We Tried Three Different Neti Pots And Here Are The Results

We had first-time neti pot users test out Dr. Hana's Nasopure, SinuCleanse, and ComfyPot to see just how they worked.

Nasal irrigation systems (commonly referred to as neti pots) help clean your nose out after exposure to irritants like pollution, pollen, smoke, grass, dust, animal dander, fumes, and chemicals — and they're pretty popular around flu season.

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They're basically teapots you stick up your nose and they help clear congestion. We've done our share of testing and writing about them.

People literally swear by them but if you've never used one, they're very intimidating.

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So we had three first-time neti potters test out some of the top-rated nasal irrigation systems to see what they think and how well they work.

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First up, Dr. Hana's Nasopure which has a uniquely shaped bottle that lets you stand (instead of the traditional bending and twisting with a neti pot).

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It also comes with 20 buffered saline packets (made using pharmaceutical grade sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate — and once mixed can last up to seven days) for up to 10–20 weeks of use.

Promising reviews: "This thing is amazing. So much easier to mix, easier to clean, easier to use. Just an all-around better product than the Neti line. If you’re on the fence, buy it! You won’t regret it. My sinuses thank me daily." —Jeremy Dakin

"After years of being told I needed to use a neti pot to help with my allergy and sinus conditions I started looking for something I thought I could work with. I was reluctant to use the one that looks like a little teapot...very intimidating. So I thought I'd give this a try. I also watched a video on how to use it. Holding your breath is the key. Hallelujah! When I say it the closest thing to a religious experience I've ever had, I kid you not. I enter the bathroom unable to breathe I leave the bathroom with a clear head. It is messy and gross and snotty but the results make it worth it." —Amazon Customer

"I live in a city where most of us suffer from allergies, and I am no exception. I use it whenever I feel somewhat congested, and find it gives me instant relief. I tend to get sinus infections in dry winter weather, and, with the use of the Nasopure, this past winter I had no sinus infections. It is so easy to use. I use it standing in front of my bathroom mirror with my head level, and hold a cup against my lip to catch the water coming out of my nostril. Piece of cake." —Maud

Get it from Amazon for $12.95.

Then there is the SinuCleanse that uses the gentle flow of gravity to guide the saline solution through the nasal passages. But its best feature is the soft tip for more comfortable use.

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It's also BPA- and latex-free and includes 30 all-natural, pharmaceutical grade, preservative-free, buffered saline packets

Promising reviews: "Affordable and easy to use! My first time using a neti pot and it really has made a big difference and helped my breathing. I am usually congested 24/7! I have rhinitis...I think! LOL!" —Khi.

"I purchased this at the recommendation of my doctor. Actually, I was advised to purchase this months ago, but I had no clue what the doctor was talking about. Well, I recently got my first sinus infection of the season, and unfortunately, I was not able to take anything for it, as I am five months pregnant. So remembering back to the advice of my doctor, I checked on Amazon for a neti pot and decided to order this one because of the low cost. I didn't want to waste a bunch of money if it turned out not to work. The instructions were right on, even warning you against blowing too hard after use, or advising that you do not continue to use the neti pot if you get water in your ears. I filled it up, stirred in a packet of the salt crystals, tilted my head all funky, and went to town. It was totally weird feeling the water go into my sinuses and pouring out the other side, but it was really neat to see all the gunk come out. Kind of gross, but I could see it coming clean! Some advice for first time users: Make sure you keep your mouth open and breathe slowly, and you will probably drool a bit the first time. I did! Also, don't accidentally make the saline too strong, or you will feel a terrible sting in your sinuses! I made that mistake, I felt the burn almost into my brain. The neti pot does an amazing job of clearing out my sinuses, a hundred percent better than any decongestant, and it lasts all day for me. It also has the added benefit of moisturizing dry nasal passages, which is the total opposite of the dryness and bloody noses I get with a decongestant." —GoodBetterBest

"I love this. I love this. I love this. It is amazing how much better my whole head feels after using this. I found using slightly hotter water frees up the nasty better. Be sure to use distilled water though. Just warm up a little distilled water, not too hot, and mix in the packs. Overall this is one amazing invention that I recommend to anyone with nasal issues." —J. Dubberly

Get it from Amazon for $10.55.

Last but not least was the ComfyPot, a ceramic, dishwasher-safe neti pot designed with a unique silicone nozzle to fit your nostril and create a comfortable seal for easy pouring without any excess spilling.

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Based on the video it really did seem to be the least "messy" of all the neti pots tested.

Promising reviews: "I have tried other plastic and ceramic neti pots. This is the best! So happy with the removable silicone tip. (Removes to clean, so no worry about built-up gunk or germs.) I find the flow to be comfortable and just right. I prefer ceramic because it holds the temperature better than plastic. Hint: use a digital thermometer on your saline mixture to make sure you have a few degrees above body temp — then it will be just about right if you pour into a room-temperature pot. The perfect temperature is really the key to comfort and ease, in my opinion! The only slightly disturbing thing is that it is so penile-like; phallic just seems too gentle...there. I said it. You have been warned. (BTW, it's not just me, everyone I show this thing to is like, 'Wow!' — one friend says this would not be good around 6th graders, especially the ones your kid has invited over.)" —HootNHollar

"The ComfyPot is, in a word, comfy. The smooth finish ceramic design means it's easy to clean, and — bonus — DISHWASHER-SAFE! The silicone bumpers for the spout are a nice touch. The ComfyPot can be used with or without them. The large dimples on the side of the pot allow for easy grip and control of the pot while dispensing your sinus treatment. I'm glad I selected this." —Don U in Big Sky Country

"This is the best sinus rinse product I have ever used. As someone with a history of sinus issues, I have used several different products to clear my nose. The previous products I have used were cheap, plastic teapots. I was surprised to find that this was ceramic, as I was expecting another plastic pot. The great thing about that is that you can pour distilled water in it, and then throw it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to warm the water. Previously, I had to heat the water in another container and then pour it into the plastic pots. Also, the rubber tip makes the process more comfortable to use. Overall, I would definitely purchase this product again. If you have sinus issues, this is a must-have. This saved us." —mhahnsolo

Get it from Amazon for $14.97.

And don't forget to check out our testers as they irrigate their nasal passages right in front of our eyes!

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