Which Air Purifiers Work Best for Allergies in 2022?
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- Best air purifier for air circulation: Dyson Pure Cool Purifying Fan
- Best portable air purifier: Molekule Air Mini+
- Best budget air purifier: Honeywell HPA100 HEPA Air Purifier
- Best air purifier for pets: BISSELL air320 Smart Air Purifier
- Best wall-mounted air purifier: RabbitAir MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier
- Best air purifier for large rooms: The Levoit Core 400S Smart Air Purifier
Most of us spend a lot of time inside during the cold months. It can be nice to cuddle up with pets or open a window to let in some fresh air, but it can also cause a lot of dust, dander, or air impurities to come inside or get kicked up into the air.
For people with allergies, these tiny air pollutants and microscopic allergens can cause frequent — and sometimes even severe — allergic reactions. Many of these particles are so small that they can’t even be seen, but their presence in the air can have an impact on someone’s allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.
An air purifier can be used to remove a lot of these irritants from the air. These machines are designed to take in air and then use a system to purify it.
If you experience frequent allergies, you may want to look for a air purifier that filters out the particles that cause allergic reactions.
It can be difficult to find the right model for your needs, with so many different models on the market. We talked with an expert to compare several different brands for this list of our picks of the best air purifiers for allergies.
Dr. Alana Biggers, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Illinois-Chicago, believes that air filters can be useful for those with allergies because they remove a majority of aggravating air particulates from any given room, though they don’t take away all particles. They filter what’s in the air and not pollutants that are settled into walls, floors, and furnishings.
If you decide to purchase an air purifier, keep in mind that it can vary. It is important to consider the size of the room you will be using for the air pollutant filters.
What are you hoping to filter?
There are many types of air filters that can be used. The ion filters are great at removing odors, but they are not great at removing dust.
She said that carbon-based filters are good at removing odors, but not as good at removing dust, dander, pollen, and mold.
The table shows the different types of air filters.
| Types of air filters | How they work and what they target |
|---|---|
| High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) | Fibrous media air filters remove particles from the air. |
| Activated carbon | Activated carbon removes gases from the air. |
| Ionizer | This uses a high voltage wire or carbon brush to remove particles from the air. The negative ions interact with the air particles, causing them to attract to the filter or other objects in the room. |
| Electrostatic precipitation | Similar to ionizers, this uses a wire to charge particles and bring them to the filter. |
| Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) | UV light inactivates microbes. This doesn’t pull out the microbes from the space entirely. It only inactivates them. |
| Photoelectrochemical oxidation (PECO) | This newer technology removes very small particles in the air by making a photoelectrochemical reaction that removes and destroys pollutants. |
| Permanently installed air cleaners | Heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems and furnaces can remove pollutants from the air. They may use filters like the ones listed above, and they may also include an air exchanger to clean the air. These aren’t considered air purifiers, which are typically portable. |
There are a lot of great air purifiers available, but for people with frequent allergies, a more targeted purification system is needed. So we looked for air purifiers with HEPA filters that used activated carbon or similar purification ingredients to help filter allergens like pet hair, pet dander, pollen, and smoke.
We prioritized products from trusted brands with a lot of positive reviews. Products that were quieter and more energy efficient were considered.
We chose products at different price points and room square foot coverage because everyone has different needs and budgets. We wanted to create a list where most people could find something that worked for them.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $250
- $$ = $250–$450
- $$$ = over $450
Best air purifier for air circulation
Dyson Pure Cool Purifying Fan
- Price: $$$
- Weight: 10.18 pounds (lbs.)
- Coverage area: 400 square feet (sq. ft.)
Dyson fans are easy to spot because of their futuristic design. The fan can help cool you off during warm days. The fan can clean and circulate the air from almost any direction.
Pair this fan with your phone to read what is happening in the air. It has a tracker that can tell you how long your filter has been in use. The activated carbon in the HEPA filters can be easily replaced.
Pros
- A wider oscillation allows for more cleaning.
- The screen shows air quality.
- The app is compatible with the phone.
Cons
- It is expensive.
- Replacement filters are required.
