Buying an air purifier for sinus health

Poor sinus health may have a variety of causes. Studies are beginning to show the importance of indoor and outdoor air quality when it comes to sinus health and how air pollution impacts nearly all aspects of physical and mental health. Read more about sinus health and how air pollution plays a role.

Sinus conditions and diseases

Symptoms of sinus conditions

Individuals suffering from sinus problems and poor sinus health may experience a wide range of symptoms, many of which closely resemble a common cold and making it difficult to properly diagnose. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion
• Headaches
• Loss of taste and/or smell

These symptoms may contribute to more severe symptoms like impaired sleep, poor quality of life, reduced productivity, and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Impaired sleep may further make it difficult for the body to recover from sinus issues.

What causes sinus problems?

Conditions of the sinuses may have several sources. Nasal congestion, sinus inflammation, and bacterial infections in the sinus tissue may lead to more substantial sinus conditions like rhinitis and sinusitis, two of the most common sinus diseases. Although the symptoms of these two conditions may be similar, they have different causes.

Rhinitis

Rhinitis is when inflammation occurs in the nose and nasal passages. It leads to sinus pain and pressure, an itchy nose and eyes, congestion, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, and may cause snoring and poor sleep quality. In order for chronic rhinitis to be diagnosed, it must impact both nostrils in a patient for at least 12 weeks per year.

Rhinitis has multiple causes, some of which include seasonal and non-seasonal allergies (responsible for rhinitis in 1 in 4 patients), temperature or weather changes, and stress¹.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis (or chronic rhinosinusitis or ‘CRS’), is when inflammation occurs in the sinuses, leading them to become infected. Sinusitis is commonly preceded by rhinitis. Symptoms are almost identical to rhinitis: sinus pain and pressure, congestion, itchy nose and eyes, sore throat, and snoring and poor sleep quality. In some cases, a patient may experience facial swelling due to ruptured paranasal cysts. Non-chronic sinusitis is often caused by a cold and clears up in 7 to 10 days.

The most significant difference between chronic rhinitis and sinusitis is that sinusitis occurs for two months per year or more regardless of outdoor temperature or weather. Chronic sinusitis  Bacteria like streptococcus, staphylococcus, and haemophilus influenza typically cause chronic sinusitis (and may be referred to as bacterial sinusitis), but fungi (mould) may also be responsible. Chronic sinusitis is particularly dangerous because, as it is the result of a bacterial infection, the infection may spread to other parts of the body¹.

Poor air quality and chronic rhinosinusitis

Recent studies have analysed the relationship between poor air quality and air pollution, specifically particulate matter (PM2.5), and onset/severity of chronic rhinosinusitis. A 2021 study out of Johns Hopkins University found that individuals who are exposed to PM2.5 over a period of 60 months or more are one and a half times more likely to develop chronic rhinosinusitis. Furthermore, these individuals have a five times greater risk of contracting severe pansinusitis (when inflammation occurs in all four sinuses)².

This is not the first study yielding similar results. A 2017 study found that laboratory mice exposed to PM2.5 in the long-term developed chronic sinonasal inflammation³. A 2022 study suggests that poor air quality leads to chronic inflammation throughout the body, reducing the body’s natural defences (nasal and sinus mucosa) against chronic rhinosinusitis⁴. One additional study found that PM2.5 exposure is ‘significantly associated with CRS diagnosis, especially in the ethmoid sinus’⁵. 

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Benefits of Eoleaf’s air purifiers for sinus health

Decompose and degrade various pollutants in the air

Naturally, the main goal of investing in an air purifier is to improve air quality in your indoor spaces like homes and offices by reducing air pollutant concentrations. Whether the goal is to remove allergens (pollen, pet hair and dander, dust and dust mites, mould and spores), fine particle pollution (particulate matter including PM10, PM2.5, and PM0.1), chemical pollution (volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, caused by every day products used in the home), bad odours, and/or germs (bacteria and viruses), an Eoleaf air purifier captures and filters all types of air pollution particles. Improving air quality helps protect your health from all of the negative health effects of air pollution including rhinitis and sinusitis. 

