The Ceramic Neti Pot - What to Look for When ChoosingMeet the ceramic neti pot. It's useful, it's stylish, it's a terrific conversation piece -- assuming the conversation is about nasal cavities, little ceramic pots, or unsightly bathroom habits. But do you know what to look for when choosing this type of neti pot?Understandably, ceramic neti pots are one of the most popular options for nasal irrigation. On the upside, they're generally dishwasher safe, occasionally microwave safe (check the label), and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. On the downside, they're breakable and don't often come with a lid -- so you'll need to hang on tight, and watch for spillage. But that isn't the only thing you'll need to watch for, because these little pots have some special features you'll want to pay close attention to when you're going neti shopping. When choosing a ceramic neti pot, ask yourself these questions.
Handle or No Handle? Although most plastic and stainless steel netties come with handles, the ceramic version is a bit more unpredictable, handle-wise. In this photo (right), check out the little green pot. It's so darn cute and has some great features. But it has no handle. If you've got steady hands, and are comfortable with the process of nasal irrigation, this likely won't matter. But if your nickname is Butter Fingers, you might have a problem with this particular neti pot. You'd probably want to favor the white version, because you'll be needing a handle to hold on tight, especially if things get a little wet and slippery. Lid, Lip, or Open? Most ceramic netties have open (lid-free) designs, which means you'll have to either mix your solution in a different container, such as a measuring cup prior to putting it into your pot. Or, you'll have to mix your solution in the pot, but use a swirling, rather than a shaking motion, to dissolve your neti salt. If you're worried about overflow, favor a ceramic neti pot with a smaller opening, or one with a "lip", such as the white model seen in the image above. However, don't forget, a smaller opening might also make it harder to clean, assuming you're planning to wash it by hand. Technology Friendly? Neti pots have been around for hundreds of years, but dishwashers and microwaves are newer inventions. Many ceramic neti pots are dishwasher-safe, and some are even safe for the microwave. A lot will depend on the coatings covering the ceramic. A tip: if your ceramic pot is coated with food-grade porcelain, there's a good chance it's safe for use in the dishwasher and in the microwave. But remember, always check the label first. Country of Origin? No matter what country you live in, it's nice to support your local economy. In the above photo, the white neti pot was made in China, while the green neti pot was made in the U.S.A., my own country of origin (or at least that's what my parents say.) Since I've started my own little neti pot collection, I guess I've supported both national economies, the Chinese and the United States, and I'm okay with that. But it is always nice to find something made right here at home. Plus, the green neti pot came with a nice little packet of French sea salt. A bonus! Vive la Neti! Back to Home Page: |
The Elusive Neti Pot: One-of-a-Kind at Most Stores. Sometimes, the hardest thing about taking the nasal irrigation plunge (other than getting up the guts to try it) is finding a neti pot. But rest assured, whether at your local pharmacy or from on-line retailers, they're a lot easier to find, once you know where to look.
For help in making your neti pot buying decision, check out these neti pot-choosing articles.
Choosing your neti pot. Life is full of choices. Neti pots are no exception. Once you've decided to take the nasal irrigation plunge, you'll need to choose your netti pot. Ceramic or plastic? Biggie or smallie? Fancy or plain? And how about that spout? Does its shape matter?
Meet the Plastic Neti Pot. My first nettie was a little blue plastic one. As a neti newbie, I was a little nervous, and eventually chose this particular model because it was a relatively cheap and came with premixed salt packets. But would I recommend it to friends?
What About Ceramic Neti Pots? They're cute, they're useful, they make great conversation pieces, but they're not always easy to choose. When choosing a ceramic neti pot, first ask yourself these questions.