SinuPulse Elite Maintenance

1a) If the motor is running but the solution is not pumping, experiencing excessive noise (squeal), reduced water flow, or excessive leaking that may appear under the unit this is almost always a quick and easy fix. The usual culprit is the O-ring located on the outside bottom of the water tank. The enhanced O-ring (may be black or clear) is uniquely resistant to saline and creates a secure air lock when the water tank is seated on top of the SinuPulse to regulate water flow for optimal performance. The robust motor and pump assembly creates strong suction, and a possible air gap may result if the O-ring is dry and may require lubrication. The O-ring may be dry on first use, a period of regular use, or after a period of inactivity. As directed in the user guide lubricate the O-ring with a small application of Vaseline with your finger around the O-ring which does not need to be removed. Doing this before first use and periodically 2-3X annually is all that is needed to ensure optimal performance. Please note: there are drain holes on the bottom of the unit for residual moisture to escape and is entirely normal.

Rinse the SinuPulse Elite regularly as directed after use, including periodic dilute vinegar rinse (monthly), to minimize mineral deposits and calcification which can contribute to reduced performance (flow rate) and premature wear. Use of distilled water is recommended best for long term durability. Remember to empty water tank after each use, rinse thoroughly, and allow to air dry. Do not leave solution in water tank when not in use.

1b) If flow rate has not been properly restored:

• Carefully inspect the hose for any areas that might be pinched or crimped restricting water flow.
• Carefully inspect the sinus irrigator tip to make sure there is no obstruction preventing the flow of water. You should be able to blow through the tip. If there is an obstruction compressed air may help or run a flexible heavy gauge wire through both ends of the tip to loosen up and clear any blockage.

1c) If flow rate still has not been properly restored it may just need some simple priming to remove air from the system.

• Hold or place the handle with the sinus tip on the sink bottom below the height of the SinuPulse. Turn the control knob from the lowest setting (1) to highest setting (7), back and forth several times while the unit is running.
• If the previous step fails to improve water flow remove water tank from the unit for 15-20 seconds, while unit is running, and reinsert the water tank. You may need to remove and replace the water tank multiple times (3-5) before air in system is purged and water flows properly.
• If the previous step fails to improve flow of water gently draw on the tip as you would a drinking straw.

1d) If water flow has been reduced after an extended period of regular use inspect push button on handle if sticky when depressed (in) and not fully returning to the open position (out) water flow may be reduced. Place the handle in a vinegar solution so the push button is immersed for 30-60 minutes. Heavy calcification may require soaking overnight. This will help break down mineral /salt deposits interfering with push button movement and resume normal water flow. If push button remains in depressed position manually pull the push button out to the open position. You may need to move it back and forth manually to break up the calcification. Continue to soak in vinegar solution until push button moves freely. Once normal movement returns apply Vaseline liberally around the push button and inside handle to lubricate and protect.

The SinuPulse Elite is considerably different than other nasal wash products such as squeeze bottles that simply wash the nasal passages and rely on pressure alone (fire hose up the nose mentality). The higher pressure can contribute to irritation and ear sensitivity. Pulsatile irrigation provides a safe effective irrigation to enhance the body's natural defenses and address the underlying causes of chronic allergy and sinus problems. The SinuPulse delivers a gentle, high volume, high frequency electronic pulsating saline rinse for maximum cleansing benefit. The water flow and pressure is adjusted by the water control knob and is fully adjustable. Start with the lowest setting and gradually increase the strength only if comfortable to do so for comfort and control. The blue push button on the handle may also be used to adjust the water flow for easy finger tip control. The SinuPulse water reservoir holds up to 24 oz 3X greater than most other methods. Our pulsating rinse action has been reported in dozens of published medical journals to help break down biofilm, restore natural ciliary function, and remove bacteria and debris that other nasal wash products can leave behind.

Leaking from the bottom of the handle is almost always a result of the tip not being fully inserted and forming a seal. A small amount of Vaseline around the base of the sinus tip as shown below will help lubricate for an easy fit and secure seal. We recommend lubrication once or twice a year for maintenance as the tip assembly may be dry before first use and can become dry from continuous exposure to saline and mineral deposits. This is especially true if not using distilled water or after a period of inactivity. If the unit has been used for an extended period of time we recommend soaking the handle, upside down, in a glass of white vinegar overnight (Decalcify and Disinfect: Step 3, below) . This will help decalcify any mineral deposits that have accumulated in the handle preventing the tip from seating fully and is also helpful to maintain optimal water flow.

Control knob tension has been preset at factory to resist any unintended movement from the vibration of the motor and pump assembly during use and may be a bit stiff. Be careful excessive saline solution does not accumulate on the outside of unit around the control knob to help reduce mineral build up which can interfere with movement. Use of distilled water in hard or soft water areas will help reduce mineral build up. Periodic use of diluted vinegar to gently wipe down face of the unit around the control knob will help to decalcify and remove mineral deposits. You may have to apply a small amount of force to reestablish proper movement but do not overturn. Water flow can also be adjusted using the push button on handle simply by how hard you push on the button for fingertip control.

If your push button is having problem making contact, it may be internal but it can also be calcification from salt deposits or mineral build up around the push button limiting the push button’s ability to travel properly and engage with the contacts. Use of distilled water is recommended best especially in hard or soft water areas. Periodic use of diluted vinegar to clean and gently wipe down face of the unit around the on/off button will help to decalcify and remove mineral deposits before they form limiting movement and contributing to premature wear. Please be sure to unplug the unit first before cleaning. Helpful Tip: An option to extend the life of the irrigator if it will remain in the on position is to simply bypass the on/off push button. Once the unit is in the on position unplug from the wall and simply add an inline switch like the ones below to the electrical cord. This is an inexpensive and easy solution that takes only minutes to install and can extend the life of the unit often years. It is important to do this prior to the switch failing completely.