Air purification also reduces the likelihood of developing and aggravating respiratory diseases like allergies, asthma, and COPD. However, that’s not all: particle air pollution exposure increases the chances of developing multiple types of cancer and mental health conditions, so investing in improved indoor air quality is investing in better overall health.

Improve the symptoms of nasal congestion

Using a high-quality air purifier to reduce indoor allergens like dust and dust mites, pollen, and pet hair and dander provides significant relief for those suffering from irritation of the nasal mucosa and other sinus symptoms. Dust mites, pollen particles, and dander often fall under the fine particle category, so an air purifier that combats fine particles, like all Eoleaf devices, is essential. Nasal congestion, sneezing, runny noses, and other symptoms experienced by patients of rhinitis may all be substantially reduced with the help of an Eoleaf air purifier.

Factors to consider when choosing an air purifier for sinus health

Not all air purifiers are capable of filtering the same types of air pollutants. When purchasing an air purifier for sinus health, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

Filtration technologies: HEPA + activated carbon filter

An air purifier that is designed to support sinus health should be equipped with air filtration technologies that allow it to remove even the smallest pollutants. The HEPA H13-certified filter found in Eoleaf devices removes 99.97% of all pollutants down to 0.01 microns in a single pass. HEPA filters capture fine and nanoparticle pollution, including particulate matter released by road traffic, industrial sources, tobacco smoke, and combustion (wood stoves and gas appliances). HEPA filters also target allergens (like pet dander, dust mites, mould spores, and pollen) and germs (including bacteria that may lead to chronic sinusitis).

HEPA filters do have their limitations, however. They are unable to capture VOCs like formaldehyde and benzene, two gaseous pollutants that are known human carcinogens. In order to combat gaseous toxins and unpleasant odours, an air purifier for sinus health should contain an activated carbon filter.

Even better: choose a device that targets all types of air pollution particles, even the smallest particulate matter, dust mite, and pollen particles! Eoleaf air purifiers contain 8 different filtration technologies, including a medical-grade HEPA H13 filter and an activated carbon filter, making it one of the most comprehensive air cleaners on the market.

Room size compatibility

How do you choose the best device for your needs? When choosing the right air purifier for sinus health, it is crucial to choose one that is capable of efficiently filtering all of the air in your space. Air purifiers are designed with a maximum volumetric filtration capacity, meaning that they must be properly sized to your space in order for them to improve your air quality. Before making your purchase, verify with the manufacturer that the model you have in mind will accommodate rooms of the size in which you plan to install your air purifier.

Additionally, check the device’s Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). This is a universal metric that compares the volume of filtered air, allowing consumers to compare filtration efficiency between devices of different brands. The higher the CADR, the more effectively the air purifier will clean the air in your space. Find Eoleaf’s CADR ratings below:

• AEROPRO 40: 420 m3/hr
• AEROPRO 100: 570 m3/hr
• AEROPRO 150: 670 m3/hr
• Pure CAR: 45 m3/hr

Another metric to consider is the device’s Air Changes per Hour (ACH). ACH refers to the number of times in one hour that an air cleaner exchanges all of the air in a room with purified air. For optimal air purification, it is recommended to have a minimum ACH rating of 4 or 5 (meaning that the air in the room is completely filtered and replaced 4 or 5 times per hour).

The Eoleaf difference

For those suffering from sinus conditions (as well as allergy and asthma sufferers), choose an air purifier that will ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life. With our 8 filtration technologies, Eoleaf devices provide the purest air available in your indoor spaces, including homes and offices, by removing all of the three main types of air pollution particles. Invest in clean air today with Eoleaf.

Frequently asked questions

What types of air purifiers are most effective for sinus sufferers?

