An apparatus and method for preparing a pH balanced saline solution and using the saline solution for rinsing a nasal passage. The apparatus includes a container having flexible sidewalls and an opening for a removable cap. The cap has a rounded convex upper portion curving away from an opening at the cap's uppermost surface and has a conduit in the cap's interior, which conduit extends into the container when the apparatus is fully assembled or is connected to a tube that extends in the container. A saline solution is prepared by adding sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate to distilled water. The sidewalls of the container, filled with the saline solution, are compressed to urge the saline solution through the conduit, or tube and conduit, and through the opening in the cap and into a nasal passage, the cap being pressed against a nostril to provide a comfortable and effective seal.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation application of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/845,759, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,384, filed on Apr. 30, 2001, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
