SinuPulse Elite Maintenance & Troubleshooting

1a) If the motor runs but no solution is pumping, or you're experiencing noise (squealing), low water flow, or leaking beneath the unit, the issue is usually the O-ring at the base of the water tank. This O-ring (black or clear) creates an airtight seal for proper flow. If dry, it may cause air gaps and noise. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline around the O-ring with your finger (do not remove it), especially before first use and 2–3 times per year. Drain holes underneath the unit are normal and allow moisture to escape. To maintain performance, rinse the SinuPulse Elite after each use and do a monthly dilute vinegar rinse to prevent mineral buildup. Distilled water is recommended best to minimize mineral deposits and calcification for added durability. Always empty and rinse the tank after use and let it air dry.

Do not leave solution in the tank when not in use.

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

• Carefully inspect the hose for any areas that might be pinched or crimped restricting water flow.
• Inspect the sinus irrigator tip for blockages—you should be able to blow through it. If clogged, try compressed air or clear it with a flexible heavy-gauge wire.

1c) If water still isn't flowing properly, the unit may need additional priming to remove trapped air.

• Hold the handle with the tip lower than the base to help gravity prime the pump. Turn the unit on and wait 10–20 seconds. If no water flows, adjust the control knob back and forth between settings 1 and 7 while the unit is running.
• If water still doesn’t flow, quickly press and release the large blue pause button on the handle a few times while the unit is running.
• If the previous step fails to improve water flow, gently tilt the unit back and forth while its running to help release trapped air.
• If the previous step fails to improve water flow, remove the tip and briefly run the unit without it. Place your finger over the open handle to create suction and release, which can help draw water into the pump.
• If water still doesn’t flow, remove the water tank for 5-10 seconds while the unit is running, then reinsert it. Repeat this 3–5 times if needed to purge air and restore proper flow.
• Lastly, if water still doesn’t flow, gently draw on the tip like a straw to help pull water into the pump.

1d) If water flow decreases after extended use, check if the push button on the handle is sticky and not fully releasing. Soak the handle in a vinegar solution with the button submerged for 60 minutes (or overnight for heavy buildup) to dissolve mineral deposits. If the button remains stuck, gently pull it out and move it back and forth to free it. Continue soaking until it moves freely. Once restored, apply a light application of Vaseline around the button and inside the handle to lubricate and protect.

The SinuPulse Elite is considerably different than other nasal wash products that can cause irritation or ear sensitivity. SinuPulse uses a gentle, high-volume, high-frequency pulsating saline rinse to support the body’s natural defenses and target the root causes of chronic sinus and allergy issues. The adjustable water control knob lets you customize flow and pressure—start low and increase only if comfortable. The blue push button on the handle also allows fingertip flow control. With a large 24 oz reservoir—three times the size of most systems—SinuPulse offers a deeper clean. Its pulsating action, backed by dozens of medical studies, helps break down biofilm, restore ciliary function, and flush out bacteria and debris left behind by other methods.

Leaking from the bottom of the handle is usually due to the tip not being fully inserted and sealed. Apply a small amount of Vaseline around the base of the sinus tip to lubricate and ensure a secure fit. We recommend lubricating once or twice a year, especially if the tip is dry from initial use, prolonged inactivity, or mineral buildup—common when not using distilled water. For units used over a long period, soak the handle upside down in white vinegar overnight to decalcify and disinfect (see Step 3 below). This helps remove buildup that may prevent proper tip seating and supports optimal water flow.

The control knob tension is preset at the factory to prevent unintended movement from motor vibrations and may feel stiff. Avoid letting excess saline collect around the knob to reduce mineral buildup, which can hinder movement. Using distilled water helps prevent deposits. Periodically wipe the knob area with diluted vinegar to decalcify and clean mineral deposits. You may need to apply gentle force to restore smooth movement. For fingertip control, water flow can also be adjusted by varying pressure on the handle’s push button.

If your push button isn’t making proper contact, the issue may be internal or caused by mineral buildup restricting its movement. Using distilled water—especially in hard or soft water areas—helps prevent deposits. Periodically clean the area around the on/off button with diluted vinegar to decalcify and remove minerals. Always unplug the unit before cleaning. Helpful Tip: To extend the irrigator’s life, you can bypass the push button by adding an inline switch to the power cord after turning the unit on. This simple, inexpensive fix can prevent switch failure and prolong the unit’s lifespan.

This issue often occurs in older units due to wear and mineral buildup that can block gear movement. Try tapping the bottom of the unit firmly to dislodge any obstruction. If successful, the motor and gears should move freely and resume pumping. You may also need to adjust the control knob from low to high several times to clear trapped air and restore water flow. Running 16 ounces of diluted white vinegar (2:1) through the unit is recommended to further break down mineral deposits—vinegar acts as a natural decalcifier and disinfectant.

If there’s no power and the LED display is off, check your outlet—especially if it’s a GFCI, which may have tripped and needs resetting. Test the SinuPulse on a different circuit, preferably a non-GFCI outlet like in the kitchen. This can also help reset the unit’s internal breaker if it was triggered by a voltage spike or overheating. The device usually resets within 30–60 minutes as the motor cools but may take up to 24 hours.

The water line (hose) is factory-installed and not replaceable. However, minor damage like small cracks or pinholes can often be repaired using quick-connect fittings, replacement tubing, or waterproof silicone adhesive.

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 tips pop out during use:

1. Ensure the tip is fully inserted with no gaps—twist it gently left and right to secure.
2. Lower the pressure by adjusting the control knob to the recommended range (usually 3–6), as higher settings can cause the tip to dislodge.

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 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.