# Mr. brown caves and uses neti pot - and he loves it **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 5, 2008, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878 "2008-12-05T17:04:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Contrary](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/db5fbb/32.png) [@Contrary](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrary)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2008, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/121 "2008-12-22T02:01:28Z")
Kyla I have the same problem. Water will go in and through if I am putting the water into the left nostril. My right nostril hates me though. I end up sputtering and spitting out water and yes I do keep my mouth open. The major blockage for me seems to be on the right side. I keep doing it and today I was able to get more through, although I’m no where NEAR a full pot on either side. ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2008, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/122 "2008-12-22T02:32:56Z")
I tend to bend my head at slightly different angles - during the process, and with different angles the flow can be faster or stronger going through. It’s never a strong flow though - but a steady stream most of the time now. ---
**Author:** ![Dazzling\_White\_Diamonds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/41988e/32.png) [@Dazzling\_White\_Diamonds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dazzling_White_Diamonds)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2008, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/123 "2008-12-22T18:49:24Z")
I’ve been thinking about getting a neti pot for a while now. After reading this thread and suffering from another cold that is sure to leave me with a sinus infection, I bought one today. I’m not sure if I should use it just yet or not, as I have LOTS of mucus (I can breathe out both nostrils, though) aaaaaand I was just diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis (ow. ick. ow.). I was thinking that waiting until I’m done with my eye drops before trying the neti pot out would be best. I’m actually looking forward to it, in a “I wonder if I’ll be able to actually do this” kind of way. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2008, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/124 "2008-12-22T19:08:41Z")
There’s no time like the present… ---
**Author:** ![Dazzling\_White\_Diamonds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/41988e/32.png) [@Dazzling\_White\_Diamonds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dazzling_White_Diamonds)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2008, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/125 "2008-12-22T19:15:28Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > There’s no time like the present… For reals? It won’t be a problem with my pink eye? ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2008, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/126 "2008-12-22T19:27:27Z")
> [@Dazzling\_White\_Diamonds](#): > > For reals? It won’t be a problem with my pink eye? I regularly recommend it for my patients, with no concerns about concurrent mild upper respiratory and ocular infections such as ‘pinkeye’ etc. Now if a patient has a basilar skull fracture and is leaking cerebrospinal fluid out one’s nose, ears, or eyes, then I would recommend against it. ---
**Author:** ![Dazzling\_White\_Diamonds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/41988e/32.png) [@Dazzling\_White\_Diamonds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dazzling_White_Diamonds)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2008, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/127 "2008-12-22T19:38:19Z")
Yeah, I think I can see where that’d be an issue. 🙂 Well, then… after I’m done cleaning the living room, I’ll go try out my neti pot! ---
**Author:** ![Dazzling\_White\_Diamonds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/41988e/32.png) [@Dazzling\_White\_Diamonds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dazzling_White_Diamonds)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2008, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/128 "2008-12-22T20:33:57Z")
_ **I loved it!!!** _ It was a strange sensation at first, but then it quickly became rather soothing and somewhat hypnotic. The flow was pretty steady at first, but as I got towards the last 2 ounces or so, things slowed down to a trickle. I quit after that on the first nostril, but on the second one, I decided to try to suck the last couple ounces in very slowly. That was one of the coolest feelings! I’m hooked. I can’t wait to show my husband when he gets home. “Oh, say, honey… would you like to see how I’ve been spending my vacation?” ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2008, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/129 "2008-12-23T00:02:24Z")
I’m still having trouble getting a smooth flow through the nostrils, occasionally not being able to get anything through from the right. Nonetheless, I have noticed a definite improvement, more frequent breathing through the nose and - bonus! - I’m sleeping better. My husband is making fun of me, though. If he keeps it up he may find himself tied up and neti potted against his will. ---
**Author:** ![Dazzling\_White\_Diamonds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/41988e/32.png) [@Dazzling\_White\_Diamonds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dazzling_White_Diamonds)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2008, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/130 "2008-12-23T01:06:11Z")
I showed my husband my new neti pot when he got home tonight. He looked at me and said, “I don’t think I could _ **ever** _ do that.” I told him that I thought he could and proceeded to show him how it was done - as I was pouring water through my sinuses, I told him how it worked. That got him right there - me talking to him while water was pouring in one nostril and out the other. He laughed, shrugged and said, “Why not?” He then tried it for himself. I don’t think he thought it was uber cool like I did, but thought it was neat nonetheless. Maybe I’ll hook him yet. ---
**Author:** ![Marlitharn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/779978/32.png) [@Marlitharn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marlitharn)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2008, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/131 "2008-12-23T01:08:24Z")
I’ve been reading this thread in fascination and decided to pick up a neti pot at Wally world last night. Used it when I got home last night and then again this morning. The crud and slime that came out of my nose was an awesome sight! And I’m sitting here at work breathing, instead of snuffling, which I’m sure comes as a relief to my poor supervisor. I’m looking forward to going home at the end of my shift and using it again before bed. One thing does concern me a little, though - this morning I noticed my left ear felt a bit clogged, as though I’d gotten water in it. Last thing I want is an ear infection; is there a way to prevent this? ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2008, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/132 "2008-12-23T03:52:55Z")
