Using an Air Purifier for Sleep Apnea: Beneficial or not?
Want to know if using an air purifier for sleep apnea is beneficial or not? Continue to read to know serious facts about using air purifiers for sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea occurs when your airway closes or collapses during sleep, causing you to stop breathing for up to several minutes. This can repeatedly happen throughout the night, leading to significant sleep deprivation and the disruption of many aspects of your life, like your health and productivity.
Thankfully, using an air purifier can help ease some of the symptoms caused by sleep apnea and lower your exposure to allergens and other harmful airborne irritants such as dust mites. Here are some benefits you’ll receive from using an air purifier as part of your treatment plan for sleep apnea.
Air purifier for sleep apnea does it work?
It is a condition that makes you feel you stop breathing while you sleep. This can happen many times in the night and can cause loud snoring. Sleep apnea can also lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. For many people with this condition, air purifiers have helped them feel better during the day. These machines are designed to clean up the air in your bedroom at night.
There are two types of filters: one removes particles from the air like dust and pet dander, while another is specifically designed to remove gasses like nitrogen dioxide.
A recent study found that adding an air purifier in your bedroom decreased the amount of oxygen consumed when sleeping. Oxygen levels increased significantly after just 2 hours of use! Researchers found less blood pressure variability among those who used an indoor residential low-temperature ultraviolet germicidal irradiation unit than those who did not use one at all!
If you suffer from severe sleep apnea or want a quieter bedtime routine, try using an air purifier in your bedroom! You might be surprised how much it helps improve your quality of life.
What is sleep apnea?
During sleep, you may experience pauses in breathing or shallow breaths. The pauses can last for any length of time, from a few seconds to minutes and. As a result, you snore or make choking noises when breathing. You may also experience restless sleep, wake up tired, have trouble concentrating during the day, or feel irritable.
Some people with sleep apnea don’t notice that they have it because they’re not fully awake during episodes of stopping breathing, but others do know, and their partners report them having loud snoring at night.
People with obstructive sleep apnea stop breathing because something’s blocking their airway; people with central sleep apnea stop breathing because their brain isn’t sending signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Relation between sleep apnea and air quality
Most people are well aware of the term sleep apnea, but many don’t know there is a relationship between sleep apnea and air quality. In short, sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can happen because of obstruction in the airway or a decrease in brain function. Studies have shown that poor air quality can worsen sleep apnea symptoms.
Poor air quality is linked to two primary factors: particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Particulate matter includes dust, smoke, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, mites, droppings from roaches, and other insects. VOCs are chemicals like formaldehyde emitted from furniture or building materials such as carpets and paints. If you suffer from chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), avoiding exposure to these things may be helpful.
But if you do not suffer from any of these illnesses and your partner does, keep them in mind when making decisions about your home environment. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night due to snoring or breathlessness when sleeping on your back, then it may be time to invest in an air purifier.
Causes of sleep apnea
Sleep apnea has several causes, but the most common is obesity. Other risk factors include smoking, drinking alcohol, and having a family history of sleep apnea. If you have any of these things, you may be more likely to develop sleep apnea.
Obesity is one cause of sleep apnea.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, obesity is one cause of sleep apnea. When you are overweight, your airway becomes narrower, making breathing harder.
This can lead to snoring and interrupted breathing during sleep. An air purifier can help keep your airway clear and improve sleep quality.
An estimation shows that about 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can have many consequences if left untreated.
Inhaling hazardous pollutants
There’s no doubt that the air we breathe is becoming increasingly polluted. Every day, we’re exposed to harmful toxins and chemicals that can wreak havoc on our health. One of the conditions that can be caused by exposure to pollutants is sleep apnea. A study conducted in Barcelona discovered that when people are exposed to PM2.5, a type of pollutant made up of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other particulates, they suffer from increased levels of sleep apnea.
The researchers found that every 10 micrograms per cubic meter increase in NO2 led to a five percent rise in sleep apnea symptoms. These findings suggest there may be cause-and-effect relationships between air pollution and respiratory problems like sleep apnea.
Researchers also found that long-term exposure to NO2 causes permanent damage to respiratory tissue, worsening sleep apnea symptoms, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Sleep apnea may be inherited.
If you have sleep apnea, it may be due to genetics. Studies show that sleep apnea is heritable and can be passed down from family members. If you have sleep apnea, chances are good that someone in your family does too. A recent report that is published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that over 50% of people with obstructive sleep apnea had at least one first-degree relative with the condition.
Researchers say this means there’s a strong genetic component. That’s why if you know someone with sleep apnea, they should also get screened.
The use of alcohol and smoking is a cause of sleep apnea.
Alcohol and smoking are two of the leading causes of sleep apnea. When you drink alcohol, it relaxes the muscles in your throat, which can block your airway. Smoking causes irritation in the tissues in your throat, which can also obstruct your airway.
