Do Air Purifiers Cause Sinus Problems? (5 Things To Know)

Let’s face it, having sinus problems is a pain.

In fact, when it comes to sinuses they can give you horrible pain around your cheeks, nose, forehead and even between your eyes.

However, air purifiers are known to help with many lung ailments.

So, the question is: Do air purifiers cause sinuses problems?

Below, you will find more information. Including common side effects of having an air purifier in your home.

Let’s jump in…

Do Air Purifiers Cause Sinus Problems?

According to Harvard research they have defined  the main cause of sinus problems to be due to allergies and colds. 

When the nasal passages become blocked the mucus  back ups and causes the bacteria to grow out of control.

Resulting in swelling, headaches,congestion,cough and even fever.

In other words, air purifiers are not known for causing sinuses.

However, it is important to understand how they work and what is the recommended way to use them.

If you already have a high-quality air purifier and you’re noticing sinus problems, there are a few possible reasons for this:

• Not vacuuming your carpet.
• You have dusty furniture or fan
• You’re sitting too close to the machine
• The air purifier sits in the wrong location
• Make sure you get air purifier big enough for the space.

Remember, air purifier are mainly built to filter the air of your home. 

They do not change the humidity of the environment or clear out a dirty space.

Is An Air Purifier Good For Sinuses?

Air purifiers come highly recommended by doctors, allergy specialists and organizations, like the EPA, to maintain decent indoor air quality.

An air purifier with a HEPA filter will remove mold, dust, pollen, bacteria, fungi and viruses from the environment. 

These are all culprits that contribute to sinus issues, allergic reactions and other kinds of breathing problems.

If you’re one who has sensitive sinuses and can feel the symptoms of sinusitis easy, then getting an air purifier is a must.

But, you’ll want to do your research and make sure that the manufacturer promotes stringent standards and testing for such a condition.

Can Air Purifiers Cause Breathing Problems?

There are some reports of people experiencing sinus and breathing problems upon using an air purifier.

Coughing, sore throat, Asthma, difficulty breathing and headaches are some of the symptoms. 

There is a chance for some people that air purifiers can irritate health issues related to the lungs and breathing.

But this isn’t the case for most air purifiers.

Often, it’s because some air purifiers have features of ozone technology or produce ozone as a byproduct of its operation. 

This is true for air purifiers featuring ozone generation and electronic air purifiers. 

Ozone can aggravate the lung and, thus, stimulate Asthma, coughing, sore throat and etc.

Also make sure there are no leaks or gaps that allow outside contaminants to come, thereby negating the effects of the air purifier. 

For instance, if your air purifier or filter connects to an HVAC system, any ductwork gaps will lower the purifier’s efficiency. 

Likewise, if you leave windows open, this will also lower the effect of an air purifier.

So remember, it is important to go for an air purifier that is ozone free.

Do Air purifiers Help Nasal Congestion?

Air pollutants like mold, dust, pet dander and smoke can be some of the worst instigators of nasal congestion. 

Most air purifiers remove these tiny, harmful particles to relieve and prevent nasal congestion.

That said, because air purifiers pull air and recirculate air into the room, it is made to clean the air.  

However, having ozone generators or electronic air purifiers will most likely be the cause of nasal congestion.

Can Air Purifiers Cause A Sore Throat?

Recent research has shown that a sore throat can be caused by smoking, pollution or irritants in the air, allergies, and even dry air.

Although, there is a chance air purifiers can cause a sore throat. 

But as mentioned before, not all purifiers can cause this.  

Air cleaning machines work amazing well for removing air pollutants in the air. Which means you’ll have clean breathable air.

Most importantly, if your air purifier emits ozone gas, this could be the contributing factor to causing a sore throat.

If you’ve placed the setting too high on your air purification device for too long, this could also be bringing on sore throat symptoms. 

First, reduce the settings to assess its effects. You can also try running a humidifier either before, after or during operation of an air purifier.

Depending on your needs and conditions, you’ll have to experiment with what works best.

Can An Air Purifiers Cause Nosebleeds?

Some people have reported having nosebleeds after using an air purifier for a time.

Studies have shown Nosebleeds can happen from dry air in the home and also from Sinusitis.

Another common symptom of nosebleeds is from  living in high altitude areas and also extreme desert conditions. 

On the other hand, air purifiers do not dry out the air but they do recirculate the air .

This can cause the moisture levels to become higher or even unstable in the home. 

Because of the dry air it can create nasal pain, inflammation or even nosebleeds.

The best way to avoid this is to use a dehumidifier in the home. So that the air you breathe in is not dry air.

What Are The Side Effects Of An Air Purifier?

The purpose of air purifiers is to help air quality and improve health rather than cause side effects. 

But, of course, there are reports and cases where an air purifier will cause some adverse reactions. 

Some things people experience include:

• Irritated allergies
• Aggravated Asthma
• Bronchial issues
• Sore throat
• Nose bleeds
• Coughing
• Headaches
• Inhibited and other breathing problems
• Dry mouth
• Painful sinus pressure

But remember, these side effects will depend on the climate you live in, where your air purifier sits in any given area and if it emits ozone gas. 

Also, your air purifier may be set too high or its function is simply too strong.

Final Thoughts – Can air purifiers cause sinus problems?

For a quick summary on the question Do air purifiers cause sinus problems? 

All-in-all, an air purifier will help provide your office or home with clean, fresh air; removing toxins and pollutants that irritate many lung problems. 

But, if you are experiencing sinus issues after using a purifier, check to make sure of the following:

• Proper placement of the air purifier
• That you aren’t right next to the air purifier
• That the air purifier isn’t emitting ozone gas
• Whether the air purifier is set too high or not

Other Options

If you have checked all these and are still experiencing problems with your sinuses, then the air purifier isn’t strong enough, large enough or high-quality enough for your purposes. 

Also, if you live in a drier or higher altitude, the air purifier will not help much, if at all.

This means your nasal issues will, more than likely, increase.

You will have to tinker and experiment with your current air purifier. You may even need to add a humidifier. 

But, if you’re hunting for one, be sure to do thorough research and don’t be afraid to contact the company and ask questions before making a purchase.

An air purifier can contribute to making your home a  healthy breathing environment.

Looking For Air Purifier Guides?

 If you’re looking for more air purifier resources, consider checking out our other posts on air purifiers.

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