Air purifiers that offer multiple types of air filtration technologies, i.e. one that removes all types of air pollution particles, are ideal for sinus sufferers. At the very least, it should contain a HEPA-certified filter (for the finest air pollution particles) and an activated carbon filter (for chemical pollution like VOCs). Ideally, it should contain more, as with Eoleaf’s 8-step filtration technology found in all of our devices.

How often should an air purifier be run to benefit sinus health?

This answer depends upon the severity of your sinus symptoms. If your sinus symptoms are impacting your daily life, it is recommended to leave your device running whenever you are using the space. Air purifiers are designed to run on a near-constant basis. Modern, energy-efficient devices like Eoleaf’s will not consume large amounts of electricity. 

What size air purifier is needed for my space to help with sinus problems?

It is important to consider the size of your space before making a purchase. Air purifiers are sized to spaces of a maximum size. Eoleaf’s devices are sized as follows:

• AEROPRO 40: rooms from 0 to 40 m2, ideal for small rooms and studios
• AEROPRO 100: rooms from 0 to 80 m2, ideal for most room types
• AEROPRO 150: rooms from 0 to 120 m2, ideal for larger or professional spaces

Are there specific air purifier features that benefit people with sinusitis?

Above anything else, people who suffer from sinus, allergy, and/or asthma symptoms should invest in devices with advanced filtration technologies. It is an air purifier’s filtration capacity that will provide the most relief from unpleasant health symptoms. More modern devices, like Eoleaf’s, also come equipped with practical smart features like app compatibility, smart scheduling, voice commands, gesture control, and more, making for a more efficient way to track your air quality.

Can air purifiers help reduce the need for sinus medication?

Air purifiers reduce irritating pollutants in the air that may cause or exacerbate frustrating sinus and respiratory symptoms. Removing these pollutants from your breathing air in spaces in which you spend the most time (home, work, etc.) indeed helps reduce dependence on sinus medication.

What maintenance is required to keep an air purifier effective for sinus health?

When purchasing an air purifier to protect and improve your health, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding regular filter changes. All air purifiers have different filter change requirements: lower-quality filters usually require changing three or four times per year whereas high-quality filters, like those used in Eoleaf devices, require changing less often. Eoleaf devices require filter replacements once per year.

What is the best placement for an air purifier to help with sinus issues?

An air purifier for sinus health should be placed in an area with optimal air flow. It should never be blocked by obstacles (furniture or placed in a corner). Refer to our list of placement recommendations in order to optimise your device’s air filtration capacity.

Resources

¹ The difference between rhinitis and sinusitis. ENT Associates. (2021, August 10). https://www.denvercoloradoearnosethroatallergysinusdoctors.com/the-difference-between-rhinitis-and-sinusitis/ 

² Blount, W. (2021, July 29). Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers show how air pollution may cause chronic sinusitis. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2021/07/johns-hopkins-medicine-researchers-show-how-air-pollution-may-cause-chronic-sinusitis 

³ Ramanathan, M., London, N. R., Tharakan, A., Surya, N., Sussan, T. E., Rao, X., Lin, S. Y., Toskala, E., Rajagopalan, S., & Biswal, S. (2017). Airborne particulate matter induces nonallergic eosinophilic sinonasal inflammation in mice. American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology, 57(1), 59–65. doi:10.1165/rcmb.2016-0351oc 

⁴ Leland EM, Vohra V, Seal SM, Zhang Z, Ramanathan M Jr. Environmental air pollution and chronic rhinosinusitis: A systematic review. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2022 Mar 11;7(2):349-360. doi: 10.1002/lio2.774. PMID: 35434330; PMCID: PMC9008184.

⁵ Zhang, Z., Kamil, R. J., London, N. R., Lee, S. E., Sidhaye, V. K., Biswal, S., Lane, A. P., Pinto, J. M., & Ramanathan, M. (2021). Long-term exposure to particulate matter air pollution and chronic rhinosinusitis in nonallergic patients. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 204(7), 859–862. doi:10.1164/rccm.202102-0368le