Start with air quality and safety
Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, and coughing or worry may make it harder to sleep. The immediate priority is reducing exposure and following local emergency instructions—not trying to sleep through hazardous conditions.
Check the AirNow map and local alerts. If authorities order an evacuation, leave promptly. If you have chest pain, severe difficulty breathing or another emergency symptom, seek emergency medical care.
Create a cleaner-air bedroom
When it is safe to stay indoors, choose a room large enough for the people using it. Close windows and doors while smoke levels are high, and run a portable particle air cleaner sized for the room. The EPA’s clean-room guidance explains the steps.
Avoid adding indoor particles: do not smoke or burn candles or incense in the room. Limit activities that produce smoke or particles. Air cleaners reduce particles; they do not remove every gas, eliminate all risk or make an evacuation order optional.
Keep cool and manage ventilation
Closing windows can make a room dangerously hot. Use air conditioning or fans to stay cool where available. If you cannot maintain a safe temperature and cleaner air at home, seek a cleaner-air or cooling location recommended by local authorities.
If your HVAC or window AC has an outdoor-air intake, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use recirculation or close that intake when appropriate. A compatible high-efficiency filter can help remove particles; check your system’s specifications or ask an HVAC professional. Do not simply turn off all ventilation systems: homes and equipment differ, and heat and indoor pollutants matter too.
Choosing and using a purifier
Choose a portable air cleaner with a particle filter, sufficient smoke clean-air delivery for the room, and noise you can tolerate while sleeping. Run it according to its instructions, keep airflow unobstructed and replace filters on schedule. A higher fan setting generally provides more filtration but can be louder.
Avoid devices that intentionally produce ozone. Particle filters can reduce smoke particles but are not a complete solution for smoke gases or odors. The EPA’s indoor filtration guide explains how to compare options.
Smoke symptoms and sleep
Smoke can cause irritation and worsen respiratory symptoms; worry about an active fire can also affect rest. A bad night does not establish that smoke has damaged the brain or identify the cause of your sleep difficulty. If symptoms continue or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
People with heart or lung disease, children, older adults and pregnant people may need to take extra care. Follow your clinician’s existing action plan and have prescribed medication available.
When you must go outside
Reduce outdoor exertion and time in smoke where possible. A well-fitting N95 respirator can help reduce inhalation of particles for adults who can wear it properly; it does not filter all smoke gases and is not a substitute for evacuation. Seek individual guidance if wearing a respirator is difficult or you have a medical condition.
When conditions improve, follow local guidance about airing out the home and changing filters. See AirNow’s after-fire guidance for cleanup.
Frequently asked questions
Should I close all windows during smoke?
Closing them can reduce smoke entry when safe, but avoid overheating. Go somewhere cooler with cleaner air if your home cannot be kept safe.
Will an air purifier remove all wildfire smoke?
No. A suitable particle-filtering cleaner can reduce particles; gases, leaks and other sources remain considerations.
Can I use my air conditioner?
Often, yes. Check your system’s settings and filter; use recirculation or close the outdoor intake if available and appropriate.