> [@Marlitharn](#): > > One thing does concern me a little, though - this morning I noticed my left ear felt a bit clogged, as though I’d gotten water in it. Last thing I want is an ear infection; is there a way to prevent this? That’s not uncommon, and usually doesn’t cause significant problems. I generally suggest increasing the salt concentration slightly to reduce this. ---
**Author:** ![DogMom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9c0ed/32.png) [@DogMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DogMom)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2008, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/133 "2008-12-23T14:02:37Z")
Well, a friend has been recommending one of these to me for YEARS, and so since Qadgop recommended it too\*, I decided to finally get a neti pot and try it out. :eek: It. Was. GREAT. I could _breathe_ and I’m not getting laryngitis for Christmas like I have the past 3 years, no ear infections for a change…it’s **fabulous**. \*-I _had_ to try it after Qadgop recommended it too. As I told my friend, “Hey, if you can’t trust an Extraterrestrial Prison Doctor, _who can you trust?_” ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2008, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/134 "2008-12-23T14:23:49Z")
Neti pots make great stocking stuffers, too! They don’t taste as good as neutronium, though. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Dazzling\_White\_Diamonds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/41988e/32.png) [@Dazzling\_White\_Diamonds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dazzling_White_Diamonds)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2008, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/135 "2008-12-23T14:31:30Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Neti pots make great stocking stuffers, too! Somehow, I don’t think my 10-year-old grandson would be diggin’ on a neti pot in his stocking… …but then again, he’s weird - just like his Grandma. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![lorene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/65b543/32.png) [@lorene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lorene)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2008, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/136 "2008-12-23T23:58:57Z")
OK, first of all, **gaffa** , necessity truly is the mother of invention. In fact, I’ve heard of people getting truly desperate, say when they have been sick and working too much and taking care of kids who are sick and never being able to get to the store to buy a neti pot. A person in that type of situation may just get desperate enough at 3AM when s/he is convinced that s/he will die from not being able to breathe, to fashion a neti pot out of the plastic teapot that came in one of the kids’ fake tea sets. Anywhooooo I did get a real neti pot today, and I remain cautiously optimistic. Like some others (including my soul sister, **Contrary** ), I am pouring far more water down my throat than I would like. This had led to my feeling pretty nauseated. Also, I think that maybe my head is cavernous and empty, because not all that much stuff came out, but it did make me pretty lightheaded. On the plus side, though, I can breathe a LOT more easily. I’m definitely one to panic when my nasal passages are blocked, and to have an option that is not nasal spray is miraculous. ---
**Author:** ![interface2x](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c0e974/32.png) [@interface2x](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/interface2x)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2008, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/137 "2008-12-24T00:05:19Z")
> [@lorene](#): > > Also, I think that maybe my head is cavernous and empty, because not all that much stuff came out, but it did make me pretty lightheaded. So far, it seems like my nasal cavities are relatively empty and comfortable, but my sinuses are still packed up. The neti pot has been nice and all, but hasn’t made any noticeable difference for me beyond the first couple of minutes. I’ll keep trying. ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2008, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/138 "2008-12-24T06:36:03Z")
So, I finally got my neti pot. I’ve used it three times now. Those of you who have problems with the water pouring down your throat? Lean forward. I thought I was going to drown the first time I tried it. It all went down my throat. Leaning forward keeps it in your nose. You may have to angle your head back and forth a bit to find the exact right pitch. It is a very strange feeling, sinuses filling up with water. I haven’t been really stuffed up, but this time of year, I tend to have a problem with dry sinuses and crusty boogers rattling around. No chance this time. I do think I may still have some water in my sinuses though, and I fear it will come out when I least expect it - like during a job interview. ---
**Author:** ![Contrary](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/db5fbb/32.png) [@Contrary](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrary)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2008, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/139 "2008-12-24T11:23:30Z")
**Phouka** , I really truly do lean forward, I have my head tilted properly (according to the helpful picture in the directions AND I keep my mouth open. When I pour into the left nostril, no water goes down my throat. The right side is an entirely different situation, and I suspect I’m well and truly packed on that side. ---
**Author:** ![Pixilated](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aeb1de/32.png) [@Pixilated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pixilated)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2008, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878/140 "2008-12-24T11:36:05Z")
> [@Contrary](#): > > **Phouka** , I really truly do lean forward, I have my head tilted properly (according to the helpful picture in the directions AND I keep my mouth open. When I pour into the left nostril, no water goes down my throat. The right side is an entirely different situation, and I suspect I’m well and truly packed on that side. Mine is the left side. I’ve finally got it to a small trickle and everything coming out is clear… or at least I cant see any gunk. My headaches are not as severe or as often, which is a good sign. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-brown-caves-and-uses-neti-pot-and-he-loves-it/475878.md?page=8)