Saline Nasal Rinse How To

Leslie Gomez, a board-certified nurse family nurse practitioner (FNP-C), demonstrates a step-by-step process for conducting a saline nasal rinse.
Instructions:
1. Pour ingredients and water into the sinus rinse bottle up to the dotted line. If you were instructed to add medication, add it in along with the saline packet. **You can also warm it up in the microwave for about 30 seconds until lukewarm if you prefer for comfort.
2. Secure the tip of the nozzle into one nostril and bend forward over the sink or shower. With the nozzle pointed towards the top of your head, gently squeeze the bottle. The water will flush out your nose and sinus cavities and exit through your opposite nostril or your mouth. Try not to swallow the water, spit it out instead. Rinse about half of the bottle through each side. Make sure you lean forward from the waist and tuck your chin close to your chest.
3. Clean the bottle 1-2 times per week. Rinse out the bottle and wash the tip daily with soap and water. Allow to air dry. About once a week, clean the bottle and the tip by mixing equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide or equal parts water and bleach, shake it thoroughly and squirt the solution out of the tip to clean it through. You can also wash the bottle and tip in the dishwasher 1-2 times per week.
Saline Rinse Recipe:
1 teaspoon NON-iodized salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
Dissolve in 1 quart (32oz) of boiled or distilled water.
Learn More about Leslie Gomez, MSN, FNP-C: providers.ucsd...)
Get information about Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) care at UC San Diego Health:
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0:00 - Introduction
0:15 - Preferred rinse bottle
0:26 - How to prepare
0:40 - Fill the bottle
1:10 - Body position and process
2:17 - Rinse demonstration
2:30 - After rinse advice
2:52 - Rinse bottle care