An important reminder:The Naväge Nose Cleaner requires the presence of a genuine Naväge SaltPod® capsule to operate. That is, the power button can only be pushed in to turn on the motor and open the drain valve when a new SaltPod has been placed in the crushing chamber and the lid has been clicked shut – and not reopened.
1. Yikes, I’m getting water down my throat!
The key to success with Naväge is making your nasal cavity into a closed system, separate from the oral cavity. That’s what makes it possible for the rinse to go in one nostril, out the other, and not down your throat. It's the result of closing the soft palate. For most new users this happens naturally, without thinking about it. But not for everyone. If you run into trouble, some tips follow. Or, you can just give our awesome customer service team a call. They are daily Naväge users themselves and can be reached at (800) 203-6400.
- Relax – The more relaxed you are, the easier it is. Nasal lavage is safe and effective, and it is practiced every day by tens of millions all over the world including over 1,000,000 Naväge users. For some new users there’s a learning curve and it may take 3 or 4 or even 5 tries, but be assured that you’ll master it, too. Best of all, just like riding a bicycle, once you’ve got it, you’ve got it forever!
- The Nose Pillows should be in snug, but not too snug. Press the pillows in firmly to create a seal. Once the cycle starts, back off a little to increase the flow. Don’t block the tips against the inside walls of your nose. Less pressure usually results in more flow.
- Reverse the direction of flow. Rotate the Nasal Dock 180 degrees and the saline will then flow in the opposite direction. This can make a huge difference, so you should try irrigating both ways (Fig 8).
- Breathe normally through your mouth.
- Press your tongue firmly against the roof of your mouth and sing/say “hung”, holding the “ng” sound. This will help close the soft palate, block the throat, and separate the nasal cavity from the oral cavity!
- Again, if you’re in that small group for whom there is a learning curve, don’t give up! There are countless online reviews like this one: “Absolutely love this. Once you get the hang of it, it works better than anything I have ever bought! So hang in there, it’s worth it!” Persistence pays.
2. The Power Button won’t push in – New User Tips
For the Power Button to work, a new Naväge SaltPod capsule must be placed in the Crushing Chamber foil-side down and the Lid clicked shut. The device only works when loaded with a genuine, unused SaltPod. This is an important safety feature to avoid the painful stinging that is caused by running plain, unsalted water through your nose. It is also super convenient and eliminates the uncertainty and mess of measuring and mixing. This is critical: If you reopen the Lid, the Power Button will no longer work with that particular SaltPod, even if you re-close the Lid. The Power Button will be locked out and it won’t be possible to push it in. No peeking!
3. The Power Button won’t push in – Experienced User Tips
This is especially important if you haven’t used your Nose Cleaner for a while. Rinse the device with hot water for at least 30 seconds in the three places marked A, B, and C (Fig. 9). This will melt salt crystal buildup that can interfere with device operation. Time it – 30 seconds is the magic number and it's longer than you think! After rinsing, lift the Drain Pull (C) to verify that it is not stuck.
4. The button pushes in all the way but the pump doesn’t start.
Visually reconfirm that the batteries are installed in the right direction. Fresh AA batteries should last at least 3 to 4 months of twice daily use.
5. My nose is completely blocked and I can’t breathe through either nostril.
For nasal irrigation to work, there must be room in the nose for the rinse to go in one nostril and come out the other. 100% blockage is rare, and nasal irrigation can help relieve even the most stuffed up sinus condition. If you are extremely congested, space is limited in the nasal cavity and irrigating will be slow at first. You may need to start and stop a few times to loosen the mucus and break up the congestion. We suggest the following tips when you're really stuffed up:
- Irrigate for about 10 seconds;
- Gently blow your nose;
- Rotate the Nasal Dock 180° to reverse the flow, and irrigate in the opposite direction for about 10 seconds;
- Gently blow your nose and relax for a couple of minutes;
- Rotate the Nasal Dock 180° again;
- Repeat until the rinse begins to flow into the bottom tank.
This repeated “back and forth” motion will help reduce congestion and allow the rinse to flow from one nostril to the other. Persistence pays!
6. Still need help?
We want Naväge to work for you, and we are sincerely committed to your 100% satisfaction. Extensive experience has taught us that most problems are solved by following the instructions above, but be assured that if these don't work for you, we will do whatever is needed to get you back on track. For additional assistance, check out ourinstructional videosorcontact us directly atsupport@navage.comor by calling (800) 203-6400 from 8:30-5:30, M-F, Eastern Time.Our customer support reps are daily Naväge users themselves, and they are caring, knowledgeable, and eager to assist you.
We're here to help!
