Does sinus washing help for colds?

Blocked nose
Cold & flu
Runny nose
Sinus wash
Sinusitis

If you have a runny or blocked nose from cold, flu or sinusitis, sinus washing can help in many ways. It’s also known as sinus or nasal irrigation, rinsing, or flushing but the action remains the same!

What is sinus washing?

Put simply, a large volume of saline solution in a squeezable bottle is used to help wash the nasal passages and the sinus cavities. FLO Sinus Care is the number 1 sinus wash in Australia and is an isotonic and preservative-free saline solution1. This makes it gentle enough for daily use. Using a sinus wash regularly helps to provide relief from symptoms of the common cold and flu, and sinusitis

The benefits of sinus washing

Usually, a cold or a bout of flu will last for about 7-10 days and most people will get better without treatment. But there are things you can do to help relieve cold and flu symptoms and make yourself feel more comfortable, and help you to breathe freely including:

Making sure you keep warm and get plenty of rest
Remember to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
Using simple non-medicated saline sinus washes – such as FLO Sinus Care can help by
- Washing away irritants and infectious material
- Thinning and helping to clear thick mucus
- Moisturise and soothe dry nasal tissues

How does Sinus washing work?

The large volume of fluid (saline solution) helps wash the nasal passages, sinus cavities and the back of the throat to gently remove excess mucus containing cold germs, bacteria and irritants or allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.

Step-by-step guide to sinus washing

Add 200mls of lukewarm pre-boiled water to a FLO bottle. There’s a fill line on the side of the bottle to help you out.
Add the contents of one FLO sachet to the bottle. Close the cap on the FLO bottle and gently shake until all the powder has dissolved.
Now lean over a basin and tuck your chin towards your chest.
It’s VERY important to breathe through your mouth. If you don’t, you could accidentally take
a gulp of the saline
Now insert the top of the cap gently into one nostril until it forms a tight seal.
Continue to breathe through your mouth and gently squeeze the FLO bottle until the solution starts to drain from your other nostril.
The FLO bottle has two place markers on the bottle to show you where to squeeze to help you optimise the wash.

Cleaning procedures:

Cleaning your sinus wash bottle is important to avoid contamination and we recommend that your bottle is thoroughly cleaned after every use.

To properly care for your FLO Sinus Care Bottle:

Discard any remaining solution in the bottle. Always make a fresh solution for each treatment.
Clean all components i.e. bottle, tube and nozzle thoroughly using warm soapy water. Rinse all components well with tap water. Thoroughly dry using a clean paper towel.
Reassemble the bottle and store in refrigerator until next needed.
Before making up your FLO isotonic saline solution for the next use, rinse bottle and components with previously boiled water to ensure any residue is removed.

Hygiene Top Tip:

If you and a family member suffer from nasal or sinus congestion, whether from colds, allergies, hayfever or sinusitis and you both need to use a sinus wash, always use your own device. Clearly labelling your device is a great way to ensure that there’s no confusion between who’s nasal spray or wash bottle belongs to whom.

Ready to experience the benefits of sinus washing for yourself? Explore the range of FLO Sinus Care products available at your nearest pharmacy.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Circana Scan Data: Total Pharmacy Aus Market (Scan + Weighted): OTC Total Sinus Wash/Irrigation segment Units and Value Sales (based on segment/item list as defined by Aspen) 28/04/23
Healthdirect. Colds. Last reviewed April 2022. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/colds (accessed March 2023).
Bastier. P.-L, et al. Nasal irrigation: From empiricism to evidence-based medicine.
A review. European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck diseases 132 (2015) 281–285