One of the most brilliant decisions you can make is to get yourself the best air purifier for allergies.
We all enjoy breathing fresh air. However when you suffer from an allergy, this is no longer something you just want, but it becomes something you absolutely need. Finding a reliable product, though, is not that easy. Mold, smoke, dander, pollen, dust, and any other inhaled particles can be a pain in the neck. They will make you cough, wheeze, sneeze, and feel awful.
Luckily for you, in this buying guide, you can find a lot of helpful information, tips, and the top 8 reviews on air purifiers for allergies. With such a device, you will not only breathe freely, but your home or office will smell better as air purifiers can clear odors from a room. Let’s not lose any more time and get started!
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Features to Look for in the Best Air Purifier for Allergies
True HEPA Filter
If you want the best, then look for a filter with this label. This means that it has met all the strict regulations set by the United States Department of Energy (DOE).
It is essential to know what a HEPA filter is because, basically, all products of this class come with it. With such a thing, your air purifier will be able to capture around 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Just imagine what a fresh, clean air you will be breathing. We would recommend that you replace such a filter every six months or so, even though it is said it could last a year.
Pre-filter
This is a vital feature of all air purifiers that have a HEPA style filter. In general, the pre-filters capture the pet dander and a lot of dust. They also prolong the lifetime of the primary filter your device uses. The good thing is that most pre-filters are reusable and washable. If you take care of them, they may last a lifetime.
Activated Carbon (or Charcoal) Filter
If your home often smells of smoke, food, chemicals, etc. you have to look for a device that features an activated carbon filter. This type of filter can absorb gases and odorous particles. Check out our air purifiers for smoke reviews, too.
Ionic Filter (or Ionizer)
This filter charges small particles like pollen, dust, and bacteria and collects them into a plate by emitting negative ions. However, we recommend that you look for an air purifier that doesn’t have an ionizer or if it does, can be switched on/off, because this filter can be a reason for an asthma attack.
UV-C Light
The Ultra Violet light sterilizes bacteria and virus, and therefore destroys them. The UV Light type C is not dangerous for humans, so if you have found an air purifier with this feature, you should not be worried.
ACH /Air Changes Per Hour
This number shows you how many times per hour the air within a defines space is being replaced.
CADR /Clean Air Delivery Rate
Knowing what a CADR is, is important, as this rate actually measures the efficiency of the air purifier. The CADR takes into account the room size and the volume of clean air produced per minute. The CADR is a standard rating made by the independent Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) that rates the removal of pollen, dust, and smoke- the three most common indoor air pollutants.
You need to look for air purifiers for allergies that have higher CADR because the higher the rating, the better the air purifier.
Noise
Some air purifiers tend to work loud. Always read the product’s description and reviews from other users to see how the air purifier works. Such a device needs to make your air clean, and fresh, and therefore, make you feel relaxed and healthy. Just imagine what a bad dream it would be if you had to listen to some buzzing sounds all day and night.
Fan Power
For faster cleaning of your air, you will need an air purifier with a high fan power. You could quickly find out what the fan power of your device is through the ACH and CADR ratings.
Room Size
When you are choosing an air purifier, the square footage of the room you are going to use it in is an essential factor to consider. You have to look for a device that is suitable for the size of your room. This information is always written in the air purifier’s specifications.
Air Purifier Size
This is closely connected to the room size you are going to use your air purifier in. These are the three main categories:
- Small air purifiers: They are designed for rooms up to 300 square feet.
- Medium air purifiers: Rooms between 300 and 700 square feet are the most suitable for these units.
- Large air purifiers: These devices are perfect for rooms between 700 and 1,900 square feet.
- Whole-house models: Some devices are powerful and can be used for spaces bigger than 1,900 square feet. They, however, can be too expensive, especially when you are on a budget.
Air Change Per Hour /ACH/
As we talk about air purifiers for allergies, the number of times your device can filter the air in your room per hour is essential. Look for units that can clean the air at least 4 times per hour as they are the best option for asthma-and allergy-sufferers. Such a rate will ensure that the device filters as many allergens as possible and therefore allows you to breathe easily.
Placement
You have to decide where exactly you want to position your air purifier. Logically, we would recommend that you place your unit in your bedroom since probably that is where you spend most of your time. It is essential to understand that portable air purifiers are designed to purify the air in just one room. For this reason, you may have to spend additional money on units for other places.
