Sinus Problems With Air Purifiers

The sinus cavity is a very sensitive cavity located in the middle of the head. The walls of the cavity are soft, supple and damp with mucus secretions. The purpose of the sinus cavity is to filter any airborne substances from entering the lungs. The sinus cavity can easily become irritated or inflamed by environmental issues, allergies or the common cold. Many people use air purifiers to help with allergies, but if an air purifier is not properly used, it can cause further sinus problems.

Keep it Clean

• Keep the filter on the air purifier clean to avoid the build up of mold, mildew or other allergens. Clean the air filter at least once a week, depending on how often the purifier has been used. Remove the filter from the air purifier and run it under warm water. Allow it to completely air dry to avoid mold growth before placing it back in the purifier. Use a vacuum to suck any of the lint or allergens off of the filter. After two to three months of use, replace the filter to keep a high level of purification.

Maintain Proper Humidity

• Maintain proper humidity to avoid sinus problems. Set the purifier to maintain 40 percent humidity if it has this setting feature. Many air purifiers remove the moisture from the air, which can dry out the sinus cavity, causing inflammation and congestion. These conditions can lead to a sinus infection if not treated. Too much humidity can also lead to congestion and a runny nose. Check the humidity in the room you are running the air purifier in and adjust accordingly. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier if the purifier does not have a humidity setting.

Avoid Heat

• Air purifiers can give off a lot of heat which can cause sinus problems. The sinuses respond the best in moderate temperature air between 70 and 78 degrees F. If your air purifier motor gives off a lot of heat, keep your air conditioner running or a window open to offset it. Replace the purifier with a more expensive one if you find it is constantly giving off too much heat.