Types of Neti Pots

Jala Neti is Sanskrit for nasal irrigation with a neti pot. From ancient Hindu practice to modern day use, the neti pot is becoming a common item in many households to help many with sinus ailments like allergies and sinusitis. While the main pot shape and use has not changed for over a century, there is a wide range of neti pot types that have both advantages and disadvantages for the person using it.

Clay Neti Pots

Original neti pots from ancient Hindu practice were handmade with clay. While they are not as widely available today, there are still a few natural clay styles available for purchase or workshops where instructors show step-by-step instructions for handmade pots. Using clay pots is great to stick with the look and feel from a traditional point of view, but there may be potential hazards that may accompany this type as well.

Clay has a porous surface that may be difficult to properly clean out before and after each use. One problem with porous materials is they are prone to having small particles attach themselves to the small crevices and may in turn wash into the nasal passage leading to irritation or possible infection. Another potential problem may be for families with children or anyone who may be prone to dropping things, since the fragile nature of clay will cause it to chip.

Ceramic Neti Pots

Like the clay pots, the ceramic neti pots have a porous surface that may be difficult to clean and trap foreign bodies like dust and dirt. They are also not as durable as plastic or metal and are in reality more brittle than clay.
While they do offer a wide range of beautiful designs and finishes, the ceramic pots are usually made in small sizes which will require a new fill for each nostril and they may feel hard or uncomfortable to use since they generally do not include special cone shaped spouts that fit nicely into nostrils.

Glass Neti Pots

Most of the glass neti pots are considered works of art that may be displayed around the home and they are available in several different sizes for comfort and ease of use.

A great point for glass neti pots is how easily they clean and rinse out. The salt solution does not affect the glass except by leaving slight salt stains if not rinsed and dried after use. The one major problem with glass is the fact that it does shatter easily when dropped.

Plastic Neti Pots

Plastic is very durable and the pots are made in a wide range of colours and sizes. Generally the most inexpensive material around, they are also lightweight and easy to transport anywhere.

Depending on the way it is made, the plastic pots normally have a specially shaped spout that should fit comfortably in nostrils and a smooth non-porous surface that is easy to keep clean prior to each use.

One problem that there may be is if the plastic neti pot was created in a mold with two halves joined together. The seam running along the middle of the pot may scratch the sensitive inner lining of the nose. Another problem that may arise is the fact that plastic may change over time, giving off an odour and possibly changing shape from extended use or simply from being left in the sun.

Metal Neti Pots

The most common metals used for making neti pots are stainless steel and copper. They are both lightweight and durable materials that can withstand drops and knocks and are made in many sizes for comfort and ease of use. Most metal pots will include changeable spout tips that are specially shaped to fit comfortably in nostrils.

The stainless steel pots are less expensive than the copper and will not tarnish as easily. Since there is a salt concentration used with neti pots, over time the stainless steel may develop slight salt deposits, but they can easily be avoided if properly rinsed and cleaned after each use.

The copper is a beautiful finish for any shape and size, but the cost does add up for these types. No matter how well it is cleaned, it will have a tarnished look in a short span of time.