This is usually an issue with older units resulting from wear especially calcification and mineral deposits which can cause build up and obstruct movement of the gears. Often the obstruction can be dislodged with a couple of firm taps on the bottom of the unit. If the mineral build up can be dislodged the motor and gear assembly will be free to move and should resume pumping. You may need to adjust the control knob from low to high a few times to help remove air that may have become trapped in the system and resume water flow. It is advisable to run 16 ounces of dilute white vinegar (2:1) through the unit to further break up any remaining mineral deposits and calcification. Vinegar is an excellent natural decalcifier and disinfectant.

If there is no power and LED display is not on check your outlet, especially if it is a GFI pictured below. The outlet breaker may have been tripped and needs to be reset. Be sure to check the SinuPulse on an entirely different circuit in another part of the home. We recommend in the kitchen on a non GFI outlet this can also help force a reset of the internal breaker inside the unit if it was tripped due to a voltage spike from an outlet or overheating. The device will generally reset within 30-60 minutes once the motor cools down but may take up to 24 hours.

The water line (hose) is an integrated factory installed component and unfortunately not a replacement part. However, if you experience damage to your water hose this often can be easily repaired with a quick connect, replacement tube, or waterproof silicone adhesive if a small pinhole or crack appears and requires a sealant.

Replacement water tank is available online and includes water tank, tank cover, O-ring (black or clear), and white plastic valve cone.

If the sinus or throat atomizer (spray) tips disengage or pop out from the handle during operation: 1) Be sure spray tip is fully inserted and there is no gap. Twist to the left and right to ensure tip is fully secure. 2) Reduce the pressure by turning the control knob to the recommended setting generally between 3-6. The atomizer (spray) tips are designed to be used at the lower settings. Although unusual higher setting may cause the tip to dislodge from the handle during use.

Use of saline solutions and hard or soft water sources can contribute to mineral and salt deposits which can accumulate in your irrigator and cause a loss in pressure, flow rate, and effectiveness over time. Following these simple steps will keep your SinuPulse® irrigator clean and ensure optimal performance.

After each use rinse the water tank thoroughly with warm water and liquid soap to clean and remove any residual saline and allow to air dry. Rinse the unit after use by running clean water (distilled is recommended) through the system until empty. Allow the unit to run an additional 5 seconds to push out any residual moisture. The SinuPulse unit is not waterproof, do not immerse it in water. Wipe down the unit with a damp cloth that contains warm water and liquid soap to clean and remove any saline solution that may have spilled on the exterior. Rinsing the system monthly with a dilute vinegar solution (2:1), or stronger if needed, is recommended to help disinfect and decalcify for optimal flow rate and performance - similar to a Keurig/coffee machine. It's easy to keep your SinuPulse irrigator clean so you continue to get the maximum benefit for your sinus health.

Mineral deposits and other materials can collect in your SinuPulse irrigator, causing it to lose pressure and effectiveness. Here are 5 steps for simple cleaning with water and vinegar to keep your SinuPulse irrigator performing at its best. Complete this process periodically, as needed, to ensure optimal performance.

• Clean the outside of the unit
• Clean the water tank
• Clean the internal parts
• Clean the handle
• Clean irrigation tips

• Unplug the unit from wall.
• Hand-wash with warm water and liquid soap to clean the unit and reduce mineral deposits.

• Remove the water tank from the unit.
• Gently remove the white valve cone from the inside bottom of the water tank. Be careful not to lose it in the sink drain.
• Rinse the white valve cone under warm water for 30 seconds or soak in dilute vinegar (2:1) to help remove any mineral deposits and set aside.
• Rinse water tank by hand with warm water and liquid soap to clean or use dilute vinegar (2:1) to help remove any mineral deposits.
• Replace valve cone in the water tank before use. (snap in place flat side up with four prongs visible from bottom of the water tank).
• Apply a small amount of Vaseline with your finger around the O-ring (which does not need to be removed) to lubricate and ensure a good seal.

Calcification and mineral deposits can form inside the handle and affect tip release and push button which can reduce water flow.

• Push button on handle should move freely and open and close inlet valve inside the handle.
• Remove the tip from the unit using the tip release.
• Immerse the handle, including push button, in vinegar solution for 30 minutes or more. Heavy calcification soak overnight.
• Apply Vaseline liberally around the push button aand inside handle to lubricate and protect.
• Test push button to ensure it depresses and releases to the open position freely for optimal water flow.

• Soak irrigation tips in a container of dilute white vinegar solution (2:1) for 5 minutes to help disinfect and decalcify any mineral deposits.
• We recommend soaking the spray atomizer tip in dilute vinegar regularly to reduce mineral deposits.
• Hand wash irrigation tips with warm water and liquid soap.
• Apply a small amount of Vaseline around the base of the irrigation tip that inserts into handle to help lubricate for easy installation and seal.

• Plug unit into wall.
• Fill water tank with the dilute vinegar solution and run through the system until the water tank is empty to help disinfect and decalcify mineral deposits.

Do not use the water tank to soak the tips as it is not intended to store solutions. Following these steps will help ensure proper operation and optimal performance.It's easy to keep your SinuPulse Elite® clean so you continue to get the maximum benefit for your sinus health. If you have other product questions, check out our Product Support (FAQ) and Product Manuals.

REMINDER: THE WATER TANK IS NOT INTENDED TO STORE LIQUIDS. EMPTY WATER TANK AFTER EACH USE.