Optimal room climate

Wie erhält man ein optimales Raumklima im Schlafzimmer?

Optimales Raumklima - Das richtige Mittelmaß

As with so many things in life, a healthy average should also be sought for the optimal room climate for good room climate properties. The room climate is determined by the room temperature (temperatures measurable with a thermometer) and the humidity in the room, the so-called relative humidity. If the values for relative humidity are below the optimal range, it is not healthy; if they are above the humidity, it can also harm our health. The right indoor temperature (temperatures measurable with a thermometer) and optimal, neither too low nor too high humidity (humidity) are therefore an important topic. In the following Mister Sandman guide, we explain everything about the topic of optimal room climate and humidity, as well as which method is used to determine these. If you have questions about which mattress is best for you, you can also try the mattress finder.

Room climate and humidity in living spaces

The optimal room climate characteristics, that is, the correct room temperature (temperature in the room, measurable with a thermometer) and the ideal humidity, are not always the same. The numbers for temperature from the thermometer and humidity (moisture) vary depending on rooms and depend on what the rooms are used for. On the internet, you can quickly find a corresponding table from which you can extract the data for room temperature (temperature in the room, to be measured with a thermometer) and humidity for each room in the apartment. Such a table usually contains values of humidity and temperature in °C from the thermometer for the ambient air bedroom with bed and mattress, children's room, kitchen, bathroom ambient air, living room, office, and the ambient air in the basement. The room humidity (moisture) is generally highest in the bathroom and kitchen, as a lot of water vapor is generated here when cooking or showering, and the air is thus humidified by the water vapor.

Tips for the optimal room climate for sleeping

While we sleep on our mattresses, the body cools down by about 1 to 2 degrees. Therefore, a slightly lower room temperature is also good for the bedroom. The optimal temperature is about 18 degrees Celsius. The optimal humidity (moisture) for the bedroom is 40 to 60 percent (ideal percentage). Both too low and too high humidity can have consequences for health and sleep quality. Simple home remedies, proper ventilation, or the use of devices (measuring devices) to regulate humidity can help create an ideal room climate. For example, one could use a hygrometer, such as a hair hygrometer (mechanical hygrometer item) or a digital hygrometer.

Consequences of low humidity in living spaces

Eine zu geringe Luftfeuchte (Luftfeuchtigkeit) im Zimmer wird fast augenblicklich als unangenehm empfunden. Ist die Raumfeuchte zu gering, führt dies schnell zu brennenden Augen und kratzendem Hals. Durch die trockenen und gereizten Schleimhäute können außerdem Krankheitserreger schneller angreifen. Das Risiko einer Erkältung ist bei zu niedriger Luftfeuchtigkeit also erhöht. Eine geringe Luftfeuchte (Luftfeuchtigkeit) ist vor allem im Winter ein Problem, da trockene Heizung-Luft zusätzliche Feuchtigkeit aus der Luft (Luftfeuchtigkeit) entzieht.

Consequences of high humidity in living spaces

A humidity level that is significantly above the data considered optimal is usually not immediately perceived as disturbing. The excessively humid air is often only noticed when there are already significant consequences and effects of the increased room humidity. Therefore, these measurements should not increase. The main problem with too high humidity is the formation of mold. If these values increase, mold formation can occur. Although mold formation should generally be regarded as a very serious issue, it can lead to serious health consequences for allergy sufferers and in sleeping areas. Therefore, it is important to acquire high-quality sleep products with very good quality at affordable prices. With targeted measures (such as a proper mattress and regular airing), the humidity (air humidity) can be reduced to prevent mold formation. If there is already an infestation of mold, immediate measures for mold removal and lowering the humidity level (air humidity) must be taken.

Measure humidity with the hygrometer

As with the room temperature in °C, the humidity in a room can also be measured. The device needed to measure humidity or room moisture is called a hygrometer. A hygrometer measures the amount of water vapor in the indoor air. The air's capacity to hold water vapor (vapor from water) is determined by the air temperature. Cold air can hold less water vapor than warm air. Therefore, cold air is dry air, while warm air is more humid. Most hygrometers also have a display for the indoor temperature in °C. The hygrometer measures both values to indicate a range for healthy and optimal room temperature. The humidity, that is, the amount of water vapor (evaporating water) in the air is generally indicated in percent by the hygrometer. One speaks of relative humidity (relative air humidity) with the hygrometer. In the meantime, various hygrometers can be purchased that take the measurements. There are numerous inexpensive hygrometers that reliably display the humidity and temperature from the thermometer through measurement. For example, the hair hygrometer is very popular due to its precise capability. The hygrometer, like the hair hygrometer, can measure the humidity (moisture) and temperature of the air thanks to the sensors. The hygrometer is simply hung in the living room, children's room, bedroom, basement, or in another living space for measurement. In the rooms, the humidity of the air (air humidity) is indicated in percent thanks to electric sensors. A hygrometer or a hair hygrometer is usually battery-operated and in most cases has a temperature display. Not only is the display of air humidity (air humidity) in percent important, but also the respective temperature (to be checked with a thermometer) in the rooms. The optimal air humidity (moisture of the air) should ideally be between 40 and 60 % on the display. In the living spaces, the optimal thermometer temperature of the air should be between 19 and 24 degrees.