It is important to note that quitting either of these habits may not eliminate symptoms but will most likely improve them. To reduce the risk of developing sleep apnea, avoid drinking more than two drinks a day or smoking more than 2 cigarettes daily.
Symptoms of sleep apnea
The most common symptom of sleep apnea is loud snoring. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Other symptoms can include:
- Wake up feeling short of breath
- Waking up with a headache or dry mouth
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Feeling tired during the day and waking up too early in the morning (sleep deprivation)
- Problems with mood and cognition
- Risk of high blood pressure and stroke
- Risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems
Wake up feeling short of breath
If you suffer from sleep apnea, you may wake up feeling short of breath. This is because your airway is blocked while you sleep, causing you to snore and preventing you from getting a good night’s rest. An air purifier can help to clear the airway and improve your sleep quality. Using an air purifier can also help reduce the risk of developing other respiratory problems.
Waking up with a headache or dry mouth.
Waking up with a headache or dry mouth can be a symptom of sleep apnea. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) recommends using an air purifier to reduce the risk of such symptoms. An air purifier will clean the air by removing particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander that may trigger these symptoms.
Difficulty staying asleep is a sign of sleep apnea
People with sleep apnea often have difficulty staying asleep. This is because their breathing is constantly interrupted throughout the night. As a result, they may not get the restful sleep they need. An air purifier can help by providing clean, filtered air for them to breathe.
You can also check out our other related article, 12 Life-changing benefits of sleeping with an air purifier:
Treatments of sleep apnea
Some treatments are available for sleep apnea, and one of the most effective is using an air purifier. Air purifiers work by removing particles from the air that can trigger sleep apnea episodes. This can help you get a better night’s sleep and reduce your risk of health complications associated with sleep apnea.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
If you have sleep apnea, your doctor may have recommended continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP involves wearing a mask over your nose and mouth while you sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that gently blows air into your throat to keep your airway open. Using the mask makes it possible to breathe more easily during the night and get better quality sleep.
An air purifier can also help alleviate symptoms associated with apnea, like snoring or difficulty breathing, by removing allergens from the air. This alone can provide enough relief for many people with milder apnea cases to make a difference in their quality of life.
Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV)
ASV is a type of therapy that can be used to treat sleep apnea. This therapy uses a machine to help you breathe more easily during sleep. ASV can be especially helpful for people who have trouble using CPAP machines. S
ome studies have shown that ASV may be more effective than CPAP in treating sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about whether ASV might be right for you. You will need to get an evaluation from your doctor before being fitted with the device.
How Will an Air Purifier Help With My Sleep Apnea?
An air purifier can help with sleep apnea in a few ways:
- It can remove allergens and irritants from the air, which can help reduce congestion and inflammation.
- It can improve air quality overall, which can help you breathe more easily.
- It can provide white noise, which can help you sleep more soundly.
- Because of its power to clean the air, an air purifier can also reduce bacteria that cause respiratory infections.
What Types of Air Pollutants Might Cause Me Problems?
Many types of air pollutants can cause problems for people with sleep apnea. These include dust, pollen, smoke, and even mold spores. In some cases, the building material used in your home may also be a culprit.
One way to minimize the number of contaminants in your bedroom is to make sure you have adequate ventilation by opening windows or using a fan. If this does not provide enough relief from contaminants, consider installing an air purifier specifically designed for use in bedrooms, such as the IQAir HealthPro Plus.
Some best air purifiers for sleep apnea
An air purifier can remove airborne particles that can trigger or worsen sleep apnea symptoms. If you have sleep apnea, using an air purifier in your bedroom may help you breathe easier and get a better night’s sleep. Here are some best air purifiers for sleep apnea disorder
- Coway Airpurfier
- Deluxe air purifier
- HEPA Air purifier
The must-have features when getting air purifier for sleep apnea
When looking for an air purifier to help with your sleep apnea, consider the following:
1) Size – how much space does your bedroom have?
2) Noise level – how sensitive are you to noise?
3) The number of people who will be using it – do you want one unit or two?
4) Type – are there specific features that you need?
5) Cost – what is your budget?
6) Filter replacement frequency – how often should the filter be replaced?
7) Warranty – what type of warranty should you expect?
8) UV light feature – do you want an air purifier with a UV light feature?
9) Additional features – are there any other features you need or want on your air purifier?
10) How often will it be used is it something that will only get occasional use, such as during allergy season, or something for regular daily use year-round?
11) What is your budget-what is most important to you when deciding on an air purifier purchase-is cost most important to you, or would you rather have the best possible product at whatever cost might entail?
