Are there any clinical studies showing how effective Xlear is in preventing upper respiratory infections and other problems in the upper airway?
(Answer by Dr. A.H. "Lon" Jones D.O.) While there is clinical experience and clinical trials being done, they are not pursued as much as they are in pharmaceutical trials because the results could not be used. This demands an explanation as to why not.

Xlear works like soap in the nose. Everyone knows that soap is the most effective way we know to prevent the spread of communicable disease. We know this because our doctors tell us, the Center for Disease Control tells us, the television tells us. But there have been no clinical trials to prove this claim.

Soap and water wash bacteria from the hands so they don’t get into our eyes when we rub them, or our nose. It is a very effective means of blocking the spread of infectious disease, but for the soap industry to make the health claims that are clearly appropriate would make soap into a drug and under the control of the Food and Drug Administration.

Like soap and water for the hands, Xlear is just an effective and natural way of cleaning the nose. It is not a drug and the company marketing it makes no drug claims. But if you are handling bacteria all day, and we all are whether we like it or not, you may find it useful to wash your hands occasionally; and if you are breathing contaminated air you may find washing your nose just as beneficial.

How do you pronounce "XLEAR"?
The "X" in the name Xlear is representative of Xylitol, the primary active ingredient in Xlear Nasal Wash. The proper pronunciation is "CLEAR".

What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a natural sugar. It is derived from sources such as fruits, vegetables, corn stalks/husks/cobs, birch wood, nutshells, etc. Xylitol is classified as a sugar alcohol and small amounts are produced in the human body.

Xylitol has been shown in numerous clinical studies to provide substantial health benefits to the user. The chemical structure of Xylitol prevents bacteria from metabolizing and digesting the Xylitol after ingesting it, reducing the production of by-products that enable the bacteria to adhere to nasal tissues.

What is Xlear Nasal Wash?
Xlear Nasal Wash is an all-natural product that helps the body's natural cleaning process wash away bacteria, pollens, dander, molds, allergens and other irritants that cause nasal congestion. Xlear contains Xylitol, a naturally occurring substance and one of bacteria's natural enemies. When certain harmful bacteria enter the body, they attach to the membranes of the nose and throat. Xlear Nasal Wash merely flushes harmful bacteria and pollutants away.

What are the benefits of Xlear Nasal Wash?
Over 90% of all infection-causing bacteria enter through the nose. Clinical studies have shown that Xlear Nasal Wash with Xylitol, when used regularly can substantially reduce sinus and upper respiratory infections including otitis media (middle ear infections) by reducing the ability of harmful bacteria, pollens, allergens and other irritants from adhering to nasal tissue.

Is it safe for children/infants/ or use during pregnancy?
Xlear Nasal Wash is all-natural, drug free and non-habit forming. Xlear contains purified water, saline and grapefruit seed extract-all found in over-the-counter nasal moisteners that have been used for years. Xylitol is the key ingredient that makes Xlear Nasal Wash so revolutionary and effective.

The World Health Organization and the FDA have given Xylitol their safest ratings for food additives. Babies and small children can use Xlear Nasal Wash without restriction. If you have any concerns or questions before taking this or any other over-the-counter product, consult first with your physician.

Will it interfere with any other medication that I am taking?
Xlear Nasal Wash contains only natural ingredients and no negative interactions are known. However, always consult with your physician if you have any questions before using this or any other over-the-counter product.

How is it used?
Tilt your head forward and seal off the nasal passage by closing off one nostril. Close your mouth and give the bottle a quick, firm squeeze, inhaling deeply to pull the mist into the sinus cavities. Do this once or twice for each nostril. Xlear Nasal Wash should be administered to infants and children in the same way. If the infant or child is resistant to this method of application, have him or her lie down and place two drops of Xlear Nasal Wash in each nostril.

How often should I use Xlear Nasal Wash?
For the first 2 to 4 weeks of Xlear Nasal Wash usage, adults and children should administer it 3 to 4 times a day. After the 1st month, it should be used twice a day as a preventative measure.

For infants and small children who are in day care, exposed to infectious bacteria or suffer from chronic middle ear infection, Xlear Nasal Wash should be administered 3 to 4 times a day.

What can I expect after I begin using Xlear Nasal Wash?
Antihistamines and decongestants are widely used for temporary relief of nasal stuffiness and other symptoms of sinus problems and infections-turning off the body's natural washing process. This provides temporary relief but soon wears off and sets up a cycle of dependence. Xlear Nasal Wash thins the mucus and assists the body's natural process of clearing the nasal passages and washing away bacteria, allergens, pollen and other pollutants. When you begin using Xlear, you may experience an increase in mucus flow, indicating that the washing process is taking place.

Will the Xlear Nasal Wash freeze in the mail during shipping?
The Xylitol and saline in the Xlear lower the freezing point to about 5-10 degrees below zero Celsius. Freezing does not affect Xlear.

What is the shelf life of Xlear Nasal Wash?
The minimum shelf life for Xlear Nasal Wash is two years.