For a sinus rinse, choose water labeled distilled or sterile, or boil tap water and let it cool. A bottle of distilled water is a convenient option if you'd like to skip the boiling and have water ready whenever you rinse.
Why does the type of water matter? Drinking water and nasal-rinse water enter your body differently. Your stomach has defenses against germs that your nose doesn't, so water that's fine to drink may still need preparation before you rinse with it.
Key takeaways
- Use distilled, sterile or previously boiled and cooled water for sinus rinsing.
- Drinking water can contain germs that cause infection when introduced into the nose.
- Add nasal-rinse saline according to the package directions; water choice and saline mixing are separate steps.
What water should you use for a sinus rinse?
Use water labeled distilled or sterile, or tap water that you've boiled and allowed to cool. Distilled water is a convenient everyday choice because it saves a preparation step. Check the bottle's label: “spring water” or “drinking water” alone doesn't tell you it's suitable for nasal rinsing.
If you're buying water specifically for your rinse, look for the word “distilled” or “sterile” rather than choosing by brand or price. If you prefer to use the tap water you already have at home, the boiling instructions below give you another option.
Why isn't drinking water always safe for nasal rinsing?
Some drinking water contains small amounts of germs that stomach acid can kill when you swallow them. Your nose doesn't have that same protection. Introducing those germs directly into your nasal passages can cause infection, which is why preparing the water matters even when it looks clear and tastes normal.
The FDA explains this difference between drinking water and nasal-rinse water. Serious infections are rare, but choosing distilled or sterile water, or boiling and cooling tap water, is a straightforward precaution you can build into your routine.
How do you prepare tap water for a sinus rinse?
Bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute, or three minutes at elevations above 6,500 feet, then let it cool. These are the CDC's boiling instructions for nasal-rinse water. Start timing once the water is bubbling steadily.
- Boil the water for the appropriate time for your elevation.
- Let it cool until lukewarm before preparing your rinse.
- If saving it for later, use a clean, sanitized container with a tight cover.
For water prepared ahead of time, the FDA advises using it within 24 hours. Allow it to cool without adding unboiled tap water, which could introduce germs again.
If waiting for water to cool makes rinsing inconvenient, keeping distilled water on hand lets you skip that step.
How do you mix the water for a comfortable sinus rinse?
Add nasal-rinse saline using the amount of water specified on its package. Plain water can irritate your nose; saline makes the mixture better suited to the sensitive lining inside it. Start with your prepared water, then measure and mix according to the directions.
SinuAir saline packets make this step convenient by providing pre-measured powder. Match the water volume to the packet's directions so you get the intended mixture each time.
For a countertop setup, SinuPulse Elite uses a refillable tank, so you can prepare your saline and fill it for your rinse without proprietary refill pods.
Wash your hands before mixing, and follow your irrigator's cleaning and drying directions between uses. If you have a weakened immune system, ask your healthcare provider before starting nasal irrigation.
Pair SinuAir with SinuPulse Elite for a home rinsing routine built around saline you mix yourself.