7 Tips For Keeping Your Indoor Air Quality High & Treating Sleep Apnea
Your indoor air quality can profoundly affect your health, both with and without your knowledge. For example, poor indoor air quality can lead to increased respiratory infections like the common cold and flu. Still, you may not realize that it’s also linked to more long-term problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sleep apnea. For those struggling with sleep apnea or COPD, keeping the air in your home at least as clean as outdoor air may be the best way to improve their symptoms while trying other treatments, such as CPAP machines or oxygen tanks.
1) Use an air purifier
An air purifier is the best way to remove contaminants from the air in your home. This can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea and improve your overall indoor air quality. Here are a few tips for using an air purifier to get the most out of it:
- Place the purifier in the room you spend the most time in.
- Make sure to change the filter regularly. Filters need replacing every three months, so keep track of when you last changed it.
- Look for a HEPA filter that has been tested by the AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers). These filters will be able to remove 99% or more particles as small as 0.3 microns.
- Look for an air purifier with CADR ratings (Clean Air Delivery Rate) of at least 200 or higher.
2) Avoid indoor smoking
According to the Mayo Clinic, smoking is one of the worst things you can do for sleep apnea. Not only does it enhance your risk of developing the condition, but it also makes it more difficult to treat. If you smoke, quit. The next time you’re in a meeting or even just enjoying a coffee with friends, step outside and get some fresh air! When talking on the phone, move away from smocking people and windows.
Keep surfaces clean: As we mentioned earlier in this post, dust particles are not just unsightly – they’re bad for indoor air quality. So start now and give your house a good cleaning now and then!
3) Change furnace filters monthly
Many people don’t realize that their furnace filters should be changed monthly. It Not only helps to keep your air quality high, but it also helps treat sleep apnea. Here are seven tips for changing your furnace filters:
1. Set a reminder on your phone or your calendar so you don’t forget.
2. Make sure to buy the right size filter for your furnace.
3. Check the filter monthly to see if it needs to be changed sooner.
4. When you change the filter, vacuum the area around the furnace.
5. Be sure to dispose of the old filter properly – many places have recycling programs for them.
6. Put the new filter in and make sure it’s secure.
4) Clean your air ducts
Most people think that outdoor irritants cause allergies, but most of them are caused by indoor allergens. Dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores are just a few of the common culprits. The best way to remove these allergens from your home is to clean your air ducts. This will also help improve indoor air quality and may even help treat your sleep apnea.
5) Open Windows at Least Once a Day
Most people think that keeping their windows closed will help trap heat during the winter and keep cool air in the summer. However, it is important to open your windows at least once daily to let fresh air into your home. This will help to improve indoor air quality and can also help to treat sleep apnea.
The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology recommends opening windows for 10 minutes every hour or so if you are having trouble breathing or are often coughing. If you live near an airport, manufacturing plant, landfill, or another major source of pollution, it might be best to have your windows closed more often.
6) Put Up with Outdoor Odors (like BBQs, etc.)
It’s no secret that outdoor odors can seep into your home and affect indoor air quality. But did you know that these odors can also trigger or worsen sleep apnea? That’s right – the fumes from BBQs, smokers, and even strong perfumes can cause your airway to constrict, making it difficult to breathe. So if you suffer from sleep apnea, it’s important to keep your indoor air quality high.
7) Avoid using carpets
Carpets are great for adding warmth and comfort to a room, but they can also be a breeding ground for dust mites, mold, and other allergens. If you have sleep apnea, it’s important to avoid using carpets in your bedroom or any other room where you spend a lot of time. Instead, go with hardwood floors, laminate flooring, vinyl flooring, or some other material that doesn’t collect as much dust and debris. Get rid of the clothes hampers: Clothes hampers often fill up with dirty laundry, which can lead to odors and stagnant air, worsening the situation.
FAQs
Here are some important FAQs:
What are some health problems caused by air pollution?
Many health problems are caused or exacerbated by air pollution. These include respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema; heart disease; cancer; and a variety of other conditions. While natural sources cause some air pollution, much of it is due to human activity. Burning fossil fuels, operating factories, and driving cars contribute to air pollution. Fortunately, there are things we can do to reduce air pollution and improve our health.
Do air purifiers help with snoring?
While air purifiers will not cure sleep apnea, they can help improve the overall quality of your indoor air. This, in turn, can help lessen sleep apnea symptoms and make it easier for you to get a good night’s rest.
Are air purifiers good?
While air purifiers are a great way to remove contaminants from the air, they aren’t the be-all and end-all solution to indoor air quality. To get the most out of your air purifier, you must take other steps to improve indoor air quality.
Final remarks
Sleep apnea, which causes people to stop breathing during sleep, can be extremely dangerous if not treated properly. Using an air purifier in combination with your sleep apnea treatment is especially important. Here are some of the top benefits of using an air purifier for sleep apnea treatment to help make sure you’re getting the best possible sleep and staying healthy at night and throughout the day.
