Do Air Purifiers Make You Congested? Here’s What the Science Says

Do you have allergies? Do air purifiers make you congested? Do you regularly use air purifiers in your home, office, or car? If so, there’s a chance that you could be suffering from more than just allergies and colds. Air purifiers may be making your congestion worse—but don’t despair! Some easy ways to use air purifiers while avoiding the side effects altogether. Here’s what the science says and how you can best take advantage of the benefits of air purification while sidestepping its possible risks.

Do air purifiers make you congested?

Do air purifiers make you congested? The short answer is no. And here’s why.

Air purifiers remove allergens and pollutants like dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke from your indoor air. They work by taking a stand in from outside your house or building and passing it through a filter that traps anything that could cause allergies or other problems. This cleans the air coming into your home so you can breathe easier.

This means that if someone allergic to pollen comes to stay at your house with an air purifier running, they won’t be exposed to any pollen while there because it will be filtered out of the air before it enters your home.

What is the link between air purifiers and nose congestion?

There is not any scientific evidence that air purifiers cause nasal congestion. However, some theories point to air purifiers causing a buildup of dust or pollen in your bedroom, which could lead to a stuffy nose. 

A study by Dr. William H. Frey II showed that those who live in areas with high levels of outdoor pollution have higher rates of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and other upper respiratory disorders. This suggests that an air purifier can help reduce allergens and improve CRS symptoms. Another reason some people experience congestion when using an air purifier may be that they aren’t cleaning their devices often enough. 

If you’re worried about this, check the manufacturer’s instructions for how often it should be cleaned. Additionally, some people may be sensitive to air purifier chemicals. Try leaving your air purifier on for at least 12 hours before sleep. If you’re still congested when you wake up in the morning, try keeping it on as long as possible until your symptoms subside. If you experience chronic nasal congestion, allergy tests can help identify what triggers a reaction and in what concentration they trigger that reaction. 

If you experience chronic nasal congestion, allergy tests can help identify what triggers a reaction and in what concentration they trigger that reaction. Remember that those with CRS are most likely already taking medications for allergies or rhinitis (nasal inflammation). Consult with your doctor about potential interactions between these medications and air purifiers.

Are all air purifiers equally effective in controlling your nose from getting congested?

Many air purifiers are effective for asthma and allergies, but not all of them. For instance, some air purifiers create ozone, and others do not. Ozone can irritate asthma symptoms and cause other health problems. Some air purifiers release ionic or charged particles, leading to nasal congestion or other breathing problems. It is essential to research the different types of air purifiers and find one with no ozone or charged particles. You should ask your doctor about which type of air purifier you need for your allergies or asthma symptoms. 

There are many options on the market now with different features and price points. The Do I Have Asthma app from Johns Hopkins Medicine can help you learn more about air purifiers and how they might be able to help control your allergy or asthma symptoms.

What role does an air filter play in keeping you from getting congested?

They don’t make it worse. The key to avoiding congestion is ensuring you get enough moisture so your nasal passages don’t dry out. If you have allergies or a chronic condition, talk with your doctor about what type of air filter might work for you. Some people who live with these conditions may find relief using an ozone-free air purifier because they can be less reactive. 

Ozone-free filters are also recommended if you use an asthma inhaler and want to keep your medicine as effective as possible. An air filter can trap particles that cause nasal congestion so that you don’t have to deal with the symptoms. Plus, when you’re congested, it can be not easy to breathe deeply or sleep well. And sometimes, a blocked nose can lead to other more severe health conditions. That’s why it is essential to take action to keep your nose from getting congested.

What are Safe air purifiers/what does an air purifier do?

Air purifiers clean air by removing contaminants, but can they make you sicker in other ways? Let’s find out.

Many people with asthma and allergies seek air purifiers to help them breathe better. But do air purifiers make you congested? Scientists and doctors have hotly debated that question. Some say yes, and others say no. Some believe that air purifiers can actually worsen nasal congestion, while others say these devices help with it. This is a great question to ask your doctor or allergist before buying an air purifier for your home. It might be worth investing in one with ozone-free technology if you have chronic nasal congestion.

You can also check out our other related article Is Your Dirty Air Filter Causing Your Allergies:

Causes of nasal congestion.