Some people want to use such purifiers in their bathrooms. This is fine as long as you also have a good bathroom fan to disperse the fresh air around. Another option is to install a high-quality air freshener for bathrooms.
You can still, of course, choose a product that has handles, caster wheels or other portability features, and when needed, move it from room to room.
There is also one more option that we mentioned earlier- the whole-house air purifiers. They are becoming a popular choice as they can clean the air in each room of your house or office. Such units connect to your home’s HVAC system and can efficiently purify your indoors while you cool, heat, or ventilate your home.
Best Air Purifiers for Allergies Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Alen T500 HEPA Air Purifier, Antibacterial |
| View On Alen | |
Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier |
| View On Amazon | |
Bissell Air400 Air Purifier |
| View On Amazon | |
IQAir HealthPro Compact Air Purifier |
| View On Amazon | |
Alen BreatheSmart Classic Large Room Air Purifier |
| View On Amazon | |
LEVOIT Core 300 Air Purifier |
| View On Amazon | |
LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Purifier for Allergies |
| View On Amazon |
Best Air Purifier for Allergies – Editors’ Picks
Allergies are not something you should take lightly. Finding a high-quality air purifier is essential, so make sure you read all of our reviews of the most excellent products on the market nowadays. They are not arranged in a particular order as they are all reliable and will help you feel better in your home or office.
1. Alen T500 HEPA Air Purifier, Antibacterial
This air purifier can clean up to 500 Sq. Ft. It is compactable and works quietly. In fact, the Alen T500 HEPA Air Purifier is 25% smaller than comparable tower air purifiers so you can place it anywhere you like.
If you are suffering from allergies, our team is sure you will be pleased with how useful this unit is. It is an excellent decision against bacteria, dust, mold, chemicals, and light odors. The antimicrobial pre-filter can capture large hair and dust. The most significant advantage is the HEPA filter that can capture pretty much all airborne particles.
Still, as with any other device, there are some things you may not like. One such thing is the strong plastic smell that this unit sometimes gives. When compared to other devices, the Alen T500 HEPA Air Purifier is not the quietest one. However, with this unit, you get a lifetime guarantee, and this is something you don’t often see.
Pros:
- Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service
- Antimicrobial pre-filter
- HEPA filter
- Ionizer which you can turn on or off
- Compact
Cons:
- Not clearly written instructions
- Sometimes can give a strong plastic smell
- Not really quiet
2. Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier
The Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier is suitable for dander, dust mites, pollen and other allergens which are tiny as 0.3 microns. The device has a 3-stage air purification system. The AOC carbon filter can reduce household odors from pets, cooking, and smoking. It helps prolong the life of the True HEPA filter as it catches airborne particles found indoors. The filter can also be washed so you can use it many times.
The True HEPA filter is a significant advantage since it can capture 99.97%* of airborne allergens such as dust, microbes, mold spores, etc. The unit features a sleep mode that will ensure your untroubled sleeping. However, when working on turbo mode, the product is really loud.
Another disadvantage to this air purifier is unreliable, cheaply made remote control. However, many air purifiers don’t have a remote control, so we should take what we get. On the positive side, the unit has smart sensors and auto mode. The Winix 5500-2 air purifier is suitable for rooms that are up to 360 Sq. Ft. big.
Pros:
- 3 Stage Air Purification
- Auto mode
- Sleep mode
- Smart sensors
- Washable carbon filter
Cons:
- Expensive replacement filters
- Very loud turbo setting
- Small and cheaply made remote control
3. Bissell Air400 Air Purifier
The greatest thing about this Bissell air400 Air Purifier is the 3-stage filtration system it includes. The unit has a pre-filter, one carbon filter, and one High-Efficiency Filter. It is suitable for dust, smoke, pollen, and dander. If you have allergies, or you are a pet owner that wants to purify the air in his or her house, this device will do the job correctly.
The front digital display and the smart circulate system are a guarantee for easy usage. The unit is also equipped with a massive fan and long-lasting motor. A disappointing fact is that the air quality sensor of the product doesn’t auto-adjust the speed when working on quiet mode. The device has a condition. However, it tends to make an electrical humming sound.
The Bissell air400 Air Purifier is suitable for rooms between 300 and 400 Sq. Ft. In a 400 sq. ft. place, the device will exchange the air 3 times per hour. This makes it ideal for people with asthma and allergies.
