The 8 Best Neti Pots to Clear Your Sinuses, According to Experts

Where We Stand

After reviewing the most popular neti pots on the market and speaking to ENT experts, our top choice is the SinuCleanse Soft Tip Neti Pot because it features a soft tip and includes 30 pre-made saline packets, making it a hassle-free way to introduce yourself to nasal irrigation. We continue to review and update our articles and speak with new experts to ensure we are providing you with relevant, timely information. 

How We Selected the Best Neti Pots

When looking for the right neti pot, it's crucial to take into account the material of the reservoir, how easy it is to clean, and its overall user-friendliness. We carried out research and spoke to experts about a variety of neti pots, and then narrowed down our list based on the following criteria:

• Materials: When selecting our top neti pots, we paid careful attention to what each product was made out of. We carefully chose products made from either ceramic or flexible, BPA-free plastic to ensure they’re safe, sanitary, and durable. 
• Ease of cleaning: We took note of whether or not each neti pot can be easily cleaned based on its material and the design of the product. We prioritized neti pots that are easier to clean and keep sanitary. 
• Additional features: We examined whether or not the neti pots came with additional features such as flexible tips, thermometers, and extra saline packets. While these features aren’t necessarily deal-breakers, they can make the overall experience more pleasant, so we prioritized products to help ease new users.  
• Pricing: The cost of the nasal rinse system will vary depending on the material of the product and whether or not it’s reusable. We included a variety of products at different price points to fit every budget. 

What to Look for When Shopping for Neti Pots

• Materials: Plastic and ceramic are the two most commonly chosen materials and your selection should be based on your need for durability. A ceramic neti pot may come at a higher cost, but it offers longevity through repeated washes. However, plastic may be more user-friendly, less likely to break, and has a lower risk for mold. Most plastic devices need to be replaced every 3 months. Many devices will recommend periodic sterilization and/or replacement use after 3 months, shares Dr. Wada. 
• Cleaning and Hygiene: Consider how often you're willing to clean your neti pot, if you’d like a dishwasher-safe option for convenience, or if you prefer one-time use options. You’ll need to clean your neti pot after each use and ensure it dries thoroughly before using it again. A wire brush can help clean the product, adds Dr. Undavia.
• Ease of Use: At the end of the day, the best neti pot is the one you’ll use regularly, especially if you experience chronic sinus infections, allergies, or inflammation. We recommend opting for a neti pot that’s easy to clean whether that’s by hand or in the dishwasher. 
• Features: Rinsing your sinuses isn’t always the most enjoyable experience. To make it easier and more enjoyable, consider opting for a neti pot that includes additional features like an anti-gravity design, essential oils, or customizable nasal tips.
• Solution: The solution that is packaged with neti pots includes an isotonic solution of salt water. This solution is designed not to burn or cause irritation while rinsing, although it is important to follow the directions on the packaging to ensure you do not create a hypertonic solution.

Benefits of Using a Neti Pot or Nasal Rinse

• Improves allergy symptoms: A buffered saline solution can help control allergy symptoms like sneezing or a runny nose, notes Dr. Undavia.
• Removes pathogens and debris: Dr. Undavia shares that neti pots can improve or prevent infections from sinus viruses or bacteria by rinsing away pathogens.
• Improves sleep quality: Dr. Wada explains that nasal rinses might improve sleep quality as they clear the sinuses and allow for a clear nasal passageway. A clearer nasal passageway may lead to fewer sleep disturbances throughout the night, as you won’t be waking up, struggling to breathe.
• May shorten infections: Our experts agree that sinus rinses and neti pots can both prevent or shorten the duration of infections that impact your sinuses.

Our Experts

• Samir Undavia, MD of NJ ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery is an attending physician of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Kara Wada, MD, is an allergist and immunologist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
  

Why Trust Verywell Health

As a registered dietitian, Caroline Thomason has 10+ years of experience in healthcare and the wellness space. She personally enjoys using neti pots and reviewed the top products on the market. For this piece, she worked closely with ENTs and allergists to get the inside scoop about real-world insights on neti pots in a variety of categories.