Science behind the NasalCare Nasal Rinse Kit

Our first design was a squeeze bottle, very similar to others on the market. Yes, it was better than neti pots, but after squeezed, the bottle became negatively pressured and sucked the nasal solution back into the bottle and narrow, hard-to-clean tube. We recognized the risk of re-infection, we also knew that time-consuming wash after use would not be practical if users need to frequently rinse their noses. If patients did not wash the contaminated tube and bottle well, there would be a high risk of sinus re-infection even though their doctors had performed excellent nasal surgeries. This was proved by Dr. Amin Javer’s group from St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada, who orally presented their clinical studies on the first day of the Rhinology World 2009 conference in Philadelphia (Abstract #1356 on page 47 of the Program).

To prevent the problematic backflow, we invented a nasal irrigator with two one-way valves. We filed the patent on Jan 17, 1997 and it was granted in 2000. We filed 510K application to FDA and received clearance in 2002. We spent a lot of time to perfect the design so the irrigator would be able to efficiently remove tough bacterial biofilm and dried debris without causing discomfort. The speed of liquid flow and the strength of pressure are easily controlled by the two valves through user’s hands. Hindered by negative pressure crushing the bottle, inefficient “hose,” and too soft a bottle, the cleansing efficiency of the backflow-prone bottle is obviously lower than that of the dual-valve nasal irrigator.

As stated in our first business plan in 1998, “As we believe all people will need our product for nasal rinsing to prevent and treat upper respiratory diseases, the final product must be user-friendly, extremely safe, and cost-effective, akin to tooth brushing.” Our current NasalCare product is the second generation; it has overcome the drawbacks of neti pots, backflow-prone bottles, and electric irrigators. To make it easier for users’ to add the pre-mix powder and water, we re- designed the bottle to have a wider opening. We also added a dust-preventive lid for better hygiene and convenience for travelers. We found that hypertonic saline was more effective than isotonic saline for chronic sinusitis, but the former caused stinging, burning and dryness. So we improved the saline by changing regular salt to mineral-rich sea salt-which has less sodium. Besides sodium bicarbonate, we also included aloe extract for its moisturizing and potential anti-inflammation and anti-microbe activities, and buffering citric acid/sodium citrate for more comfort.

A backflow-prone bottle is troublesome. Cleaning the narrow tube and bottle requires a 6-step regimen. A biweekly change to a new bottle would add more cost to consumers than the cost of NasalCare (guaranteed for one year) Our product provides solutions and we hope the health care providers become involved in our efforts to introduce the state of the art nasal irrigation system to their patients.

Why the NasalCare® can help reduce spread of the A/H1N1 virus?

As you know, the first and primary place for flu virus to infect victims is the nose, and according to the CDC, it takes 24 hours to 4 days of the incubation period of virus shedding into nasal secretions. This indicates that the attention in management of the virus infection and spread should be on the nasal cavities. Washing hands is not enough and in fact the virus-contaminated hands actually make people sick through the nose, little via the mouth.

Therefore, timely elimination of the viruses from nasal cavities shall significantly reduce the risk of developing colds and flu. With expertise in infectious diseases and epidemiology, I believe daily nasal irrigation using the NasalCare Nasal Rinse Kit is a simple, safe, comfortable, inexpensive and effective approach in fighting flu virus infections. This has been proven by recent clinical studies: Daily nasal rinse prevents common cold in adults and school children, and also reduces severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of illness. Washing the virus down to the drain not only protects the users but also people around them. By reducing the spread because of less virus secretions when people sneeze or cough.

Remember, not all nasal rinse devices are created equal. The NasalCare device is the only one that has an anti-backflow feature.