Do you spend the summer months with a blocked nose, sneezing fits and a tickly feeling at the back of your throat? Then you know the power of pollen all too well. Nasal rinsing for hay fever is a simple habit that gives your nose a rest during pollen season. In this guide you'll read why rinsing can bring relief, how to do it step by step and how often you can repeat it.
Why nasal rinsing helps with hay fever
Hay fever occurs because your body reacts to pollen from grasses, trees and herbs. That pollen gets stuck in the mucous membrane of your nose. As long as it's there, your nose stays irritated and feels full and restless.
With a nasal rinse you flush away pollen, dust and excess mucus with a mild salt solution. This literally removes part of the trigger and gives your mucous membrane the chance to calm down. Many people notice that their nose feels fresher and calmer after rinsing.
And don't assume the season is over too soon. Alongside the last grass pollen, herbs such as mugwort also bloom in late summer. That's exactly why daily rinsing is a nice routine in August.
What you need
For a comfortable rinse, use a nasal douche with a salt solution in the right ratio. The Comformidable nasal douche with 90 sachets of rinsing salt is a complete set: each sachet contains exactly the right amount of salt for a mild, skin-friendly solution. When your sachets run out, simply top up with separate sachets of nasal rinsing salt.
Beyond that, all you need is lukewarm water that you have first boiled and allowed to cool.
Nasal rinsing step by step
- Wash your hands.
- Boil water and let it cool until it is lukewarm. Test the temperature on the inside of your wrist.
- Fill the nasal douche to the measuring line and dissolve a sachet of rinsing salt in it.
- Lean forward over the sink and tilt your head slightly.
- Place the spout gently against your upper nostril and squeeze the bottle calmly. The solution flows through your nose and runs out through the other nostril.
- Blow your nose gently and repeat the rinse on the other side.
- Rinse the nasal douche with clean water after use and let it air dry.
Breathe calmly through your mouth while rinsing, that makes the rinse most comfortable. You'll find a detailed explanation of how to use it in our guide using a nasal douche.
How often to rinse during pollen season
Once a day is a fine base for most people. On days with a lot of pollen in the air, you can rinse twice. The smartest moment is before bed: that way you flush away the pollen you've collected during the day and go into the night with a fresh nose. After sport, gardening or a day outside is also a logical moment for a rinse.
Extra tips to limit pollen
- Wash your hair before bed, especially after a day outside.
- Dry your laundry indoors on peak days.
- Keep windows closed in the early morning, when the pollen concentration is highest.
- Wear sunglasses outside.
- Check the pollen forecast before making plans.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use tap water for a nasal rinse?
Only use tap water if you have first boiled it and let it cool until lukewarm. That way you know for sure the water is clean enough for your nasal lining.
How often per day can I rinse my nose?
Once or twice a day is common. If your nose feels irritated, skip a day. If in doubt, check with your GP.
Can children rinse their nose too?
Yes, under the supervision of an adult. For young children, first consult your GP about what is appropriate.
Does nasal rinsing also help outside hay fever season?
Certainly. Many people also use the nasal douche during a cold or in dry air to keep the nose clean and fresh.
Ready to get through pollen season feeling fresher? Grab your nasal douche and make rinsing a fixed evening ritual.