Why can you fill your sinuses with ocean water but not tap water in a netty pot

Question

Why can you fill your sinuses with ocean water but not tap water in a netty pot

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Answer 1

The proper recommended use of a neti pot is DISTILLED water (buy it that way, or boil/microwave it) that has been salinized.

This is simply done to help avoid irritation to the nasal passages. Think of it like a “water softener”, such as the ones attached to house plumbing that utilize salt in a similar way. The tissue in the sinuses are very sensitive. They like soft things, including water.