Quality differences in hygrometer items

Anyone who wants to monitor the indoor air humidity and thus the room temperature (indicated in °C, measurable with a thermometer) should get a good hygrometer. When purchasing a hygrometer, one should pay attention to the hygrometer quality and hygrometer reliability of the item. There are various hygrometers that measure the humidity in the room using different methods. However, not every hygrometer is accurate and reliable in measuring. The most accurate are so-called hair hygrometers. These hygrometers use a (usually) human small hair to measure the indoor air humidity, as the hair either expands or contracts with different moisture content in the air. It can absorb water and then becomes shorter or longer depending on the absorbed water. Hair hygrometers can also be calibrated and adjusted through a relatively simple test (e.g., with a lukewarm water washcloth). In the following living spaces, hygrometer items are used for measuring purposes:

Hygrometers in the basement (e.g., existing basement rooms or basement vaults) for displaying air humidity properties (air moisture, water vapor) and temperature
Hygrometers are, for example, in the existing children's room for measuring information on air humidity (air moisture, water vapor) and temperature (measurable with a thermometer)
Hygrometer use in the WC area for measuring air humidity (air moisture, water vapor) and temperature (readable, e.g., from a thermometer)
Hygrometers in living rooms for the measurement of air humidity (water vapor) and temperature
Using a hygrometer in the kitchen, the measurement of the information of air humidity (water vapor) and temperature follows

Measuring room air humidity: Recommendation for the hygrometer for the specific recording of values

There are differences from hygrometer to hygrometer. There are many hygrometers that exist as device displays of measuring instruments. In addition to many mechanical hygrometers (hair hygrometers), there are also many electrically operated hygrometers for comparison, such as a digital hygrometer with built-in sensors. Depending on the need, one should choose the hygrometer measuring devices. There are very simple hygrometer measuring devices that are inexpensive and simply display the humidity of the air. Or should it also display the temperature in addition to the air humidity and also a date? Depending on individual needs, one should select the hygrometer (mechanical hygrometer or digital hygrometer). Even rooms without valuable items, such as antiques, should be regularly checked for temperature (temperatures readable with a thermometer) and air humidity. While a hair hygrometer provides a very accurate measurement, the handling of an electric hygrometer is usually simpler. In electric hygrometers, the tolerance is significantly higher than in a hair hygrometer, but the materials are much more demanding and sensitive to damage. Thus, a hair hygrometer, unlike electric hygrometers, does not need to be powered by a battery. However, the sensitive mechanics and materials of the hygrometer can become unusable with corresponding damage, making measurements no longer possible.

Hair hygrometer - What alternatives are there for a digital hygrometer?

A hair hygrometer usually consists of a human or animal hair, which is used for measurements. A human hair reacts to humidity in the air based on confirmed information. If there is low or dry air humidity, the hair in the hygrometer is at its natural length. At a relative air humidity (saturated, moist air), it can expand up to 2.5% of the percentage value and determines this measurement. Mechanically, this can be read from measurements on these devices and transferred to displays. For safety, the hair hygrometer should be tested every 1 to 2 months. To do this, the hygrometer must be angled with a damp cloth soaked in lukewarm water for 10 minutes. The moist environment from the water vapor causes devices like the hygrometer to show a humidity value of 100% after unwrapping. As mentioned, instead of a calibrated hair hygrometer, an electric hygrometer and digital hygrometer can also be used. With the corresponding increasing price, the accuracy improves and the reaction time of the hygrometer decreases (for example, a digital one). Therefore, for household use, an electric hygrometer is recommended, which has easy and optimal handling. It is best not to place the hygrometer too close to a door, outside wall, or window, as the surrounding air can be influenced the fastest here. For those who do not want to set up a hygrometer device in every room, such as in the basement, there are now apps on smartphones that replace the hygrometer. This hygrometer alternative for measuring devices measures the temperature (temperature in degrees, readable from a thermometer) of the surrounding air as well as the absolute humidity (absolute measures the actual water vapor content currently present in the air) and the absolute air pressure.

