I found inhaling the spray into my nostril took a bit more coordination and concentration than I obviously have, which is why I started using the swabs.
Maybe, that swimming pool is an analogy, since I couldn't swim without nose plugs ... maybe we should do a survey <g> ... or get a grant to study it! LOL nahhh ... I won't go there <g>
anyway, when I was first diagnosed with all this trouble, I tried the water thing into the nose - - DRs receptionist swore by it ... it just didn't work for me.
Maybe we ought to study more about what it is that causes it to work ... because I know it works! hence, in my mind, it is at least an option.

I have ashma and copd and I never smoked - not even once. My pulmonary specialist put me on Nel Med and the squeeze bottle as part of my treatment and eventho I get tired of doing it - it really helps.

Martha Jo, my mom had a good friend named Martha Jo when we lived in Clarksville, TX. You from that neck of the woods.

I have better results with the nedi pot, with the saline. It does not feel like the pool. You have to tilt your head level and not pour so fast so it does not run down your throat. If it does that is when you get the salt taste. I usually do it before bed to get all the alergines out of my nose from the day. I guess we wash everything else why not the nose.

Can some one please explain to me what a netti pot is...? ? ?

I've been using the Saline Rinse by Neil Med for about 6 1/2 months now. My Dr. told me to stop using the small spray bottle from Walmart and get this because it does a better job. My pharmacy also has a an extra strong one and for the life of me I can't remember the exact name but it is by NeilMed also.
My sinus infections have been reduced by more than 80% and my sense of smell is beginning to come back.
REMEMBER: when using this saline rinse use DISTILLED WATER or you may feel a rush of burning just like when you are swimming. Believe me I know as I ran out of DW and tried tap and darn near drowned myself. Ugh!!! The thing is you have to tilt your head to the side slightly and chin down a bit over the sink. SO far I have not caught DH's bad cold (like the ones everyone is describing here) that he has had a week and a half. He quit using his saline wash. Too much trouble he said.
Lots of good advice here. Just pray I don't get sick.

If it feels too strong, you can make it not as strong. I only use 1/2 a packet per each side.

I know everybody says that saline thing works but would I feel like I was snorting a swiming pool. You know how bad it hurts to get water up your nose. It always gave me a headache.[/quote]

here is a wikipedia article on a neti pot:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neti_pot

Thank you!