The air we breathe at home does impact our sleep quality, but it gets worse if we have existing respiratory problems like sleep apnea. Breathing airborne irritants increases the chances of experiencing pauses in breathing during sleep, followed by gasping for air when breathing resumes. It may also make snores louder and chronic, affecting the quality of our sleep and those around us.
Thankfully, we can alleviate these symptoms by improving our sleep environment. In this article, we explore various natural home remedies for sleep apnea involving cleaner indoor air. Improving air quality can help alleviate respiratory symptoms associated with sleep disorders.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants That Can Worsen Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Research shows that air pollutants in the sleep environment can worsen sleep apnea symptoms, further impacting sleep quality. Here are some of the most prevalent pollutants to watch out for:
Dust and Dust Mites
Dust can accumulate on surfaces and carpets, often containing dust mites. When inhaled, dust and dust mite particles can irritate the respiratory system and worsen sleep apnea symptoms.
Pet Dander
If you have pets at home, their dander (tiny skin flakes) can become airborne and trigger allergic reactions or worsen respiratory conditions, including sleep apnea.
Mold and Mildew
Damp or humid environments can lead to mold and mildew growth, releasing spores into the air. Mold spores can be harmful when inhaled, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are chemicals commonly found in household products such as paints, cleaning agents, and air fresheners. Breathing in VOCs can lead to throat and lung irritation, potentially exacerbating sleep apnea symptoms.
Household Cleaning Chemicals
Some cleaning products, especially chemical-laden commercial options, release fumes that may be harmful if inhaled, particularly in poorly ventilated areas.
5 Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea Involving Clean Air
Sleep apnea is a complex condition with multiple potential causes, including structural issues in the airway and problems with the nervous system’s control of breathing. A comprehensive treatment plan may be necessary for individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea.
However, reducing bedroom irritants and improving indoor air quality could potentially lead to symptom improvement for those with mild sleep apnea. If this is you, consider the following simple yet effective strategies and home remedies for sleep apnea to create a cleaner and better sleep environment.
1. Close Bedroom Windows
While opening windows can increase ventilation and let stagnant air out of your home, this approach may not be ideal in certain weather conditions. Consider keeping your bedroom windows closed and turning on the air conditioning system if you experience symptoms of sleep apnea, have allergies, or live in a high-traffic pollution area.
Although closing the windows may seem like a simple solution, it can significantly cut down the amount of particulate matter, pollen, and other outdoor pollutants entering your sleep sanctuary. This reduction can help prevent sleep disruptions caused by these irritants.
With fewer airborne particles wafting through your bedroom, there’s little chance of pollutants causing upper airway irritation that worsens sleep apnea.
2. Use a HEPA Filter Air Purifier
Using an air purifier with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is a proactive step toward improving indoor air quality and creating a healthier sleep environment. HEPA filters are highly effective at capturing airborne particles that can worsen sleep apnea symptoms.
The EnviroKlenz Air Purifier is an excellent choice for those seeking top-notch air purification. It features a powerful HEPA filter that can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns with a 99.99% efficiency. This means even tiny allergenic particles and potential sleep disruptors will be effectively captured and removed from the air you breathe.
In addition to capturing and eliminating air pollutants, the EnviroKlenz HEPA air purifier operates quietly, meaning it won’t disturb your sleep as it diligently works to improve the air quality in your bedroom.
EnviroKlenz has taken the extra mile for air purification by pairing an EnviroKlenz Air Cartridge with a HEPA filter to deliver the cleanest air possible. Each Air System’s safe and patented FAST-ACT technology eliminates harmful VOCs, pathogens, fragrances, and other contaminants that pass through even the best HEPA filters.
The HEPA filtration combined with FAST-ACT technology, works diligently to promote better breathing, and contribute to more restful sleep, especially for those with sleep apnea episodes or respiratory sensitivities.
3. Regularly Vacuum and Dust the Bedroom
Keeping your bedroom clean is crucial for reducing the presence of particulate matter, dust, and other allergens that may worsen sleep apnea symptoms. Make it a point to dust and vacuum your bedroom at least once a week.
However, when using traditional cleaning methods, such as vacuuming and dusting, it is essential to be mindful that these activities can disturb allergens and make them airborne. In other words, rather than improving indoor air quality, some cleaning methods may worsen it by releasing allergenic particles, such as dust mites, dust, and pet dander, into the air.
To checkmate this, consider using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to effectively trap airborne particles. Damp dusting is another cleaning method that helps prevent allergens from becoming airborne while effectively removing them from surfaces.
Adopting these cleaning practices helps create a cleaner and healthier sleep environment with reduced allergen exposure. And this can be highly beneficial for those with sleep apnea dreaming of better sleep.
4. Change HVAC Filters Often
Most modern HVAC systems come with air filters that ensure proper airflow and trap airborne irritants. However, these filters must be changed at regular intervals to ensure they continue functioning as intended.
Not changing air filters when due can reduce the HVAC system’s effectiveness in maintaining clean air in indoor spaces. Always replace your filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendation, which is typically every 90 days.
When replacing air filters, consider options designed to trap indoor air pollutants and neutralize them. We recommend the EnviroKlenz HVAC filter because it checks all the boxes for maintaining cleaner indoor air quality, thanks to its advanced filtration technology and efficient neutralization of indoor pollutants.
5. Opt for Natural Cleaning Products
Using natural, toxin-free cleaning products is another effective way to promote healthy living at home and reduce symptoms in individuals with mild or moderate sleep apnea or respiratory sensitivities.
When it comes to home remedies, choose eco-friendly cleaning products for cleaning surfaces; they are safer for the home, and their biodegradable ingredients are gentler for the planet.
For laundry, opt for eco-friendly laundry detergent made with natural stain-fighting ingredients, especially when cleaning bed sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and other bedding items. Unlike conventional options, eco-friendly laundry detergents are less likely to give off VOCs and harmful chemicals into the air, making them safer for maintaining a clean and healthy home.
Unlock restful sleep with the cleanest air
Ensuring you’re nestled in a cozy bed, within a tranquil environment, and away from screens can all contribute to achieving a truly restful sleep. However, it’s now recognized that the air quality in your sleep space plays a crucial role in this equation.
To protect yourself against respiratory issues that can disrupt your sleep and potentially lead to conditions like sleep apnea, consider the effectiveness of a HEPA air purifier, such as the EnviroKlenz Air System Plus.
Embark on a path of healthy and sustainable living with EnviroKlenz, and savor the rewards of not only a higher sleep quality but also the overall health benefits that come with breathing clean air as you slumber.
Breathe in the good – we’ve got the bad covered
Our clean air products filter out the bad stuff – viruses, allergens, dust, and mold – and deactivate these toxins for good, leaving behind purely fresh air in your home, office, and beyond.
Breathe in the good – we’ve got the bad covered
Our clean air products filter out the bad stuff – viruses, allergens, dust, and mold – and deactivate these toxins for good, leaving behind purely fresh air in your home, office, and beyond.
EnviroKlenz® Medical Disclaimer:
“Any information that is provided on this website is not for the use by any commercial or personal entity without expressed written consent of the blog author. The material and statements illustrated within this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or medical conditions. Nor does the author in any way guarantee or validate the validity, totality, or efficacy of any claims and will therefore not be held responsible for the content of any claims. Always consult your medical physician for any specific medical advice or recommendations.”