Pros:
- 3-stage filtration system
- Smart circulate system
- Long-lasting motor
- Large fan
Cons:
- The air quality sensor is not that sensitive
- It makes an electrical humming sound
- When on quiet mode, the air quality sensor doesn’t auto-adjust the speed
4. IQAir HealthPro Compact Air Purifier
This device is an excellent choice for people with allergies as it uses HyperHEPA filtration technology. The HyperHEPA filter stops at least 99.5% of all particles in the air, down to 0.003 microns. On the other hand, this type of filter may also be considered a disadvantage as it is a bit expensive. The IQAir HealthPro Compact Air Purifier, however, can not only stop all particles in the air but can also cover a room that is up to 1,125 square foot due to the EvenFlow Diffuser it features.
The IQAir HealthPro Compact Air Purifier has a 320-degree air delivery and operating programmable options. The unit is not the most quietly working one, but it distributes the filtered air evenly. You will also get color-coded lights that will tell you when to change the filter.
The negative side is that there is no screen prefilter and you won’t be able to see how or where the dust builds up inside the unit. However, the triple-sealing technology that can eliminate air leakage and the fact that the product uses only 27 watts at low speed and 215 watts at high speed are significant benefits.
Pros:
- Programmable operating options
- HyperHEPA filtration technology
- Triple-Seal technology
- Maintenance-free motor
Cons:
- Noisy
- It is difficult to access the interior filters
- No screen prefilter
5. Alen BreatheSmart Classic Large Room Air Purifier
Allergies are something we need to take care of, and this Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier is a great decision that will give you clean from dander, dust, and allergens air. This product is suitable for large rooms up to 1100 square feet.
You will get 1 HEPA-Pure filter that will purify your air in less than two hours. A significant advantage this air purifier has is an innovative design. You will receive 15 different panel options that can fit seamlessly into your home or office. The unit works relatively quietly, except when on mid-speed. A significant disadvantage is that the product doesn’t come with remote control.
With this device, your night’s sleep will not be interrupted as the air purifier generates soothing pink, white, and red noise that masks disruptive sounds. Alen BreatheSmart Classic Large Room Air Purifier is fully customizable, and you can choose from different color options to match the décor of your room. The greatest thing about this device is it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- HEPA-Pure filter
- White, pink, and red noise
- 14 color options for the panel
- Innovative design
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Makes too much noise, especially at mid-speed
- Does not come with a remote control
- Easily dislodged front panel
6. LEVOIT Core 300 Air Purifier
The CORE 300 by LEVOIT covers up to 215sq. feet. This model is great for keeping in the bedroom because it has two great features that won’t interrupt your sleep – a low level of noise (24db) and the option to turn off the display light.
This is a reasonably priced air purifier that will do a good job in reducing the smells and allergens from your home. What we liked about this product is that the sleek and clean modern design that looks great no matter where you put it.
When it’s time to change the filter, you have the option to choose between different types. So with one air purifier, you can test or rotate between them.
It has many convenient features including filter indicator for when it’s time to replace it, three fan speeds, timer, and a display lock to protect it from children.
Pros:
- The product is tested and certified by AHAM.
- Replacement filters do not cost a fortune.
- It can run 24/7 – no need to turn it off.
- The unit can be programmed to run automatically for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours daily.
Cons:
- It doesn’t have a handle and it can be hard to move around the house.
- Filters are not recyclable.
- You might feel a plastic smell when first turned on.
7. LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Purifier for Allergies
The LV-H132 model with 3-stage filtration, including a true HEPA filter that traps airborne bacteria and dust mites.
This product is suitable for people with allergies and smokers as well. And it does a great job of eliminating cooking smells. It removes pet dander, but you should know that it doesn‘t eliminate the odor from pet urine.
We liked the pleasing design a lot as it‘s small and can fit anywhere. It‘s important to place it on a high stand, it won‘t be very efficient if you put it on the floor. Also, it should be at least 15 inches away from furniture or appliances for maximum efficiency.
The light of the unit can be turned off in case you have problems. When the requirements are followed, you‘ll notice the changes in the air the very next day.
Pros:
- The unit has lifetime support from the manufacturer.
- It has a filter replacement time indicator.
- The power cord is 6 feet long making it longer than average for units in that class.
- In case of a power outage, the previous settings will be automatically restored.
Cons:
- Speed three might be too noisy for the bedroom.
- It will dry the air, and you might need to combine it with a humidifier.
8. GermGuardian AC5000 28” 3-in-1 Large Room Air Purifier
The GermGuardian AC5000 features a HEPA filter, so it is perfect for dust and allergens as small as .3 microns and is suitable for rooms up to 180 Sq. Ft.
