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We've recently had several customer inquiries about the difference between isotonic and hypertonic saline sinus rinses. Both saline solutions wash germs, allergens, and other
pollutants out of the sinuses. However, some customers find that hypertonic solutions work better for them, while others experience uncomfortable burning
or stinging sensations when they use hypertonic solutions.
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Hypertonic Saline Sinus Rinses
Saline is simply salt water. "Iso" means "equal" and "hyper" means "high." Hypertonic saline has a higher concentration of salt. While some physicians
recommend hypertonic solutions because a higher concentration of salt may draw fluid and mucus out more effectively, many patients experience a
burning sensation when they use hypertonic solutions. It is strongly recommended that customers use hypertonic rinses only under the advice of their
physician. If you experience painful burning or stinging when using a hypertonic saline wash, you should stop using it. If your sinus membranes are
badly inflamed, then the simple sensation of touch could be enough to cause pain, and you should see a doctor if you haven't already.
SaltAire Sinus Relief is our best-selling hypertonic saline sinus wash. The
saline solution is pre-mixed, and it comes in an easy-to-use, manually operated pump bottle, which gives you convenient fingertip control over the flow
of the saline.
Isotonic Saline Sinus Rinses
Isotonic saline solutions have a lower concentration of salt. "Iso" means equal, and an isotonic solution should be perfectly balanced for your body.
If your nose is very dry, you may find that a hypertonic solution dries it out even more, while an isotonic solution should restore
moisture. However, if your nose is very swollen, an isotonic solution may not be strong enough to draw out the mucus.
The NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit and
the Neilmed NasaFlo Neti Pot Kit come with packets of saline mix, and you just add water
to create your own isotonic solution. The NasaFlo Neti Pot Kit relies on gravity to wash out the sinuses, and therefore you don't have to use
force or pressure. Sinus rinsing should be gentle and soothing, not painful. If you wish to try a hypertonic solution with your NeilMed sinus rinse
kit, you may create your own by using two Neilmed Mixture Packets instead of one.
The Breathe-Ease XL Nasal Wash System, developed leading MD specialist Murrary
Grossan, also allows you to choose a hypertonic or isotonic concentration by adding more or less mix to the water. The Breathe-Ease XL Nasal Wash
System comes with a convenient miniature spray bottle perfect for traveling.
A more recent addition to our saline rinse offerings is the SinuAir Saline Mix Kits.
Whether you purchase as a bottle of saline mix powder, in single use packets or as part of a complete nasal wash system, SinuAir is a safe
and effective way to cleanse the sinuses. You can vary the strength
and create a hypertonic solution by varying the concentration, and all is free of harsh
chemicals or preservatives.
The SinuPulse Elite Advanced Nasal Sinus Irrigation System is the latest
addition to the sinus irrigator family. The SinuPulse operates on the same principles as the HydroPulse system with a few improvements.
With dual spray operation features and an LED display, the SinuPulse Elite also comes standard with SinuAir saline mix.
The Grossan HydroPulse Sinus Irrigation System is our high-end sinus rinse kit
with fully variable pressure control and calibrated pulse rate. Also invented by Dr. Grossan, the Grossan HydroPulse Sinus Irrigation System is a
favorite among customers recovering from sinus surgery, and it comes with Breathe-Ease XL saline mix.
Tips for Using Saline Sinus Rinses
Whether you're using a SinuPulse, HydroPulse, a bottle, or a
neti pot, water temperature is important. If the water is too hot or too cold, it could cause
unpleasant sensations. The water should be pleasantly warm.
You should also rinse off your irrigator tip, bottle, or net poti with hot water and soap after each use to prevent bacterial growth.
To learn about other solutions to sinus problems, see our Sinus Problems Solution Guide.
Originally published in the March 2007 issue
of Allergy Consumer Report.
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