There’s now an automatic neti pot for clearing your sinuses

When it comes to stopping or treating symptom of allergies, sinus problems or colds, we’ll do whatever it takes to feel better. Plus, it’s the time of year for those nasty bugs, so many of us are looking for relief.

Some people swear by a device called the neti pot. It’s a common tool used to clear debris or mucus from the nasal cavity. You know, the one that looks like a tea pot!

But a new device, the Naväge Nose Cleaner, promises to be the high-tech solution for all of your sinus problems. But does it work?

How They Compare

According to Naväge, the cleaner uses a suction to push saline through the nasal cavity using warm water and a salt pod. Once you place the nose pieces against the nostrils, saline goes from the upper tank of the device to the lower tank (and out comes the messy stuff). An unused salt pod is required for each irrigation cycle.

The company claims the device is safe, convenient and less messy than a traditional neti pot. Watch the instructional video below:

The basic bundle with 20 salt pods sells for $79.95 on Naväge’s website. We also found it on Amazon for about $99.

To properly use a neti pot, you have to make your own saltwater solution according to the Mayo Clinic. Tap water is acceptable if it has been passed through a filter or boiled for several minutes. Although some neti pots are sold with a premixed sodium chloride packet.

To use a neti pot, you tilt your head sideways over the sink and pour the saltwater solution into your upper nostril so the liquid drains through the lower nostril. Then, repeat on the other side.

Do either of these nasal rinsing options sound enjoyable yet?

Neti pots are clearly the cheaper option, ranging between $6 and $20 on Amazon. Walgreens sells the NeilMed NasaFlo Neti Pot for $15.

What Do Users Think?

The Naväge device was first launched in Canada, and since it’s so new, reviews and expert advice are limited. The site Bright Reviews says the automatic nose cleaner does appear to be a relief for people who regularly irrigate, and consumer reviews are generally positive. The site reminds users not put the salt pods in the dishwasher.

SinusCure.Org reports the Naväge Nose Cleaner does require setup, but once the batteries are installed (yes, you need batteries) and once the salt pods are in, it’s ready for use. It calls the technique efficient, “Instead of the saline being pushed through the nasal cavities, the saline is pulled through the sinuses using gentle suction,” according to SinusCure.Org.

Canada.com writer Ishmael Daro also commented on the setup required, and has this advice for others who give it a go:

“The strangest part of the experience is being able to breathe through your mouth while water rushes through your nasal passages,” he wrote. “Don’t attempt to talk, though, because water will start dribbling down the back of your throat.”

Daro says he did feel cleansed and better able to breath after using the device.

One Twitter user calls the Naväge cleaner the “ultimate nose cleaner,” but wishes the suction was a little more powerful. We’ll call this the “party review” (take a look and you’ll see why!):

Whichever option you try, be sure to ask your doctor before nasal rinsing. If you use one of these devices incorrectly, you expose yourself to risk of infection. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration offers these tips for safe use of nasal-rinsing devices:

• Use distilled, sterile or boiled (and then cooled) tap water.
• Read the instructions that come with your device.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before using the device.
• Make sure the device is clean and dry before using.