Whether they’re seasonally triggered or year-round, dealing with allergies can be bothersome and disruptive to your everyday routine. Allergic rhinitis is experienced when a person breathes in pollutants or allergens that the body considers a threat, even if it isn’t truly harmful, so it rushes to protect your system.

Common irritants can be hard to avoid and include pollen, dust, grass, animal dander, and mold. Allergic reactions and intensities can vary, but the more common allergy symptoms are an irritated nose (sneezing, runny, stuffy, itchy), irritated throat (soreness, coughing), irritated eyes (itchy, watery), and itchy or dry skin.

To help you alleviate your at-home allergies next time they come around, keep scrolling for some simple tips you can try — no over-the-counter or prescription medication necessary.

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6 Ways to Battle Allergies at Home

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\n1. Allergen Avoidance\n

As the popular saying goes, prevention is better than cure. The best way to remedy allergies is to avoid triggers and irritants as much as possible and reduce the chances of experiencing indoor allergies in the first place.

Keep allergens out by keeping your windows closed, vacuuming dust and pollen attractors (like carpet) weekly, and washing bedding frequently. If you have pets, consider restricting them to certain parts of your home, as pet dander and saliva are common allergy triggers. For this reason, you might consider keeping them out of certain rooms, like your bedroom (and definitely your bed).

If your allergies are triggered by mold, take steps to reduce humidity in the home. Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier, especially in areas of the home that are prone to dampness, such as bathrooms and basements. Be sure to give your bathrooms a chance to air out after showering. Opening a window can help.

Avoid collecting indoor plants. Air out laundry, shoes, and other damp items outside of the house to prevent mold growth.

Personal hygiene is also important to reduce allergies. Shower regularly to wash off any allergens that may have clung to your hair and body while outdoors, and avoid tracking them through the house. A hot shower can also help soothe allergies, as the steam can temporarily clear your nasal pathways.

\n2. Clean and Irrigated Nose\n

Most allergy symptoms are caused by breathing in allergens or pollutants, so one of the most important preventive measures against allergies is to keep your nose clean.

According to a 2012 review, rinsing out the nose with a saline solution is helpful for both kids and adults who suffer from allergic rhinitis or hay fever. The Neti Pot is a popular choice for flushing out the nasal pathways to get rid of particles like pollen and dust from the nose hairs. Take care to read the instructions, as there’s a very specific way to use these. (For instance, you can’t use tap water.)

If this is uncomfortable for you, a saline spray is a simpler alternative.

\n3. Natural Remedies\n

There are various herbs recommended by natural healing practitioners because of their anti-inflammatory properties. For example, butterbur has shown to be equally as effective as antihistamines in helping with itchy eyes and reducing the swelling of airways.

Bromelain, which is found in pineapples and papayas, helps minimize inflammation after sinus surgery and improves breathing.

Dietary spirulina, goldenseal, stinging nettle, and goldenseal all provide relief from allergies as well.

\n4. Locally Sourced Honey\n

It’s a widely popular theory that if you’re allergic to the pollen of flowers in your area, you should eat locally produced honey to reduce your allergy to them. The logic is that the honey is made from the same flowers you may be allergic to; so, over time, your system will learn that these are not a threat to your body.

As an added bonus, honey offers a number of other health benefits, too — like a serious dose of antioxidants.

\n5. Essential Oils\n

Certain essential oils are recommended to help ease allergies at home. For example, eucalyptus essential oil is recommended by natural healers as it has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in opening the nasal pathways. It also has antibacterial properties, so people will sometimes add it to their laundry load during allergy season to keep clothes clean from pollen and other irritants.

Peppermint essential oil is also known to be anti-inflammatory, so it helps in fighting bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.

These oils may be applied topically when diluted with a carrier oil or put into an essential oil diffuser. You can also find essential oil jewelry, made with very small diffusers that you can wear right on your body.

\n6. Air Purifier\n

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As most allergies are caused by airborne pollutants that are inhaled into the body, air purification is one of the best ways to prevent experiencing allergies indoors.

Air purifiers cleanse the air by pulling in allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, depending on the type of filters they contain. The HEPA filter, or high-efficiency particulate air filter, is commonly recommended, as it’s an effective irritant trapper. It’s used in portable air purifiers, as well as vacuums and HVAC systems.

Reliable air purifiers work on multiple filters and features for optimum air purification. Using an air purifier from Sans, for example, can filter the air in your home and noticeably improve your indoor air quality and thus, your allergies.

The technology behind Sans involves four layers of protection:

Pre-filter
HEPA 13 filter
Activated carbon filter
UV-C light

Between these four layers, your air purifier will capture particles big and small, removing toxins and allergens from the air inside your home and releasing a version that’s far more clean and pure.