Tips for regulating the absolute humidity in living spaces

If the relative humidity is permanently outside the optimal range, it is harmful to our health. Therefore, attention should be paid to this relative humidity value. The absolute humidity should also be continuously monitored. Short-term fluctuations, on the other hand, are less serious and occur depending on the situation. For example, the relative humidity temporarily increases after cooking in the kitchen or showering in the bathroom. However, proper ventilation can quickly regulate this again. It becomes harmful to health when there is no healthy room climate for a long period and proper ventilation is not done regularly or is completely omitted. In these cases, the relative humidity or temperature (measured in °C, readable from a thermometer) must be adjusted through appropriate measures. Depending on the season, the methods for changing the relative humidity differ. For example, the optimal time for ventilation, that is, opening the window for air exchange, changes from season to season. However, one should always ventilate properly, as ventilation is an important part of the correct room climate. In all cases, the basic requirement for taking the right measures for ventilation to regulate the relative humidity (air humidity) is its monitoring with a hygrometer (e.g., a digital one). Also, plants can positively influence the roomclimate, but they also consume oxygen themselves. Therefore, plants should be avoided in the bedroom and children's room. Additionally, a breathable and moisture-conducting latex mattress, gel mattress, or cold foam mattress helps. Which mattress is right for you? Feel free to get individual and free advice from our competent team.

What to do about low humidity in living spaces?

A too low relative humidity (relative humidity) is generally perceived as disturbing, as our mucous membranes dry out quickly. Too dry air with low relative humidity (moisture content of the air) becomes a problem in rooms, especially during the heating period in winter. Quick relief from low relative humidity can be provided by a humidifier (also called a moisture generator). A humidifier (also known as a moisture generator) is a device that increases the relative humidity (relative moisture content of the air). There are electric humidifiers or humidifiers in the form of indoor fountains. However, since a humidifier (moisture generator) is usually only needed rarely and the water is always a potential breeding ground for viruses and bacteria, purchasing one is rarely recommended. If the indoor air is temporarily too dry, for example when the room is heavily heated in winter, one can also resort to a homemade humidifier. To do this, one can simply place a bowl of water on the radiators to create a homemade humidifier. This information can be obtained from the internet, for example, on how to build a homemade humidifier. The water helps to improve the indoor climate and its value in comparison through this method. The water evaporates due to the heat, thus increasing the relative humidity (relative humidity).

What to do about high humidity in living spaces?

Excessive humidity (moisture in the air) in living spaces not only makes us sweat, but can also significantly harm health. If the value for relative humidity (relative air humidity) remains above 70 percent, mold will inevitably form in the room and on materials. At a humidity level above 80 percent, mold can develop within just a few days. In this case, targeted and proper ventilation is necessary to lower the humidity. If ventilation is not sufficient to bring the humidity (moisture content of the air) to optimal levels, a dehumidifier should be used in addition. A dehumidifier removes water from the indoor air by condensing it in the device. Therefore, increasing the current values is not possible. The value of the humid air component decreases. Dehumidifiers that do not operate via an exhaust pipe must be emptied regularly, as these dehumidifiers have a collection container for the condensate.

Tips for proper ventilation

Ventilation refers to the intentional opening of the windows in an apartment to achieve an exchange of humid indoor air and dry outdoor air. To ventilate properly, one not only needs a hygrometer (e.g., a digital one) in the room but also a second digital one outside. The ideal time for ventilation is usually when the outdoor air is drier than the indoor air temperature (temperature in the room can be measured with a thermometer). However, there are exceptions depending on seasonal fluctuations. With the following tips for proper ventilation, you can easily achieve an optimal and healthy room climate:

It is best to ventilate several times a day with a burst of fresh air. For this, the window panes should be completely opened for 5 to 10 minutes.
Windows should not be tilted if possible. This can cause the outer wall of the accommodation to cool down and condensation water to form, which may lead to mold.
The windows should remain closed during rain, that is, when the outside air is humid.
If possible, open windows in such a way that a draft is created across the apartment.
In summer, one should ventilate during the cool summer morning and evening hours and otherwise keep all windows closed throughout the day.
For an optimal climate in the apartment, one should not heat while ventilating in winter and only set the heating back to the desired temperature after closing the windows.
Use at least two hygrometers (e.g. digital). One digital to monitor the room humidity and one digital to monitor the humidity of the outside air. It is best to ventilate when the air outside is relatively dry and the indoor air is humid.