Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the benefits of daily nasal washing?
Daily washing refreshes, cleans and moisturizes the nasal membranes. When using Nasopure hypertonic salt mixture, it also makes the nasal and sinus environment difficult for bacterial or viral growth.
Q: Who can benefit from nasal washing?
Nasal washing can benefit anyone who has nasal woes. For example, those with allergies, nasal congestion, a sinus infection, post nasal drip, sore throat, asthma or nasal discharge. Anyone exposed to irritants, such as people who live in polluted cities, firefighters, lawn keepers, carpenters, smokers would benefit from nasal hygiene. Folks over 40 develop thicker secretions and washing can clear these secretions. Anyone who wishes to use fewer medications for allergies, asthma or recurrent sinus infections can benefit from nasal washing. Singers tell me how nasal washing improves their voice quality.
Q: What in your medical background qualifies you to be an expert on nasal care products?
I have been a primary care physician for over 20 years and a mother for 30. I know snotty noses! My passion has always concentrated in prevention, patient education, reduction of medication use and alternative treatment options. Allergies, sinusitis, ear problems and asthma are the most common reasons people come to any medical clinic. In addition, I have continued my education on the subject and have lectured to many in the medical field.
Q: How does Dr. Hana’s Nasopure different from its competitors?
The Nasopure bottle is unique. It is the only one to offer an ideal washing while maintaining the head and neck in the neutral position. The Nasopure bottle allows the user complete control of the water pressure and flow which results in the Nasopure Effect. Nasopure is user friendly, simple, convenient for travel and adjustable for individual needs. The solution is pharmaceutical grade, has no additives and is safe for all ages.
Q: What are the active ingredients in Dr. Hana’s Nasopure?
Pharmaceutical-grade, sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate (all natural, buffered, isotonic or hypertoninc).
Q: How do those ingredients work?
The salt concentration works by osmosis to shrink swollen membranes, wash out debris and thin thick sticky secretions. The salty flush of water actually draws the sinus contents out of the body. The bicarbonate acts to buffer the solution, therefore making it easier to tolerate and soothes irritated membranes.
Q: What is the difference between hypertonic solution and isotonic solution?
Isotonic means the solution has the same salt concentration as your body. Hypertonic solution is saltier than the body. An example of hypertonic solution is the ocean water. Learn more.
Q: What are the benefits of hypertonic nasal washes?
Scientific studies support that hypertonic solution does the following:
- Hypertonic solution thins thick secretions most effectively.
- Hypertonic solution improves the filtering mechanisms of the nose by 17%.
- Hypertonic solution washes out 80% of the irritants that cause allergies.
- Hypertonic solution shrinks swollen membranes.
- Regular use of hypertonic solution reduces the need for antihistamines and antibiotics.
- Hypertonic solution is similar to ocean water and is SAFE.
- Hypertonic solution can improve both sense of smell and bad breath.
- Hypertonic solution is an adverse environment for viral and bacterial organisms to flourish.
Q: What if the solution burns or stings?
The salt concentration should vary depending on your comfort level, experience and tolerance. If burning or stinging sensation is uncomfortable, dilute the salt concentration in the solution and then advance the salt concentration as tolerated for best results. Several scientific studies have demonstrated that hypertonic buffered saline with warm water is the most effective. Of course, some washing is better than no washing.
Q: How much solution should be used for each washing?
The amount of solution per washing depends upon the user’s tolerance and comfort level as well as the particular nasal condition. An entire bottle may be used for a single washing when excessive and thickened mucus is present or if preferred. Typically, a few squirts through each nostril will maintain a healthy environment.
Q: What are your overall goals with regard to Dr. Hana’s Nasopure?
Our ultimate goal is to educate the public regarding nasal health maintenance, share the fact that if one has nasal woes, sinus complaints, allergies, or the like, washing your nose makes sense. We offer an alternative to medications and wish to make nasal washing as easy and simple as brushing one’s teeth. The nose is the body's filter; it protects us from disease. If we keep it clean, it will work well for us.
Q: Why did you decide to develop Dr. Hana’s Nasopure?
I offered the recipe and instructions for nasal irrigation, but I found that most people did not want to hassle with the inconvenience of putting together a make-shift kit at home. I began to search for the perfect nasal wash system, but realized none of the previously available options were ideal. Nasopure is the end result of feedback from my patients, even the very young ones.
Q: Do you envision Dr. Hana’s Nasopure becoming a necessary household item?
Yes, for those folks who wish to reduce the number of medications they use, save money on prescription and over the counter drugs, reduce allergy symptoms, reduce sinus and nasal congestion, clean and refresh the nasal membranes and prevent future nasal woes.
Recommendation for prevention:
Wash once per day or after exposure to irritants.
Recommendation for mild to moderate congestion or discharge:
Wash twice per day. Hypertonic is most effective, but isotonic can also be used.
Recommendation for moderate to severe congestion, discharge or infection:
Wash up to four times per day. Hypertonic is recommended for the most dramatic results, but isotonic can also be used.
Other Nasopure Use Notes:
- Always allow to solution to drain freely, after washing, before a gentle blowing of the nose
- Never forcefully blow the nose
- Never force anyone else to do it
- Never block the open nostril while flushing
- Always wash in the upright position
- Always wash prior to using a nasal steroid
- Temporary ear popping is not uncommon and is NOT harmful
- Feel free to contact Dr. Hana with questions regarding your nasal washing experiences
As always, contact your physician if your symptoms worsen, or fail to improve; or if you have a significant medical condition.