Navage Nasal Rinse: What's the Safest Water Type to Use?

What Type of Water Should You Use in a Navage?

As nasal irrigation devices like the Navage grow in popularity for sinus relief, proper water type is crucial. Using the wrong water can introduce dangerous organisms into nasal passages and sinuses. So what is the safest water to use in your Navage?

Let's review Navage device basics, water quality considerations, and tips for safe setup and use to optimize benefits while avoiding serious risks to your sinus health.

What is the Navage Nasal Irrigation System?

The Navage is an electronic nasal irrigation device cleared by the FDA to rinse the nasal cavity and sinuses. It utilizes gentle suction to pull saline solution in one nostril and out the other, flushing away mucus, allergens, and bacteria.

To work properly, the Navage requires filling the tank with saline rinse packets mixed into water. But regular tap water can harbor microorganisms that could cause serious infections if introduced into nasal passages.

Why Tap Water is Unsafe in Navage Use

Using plain tap water in a Navage puts you at risk of exposure to:

• Bacteria like E.coli, salmonella, legionella
• Parasites such as cryptosporidium and giardia
• Brain-eating amoebas like Naegleria fowleri

These microbes are common in public water sources. Introducing them into the nasal cavity could lead to dangerous, even deadly, infections in rare cases.

CDC Recommendations for Nasal Rinse Water

The CDC advises only using water that has been:

• Sterile
• Distilled
• Boiled and cooled
• Filtered with absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller

Otherwise, only use water specifically labeled “for nasal rinsing” from the store to avoid risk.

Best and Safest Water Options for Navage Use

Based on CDC guidelines, the following provide the safest water for use in your Navage:

Distilled Water

Distilled water has been boiled and vaporized to remove impurities. It provides protection against pathogens while still hydrating nasal membranes.

Sterile Saline Packets

The saline packets made for the Navage device contain non-iodized, pre-sterilized salt water for safe nasal rinsing.

Filtered Water

Water filtered to 0.1 microns or less using a reverse osmosis system or filter removes bacteria and parasites.

Boiled Tap Water

Boiling tap water for at least 3 minutes and cooling before use kills most microbes. But filtering after boiling is ideal.

Avoid Well Water and Untreated Water Sources

Do not use untreated well water or lake/river/spring water in your Navage unless tested and treated. These sources often contain dangerous microbes that can infect nasal passages and sinuses.

Safely Preparing and Using Navage with Proper Water

Follow these best practices when using your Navage to ensure safe and effective sinus irrigation:

Sterilize All Parts Regularly

Disinfect the entire Navage device, including tubing and nosepieces, using the provided sanitizing solution or unscented bleach regularly.

Wash and Dry Hands Thoroughly

Wash hands vigorously with soap and warm water before handling Navage parts to prevent bacterial contamination.

Rinse With Proper Water Volume

Fill tank to water level lines marked on device to ensure proper saline concentration for rinsing.

Use Daily for Best Effects

Regular daily use removes allergens and keeps passages moist, helping prevent sinus infections.

Keep Tank Covered

Replace tank lid immediately after filling to prevent airborne bacteria and fungi from contaminating the water before use.

Rinse After Sickness

Navage can help flush out mucus and germs after illness. But replace nosepieces to avoid reinfection.

Consult Doctor if Problems Persist

See an ENT specialist if congestion, infections or symptoms continue despite proper nasal hygiene.

Using Bottled Saline Solution for Nasal Rinsing

Pre-made sterile bottled saline solutions provide an alternative for nasal rinsing. Some options include:

NeilMed NasoGEL

Adds soothing aloe vera to create a gel-like sodium chloride irrigation solution.

SinuCleanse Neti Pot Solution

Buffered, isotonic saline solution for use in Navage or other irrigation devices.

Simply Saline Mist and Cleanse

Drugstore brand providing sterile nose drops, mists, and rinses.

Avoid solutions containing iodine, harsh preservatives or other additives. Read labels and select plain bottled saline made for nasal rinsing.

Risks of Using Tap Water in Nasal Irrigation

Using untreated tap water in your Navage nasal irrigation system risks exposing the sensitive nasal cavity to:

Bacterial Infections

Bacteria like E.coli from contaminated water sources can cause serious sinus infections requiring antibiotic treatment.

Parasitic Infections

Parasites can infect nasal passages, throat, and intestines, causing giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis.

Naegleria Fowleri Infection

This brain-eating amoeba is rare but almost always deadly if tap water contaminated with it enters nasal passages.

Toxic Tap Water Chemicals

Chlorine and fluoride levels safe for drinking may still irritate and harm the sensitive nasal cavity lining.

Ask a Doctor Before Navage Use If:

• Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation - can harm immune function
• Diabetic - more prone to infection
• History of nosebleeds - rinse pressure may aggravate
• Sinus surgery - alter sinus drainage and anatomy

Proper use and water type is key to safely realizing the benefits of nasal irrigation with Navage. Consult an ENT doctor to determine if this device is appropriate for your individual sinus health needs.

The Takeaway

Avoid using regular untreated tap water in your Navage nasal irrigation device, as it risks exposing the sinus passages to dangerous bacteria, parasites, and more. Only use distilled, sterile, or adequately filtered water for safe and effective rinsing.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.