Nasal congestion is an unpleasant experience that can happen for various reasons. It most often occurs due to cold or allergies, but it can also be caused by sinusitis, post-nasal drip, or other illnesses. Alleviating nasal congestion is identifying its root cause and then employing specific treatments tailored to your ailment.

If you have nasal congestion related to allergies, over-the-counter medications like Benadryl or Zyrtec may help. If you are congested due to a cold, use salt water nasal irrigation with a Neti pot twice daily to relieve symptoms. Here are five causes of nasal congestion: 

1) Allergies cause nasal congestion

Nasal congestion is caused by allergies, colds, and sinus infections. These causes cause swelling of the nasal passages due to inflammation. When we breathe through our nose, this causes our natural cilia to move up and down. However, it becomes difficult for cilia to do their job effectively when swelling occurs. This leads to mucus that can’t be cleared out, which causes nasal congestion.

2) Fluids in the nose (post-nasal drip)

Post-nasal drip is a common cause of nasal congestion, which can be caused by many things, including allergies and colds. Coughing and sneezing are other ways fluids in the nose (post-nasal drip) cause nasal congestion. It is generally easier to breathe through your mouth when you have nasal congestion because the nose is where most of the congestion happens. Many people try to use an air purifier to help keep their noses from getting congested, but it doesn’t always work as well as they hope.

3) Sinus infection

One of the most common causes of nasal congestion is a sinus infection. An infection causes it in your sinuses, which are small spaces behind your eyes and in front of your nose. When you have a cold or other respiratory illness, mucus can build up in those spaces, causing swelling and pressure on your nose and sinuses. 

What is a Sinus infection?

A sinus infection occurs when one or more of your sinuses become blocked. When this happens, mucous and other fluids in your nose can’t drain properly, which causes them to become infected. Nasal congestion and fever are just a few symptoms you may experience with a sinus infection. Sinus infections can also lead to complications like ear infections, dental abscesses, or middle ear infections.

4) Cold

The cold weather can make you congested. You’re more likely to get congested when you have a cold because your nasal passages are swollen and inflamed. Cold air causes your bronchial tubes to narrow, which leads to congestion. If you’re unsure if you have a cold or something else, consult your doctor for a diagnosis. Use an anti-congestion product like a saline nose spray or vaporizer (like this one).

Take over-the-counter medicine, like Sudafed PE that may offer relief from congestion. To avoid getting congested in the first place, use an air purifier in high settings while you sleep and at home during the day. Many people think using an air purifier makes them congested because they believe it blows ozone-laden particles into the room.

5) Asthma

Asthma can make you congested. Chronic asthma is a severe and sometimes life-threatening condition affecting your lungs’ airways. Asthma triggers include colds, infections, exercise, and irritants like smoke and dust. During an asthma attack, you’ll feel tightness or constriction in your chest, and your breathing may be rapid or labored. When this happens, you’ll need to use an inhaler immediately before it worsens.

Asthma symptoms can also cause nasal congestion. Inhaled bronchodilators, commonly used to treat asthma symptoms like coughs and wheezing, may also help loosen up mucus in the lungs.

What are asthma air purifiers and ozone-free air purifiers?

There are a number of causes of nasal congestion, but air quality is one of them. If you’re wondering if an air purifier might help, here are a few things to consider: 

Air purifiers work by filtering out particles and allergens from your environment. People with asthma may notice that their symptoms improve when they use an air purifier. It could also make sense for those who suffer from allergies or sinus congestion to use an air purifier since it can remove dust mites and other allergens from the air. 

Air filters can be expensive to replace, so many people find buying a whole new unit more convenient than just a filter replacement.

How can I tell if it’s time to change my filter?

While it might be challenging to know precisely when you’ll need to change your filter, a few signs can give you an idea. If the air coming out of your cleaner smells terrible or there is yellow or brown dust collecting on surfaces near where you use your cleanser, it could mean that your filter needs to be changed. 

Another way to tell if it is time for a new filter is if your cleaner’s fan sounds louder than usual. It will be helpful to consider how often you replace other household filters (like those in refrigerators, washers, and dryers) and adjust accordingly.

Why do some people get stuffy when using an air purifier?