When your allergies start acting up, hold off on reaching for that over-the-counter medicine. Try one of these natural remedies and see if they help alleviate your allergies at home.

Shop with Sans today

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Do you wake up feeling groggy, exhausted, drained of energy? You’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, more than one-third of Americans don’t consistently get enough sleep. You know some of the more common culprits, like drinking caffeine too close to bedtime and scrolling on your phone before trying to sleep. But did you know that air quality can also impact how much sleep you get and how good that rest is?

The Connection Between Air Quality and Sleep

The two seem like they shouldn’t be related. After all, you don’t necessarily feel like your breathing is impacted; but it is.

Here’s why.

Specifically, bad air quality can negatively affect your upper airways by causing congestion. Think about your reaction to allergens like dust, pollen, mold, or animal hair/dander. What happens? You experience a stuffy, runny nose; your eyes itch and water; your throat might hurt.

Of course, these undesirable effects can extend to the quality and length of your sleep. Allergens can make it difficult to get the rest you need because they disturb the deep, regular breathing that you need in order to achieve sufficient restorative sleep.

Poor air quality can also increase the chances that you’re going to suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you’ve ever heard someone snore, get quiet, and then choke a little as they start audibly breathing again, that’s sleep apnea.

There’s something else to consider: volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are airborne chemicals released by common household items like electronics and furniture — including mattresses. VOCs can make your allergies worse and even cause headaches, among other health complications.

While a definite causation has not yet been established, there is undoubtedly a relationship between the air you breathe and sleep. In fact, one study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health looked at the air pollution in Beijing, China, and the sleep duration of university freshmen.

The researchers found that “one standard deviation increase in environmental variables” was possibly associated with a decrease in sleep duration by 30 minutes and up.

Outside of allergens and the issues that they can cause for your sleep, we must also consider humidity. If there’s too much humidity in the air that you’re breathing, you might end up feeling overly warm with itchy skin and a dry nose — all of which can seriously impact how well you’re able to sleep.

So, now that you know that air quality and sleep are linked, what can you do to improve the air that you breathe inside your home?

How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality for Better Sleep

Improving the air quality is sometimes simpler than you might think. Here are a few tactics that you can try.

Keep it Clean When it Matters

Your home doesn’t need to be spotless; but strategically spot-cleaning throughout the week can improve the air quality of your home and your allergies — and thus, your sleep.

Make a point of vacuuming carpets and rugs, which love hanging onto allergens like dust and pet hair/dander. The same goes for bedding, curtains, and drapes. Vacuum what you can, and throw the rest in the washing machine.

While it can be harder to clean your mattress, there are ways to at least improve its cleanliness. For example, you can sprinkle baking soda on it, let it sit, and then vacuum it up. (Baking soda can absorb moisture and odors.)

Save Plants for the Outdoors

This one might surprise you, because plants are often touted for improving air quality, and they can! But they can also carry mold. For this reason, you might want to consider limiting greenery to the outdoors.

Control the Humidity

You’ve probably heard that bacteria love moisture. This is why having an overly-humid home can spell trouble for your air quality and your sleep. In particular, it can attract dust mites and foster mold growth.

While the ideal humidity for indoors has been debated, it ranges from 30% to 60% (and never above 60%). This will help to keep those allergens under control and help you sleep comfortably.

Also, be mindful of dampness in your home. For example, after you take a shower, consider opening the window in the bathroom, if you have one. At the very least, leave the door open. Play close attention to your laundry room, too. That can be another troublesome room in your home.

Bring an Air Purifier Inside

Air purifiers have grown in popularity over the last few years, and for a good reason. They can make a noticeable difference in how you feel inside your home.

Sans, for instance, offers four layers of protection: the pre-filter, HEPA 13 filter, activated carbon 13 filter, and the UV-C light.

Between the first two layers, Sans is able to trap solid particles big and small. The activated carbon filter is responsible for removing harmful chemicals floating around as gases, stemming from items in your home like furniture and cleaning products. This layer also gets rid of any foul odors. Finally, the UV-C light neutralizes the pathogens and microorganisms that your Sans air purifier has collected, so that they can’t grow on the filters and make you sick.

In addition to taking measures like keeping your home clean, controlling the humidity, and leaving plants outdoors, Sans can work wonders for your indoor air quality and the quality and duration of your sleep.

We don’t often look to our air quality when it comes to waking up feeling restless; but now you know that there is indeed a relationship. Improve the air that you breathe, and your sleep might very well benefit, as well.

Shop our collections today.

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The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that indoor levels of air pollutants might be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. In some cases, they can be 100 times higher. This is concerning, to say the least — especially considering that the majority of us spend most of our time indoors. That’s where air purifiers come in. You might be considering buying one and asking yourself, “Does an air purifier really work?”

