Fall perfect time to 'decongest' bedroom

When many think of "problems in the bedroom," nasal congestion is usually not at the top of the list, but U.S. experts say not breathing well hurts sleep. Trish Suhr, an Emmy-winning cleaning expert from the Style Network's Clean House, and sleep specialist Michael Breus said for 20 percent of the U.S. population, not breathing well is a constant struggle that disrupts sleep and has a negative impact on the next day. They urge those with trouble sleeping due to nasal congestion to adopt the Breatheable Bedroom program that calls for better sleep through fewer allergens. Fall is the perfect time to turn a bedroom into a breathing and sleeping sanctuary and "decongest" a bedroom of dust bunnies, dirt and allergens that make fresh air scarce and a stuffy nose a daily routine, Suhr said. To prepare a bedroom for better breathing in the fall and winter, Suhr recommended people: -- Donate or throw away old items and making sure all air filters, including humidifiers, are clean. -- Invest in a new duster, sponge and other cleaning materials for a fresh cleaning start. -- Use a High Efficiency Particulate Air filter vacuum. -- Wash bedding in hot water. "There's no better or more critical place to start improving breathing than in the bedroom, it's where you sleep and get your energy for the next day," Breus said in a statement. "When you combine the relief of Breathe Right Nasal Strips with a bedroom designed for better quality air, you can breathe better and ultimately sleep better through the night."