What type of water should i use for my Neti Pot?
Dear Reader,
NeilMed is the world’s largest company for manufacturing and selling large volume nasal rinse devices. Our products are available throughout the USA, Canada and several other countries. As a practicing physician, I have placed a great amount of effort, since 2000, in writing appropriate instructions to address anticipated concerns for the type of water to be used with our nasal wash devices.
NeilMed has learned about recent news and internet articles concerning the improper use of unfiltered or contaminated tap water with neti pots. We emphasize when used as directed, NeilMed’s nasal wash devices are safe, affordable and effective to use. From the beginning, NeilMed’s directions of use have always stressed the importance of using clean and previously boiled, distilled or filtered water through a 0.2 micron filter for nasal irrigation. Our product brochure clearly notes that using tap water is not recommended. Please do not use tap or faucet water when using NeilMed’s nasal wash devices unless it has been previously boiled and cooled down. NeilMed brochures also provide clear instructions for disinfecting our nasal irrigation devices. The neti pot devices are designed to allow for microwave disinfection as they do not contain any metal parts.
Can I use the tap water for nasal rinsing if it is labeled safe to drink?
No, we do not recommend using tap water for nasal rinsing. Tap water is not always safe depending on its environmental source, and it is impossible to designate all areas with water safe for nasal irrigation. Customers need to clearly understand that without proper sterilization, tap water can possibly contain bacteria that may lead to an infection.
NeilMed products have helped millions worldwide who continue to use nasal irrigation for their nasal and sinus mucus symptoms. Please review the warnings and follow the directions set forth in our brochures, flyers and pamphlets. NeilMed’s website contains the most up-to-date product information, and we advise against relying on information from other unauthorized sources.
If you cannot obtain previously boiled, distilled or filtered water for nasal irrigation, we offer a premixed, ready-to-use solution called NeilMed Sinuflo® ReadyRinse®. This product is available at Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid and several other stores.
As a physician, I feel it is my personal duty to inform you that nasal irrigation is safe and effective as long as directions are followed as described in our various materials. Again, we want to make clear that just because tap water could be safe to drink, one cannot conclude that it is safe for nasal irrigation.
For additional information on product disinfection, we recommend visiting our website at https://www.neilmed.com/usa/disinfection-protocol/ or reading the NeilMed brochure included with our product packaging.
Click here to download Dr. Mehta’s education brochure.
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You should state WHY you recommend not using tap water….I was feeling horrible and stupidly didn’t go with your directions on the label b/c I thought it was just because it might not be effective. Now if it said “due to the chance of deadly organisms entering your brain” I would have not been lazy and done your recommendation!!!!!