Allergist Approved: The 8 Best Neti Pots to Flush Away Allergies, Infections, and Congestion (2024)

Allergist Approved: The 8 Best Neti Pots to Flush Away Allergies, Infections, and Congestion (1)

Kara Wada, MD, allergist and immunologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, explains that neti pots can help reduce symptoms associated with chronic sinus problems such as runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy throat, and blocked nasal airflow. Likewise, by flushing out mucus, neti pots can help improve sleep quality, which in turn can help you recover from illness faster.

When shopping for a new neti pot, it's essential to consider factors such as the materials used, ease of cleaning, and overall user-friendliness to ensure it meets your specific needs. We researched numerous neti pots keeping those factors in mind, and then narrowed down our list based on criteria such as material quality, ease of cleaning, additional features, and pricing. Here are the best neti pots available today.

Our Top Picks

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In This Article

  • Our Picks

  • How We Selected

  • What to Look For

  • Benefits

  • Our Experts

  • Why Trust Verywell Health

Pros

  • Includes 30 saline packets

  • BPA-free, latex-free plastic

  • Soft silicone tip for comfort

Cons

  • Not dishwasher safe

  • Saline may be too strong for some

Key Specs

Material: BPA-free plastic | Reservoir Size: 8 fluid ounces | Accessories Included: Soft tip, 30 saline packets

Why We Recommend It

Our top pick is the SinuCleanse Soft Tip Neti Pot because of its user-friendly design, comfort, and efficiency. In addition to being BPA and latex-free, its transparent construction allows for easy monitoring of the reservoir's fill level and it can be easily cleaned by hand after each use.

Unlike most Neti pots with rigid, plastic tips, the SinuCleanse features a soft tip design to ensure a more comfortable fit in your nostril. Soft tips also allow for a better “seal” when using the neti pot to prevent backflow or accidental spillage of the saline solution. Plus, it includes 30 saline rinse packets and comes at an affordable price, making it an ideal starter kit for those who are new to neti pots.

Keep in Mind

If you need an easy-to-clean neti pot that is dishwasher safe, this option might not be for you.

Pros

  • Includes 50 saline packets

  • Antimicrobial, BPA-free plastic

  • Soft and flexible exterior for squeezing and better control

Cons

  • Not dishwasher safe

  • May not be convenient for travel

Key Specs

Material: BPA-free plastic | Reservoir Size: 8 fluid ounces | Accessories Included: 50 saline packets

Why We Recommend It

Made with antimicrobial plastic, the design of the GuruNanda Arm & Hammer Neti Pot keeps things sanitary without breaking the bank. We love the flexible plastic material to help you squeeze the salty solution into your nasal passage with more precision and consistent pressure control.

We particularly like the lid, which twists to lock and ensures you can avoid spillage and unnecessary waste of saline solution. Not to mention this neti pot is set at an affordable price and includes a good amount of saline packets. That means you can continue to use it over multiple instances of sinus infections and allergy attacks without needing to shell out more money to restock the saline.

Keep in Mind

While we love that this product is made from antimicrobial plastic, it is not dishwasher safe.

Pros

  • BPA-, gluten-, and latex-free

  • Reusable long-term

  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

Key Specs

Material: Porcelain | Reservoir Size: 8 fluid ounces | Accessories Included: 50 saline packets

Why We Recommend It

If you’re looking for a porcelain neti pot to use again and again, we love this option from NeilMed. It comes at a competitive price point and the kit includes 50 saline packets, which means it’s a budget-friendly option all around. We love their dedication to an allergen-friendly product as this sinus cleanse is BPA-, gluten-, and latex-free.

If you plan on using the product often, you’ll only need to repurchase the salt packets or make your own solution at home. We also love that this product is dishwasher friendly so you won’t have to worry about sanitizing it manually after each use—making it a perfect fit for long-term use.

Keep in Mind

Because the lid doesn’t fully lock into place, you may have to hold the top in place while using it and avoid shaking or stirring too vigorously. Also, ceramic likely won’t be your best bet for travel, so if you need something portable, you might want to try another from our list.

Pros

  • Portable and disposable

  • Prevents backflow during use

  • Easy to control the pressure and flow

Cons

  • Has a shorter lifespan compared to a conventional neti pot

Key Specs

Material: Plastic | Reservoir Size: 8 fluid ounces | Accessories Included: 10 saline packets

Why We Recommend It

When you only require occasional nasal irrigation, such as during recovery from a sinus infection, you might not want a neti pot that needs to be continuously cleaned and stored afterward. The Squip Nasaline Nasal Rinsing System offers a mini nasal irrigation solution, combining the short-term usability of a syringe with the comfort of a neti pot's contoured tip. However, as the syringe isn't designed for extended use, Squip recommends replacing it every three months. It serves as an ideal disposable option to expedite recovery from illnesses or severe allergies.

