Did you know that over 20% of all travellers experience upper respiratory tract infections after flying? You may think it’s due to the pathogen-filled air circulating through the plane, but can you believe the main culprit is the drop in humidity?

So…How clean is aircraft cabin air?

Boeing reports that the air inside modern aircrafts is fully replaced every 2-3 minutes with outside air. Aircraft cabin air flows in through vents overhead and out through vents near your feet, creating a circular cycle of air that minimises the spread of pathogens through the cabin. 

Modern aircrafts use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that remove 99.9% of viruses and bacteria from the cabin air. At 36 000 feet, the air outside the aircraft is clean, dry and low in oxygen. A mixed manifold combines cabin air and clean at a 50:50 ratio. According to airline regulations, the newly mixed air is then pressurised and conditioned to the correct temperature. Although the air is heated and filtered, it is too cold and dry for our delicate sinuses and nasal passages.

Can you catch COVID when flying?

An independent study conducted at Harvard’s Aviation Public Health Initiative (APHI) discovered that you have a higher risk of contracting COVID in the mall or at a restaurant than flying on an airline. Boeing conducted their own research and concluded that your chance of catching COVID on a flight could be as low as 1 in 1.7 million.

Now you may be wondering why so many people suffer from post-travel illness if the air on airlines is so clean? The simple answer is a drastic drop in humidity. At cruising altitude, humidity is less than 12%! That’s drier than the Nevada desert.

Aircraft Cabin Air

How does low humidity make you sick?

The cold and dry aircraft cabin air ruins your first line of defence against viruses and bacteria by interrupting your mucociliary clearing system. Inside your sinuses, there are tiny hairs called micro cilia that are incredibly effective at clearing away foreign particles. Unfortunately, for these tiny hairs to function optimally, they need to be moist. 

Low humidity and cold air dry out these micro cilia meaning you can’t clear pathogens or mucous from your sinuses. Low humidity also irritates the sinuses causing inflammation, a blocked nose, pain and sinus headaches.

Aircraft Cabin Air

How can the goBU wearable humidifiers help?

Our patented goBU wearable humidifiers feature a built-in H100 filter that is purpose-built for humidification. The patented goBU wearable humidifier features a H100 filter that humidifies
the air that you breathe thus maintaining your first line of defence in fighting off allergens, viruses and bacteria.

Our filter has a Heat and Moisture Exchange system that traps heat and moisture from exhaled air and disperses it into inhaled air. We designed the goBU wearable humidifiers to fit the contours of the face
seamlessly to minimise face seal leakage, ensuring a clean and humidified breathing environment.

By filtering and moistening the air you breathe while flying, you drastically reduce the risk of suffering from post-travel-related upper respiratory tract infections. You can now travel in confidence, knowing your goBU wearable humidifiers is helping you take care of your health and wellness.

To learn more about the benefits of goBU wearable humidifiers, simply visit our website. We also have licensing opportunities available with access to global markets aligned with global trends. 

goBU, The Freedom To Be