Air purifiers are an increasingly popular addition to homes and offices. They are used for a diverse range of purposes, from removing odors and odorous matter to eliminating dust and pollen to freshening indoor air. For people with allergies, air purifiers can be a godsend. They can help to reduce the amount of pollen and other airborne contaminants that trigger allergic reactions.
The level of comfort that individuals with allergies experience varies. Many people experience few symptoms, if any, until and unless a specific allergen is present in high amounts, such as ragweed or oak tree pollen. For others, a trigger can be anything from a specific type of fragrance in a candle or perfume to a specific type of food or insect.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may be able to reduce their impact by taking steps to improve your home’s air quality. This can begin with the smallest of changes, such as the placement of furniture and the way you drape fabrics.
However, if you want to experience the most relief from your allergies, you’ll need to adopt more drastic measures. This includes changing the way you choose and care for your indoor plants, as well as using a purifier to remove airborne irritants.
What Makes Air Purifiers Effective in Removing Allergens?
The air filters of most air purifiers are made from HEPA or similar types of high-efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) filters. These filters are designed to trap large particles, including allergens and bacteria, that are released by the unit.
Unfortunately, there are few air purifiers that are capable of removing viruses and other dangerous allergens. HEPA filters only capture large allergens and other particles that are 2.5 microns or larger. This is significantly smaller than the width of a human hair, so most HEPA filters can effectively remove large particles.
Types of Air Purifiers
There are a variety of types of air purifiers, each designed for a specific purpose. Here are just a few of the most common types:
- Portable Air Purifiers – Designed to be taken with you on trips or used at home, portable air purifiers operate in much the same way as desktop models. They are often powered by electricity, have HEPA filters and can be used to remove both airborne particles and odors.
- Desktop Air Purifiers – These air purifiers are often larger than portable models and are designed for home use. They are generally more expensive than portable models but can offer greater capacity and are more effective at removing certain contaminants, such as odors and tobacco smoke.
- Heater/Air Purifier Units – These devices draw air in from the room and expel it through a HEPA filter. They can be used to remove both airborne particles and odors.
- Pet Air Filters – It’s important to keep your pets out of the bedroom, living room and other rooms where you spend a lot of time. This is because pet dander and other allergens can cause reactions in people who are allergic to them. A pet air filter is a great option for this purpose.
How to Choose the Right Air Purifier for You
When shopping for an air purifier, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. These include the size of the room you’d like to purify, the size of the air purifier and the type of contaminants you’re hoping to remove from the air.
- Room Size – The size of the room you’d like to purify will determine the size of the air purifier you should purchase. For example, you probably don’t want to use a tiny air purifier to clean a 100-square-foot room. Instead, you’d want to use a larger model to clean a large room.
- Type of Contaminant – The type of contaminant you’re hoping to remove will determine which types of air purifiers are right for you. For example, if you’re mainly concerned about dust in the air, a household vacuum is a better option than an air purifier.
Final Words: Are Air Purifiers Worth It?
While air purifiers can be a bit pricey, they are an effective way to reduce the amount of airborne irritants in your home. Plus, they help to remove the odor and dust from indoor plants. They are NOT, however, a substitute for regular house-cleaning.
There is little specific medical or scientific evidence that air purifiers can directly reduce symptoms or allergies. (It’s tough to discern the root cause of your allergies. Are they being caused by polluted air, which CAN be helped by air purifiers? Or are they caused by other factors in your genetics or environment?)
However, anecdotal evidence abounds, and it just makes sense that cleaner air helps you feel better, whether you have allergies or not.
For many people, the biggest hurdle in adopting an air purifier is convenience. These devices require regular maintenance, including replacing the filter and cleaning the unit. However, a properly maintained air purifier can last for years.
If you’re on the fence about air purifiers, consider purchasing a smaller, lower-priced model to test the waters. Once you’ve experienced the benefits of an air purifier, you may decide to upgrade to a more powerful model that meets your needs.
Summary: Yes, Air Purifiers Can Help Reduce Your Allergy Symptoms
Air purifiers remove the majority of allergen-aggravating particles and small pollutants from the air. Although filters won’t eliminate allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander completely, they can improve the air quality in your home and help to reduce allergy symptoms.
Using an air purifier during high-allergy months (between March-September) can alleviate many allergy symptoms for the millions of people who suffer from hayfever. These can be combined with antihistamines or nasal sprays as directed and prescribed by allergy specialists. While they can be a bit pricey, they are an effective way to reduce the amount of airborne irritants in your home.
To choose the right air purifier for you, you’ll need to decide what type of contaminant you want to remove from the air. Then, you’ll need to determine the size of the air purifier and the location of the unit.
Simply put, the best air purifiers DO trap allergens in the air that we breathe. They work best with combined with other lifestyle and air improvement measures, such as regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and perhaps allergy medications.