What Is Nasal Hygiene? (And Why It Matters for Breathing & Sleep)
A Fresh Way to Think About Hygiene
When we think about hygiene, brushing teeth and washing hands usually come to mind first. But did you know your nose also benefits from its own daily care routine?
Your nose is more than just a breathing passage. It’s a built-in air filter, humidifier, and defense system all in one. Keeping it clean and healthy helps reduce congestion, prevent infections, ease allergies, and support better breathing day and night.
Why Nasal Hygiene Is So Important
We breathe 20,000+ times a day, and every breath passes through the nose first (at least, it should!). When the nasal passages are clear and moist:
Breathing is easier – thin, healthy mucus traps dust, allergens, and germs before they reach your lungs.
Sleep improves – open nasal airways reduce snoring, mouth breathing, and sleep disturbances.
Allergies calm down – rinsing away pollen and irritants keeps inflammation in check.
Immune defense strengthens – the nose is your body’s first line of protection against illness.
When nasal hygiene is neglected, congestion, dryness, or infection can take over — and mouth breathing often follows.
The Myofunctional Therapy Connection
Nasal hygiene isn’t just about comfort; it’s foundational for healthy breathing patterns. Myofunctional therapy (MFT) teaches the muscles of the mouth, face, and tongue to work in harmony. At its core, therapy relies on one simple truth: we are meant to breathe through the nose, not the mouth.
If the nose is blocked, dry, or inflamed, therapy becomes harder — and patients may struggle with:
Chronic mouth breathing
Snoring and sleep-disordered breathing
Low tongue posture and improper jaw growth
Daytime fatigue and poor focus
By prioritizing nasal hygiene, you create the conditions for MFT to be more effective. Think of it this way: clean, healthy nasal passages set the stage for strong, functional breathing habits.
✅ Daily Nasal Hygiene Checklist
Rinse or spray with saline to flush out allergens, dust, and mucus
Blow gently (one side at a time)
Moisturize if dry with saline gel or spray, especially in A/C or heated environments
Stay hydrated throughout the day to keep mucus thin and protective
Run a humidifier at night if your bedroom air is dry
📅 Weekly / As-Needed Checklist
Deep rinse with a neti pot or squeeze bottle 2–3 times per week
Use only distilled or boiled (then cooled) water — never straight from the tap
Wash your neti pot or rinse bottle with hot water & soap after every use
Dust, vacuum, and wash bedding regularly to lower allergen exposure
Check expiration dates on nasal sprays if prescribed by your provider
🌿 Final Thoughts
Nasal hygiene may sound like a small habit, but it creates a ripple effect. A clean, moist, and open nose supports better breathing, deeper sleep, fewer allergies, and a stronger immune system.
For anyone beginning (or already in) myofunctional therapy, nasal hygiene is the first step. By caring for the nose daily, you create the foundation for healthy breathing, proper tongue posture, and long-term airway health.
At Palm Beach Myo, I specialize in myofunctional therapy, helping patients improve breathing, sleep, and overall function through personalized care. If you're ready to explore how MFT can support your wellness journey, reach out today, because when you optimize function, you can truly breathe, sleep, and live better.
📞 Contact Palm Beach Myo Today
🌐 Visit: www.PalmBeachMyo.com
📧 Email: palmbeachmyo@gmail.com
📍 Call: (561) 303-6004
Helping You Breathe, Sleep, & Live Better.
