Has anyone tried Red light therapy for rhinitis/ blocked sinuses

TheGirlOnTheLanding · 2025-09-21T08:34:27+00:00

and if so does it work? I’ve been suffering with blocked sinuses, post nasal drip etc. for a while and although decongestants, Neti pots and nasal spray help a bit they don’t get rid of it. Just recently I’ve had loads of ads on social media for red light therapy devices that claim to reduce inflammation, and get rid of congestion, along with glowing endorsements and even links to articles in medical journals showing good results but the sample size in the journal paper is small (50 people) and I am skeptical so before parting with cash I thought I’d ask on here. (Don’t ask me why I’d give more weight to an endorsement from a random mumsnetter than an endorsement from a random person on the ad, I know it doesn’t make much sense!)

DiscoBob · 21/09/2025 09:41

I don't know anything about it. But your first port of call should be your GP, to refer you to an ENT specialist. You need a CT scan on your sinuses to see what's wrong. It could be medical or surgical intervention you need.

I have terrible sinuses and a deviated septum. I finally got the guts to go to the doctor and now I'm getting life changing surgery.

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 21/09/2025 09:41

I’m in the exact same boat and it seems suddenly worse since the weather changed. I asked Chat GPT about these devices last night and he deep dived it for me - the upshot was that the sample sizes were very small but that there was scientific weight behind them. He couldn’t find any UK based (proper science trial) studies on them but there were US ones.

The conclusion we reached - me and my bot buddy - was that at £30ish they were worth a punt, but not to expect miracles.

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 21/09/2025 09:46

@DiscoBob you posted while I was replying - I’ve seen my GP numerous times over the years and am on prescription medication for it. It’s just not possible to get an apppintment any more here, even the bookable slots (in six weeks time) are filled before you get to the top of the phone queue which is the only way to make an appointment. A referral has never been suggested to me at any point. So researching devices from social media ads it is!

Tontostitis · 21/09/2025 09:55

I accidentally bought one from an Instagram ad. I didn't realize but something called Shopify had 3 of my cards saved! Anyway once I'd sorted that I forgot to cancel the order and I'm really glad I did. My low level sinusitis has cleared up, my long term TMJ pain has been dramatically reduced and honestly it's just a really lovely facial massage. I think the red light is also improving my skin but I do have a collagen facial every 4 weeks so it's boosting that I think rather than just working on it's on. I hadn't realized how improved my sinusitis was unless I read this thread. I wanted it primarily for my TMJ (Tendo Mandibular Joint) pain which I have to wear a nightly mouth guard for and it's been worth every penny. The vibration is quite light but definitely effective.

DiscoBob · 21/09/2025 10:06

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 21/09/2025 09:46

@DiscoBob you posted while I was replying - I’ve seen my GP numerous times over the years and am on prescription medication for it. It’s just not possible to get an apppintment any more here, even the bookable slots (in six weeks time) are filled before you get to the top of the phone queue which is the only way to make an appointment. A referral has never been suggested to me at any point. So researching devices from social media ads it is!

Thank you, sorry. Its a shame you can't get an ENT referral. I hope it improves.

Original poster

TheGirlOnTheLanding · 21/09/2025 18:17

@Judystilldreamsofhorsesyour GP sounds exactly like mine. Sympathies! @Tontostitisthat sounds encouraging. The gadget I’ve seen is inserted inside the nose instead of a face mask but I think it might be worth a try for £30.

OP posts:

Tontostitis · 21/09/2025 20:47

Mines a sort of half moon device that emits the red light and gently vibrates you massage it up your cheeks temples and along the cheek bones

OchreSnail · 02/10/2025 08:22

TheGirlOnTheLanding I'm in the same boat as you since I had a nasty virus and sinus infection about 2 years ago.

Numerous gp visits, antibiotics, nasal sprays, saline wash etc but I'm still getting symptoms. I've asked for a referral, haven't heard anything yet so I'm currently experimenting with using an in-your-nose reed light device morning and evening. I've only done a few sessions so far but feel cautiously that it might be helping, if that helps? Frankly, I'll try anything at this point!

Barrellturn · 02/01/2026 10:49

Did you get them and did they work?

Original poster

TheGirlOnTheLanding · 03/01/2026 11:06

@Barrellturn No, still dithering over whether to get them

OP posts:

Barrellturn · 03/01/2026 17:40

Thank you! Wondering if they might help my DS. Do update if you get them.

JoyeuxNarwhal · 04/01/2026 19:50

Tontostitis · 21/09/2025 09:55

I accidentally bought one from an Instagram ad. I didn't realize but something called Shopify had 3 of my cards saved! Anyway once I'd sorted that I forgot to cancel the order and I'm really glad I did. My low level sinusitis has cleared up, my long term TMJ pain has been dramatically reduced and honestly it's just a really lovely facial massage. I think the red light is also improving my skin but I do have a collagen facial every 4 weeks so it's boosting that I think rather than just working on it's on. I hadn't realized how improved my sinusitis was unless I read this thread. I wanted it primarily for my TMJ (Tendo Mandibular Joint) pain which I have to wear a nightly mouth guard for and it's been worth every penny. The vibration is quite light but definitely effective.

Do you mind me asking which one you got @Tontostitis and if it's still working for you?

Eta - pleasethankyou!