Can I wear a mask while sleeping for rhinitis?

Under normal circumstances, it is not recommended for patients with rhinitis to wear a mask while sleeping, although it may be considered under specific situations.

Wearing a mask increases respiratory resistance, which may lead to breathing difficulties and affect sleep quality. Particularly for rhinitis patients who may already suffer from nasal congestion, wearing a mask can further increase the burden on breathing. Sleeping with a mask may cause exhaled carbon dioxide to accumulate within the mask, resulting in high local concentrations of carbon dioxide that can lead to discomfort such as dizziness and chest tightness. Prolonged mask use during sleep may also cause skin pressure and friction, resulting in symptoms such as redness and itching.

If there are significant allergens in the sleeping environment, such as dust, pollen, or pet dander, and the patient is sensitive to these allergens, wearing a mask might be considered to reduce allergen inhalation. However, it is generally more advisable to improve the sleeping environment by using air purifiers and maintaining indoor cleanliness. When wearing a mask during sleep, it is important to maintain proper mask hygiene to prevent the growth of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, which may lead to new infections. It is recommended to replace masks regularly and to clean and disinfect them before and after use.

It is recommended to improve the sleeping environment by maintaining indoor cleanliness and ventilation, and using air purifiers to reduce the presence of allergens and pollutants. Trying to sleep on one's side or elevating the head of the bed may help alleviate nasal congestion. Additional tools may also be beneficial, such as humidifiers to increase indoor humidity and relieve nasal dryness, and nasal irrigators to remove nasal secretions and allergens.