This is one of the BEST products I've ever own. I used to take antihistamines about once a week or every day during allergy seasons. Since using the neti pot every morning, now I rarely use them. It's a relief not to carry tissues with you everywhere you go.
Another added benefit is that my RGP contact lenses are now more comfortable than ever! I did not realize dirty sinuses are causing my eyes to feel scratchy and dry. When I use the neti pot, I could feel my tear ducts being cleaned out too. My eyes now look clearer and brighter.
When I first bought this neti pot, I was pissed off that I paid umpteen dollars for a piece of cheap plastic. Later I was glad I bought it because I travel often so it's very lightweight and doesn't take up a lot of space. It's easy to clean and hard to break. The ceramic version would be inconvenient for me. I wish however, it would be clear plastic instead of opaque blue, so it would be easier for me to see the amount of saline left for each side of my nose. Another benefit is the screw-on lid which eliminates the need to cover the opening with the palm of your hand.
The generous 50 packets of saline mix it comes with is very gentle for first time users. It does not sting like the homemade solution I made with 100% natural sea salt. But the stinging eventually goes away once you get used to it. I made the mistake of using too much water in ratio to salt. This caused the solution to lodge into one of my sinuses, causing a minor infection.
** Make sure you don't fill water all the way to the top. There are barely-there markings on the neti pot which says 240 mL which should be filled according to instructions.
I really like the NeilMed clinical pamphlet it came with, equipped with 23 pages of directions, maintenance, FAQs, anatomical illustrations of the sinuses. They even put photos of medical conditions relating to the nose, graphic enough to make you squirm.
I also use Quercetin supplements which is also effective for allergies but did not solve my contact lens irritation. Once you experience clean sinuses, going without it is like not having your teeth brushed (true as they say on the box).
UPDATE: I just realized that adding too much salt in your saline solution can dry out your sinuses and cause dry eyes.