Frequently Asked Questions

Using Ethicare’s sinus and nasal irrigation instruments in conjunction with a pulsing action water pump, will assist the human body’s natural ability to expel nasal mucus, nasal crusting, environmental contaminants and other unwanted buildup from the sinus cavities.

The pulsing action of the saline solution from the irrigation pump has been clinically proven to be far more effective at the removal of any excess nasal mucus, nasal crusting and environmental contaminants, than bulb syringes or a neti pot.

The sinus cavities have microscopic hair like organelles called cilia. The cilia are the human bodies’ natural way to move mucus out of the sinus cavity in a rapid pulsing motion.

When the cilia are damaged or not working at all, or if the mucus is so thickened with environmental contaminants, irrigation becomes necessary.

All Ethicare products have been designed to be of professional grade quality and functionality.

Consulting with physicians and patients alike over the last 40 plus years, has given us a keen insight as to what is required by a nasal irrigation product to be effective.

Our products are extremely durable and made to withstand continuous daily use.

You will need a pulsing action water pump, occassionally called a water flosser.

While we are not associated with any manufacturer of water pumps, the compatability of our products is based off the full spectrum of WaterPik water flossers/pumps.

We recommend these water flossers/pumps based on their affordability, accessibility in stores and online, as well as their durability and effectiveness.

Gregg’s absolute favorite pumps/flossers, as the owner of Ethicare, in order are: the Waterpik Classic Flosser WP60W, WP65, WP72.

These models have a large 1000ml reservoir tank, adjustable pressure range from 10 to 90 PSI, and a pulse rate of 1400. The reservoir tank has smooth rounded corners and curves, making it easier to clean.

The WP60, WP65, and the WP72 are absolute workhorses of machines, and are some of the least expensive pumps on the market.

The WP60W, WP65 and the WP72 are still sold at many retailers nationwide, both online and in some stores.

Waterpik now has the WP-100 and WP-112. These are great machines, but only have a 650ml reservoir tank. This may be adequate for some people who do not irrigate daily or those who only need to irrigate lightly, but for those of us who must irrigate once or twice daily for the rest of our lives you may need the capacity of the Waterpik Classic.

Please read our guidance on water pumps/flossers for more information.

Every few years WaterPik has changed not only the design of their water pumps, but also the wand that the user holds in their hand.

Each hand wand, specific to the model of the pump, accepts a different plastic connector for all of its instruments.

We, at Ethicare, carry all of the connectors for all of the WaterPik pumps, whether they are old legacy pumps or the latest 100 series pumps.

So when you order an Ethicare instrument, you will need to know the model of your WaterPik water pump/flosser, so that you can match it up with the connector that matches your specific system.

For more information, please go to our guidance on connectors, here.

Most people will irrigate with a simple saline solution, for which it is quick and easy to make your own at home. As a family business, who ourselves use Ethicare products to irrigate everyday, we have a easy recipe that is our favorite. This recipe is available here.

Many of our customers are recommended Ethicare products from their Doctors. In this case or in other instances when you Doctor urges nasal irrigation he/she may prescibe their own solution for you to irrigate with. Always be sure to follow your Doctor’s recommendations for best result.

When anticipating the first time you use sinus irrigation it can be both frightening and a little intimidating. If done properly sinus irrigation can be liberating for those who are suffering from sinus ills. Be patient though, as like any other form of preventative care, it takes time to get used to it.

Mix your saline solution referring to the guidance available here, with an easy and effective recipe.

If using the Classic Nasal Irrigator, lean over sink and gently place the Classic Nasal Irrigator against the nostril. Adjust the flosser/pump  volume or pressure to its lowest setting. Turn on the flosser/pump, adjust ing the volume or pressure with the slide knob slowly, until there is a comfortable flow of water from one nostril to the other. Switch sides back and forth until the water is gone.

If using the Classic Deep Sinus Irrigator or the Flexible Sinus Stream Irrigator, lean over the sink and gently place the irrigator into the nostril. Adjust the flosser/pump’s volume or pressure to its lowest setting. Turn on the flosser/pump and adjust the volume or pressure slide knob slowly, until there is a comfortable flow of water in the one nostril. Switch sides back and forth until the water is gone.

After the water in the pump is gone and with your head still leaning over the sink, rotate your head slowly to the right, then to the left. This will drain some of the excess water from your sinuses. Stand upright and blow your nose several times. Again lean over sink and rotate your head slowly to the right, then the left.

Finally, be sure to clean the flosser/pump and your Ethicare instrument, with our guidance here.

Read our guidance for first time nasal irrigation users here.

My name is Gregg and I am one of the team members here at Ethicare. I personally have been using the Ethicare products for over 25 years. I have had 8 sinus surgeries, some being more serious than others. I was given the AHUN, which is now the Classic Nasal Irrigator, by an ENT at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston back in 1990. I started irrigating two times daily in 1999, then adding the DSI, which is now the Flexible Sinus Spray Irrigator, to my routine in 2005.

I have not had to have any sinus surgeries since 2005, and these products have truly changed my quality of life. With my own personal experience in mind and the experiences voiced by numerous customers, I have to say that this product can be become a life changer for sinus sufferers like me.