We like this product as it also features a charcoal filter that can reduce common odors from smoking, pets, and cooking. The unit is an excellent decision for mold spores, plant pollens, household dust, and others. However, what we do not like is the fact that the filters need to be changed too often. This air purifier can also circulate room air over four times per hour.
Another advantage is the optional UV-C light technology this product has. It reduces viruses, germs, bacteria, and mold spores. The bad part is that the UV bulb burns out quickly, but it is a bulb after all, so this is expected. The GermGuardian AC5000 28” 3-in-1 Large Room is energy star certified, and AHAM verified. The CADR of the unit is 123 for dust, 116 for smoke, and 128 for pollen.
Pros:
- HEPA filter
- Charcoal filter
- Optional UV-C light technology
Cons:
- The UV bulb burns out easily
- It does not shut off on its own
- The filter needs to be replaced too often, which can get costly
What Is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
When we talk about air polluting, we usually think about the ozone, smog, heavy haze, automobile emissions, and all other outside aspects of air. We hardly ever don’t believe that the air that we breathe inside our offices, homes, and other buildings may also be polluted, in fact, even more than the air outside.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term we use to describe the air quality around and within buildings and structures. It is essential to be competent on this subject, as IAQ affects the comfort, health, and well-being of all building occupants. Poor indoor air quality is known to have various adverse effects, such as reduced productivity, impaired learning in schools, and is even known to lead to Sick Building Syndrome.
Many things can affect the indoor quality of your air. Things such as gases (including radon, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds), microbial contaminants (bacteria, mold), particulates, and any energy or mass stressor that induces adverse health conditions.
The right side is that there are many methods for improving indoor air quality. Source control, ventilation, and filtration are the primary ones. Often cleaning your house is also something you need to do when it is residential units that we talk about. Carpets and area rugs should be cleaned regularly.
Indoor air quality is part of IEQ (Indoor Environmental Quality). IEQ includes many other psychological and physical aspects of life indoors. Visual quality, lighting, thermal comfort, and acoustics are also some of the things that influence the IEQ.
However, let’s focus on IAQ, as this term is closely related to air purifiers, and air purifiers for allergies in particular. Indoor air pollution is a significant health hazard, especially in developing nations. The burning biomass is one of the primary sources of indoor air pollution. Cooking and heating with charcoal, wood, crop residue, and dung have a lot of harmful effects. Between 1.5 and 2 million people died in 2000, because of exposure to high levels of particulate matter.
Read our home air quality test kit reviews to find out the air quality in your home!
Basic Solutions to Improve Your IAQ (Indoor Air Quality)
Now, we don’t want to scare you, we just want to show you how important it is to take good care of the air in your home or office. So, let’s see what should we do to improve the quality of the air we breathe every day.
Test for lead
This is a must-do, especially if you live in a house build before 1978, as there is a chance that the lead is mixed into the wall paint. However, you are not safe even if you live in a newer home. You may be exposed to lead from lead dust that you have brought in from outside. Lead dust can damage the brain, kidneys, and even the central nervous system. For this reason, it is essential to do a test for lead in the place where you live.
Test for radon
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that moves through cracks and holes in the foundation of your home. It goes up through the ground and then into your house and is the second leading cause of cancer in the United States.
Testing for radon is easy, but crucial as even airtight homes and granite countertops have been linked to it. You will need only several minutes to do the test, and it is also reasonably inexpensive.
The good part is that even high levels of radon can be reduced to acceptable levels as long as you use proper remediation equipment. Also, in some cases, radon testing is required by some lending institutions before the transfer of property.Test for carbon monoxide levels
Carbon monoxide is also referred to as “The Silent Killer” so yeah…it is not something you should take lightly.
Clean your home regularly
An essential way to keep the pollutants at bay is to clean your home regularly. Our team recommends that you use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. This way you will reduce concentrations of lead in your house, and also get rid of other toxins, such as PBDEs chemicals and allergens.
You need to wipe down not only the floors but also the walls. Always clean upholstered furniture, where dust accumulates. Just vacuuming is not enough, so you still have to mop. Use microfiber mops and dust cloths as they can capture more dirt and dust than any traditional fibers.Open your windows regularly
When the weather permits you, open your windows to add fresh air and ventilation to the room. Also, when vacuum cleaning, cooking, and running the dishwasher, always open the windows.
Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners
30%-50% is considered to be a healthy level of humidity. As you know, mold and dust mites love moisture, so this is an important thing to do if you want to keep them under control.
Dehumidifiers and air conditioners during summer months are a great choice if you want to reduce the moisture in your indoor air and to control allergens. Read our buyer’s guide to choosing the best dehumidifier.If it is possible, open a window when bathing- this will also reduce humidity levels. And our last advice to you, regarding humidity, is to make sure all your leaky plumbing is repaired to prevent mold.
Airborne Allergies
Sneezing does not necessarily mean that you have a cold. Sometimes, this may be a symptom of an allergic reaction to something in the air around you. Let’s look at the types of airborne allergies you may encounter.
Pollen Allergy
To reproduce, each spring, summer, and fall, plants produce tiny, impossible to see with the naked eye pollen grains. These grains go into the air, and their mission is to fertilize parts of other plants. This, however, is not always what happens, as many pollen grains never reach the target and instead enter the human throats and noses.
When this happens, it triggers a type of seasonal allergic rhinitis, also called pollen allergy or hay fever. Many things can cause allergy, but pollen is probably the most common. You can always avoid food, animals, medicine, or anything else that you are allergic to. When it comes to microspores, though, the situation is a lot harder.
Mold Allergy
Molds and yeasts have many different types. Fungi are single cells that divide to form clusters. Molds, on the other hand, are made of many cells. These cells grow as branching threads that are also called hyphae. Even though both can cause allergic reactions, only a few molds are widely recognized offenders.
Spores are the seeds or the reproductive pieces of fungi. Spores have many sizes, shapes, and colors. Each spore that germinates is able to give rise to new mold growth. This, of course, means that millions of spores are produced.
Tiny fungal spores, or sometimes even pieces of fungi, may cause allergic rhinitis when you inhale them. As they are so tiny, they can easily reach your lungs. It is possible that symptoms of mold allergy are brought on by eating certain foods, like cheeses processed with fungi, for example. Sometimes, dried fruits, mushrooms, and other foods that contain soy sauce, yeast, or vinegar can produce allergy symptoms. To help, we’ve created this guide with a few pointers on what you’ll need to consider before buying an air purifier for mold.
Dust Mite Allergy
House dust contains microscopic mites. The dust mite allergy is basically an allergy to a microscopic organism that can be found in the dirt. Dust mites are the most common reason for perennial allergic rhinitis.
It is essential to keep your house clean, as house dust mite allergy can produce symptoms of asthma and pollen allergy. Summer is the season in which house dust mites that live in upholstered furniture, bedding, and carpets, thrive. They die in winter, but if your home is warm and humid, they will continue to grow regardless of the weather outside.
In a shaft of sunlight, you can see particles that are floating. These particles include dead dust mites and their waste products. These waste products are what actually provoke allergic reactions.
Animal Allergy
We all know somebody who is allergic to cats, dogs, etc. This is because, when it comes to allergic reactions to animals, household pets are the most common source. It is a common belief that the fir of the animal is what provokes the allergy.
However, researchers have discovered that the major allergens are proteins found in the saliva. When the animal licks itself, these proteins stick to the fur. The urine and the skin are also sources of allergy-causing proteins. The proteins start floating into the air once the substance carrying the proteins dries. Some rodents, such as gerbils and guinea pigs can also cause allergic reactions in some people. When we talk about these animals, urine is the primary source of allergens.
It is essential to clean your furniture and carpets as they are a reservoir for pet allergens. The allergens can remain there for 4 to 6 weeks. The situation gets even worse when we think about the air. These allergens can stay in the household air for months, even if your pet has been removed. For this reason, if you are allergic to animals and you are going to live someplace new, always ask the landlord or the previous owners if they had had pets before. You can also check out our air purifiers for pets reviews.
Wrap Up
Congratulations, friends! You have made it until the end of our buying guide devoted to finding the best air purifier for allergies. If you haven’t read our whole piece, do not make that mistake and go back to read all the helpful info, tips, and reviews on air purifiers for allergies.
There are many factors to consider and features to look for when choosing an air purifier. That’s why we are hoping that our article has helped you with your choice and you have learned many new and useful things. If that is true, show this piece to others. Should there be anything, you’d like to tell us, just write us an email or leave us a comment.
If you like this article, keep in mind that we have other pieces devoted to finding the most reliable unit for your household. Go check them out on our homepage as well! Thanks for reading, and as always- stay put!