This is because when you use an air purifier, your nose may get irritated from inhaling dust particles in the air. It can also be caused by dryness or allergies. If you’re experiencing nasal congestion, make sure you stop using your air purifier for a while, drink more water, and visit a doctor to get tested for allergies if needed.

Tips to keep your nose from getting congested.

Here are some important Tips to keep your nose from getting congested.

1. Drink Plenty of Fluids:

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is essential. When your nose is congested, it cannot be easy to swallow, so ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day. Adding some salt and lemon to your water is another way that could work wonders. 

2. Tilt Your Head Forward:

This will help reduce congestion in your nose by draining the mucus out of your sinuses more efficiently. A common misconception about air purifiers is that they make you congested. That couldn’t be further from the truth! Air purifiers are the most effective tools for preventing congestion. Read on to learn more about how air purifiers keep your nose from getting congested.

3. Use an Inhaler.

Using an inhaler is also beneficial if you are experiencing asthma symptoms. As with any medication, always speak to your doctor if you have any concerns or allergies before using an inhaler. It’s also recommended to use the inhaler before going to sleep because this will decrease irritation during breathing at night, leading to headaches and sleeping problems. 

4. Take Cold Showers/Baths:

A cold shower or bath is soothing to the body and helps open up nasal passages. Even just taking a lukewarm bath might do the trick.

5. Take an Over-the-Counter Nasal Decongestant:

If you’re feeling incredibly congested and are looking for something more substantial than over-the-counter decongestants (such as Sudafed), talk to your doctor about what option would be best for you. 

6. Change Position While Sleeping:

Place your head down when asleep, so gravity helps drain fluids from your nose faster than usual, alleviating nasal congestion caused by postnasal drip much sooner.

7. Use a Neti Pot -A neti pot is used for nasal irrigation.

The neti pot helps alleviate congestion due to hay fever, sinusitis, and migraines. A typical session lasts 10-15 minutes with warm water mixed with baking soda or salt flowing through one nostril and then back again through the mouth into the sink. Some say that cleaning their noses makes them feel better even if it doesn’t relieve their congestion immediately.

FAQs

Get the answer to your questions.

What does an air purifier do?

Air purifiers vary widely in their effectiveness at removing different pollutants, so it’s essential to pick one that matches your needs. Some of the most common contaminants they release are allergens like dust mites and pet dander; particulate matter from smoke, pollen, mold spores, and other indoor sources; chemicals like formaldehyde; and gases like carbon monoxide.

Do air purifiers make you feel stuffy?

If you use an air purifier and feel stuffy, you may need to change your filter more often. Filters catch particles before passing through a fan and into the room. The more particles on the filter, the less effective it will prevent allergens and other irritants from entering your home.

Do air purifiers work for allergies?

Air purifiers work to remove allergens from your air. This can be helpful for those who are struggling with allergies and asthma. However, it’s essential to know that an air purifier will not clear away all allergens in your home. The best thing to stop allergies is to take care of them at the source by vacuuming and dusting them, washing bedding weekly, and installing an anti-allergen mattress cover.

Are air purifiers bad for your sinuses?

It is compulsory to note that not all air purifiers are created equally. Some can worsen your congestion, whereas others can help relieve your symptoms. To understand why it is essential to know what causes congestion in the first place. There are many possible causes of nasal congestion, including allergies, colds, flu, and even certain medications. 

Why is it essential to maintain your air purifier?

Maintaining your air purifier is essential because it will keep it running smoothly and efficiently, which in turn will help you breathe easier. Plus, if you have pets or someone smokes in your home, a filter change might be necessary to remove any odors from their hair.

Conclusion

A common misconception about air purifiers is that they make you congested and sore. So, there is not any scientific evidence to support this claim. Considering all of the benefits of an air purifier for your respiratory health, it seems like a smart purchase. If you have any concerns about getting congested by an air purifier, consult a medical professional before making a decision. 

Some people will get congestion from cigarette smoke, while others won’t notice anything. So don’t buy an air purifier if you know smoking isn’t a problem in your home or office! Finally, remember that there are some scenarios where an air filter may be necessary instead of an air purifier: moldy areas and heavy pollen seasons.