Let’s talk about the technology at work, here.

Do Air Purifiers Actually Work?

Air purifiers have become somewhat trendy lately, and a lot of brands are jumping on the bandwagon. You can find tiny desktop systems for less than $50, and freestanding air purifiers for roughly $800.

But… are they worth the investment?

The short version: Yes, quality air purifiers can absolutely improve the air you’re breathing.

Let’s get into the longer version.

First, it helps to understand how air purification works. The device usually has a filter (or several filters) inside made of paper, fiber, or mesh, and a fan that sucks the dirty air in. As the air comes in and moves through the filter, the filter will trap any undesirable particles and pollutants, like dust, pet dander, pollen, and smoke. The air it circulates back out is noticeably cleaner.

Importantly, air purifiers shouldn’t be relied on to filter out gasses (unless they have a carbon filter — more on that in a moment), or any allergens that are already embedded into your furniture, flooring, or walls.

As the air purifier runs, you’ll need to clean, maintain, and replace the filters as needed.

Other models use ionizers to literally attract particles and pollution. These are unique because their negative ions connect with dust and allergens to remove them from the air. Ionizers don’t actually trap particles, which means you have to vacuum them up promptly. Be sure to do your homework before buying this type of air purifier, and avoid purchasing one that produces ozone. (Just check the packaging — it’ll say.)

Aside from purchasing a reliable air purifier from a reputable brand, you can ensure that yours works effectively by giving it the maintenance that it needs to run optimally. Replace your filter when necessary. Typical air purifiers need filters replaced quarterly through the year. If you do this, you’ll notice a significant reduction in your indoor air quality. If you’re experiencing anything like asthma, allergies, a stuffy nose, or a light cough, you might also notice that these, too, diminish. Although you might not see your air purifier doing its job, you can quite literally feel the difference.

Do note that there are other variables you might need to consider. For instance, if you tend to keep your windows open, your air purifier might have a harder time doing its job. Similarly, where you put your machine and how long it runs throughout the day can play a role. You might find that a little trial and error is necessary to see where you should place your purifier to get the best results.

Now that you have a rough idea of how air purifiers work and what you should look for when shopping around, let’s talk more specifically about how Sans is raising the bar — and why you should care.

What Makes a Good Air Purifier Unbeatable?

Sans takes your health seriously; so, when we set out to design our first purifier, we asked ourselves this: “How can we do better than every other brand on the market?”

We came up with a pretty powerful solution, and it gives you not one layer of protection, but four.

The Pre-Filter: Where it All Starts

It’s the machine’s first line of defense. This layer captures all of the larger pollutants and particles, like hair and dust.

By adding in a pre-filter, the three layers that come after it are able to do their job more effectively and really zero in on those smaller and more challenging particles.

The HEPA 13 Filter

High efficiency particulate air — more commonly known as HEPA. Sans raised the standard by using a HEPA 13 filter, offering a level of efficiency that’s medical grade.

This filter will remove at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, and 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns.

Those numbers might not mean much to you, but let us give you a little context: The average human hair is roughly 90 microns thick.

So, you could say that the HEPA 13 filter is pretty good at what it does.

The HEPA 13 filter is the backbone of our air purifiers and pulls most of the weight. It can catch viruses and bacteria, along with allergens like pollen, dander, dust mites, and mold spores.

The Activated Carbon Filter

We mentioned earlier that your run-of-the-mill air purifier likely won’t capture any gasses, so Sans set out to make this possible.

That’s where our activated carbon filter comes in.

While the pre-filter and HEPA 13 filter do the work of capturing solid pollutants and particles, the activated carbon filter will neutralize volatile organic compounds, like formaldehyde. You might be wondering how you could ever have a chemical like formaldehyde in your home. Unbeknownst to many, common household cleaning products, personal care products, fabrics, and furniture can also invite in dangerous gas compounds.

During your experience with Sans, if you happen to notice that any unwanted odors disappear from your home, this is also thanks to the activated carbon filter.

The UV-C Light

The UV-C light works undercover, only affecting what’s going on inside your Sans unit. By this point, the previous three filters have trapped all of the mold, viruses, and bacteria circulating around your home.

The UV-C light ensures that they won’t come back to hurt you. Its pulses neutralize these pathogens and microorganisms so that they can’t grow on the filters and make you sick.

You eat nutritious food, drink water, stay active, and get plenty of sleep — all to care for your health as best you can. Shouldn’t the air you breathe get the same consideration?

Sans was born out of the coronavirus pandemic, and it's our mission to make the indoors safer and cleaner for all. Shop our collections today.

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