Spring and fall allergies are quite common but seasonal allergens aren’t the only culprits we have to be on the lookout for. Dust, pet dander, and mold are also common allergens that are often roaming in the air. Even though you might think you’re safe indoors, these allergens can easily make their way into our homes causing unpleasant symptoms. Luckily, an air purifier may be able to help!
Air purifiers are portable devices that help filter out allergens from your home. This will help improve the air quality in your home, allowing you to breathe better and help reduce your allergy symptoms. But with so many purifiers on the market, how do you know which ones are worth the investment? We did the research to help you find the right air purifier that alleviates allergies.
Consider the Type of Filters
Before purchasing an air purifier, one of the first features you’ll need to assess is what type of filter comes with it. For starters, carbon filters are good at filtering some particles as well as odors, however, they are not very effective at removing pollen, dander, dust, or mold.
In contrast, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, UV air filter, or ion filter is very good at removing dust dander, pollen, and mold but they’re not very effective at removing odors, notes Healthline.
Consider the Size of the Room
The next thing you’ll need to consider is the size of the room you’re filtering. This is important to know to ensure the purifier you buy is capable of effectively filtering your space.
You’ll need to investigate how many square feet the unit can handle. Healthline says to look at the clean air delivery rate (CADR) to “determine how many particles and square feet an air purifier can reach.” The source explains HEPA filters typically have a high CADR because they can filter the smallest particles, including tobacco smoke, as well as larger particles like pollen and dust.
Air Purifier for Small Spaces
If you live in a small space, consider the Molekule Air Mini. This compact air purifier can replace the air in a 250-square foot room every hour. This makes it ideal for home offices, studio apartments, or children’s bedrooms.
This device uses photoelectrochemical oxidation (PECO) nanotechnology to destroy allergens, bacteria, mold, chemicals, viruses, and more. It claims to trap 95-percent of particles 0.3-1 micron in size. The purifier is also incredibly quiet and features a 39-decibel silent mode.
Air Purifier for Large Spaces
If a small air purifier won’t work for your space, don’t worry, there are plenty of other options on the market. If you need an air purifier for larger spaces, then consider the Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier which is effective in rooms up to 465-square feet.
This device features a three-level cleaning system (including a HEPA filter) to effectively reduce allergens in your home from pet dander and dust to pollen and mold. To ensure the best quality air, the purifier will run five times every hour.
Air Purifier for Extra-Large Spaces
Do you have an extra-large space? Then consider the Rabbit Air MinusA2. This air purifier can clean air in spaces up to 700-square feet. The device can either stand on its own, or you can mount it to the wall — your choice!
The Rabbit Air can trap many different types of allergens from pet dander and dust to mold spores and chemicals. The device is also effective at deodorizing spaces, including odors from pets, smoking, cooking, and mildew.
Budget-Friendly Air Purifier
Some air purifiers come with a hefty price tag. Luckily, there are budget-friendly options on the market that are still effective in cleaning your air. If you’re on the market for a budget-friendly air purifier, consider the Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier.
This compact air purifier is best for home offices or smaller rooms as it can purify up to 160-square feet and can fit easily on a shelf or dresser. Many people also rave about its quietness and 3-speed capabilities. The built-in HEPA filter captures 99-percent of pet dander, dust, pollen, and mold/mildew spores as small as 3-microns. You’ll also enjoy that the filter is easy to clean with a vacuum.
Air Purifier With Washable Filter
Spend less money on filters by purchasing a model that features a washable filter such as the Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier. The washable carbon filter is made from activated carbon granular to help remove household odors.
The device also features a true HEPA filter which is effective in removing 99.97-percent airborne pollutants such as pollen, pet dander, dust, and more. It’s also suitable for medium to large rooms and is CADR rated for 360-square feet.
Multi-Purpose Air Purifier
Dyson is renowned for its innovative products from vacuums and hair tools to air purifiers. What makes the Dyson Purifier Cool unique from the other air purifiers on this list is that it’s multipurpose as it is also a fan.
The Dyson features a HEPA filter that can capture 99.97-percent of participles in 0.3-microns in size. It also has a layer of activated carbon to help reduce odors in your home. If you have the budget, Dyson also has an array of other air treatment products that can do everything from heat and cool as well as purify the air, or purify, humidify, and cool the air.
Air Purifier for Pet Owners
If you have pets at home you might want to invest in the Alen BreatheSmart Flex Air Purifier. This device features a B4-Pure filter which works to remove common allergy triggers like pet dander, dust, and mold.
It also features a medical-grade HEPA layer that helps remove 99.99-percent bacteria, aerosolized viruses, and airborne particles larger than 0.1-micron. This device can clean 700-square feet every 30-minutes. Finally, you may also enjoy that it’s available in a variety of colors and finishes allowing it to fit in with any style.
Air Purifier for Dust
Cleaning your home regularly is essential for getting rid of dust. But an air purifier can help too! The Coway Mighty Air Purifier is a great option, especially for filtering dust particles.
This powerful device can pull dust particles (of all sizes) from the air. But that’s not all. The four-stage filtration system can help remove pet dander, mold, and other airborne allergens from the air. Further, the device has a built-in air quality sensor and will notify the machine when it needs to work double-time.
Air Purifier for Babies and Children
Do you have little ones at home? You might want to consider this 3-in-1 air purifier and sound machine by FridaBaby. This multipurpose air purifier can clean the air and provide relaxing sounds and a nightlight all in one — everything you need to help your little one have a good night’s sleep!
The purifier uses a HEPA filter to effectively remove smoke, odor, and germs from the air. It also features multiple fan settings and a timer so you don’t have to disturb your child. There are several relaxing sounds as well as four colors for the nightlight to choose from.
More Ways to Reduce Indoor Allergens
While air purifiers are certainly effective devices, there are other ways you can reduce indoor allergens. Health explains certain household chores, such as laundry and vacuuming can make a big difference too.
Vacuuming your home regularly is essential for cleaning dust and debris off the floor, but it’s even more important if you’re a pet owner. Giving your pet a bath more frequently and not allowing them to sleep in your bedroom are other effective ways to decrease pet dander in your home.
Finally, you should wash your bed sheets in hot water at least once a week to get rid of dust-mite allergens. When spending time outdoors during peak allergy season, removing and washing your clothing once indoors is another effective way to reduce your exposure to allergens.
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