Say goodbye to sinus and allergy issues!

No one likes to suffer from sinus or allergies. Typically, these things can be helped with a quick trip to the doctors, for prescription antibiotics or antihistamines. Why let it get to the point that you need to see a doctor? Not many people know this, but there are some incredible preventative maintainence products available. Products that are fast, effective, and when used regularly can prevent or even eliminate sinus or allergy issues!

My favorite at home products are neti pots. They're a bit intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of them.... You'll never go back to medications! Of course, there are other products available too. Products like saline sprays, herbal remedies, nasal mists, and for children there's nasal (+nasal oral) aspirators. In this post I'm going to discuss a few products that I've recently tried that are definitely worth looking in to!

NeilMed is one of the leading brands for at home sinus and allergy products. Their products are innovative, easy to use, and safe for the whole family!

Naspira
An amazing device for babies and young children. Naspira is unlike any other nasal aspirator you've ever seen. It's a nasal oral aspirator, and the overall design is much easier to use & clean than other nasal aspirators.

Yes, I said "nasal oral". What exactly does that mean? Well--- Naspira can be used 2 ways. First and foremost, it can be used like a standard bulb syringe. Squeeze the bulb, insert into the nostril, and release. The resulting suction helps to dislodge & remove congestion and mucous. However, it can also be used with the included tube attachment, via oral suction. This means that instead of squeezing the bulb and releasing to create suction, you attach a hose to the bulb and create suction with your mouth. Basically, you suck on the tubing and it results in dislodging and removing the congestion & mucous. The end result is the same with both methods. However, the oral method is much more gentle, and results in far less screaming and crying.

The overall design of Naspira is much nicer than standard rubber aspirators. It's durable, smaller, completely see through, and easier to clean. Because of its smaller size, Naspira is much easier to manipulate. It's clear silicone construction allows for you to see when it's full or dirty. Plus, each piece comes off for an easier and more thorough cleaning! If you've ever used an old school bulb syringe, you will completely appreciate this new design... It's absolutely heavenly!

*As an added bonus, Naspira comes with 7 extra oral filters AND a super handy mesh storage & travel bag!

PediaMist 
Another awesome product for children, is the NeilMed nasal mist. It's a canned saline mist that is designed for children, but could also be used on adults. The top has an angled nozzle, that's the perfect shape & size for little noses!

To use the saline mist; insert the nozzle into the nostril, and gently press the button beside it. The saline sprays into the nostril quickly, so just a quick press of the button is all you need. Keep in mind--- the first few times will be surprising! However, it's not at all painful, and provides instant relief for dry and plugged noses. The mist moistens nasal membranes. It also breaks up mucous, allowing it to easily pass out of the nose.

NasaFlo Neti Pots
For adults, NeilMed also carries a variety of products. My absolut favorite of these products are their neti pots. Neti Pots are very easy to use, and have long term benefits. They're quick and effective, and often help to reduce or even prevent sinus or allergy discomfort.

NeilMed offers 3 different neti pots:

• NasaFlo plastic neti pot
• Classic porcelain neti pot
• NasaFlo porcelain neti pot

If you've never used a neti pot, it can be a bit intimidating. However, once you've used it a few times, you'll be a pro. Plus, the benefits of using neti pots easily outweigh their initial intimidation. With regular use, you can cure yourself of recurring sinus infections. You can also reduce discomfort from allergies, and even lessen the duration of the common cold!

How to use a neti pot:
Steps compliments of WikiHow.com

1. Clean your neti pot. As a result of sitting in disuse for a bit, your neti pot likely has become the home of some local bacteria. Prevent these germs from entering your system by thoroughly cleaning it with soap and hot water. Allow the pot to air dry completely before use.
2. Make a solution of saline and sanitized water. Mix a heaping 1/4 teaspoon of finely ground non-iodized salt or a slightly rounded 1/2 teaspoon of coarsely ground salt (kosher salt) in the neti pot with 8 ounces of warm distilled, boiled, or filtered water until the salt is completely dissolved. *If you own a Keurig machine, press the large cup size & let the boiled water cool before using! Do not use untreated tap water as it can contain amoebas which will make you sick. It is crucial to use filtered or distilled water. Do not use normal table salt. The additives in it can irritate your nose.There are commercial salts available specifically for neti pot use instead. *NeilMed neti pots come with saline solution packets. Additional packets are available for purchase.
3. Get into position. Bend over the sink and turn your head to the side so that your ear is facing the sink. Keep your forehead at the same height as the chin, or slightly higher. You will eventually turn your head slightly so that the saline solution flows out of your opposite nostril.
4. Breathe through your mouth. In order to close off your throat and mouth from the water rinse, breathe through your mouth. Avoid talking or laughing so that the seal in your throat is not broken, allowing water in.
5. Insert the spout in the upper nostril. Hold it in such a way as to form a seal, preventing water from coming back out the entrance. Raise the pot so the saline solution flows into the upper nostril and out of the lower nostril. If it drains out of your mouth, lower your forehead in relation to your chin. Empty ½ of the pot per nostril. 
6. Repeat the process on the other side. Turn your head in the opposite direction and repeat the aforementioned instructions. Use the other half of the saline solution to clear out your opposite nostril.
7. Remove excess water. When you’ve drained the entire neti pot, rest your head over the sink and blow your nose gently (without using your fingers to pinch it) to remove the excess water. Do this until most of the dripping has subsided and you can breathe relatively easily again.
8. Blow your nose gently into a tissue. Remove the rest of the water and completely clear out your nose by blowing into a tissue. Be sure not to close off either nostril while blowing.
9. Clean your neti pot. To prevent high levels of bacteria growth in and on your neti pot, give it a final wash before putting it away for storage. Use warm soap and water and allow the pot to air dry.

Sinus Rinse

Last, but not least, there's the sinus rinse. The sinus rinse is a plastic bottle with a wicking spout and cap. This is very similar to a neti pot, but far less time consuming. It has a larger capacity than the neti pot, and can be prepared in advance. Just follow the same instructions as the neti pot. The best part... It's portable!

You can easily use the sinus rinse at home or on the go. Mix your saline solution, and fill the bottle. Put the cap on, and you're all set! Take the bottle in you purse, gym bag, or backpack. This product can be used anywhere there's a sink! Just make sure you wash it well when the solution is finished.

NeilMed also offers boxes of  Sinus Rinse; premeasured saline solution packets. For those of us who like things a bit more convenient, this is the perfect addition to any of the above products. Instead of mixing your own saline solution, measuring salts etc... Just open a packet and mix in water. Easy peasy! They're also extremely helpful to have when traveling, or if you plan to use a neti pot or sinus rinse bottle outside of your home.

If you're in need of an easy at- home product to soothe your sinuses, or alleviate your allergies... I highly recommend all of these NeilMed products. They're each perfectly suited for at home use. Plus, they're all natural & work exceptionally well!

Products provided complimentary for testing & review.