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Is it safe to use expired salt packets from neti pots for nasal irrigation?
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+ Sodium chloride
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Posted by
Mark Miller
Is it safe to use expired salt packets from neti pots for nasal irrigation?
Greetings!
The powders used for preparation of nasal irrigation solutions consist mainly of regular table salt with some additional components like baking soda, glycyrrhiza (licorice plant) extract and althea (marshmallow plant) extract to aid in alleviating the inflammation of the mucous membranes and breaking down/softening the mucus for easier evacuation. Different formulations may vary, but I have a “Dolphin” device at hand and its formulation is exactly that. Being mostly dry salt and other powders, they are a rather inhospitable environment for bacteria to grow, and (at least the ones I have) come sealed in a foil-paper bag, so I’d say they are quite safe to use after the expiration date unless the powder bag is damaged.
The powders used for preparation of nasal irrigation solutions consist mainly of regular table salt with some additional components like baking soda, glycyrrhiza (licorice plant) extract and althea (marshmallow plant) extract to aid in alleviating the inflammation of the mucous membranes and breaking down/softening the mucus for easier evacuation. Different formulations may vary, but I have a “Dolphin” device at hand and its formulation is exactly that. Being mostly dry salt and other powders, they are a rather inhospitable environment for bacteria to grow, and (at least the ones I have) come sealed in a foil-paper bag, so I’d say they are quite safe to use after the expiration date unless the powder bag is damaged.
Interesting question. It’s the classic King Gillette (of blade fame) marketing strategy…minor profit on the razor, massive profit on the refill razor blades. It built an empire.
The salt packets don’t “expire” per se…salt water remains salty and resistant to bacteria growth for the most part. The packets are likely to be dated for one or maybe two allergy/cold/flu seasons to encourage stock turnover. If you are a couple of months “over”, it should be fine.
The expiry date most likely refer to “packaging shelf stability”, which is required by FDA since these sinus rinse systems and the refills are classified as medical devices to FDA. This can be anywhere from one to three years of shelf life.
All to say that it sounds like there should be relatively low risk using expired saline refills. You paid enough for them already.
Interesting question. It’s the classic King Gillette (of blade fame) marketing strategy…minor profit on the razor, massive profit on the refill razor blades. It built an empire.
The salt packets don’t “expire” per se…salt water remains salty and resistant to bacteria growth for the most part. The packets are likely to be dated for one or maybe two allergy/cold/flu seasons to encourage stock turnover. If you are a couple of months “over”, it should be fine.
The expiry date most likely refer to “packaging shelf stability”, which is required by FDA since these sinus rinse systems and the refills are classified as medical devices to FDA. This can be anywhere from one to three years of shelf life.
All to say that it sounds like there should be relatively low risk using expired saline refills. You paid enough for them already.
Greetings!
The powders used for preparation of nasal irrigation solutions consist mainly of regular table salt with some additional components like baking soda, glycyrrhiza (licorice plant) extract and althea (marshmallow plant) extract to aid in alleviating the inflammation of the mucous membranes and breaking down/softening the mucus for easier evacuation. Different formulations may vary, but I have a “Dolphin” device at hand and its formulation is exactly that. Being mostly dry salt and other powders, they are a rather inhospitable environment for bacteria to grow, and (at least the ones I have) come sealed in a foil-paper bag, so I’d say they are quite safe to use after the expiration date unless the powder bag is damaged.
Greetings!
The powders used for preparation of nasal irrigation solutions consist mainly of regular table salt with some additional components like baking soda, glycyrrhiza (licorice plant) extract and althea (marshmallow plant) extract to aid in alleviating the inflammation of the mucous membranes and breaking down/softening the mucus for easier evacuation. Different formulations may vary, but I have a “Dolphin” device at hand and its formulation is exactly that. Being mostly dry salt and other powders, they are a rather inhospitable environment for bacteria to grow, and (at least the ones I have) come sealed in a foil-paper bag, so I’d say they are quite safe to use after the expiration date unless the powder bag is damaged.
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Interesting question. It’s the classic King Gillette (of blade fame) marketing strategy…minor profit on the razor, massive profit on the refill razor blades. It built an empire.
The salt packets don’t “expire” per se…salt water remains salty and resistant to bacteria growth for the most part. The packets are likely to be dated for one or maybe two allergy/cold/flu seasons to encourage stock turnover. If you are a couple of months “over”, it should be fine.
The expiry date most likely refer to “packaging shelf stability”, which is required by FDA since these sinus rinse systems and the refills are classified as medical devices to FDA. This can be anywhere from one to three years of shelf life.
All to say that it sounds like there should be relatively low risk using expired saline refills. You paid enough for them already.
Interesting question. It’s the classic King Gillette (of blade fame) marketing strategy…minor profit on the razor, massive profit on the refill razor blades. It built an empire.
The salt packets don’t “expire” per se…salt water remains salty and resistant to bacteria growth for the most part. The packets are likely to be dated for one or maybe two allergy/cold/flu seasons to encourage stock turnover. If you are a couple of months “over”, it should be fine.
The expiry date most likely refer to “packaging shelf stability”, which is required by FDA since these sinus rinse systems and the refills are classified as medical devices to FDA. This can be anywhere from one to three years of shelf life.
All to say that it sounds like there should be relatively low risk using expired saline refills. You paid enough for them already.
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