Traveling can trigger allergy symptoms and expose you to respiratory viruses due to factors like plane air quality and environmental changes, such as varying pollen levels, temperature, and humidity in a new location: This sinus cleanse is compact and portable, making it perfect for travel.

Keep in Mind

While this product is great for short-term use, if you are planning on reusing your neti pot, you’ll want to find another option.

Pros

  • Durable, porcelain design

  • Includes high-purity salt and soothing herbal rinse

  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Inflexible tip may cause discomfort

  • Doesn’t include a lid

Key Specs

Material: Lead-free ceramic and glaze | Reservoir Size: 2.5 ounces | Accessories Included: Salt wash

Why We Recommend It

For those looking to elevate their neti pot routine, we recommend the porcelain neti pot by Himalayan Chandra. Beyond its stylish appearance on your bathroom shelf, it's built to endure numerous uses and can be conveniently cleaned in the dishwasher. If a reliable neti pot is crucial to your well-being, this one is a perfect, reliable choice.

This neti pot includes customer-favorite accessories, such as 99.99% USP-grade neti pot salt, ready to be mixed with distilled water, and a bottle of Neti Wash Plus. This herbal extract formula, infused with peppermint and eucalyptus, is designed not only to soothe your sinuses but also to eliminate additional impurities. Plus, we love the cleansing smell that lingers after use.

Keep in Mind

This product is a bit pricey compared to other neti pots, but we think its durability makes that worth the spend!

Pros

  • Gentle saline formula reduces discomfort

  • No need to tilt head over sink

  • Safe for children over the age of 2

Cons

  • Can be messier than a traditional neti pot

Key Specs

Material: Flexible plastic | Reservoir Size: 8 ounces | Accessories Included: 20 saline packets

Why We Recommend It

Designed for use with your head held upright, in contrast to the tilting required with a conventional neti pot, Dr. Hana's Nasopure Nasal Wash is an excellent option for children. This design makes it easier for older children to use independently or for parents to assist younger ones without the need for acrobatics. You won't hear any panicked cries from your child feeling like their sinuses are filling with water, which makes for a better user experience all around.

Dr. Hana's Nasopure Nasal Wash is suitable for children over the age of 2. It features a gentle saline formula developed to minimize stinging or burning sensations. As always, speak to a pediatrician if you have sinus concerns for young children before using.

Keep in Mind

Due to its anti-gravity and kid-friendly design, the experience might be a bit messier than other neti pots.

Pros

  • Portable for travel

  • Easy to clean

  • No need to tilt head over the sink

Cons

  • Not dishwasher safe

  • Inflexible tip may cause discomfort

Key Specs

Material: Flexible plastic | Reservoir Size: 8 fluid ounces | Accessories Included: 50 saline packets

Why We Recommend It

The anti-gravity design of NeilMed’s Sinus Rinse offers a friendly user experience that won’t have you leaning over the sink at an angle. We love the flexible plastic material that makes squeezing a dream for consistent pressure and flow of the solution into your nasalway. The flexible material also travels well and won’t break if dropped. It’s also easy to clean because it doesn't have any nooks or crannies to scrub.

Samir Undavia, MD recommends using the NeilMed Sinus rinse reusable bottle as it’s an easy-to-use product and comes with premade salt packets. He mentions that patients also enjoy the clear instructions on how to use it. Plus, the salt packets are buffered so they don’t burn your sinus cavities while rinsing.

Keep in Mind

We love this product for how easy it is to travel and use on the go without making a mess, but the inflexible tip may not fit all nasal passageways and could cause discomfort.

Pros

  • Anti-gravity design

  • Multiple features for customization

  • No need to tilt head over the sink

Cons

  • Not dishwasher safe

Key Specs

Material: Flexible plastic | Reservoir Size: 8 fluid ounces | Accessories Included: 30 saline packets, paper thermometer, two nozzles

Why We Recommend It

The Waterpulse Neti Pot Sinus Irrigation stands out from other products as it comes with a water thermometer to safely gauge temperatures before use. We love the valve button on the bottom of the reservoir for a pressure flow that offers a consistent, steady stream. With two different nozzles, you can adjust the total amount of water flow and pressure once more for your personal sinus needs.

Because of the 60° angle that allows for an anti-gravity rinse, you won’t be tiling your head over the sink at awkward angles. And with 30 saline packets, you’ll be set up with all the supplies you need for a while, although a re-stock on saline is easy as well.

Keep in Mind

While this could be a great product for the family, kids under the age of 8 are not advised to use this product. It’s also not dishwasher safe and will need to be manually sanitized.

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 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 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 Undavia.
  • Removes pathogens and debris: Undavia shares that neti pots can improve or prevent infections from sinus viruses or bacteria by rinsing away pathogens.
  • Improves sleep quality: 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

We consulted two experts during the research and writing of this article on the best neti pots:

  • Samir Undavia, MDof 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.

Allergist Approved: The 8 Best Neti Pots to Flush Away Allergies, Infections, and Congestion (2024)
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