Lifestyle Desk- The level of air pollution in many cities of the country continues to be a matter of concern. Especially in winter, the air quality starts deteriorating due to smog, dust and smoke. Its effect can be felt not only when going out, but also inside the house. In such a situation, people have started using air purifiers to keep the air at home clean. Many people turn it off while sleeping at night, while some people keep it running the whole night. But is it safe to sleep with the air purifier running overnight during pollution? Is it beneficial for health or can it cause any harm? Let us know.
Is it safe to sleep with the air purifier running overnight?
According to experts, if there is high air pollution in your room, then sleeping by running the air purifier overnight can be a good option. In fact, dust, pollen, pet hair, smoke and other fine particles can be present even inside the house. These particles can reach the body through breath and increase allergies, cough and respiratory problems.
A good quality air purifier helps in filtering many types of pollutants present in the air. Devices with HEPA filters are particularly effective at reducing fine particles present in the air. So running it at night can help keep the room air relatively clean while you sleep.
What are the benefits of running air purifier at night?
Helpful in reducing dust and pollution particles
An air purifier with a HEPA filter can reduce fine particles like PM2.5 and PM10 present in the air. This helps in reducing the risk of exposure to pollution.
Can provide relief from allergies
Dust, pollen and pet hair present in the air can increase allergy problems in some people. Air purifiers can help reduce symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and eye irritation by filtering out these particles.
Useful for asthma patients
Pollution and dust particles can increase respiratory problems in asthma patients. They can get relief by reducing some pollutant particles from room air. However, air purifiers are not a substitute for asthma medications or inhalers.
Improves sleeping environment
If the amount of dust and other particles present in the air is less in the room, some people may feel comfortable breathing at night. However, the effect of getting better sleep depends on the condition of the person and the environment of the room.
Right way to use air purifier
Choose according to the size of the room – While purchasing an air purifier, do check the area of the room and the CADR rating of the device. An appliance with less capacity than the room will not be able to clean the air effectively.
Choose a model with a HEPA filter – Choose an air purifier that has a genuine HEPA filter. It helps in filtering small pollution particles present in the air.
Keep it in the right place – Keep the air purifier in a place where air can flow easily. Do not keep it very close to wall, curtain or furniture. There should be sufficient space around the equipment.
Use the right mode at night – You can use night or sleep mode while sleeping. Due to this the equipment works in low noise. If the pollution in the room is high, Auto mode can also be useful.
Clean and replace the filter – Clean the air purifier's filter periodically or replace it according to the manufacturer's instructions. A dirty filter may reduce the efficiency of the appliance.
Avoid these mistakes while using air purifier
- To ensure longer life of the air purifier, do not cover its intake and outlet.
- Avoid smoking or burning incense sticks in the room.
- Do not use air cleaners that produce ozone, as ozone can harm the lungs.
- Do not ignore the need for ventilation in the house just by relying on air purifiers. Open windows when the outside air is clear.
- Do not ignore the signal to change the filter.
Which people should take special care?
Children, elderly, pregnant women and people suffering from asthma or respiratory diseases should take special precautions during pollution. Using an air purifier can help improve the air quality in their room. However, to avoid pollution, it is important to keep an eye on the quality of outside air and follow the doctor's advice.