neti Pot), and really like the Ancient Secrets model better. My biggest problem is with the design of this one, and how it spills easier than the Ancient Secrets model.

Bottom line: This product is rated highly, but when I buy a new neti pot, I'll be buying the Ancient Secrets model.

I can't believe how cool this is ! The first time I tried it, I though my head was going to explode! Then I learned how to tilt my head just right, and lo and behold, the saline water flowed in one nostril, roamed around my head, and drained out the other side. Followed by a healthy nose blowing, and WOW, I was a new man! You gotta try this, its fun and good for you.

It seems a little intimidating at first, but it is really no big deal. You just have to remember to leave your mouth open (to breathe)when you pour the warm salt water through your nostril(s). Make sure it's NOT too HOT, or you will quickly regret it! This isn't anything I would ever look forward to doing, as it does feel like getting water up your nose (like when you're in the pool), but overall, it is a nice alternative when you're feeling a cold coming on. I'm not plagued with ongoing allergies, so I'm not one who would use this every day, but I purchased one for my father, who is. Once he gets over the initial, "ewww",I hope he will use it. It beats blowing your nose every few minutes, or getting knocked out from Benadryl.

I decided to buy a neti pot after sinus issues were starting to keep me up at night, and ultimately decided on this one.
Pros: it is quite pretty, I like the fact that it is ceramic and can be cleaned more easily than plastic, and although it took a while to get the hang of, it has helped with congestion.
Cons: the spout is uncomfortably large. It is too thick to actually fit into my nostril, and the bulky, rounded edge doesn't create a very good seal. Additionally, the small, squat shape of the pot makes it difficult to fill to the top without slopping water everywhere (especially if you mix the salt in the pot, rather than a separate container), and even more difficult to pour water through the sinuses without accidentally tipping too far and spilling water from the top of the pot. Some days, I feel like more water ends up spilled on my bathroom counter than in my nose.
I will continue to use it for now because of the benefit to my sinuses, but I plan on eventually replacing it with a more user-friendly model.

Neti Pot, Non-breakable

THIS IS A GREAT ITEM- WORKS GREAT, TRAVEL FRIENDLY, AND PRETTY!

I purchased this pot after seeing it on Oprah.

My husband had been having chronic ear infections caused from his sinus cavity. His doctor wanted to operate. We thought we would try the Netipot first. He has been using everyday and his ear infections have went from almost constantly to just one every now and then. When an ear infections does flare up, he uses his Netipot twice a day and the duration is greatly shortened.

I just recently had a cold with sore throat and ears and I tried the Netipot too. I was so much better. It relieved the pressure in my ears.

We just use with sea salt, we have never even tried the saline solutions that are sold for it. It works great for us!

A friend recommended the Neti Pot to me as a good way to improve any sinus distress due to pollen, dust or whatever causes problems from time to time. After searching the net I decided to get mine from Amazon because their price was competitive and their service has always been good for me.
Since receiving it I have tried it 3 or 4 times. The first time I was left with a bit of residual water in my sinuses that didn't feel comfortable. How you hold your head must determine how well this thing works because after a couple more tries that problem was less noticeable.
My conclusion is that it did seem to clear everything out nicely and the free breathing felt good but this thing is no miracle device. I expect to use it again when I think I need it but do not intend to make a daily habit of it as some folks seem to believe necessary.

Neti Pot is very useful. Directions easy to follow. Works as described. Very glad I purchased it.

The use of this product is a little strange and in reality kind of gross, BUT, it does work. I can say that it helps me clear irritants and opens up my otherwise clogged nose. You have to relax otherwise you won't get the right flow, just keep that in mind.

I am very pleased with my purchase. This plastic one is a little flimsy but it won't break, I might consider the ceramic one if I ever need a replacement, but then there is the non breakable and lightweight feature of this model.

Kind of hard to go wrong with this product. It's a plastic pot that fits in your nose. I do highly recommend neti washing; it's kept my nose clear for practicing Qigong and has kept my allergies to a minimum this season. I suppose my only qualm would be that they called it "non-breakable" instead of simply plastic. I would definitely recommend a plastic neti pot over a ceramic one.

My girlfriend just sent me an article from yahoo news about two deaths in Louisiana linked to Neti pot use. From the article "The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals issued its warning following a second death this year caused by Naegleria fowleri, the so-called brain-eating amoeba." It goes on to recommend using only boiled, bottled, or distilled water in your Neti. The amoeba is very rare in tap water, and is safe to drink. It only causes problems when it goes into your sinuses. Most people get sick from it when swimming in warm fresh water, but if it is in your tap water then the Neti could make ironically make you a lot sicker. I'd rather have a stuffed nose than have my brain deteriorate as I sink into a fog of hallucination before dying within 12 days.

That being said, I love how I feel after using it. It is wonderful to be able to breathe through a clean head. I find it is easier to use in the shower, plus the shower steam also help me breath better. I'm going to continue using my Neti but I'm going to boil the water first. You know, just to be safe.

I seldom write product reviews, but this simple device has changed my life and I want to sing it's praises!

I have struggled with dry, bloody sinuses for years. Seldom a day went by that I didn't have a nose bleed or a sinus headache or both. Traditional medicine ran me through the gamut of allergists, ENTs and a bevy of sinus/allergy meds. NOTHING helped!

In fact, the ONLY way I found relief was scuba/free diving in the warm waters of Hawaii. Although, at the time, I didn't make the connection. I assumed I was allergic to something in or around my California home, and assumed returning to California would bring the return of my sinus problems. It did.

Purely by chance, however, I stumbled across this Neti pot and process of irrigating one's sinuses with a saline solution. And a light went on in my head! Could this be THE common denominator with diving in Hawaii? ABSOLUTELY, YES!!! The Neti pot has cured my sinus problem!!! I'm stoked! I LOVE this thing! I can breathe easily without "BreatheRight" strips and my headaches and nose bleeds are gone!

I truly cannot believe that NO ONE in tradition medicine EVER mentioned a Neti Pot. I guess the business of medicine comes before patient health, but I digress...

If you have the kind of sinus problem I did, I highly recommend you try this! It helped me TREMENDOUSLY!!!