Published: March 2026 | Medically Reviewed Content
If you've ever used a neti pot and experienced a sharp, burning sensation in your nose, you are not alone. This uncomfortable feeling is the number one reason people abandon nasal irrigation, despite its proven benefits for allergies and congestion.
The culprit? The pH level of your saline solution. And the solution is surprisingly simple: Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate).
Your nasal passages are lined with delicate mucous membranes. These membranes have a specific, slightly alkaline pH level. When you flush your nose with a basic salt-and-water mixture, the pH of that solution often doesn't match the natural pH of your nose.
When a solution is too acidic compared to your nasal tissues, it causes irritation, stinging, and burning. It's the same reason getting pool water up your nose hurts!
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) acts as a powerful pH buffer. When added to a saline solution, it neutralizes the acidity, bringing the pH level of the water much closer to the natural pH of your body.
The result is a smooth, soothing rinse that feels completely natural, with absolutely zero burning or stinging.
While you can technically mix your own salt and baking soda at home, getting the ratio exactly right is difficult. Too much salt will dry out your nose; too much baking soda can cause its own irritation. Furthermore, table salt often contains iodine and anti-caking agents that are harsh on nasal tissues.
ATO Health 100-Count Sinus Rinse Packets are professionally formulated with pharmaceutical-grade sodium chloride and the exact right amount of sodium bicarbonate for a perfectly buffered, pain-free rinse every time.
Upgrade your sinus routine today. Buy 2 Get 1 Free!
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