Best portable air purifier
Molekule Air Mini+
- Price: $$$
- Weight: 11.6 lbs.
- Coverage area: 250 sq. ft.
Buying a large air purifier to cover a wide area can be very costly. So if you’re looking for a smaller, portable unit to take from room to room, the Molekule Air Mini+ is a good choice. Using a nanotechnology photo electrochemical oxidation (PECO) filter, this air purifier works to not only trap and capture impurities, but break them down and destroy them.
This mini purifier can cover 250 sq. ft., is FDA-cleared for medical use., and comes with a vegan leather strap that makes it easier to carry. Each filter lasts approximately 6 months. But if you’re worried you’ll forget to change it, there’s a subscription option to have filters mailed to your home via the Molekule website.
Pros
- vegan leather strap is easy to carry
- The filters last up to 6 months.
- “It’s compatible with the phone”
- FDA-cleared for medical use.
Cons
- Not good for large rooms.
- “It’s pricey for some budgets.”
Best budget air purifier
Honeywell HPA100 HEPA Air Purifier
- Price: $
- Weight: 11 lbs.
- Coverage area: 155 sq. ft.
Honeywell is one of the most well-known and budget-friendly brands out there when it comes to products that can clean, cool, or heat your home. This Honeywell air purifier is intended for medium-size rooms (155 sq. ft.), but there are models that cover large rooms (310 sq. ft.) and extra-large rooms (465 sq. ft.).
The air in your room is cleaned using four levels of air purification, using an activated carbon HEPA filter, to remove the particles that cause an allergic reaction.
It has an easy-to-access control panel where you can set the cleaning level and timer. The light on the panel will help you remember to swap out the filter, so you know when it is time to clean it.
Pros
- The price is affordable.
- There are four layers of filters.
- There are four different cleaning speeds.
Cons
- Replacement filters have additional costs.
- Some users may find the unit too loud.
Best air purifier for pets
BISSELL air320 Smart Air Purifier
- Price: $$
- Weight: 18.25 lbs.
- Coverage area: 791+ sq. ft.
“Air purifiers for larger spaces look bulky and throw off your home decor. The smart air purifier from Bissell can clean large rooms and look stylish at the same time. The first layer of the unit’s large filter is what you might think it looks like, but it is actually the fabric front.”
The filters work to clear out pet hair, dander, and odor. The fabric filters catch larger allergens like pet hair and lint.
The second layer is a medical-grade HEPA filter that can catch small particles. The carbon filter is the final layer and it filters out unpleasant odors.
Pros
- Simple, stylish design.
- A large three layer filter.
- The light reports air quality.
Cons
- The internal fan can be loud.
- Replacing filters can be costly.
Best wall-mounted air purifier
RabbitAir MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier
- Price: $$$
- Weight: 23.9 lbs.
- Coverage area: 815 sq. ft.
Many air purifiers take up a lot of floor space and can be noisy. The RabbitAir MinusA2 is a lightweight, thin design that can fit on a shelf, desk or even mounted to the wall.
It’s available in black or white, or there’s an option to add popular art designs or cartoon characters to the faceplate. You can also order custom filters that target specific allergens and impurities, like a pet allergy, toxin absorber, germ defense, or odor remover filters.
Even with the filters being replaced, they are still able to last for 2 years, even with 12 hours per day. The air purifier can cover
Pros
- Face plates can be different.
- filters for specific allergies
- The design is energy efficient.
Cons
- pricey
- It may be difficult to completely remove the strong smoke or pet smells.
Best air purifier for large rooms
The Levoit Core 400S Smart Air Purifier
- Price: $
- Weight: 12.79 lbs.
- Coverage area: 1,005 sq. ft.
The cylinder-shaped air purifier can give you a full The cleaning is done at a very high degree of detail., which means you can maximize its reach by placing it in the center of any room for up to 1,005 sq. ft. The air purifier is great for people with allergies.
“The model is quiet and energy efficient. The model is compatible with a number of devices, including your phone, smart device, and Amazon’s voice assistant.”
Pros
- covers large rooms and spaces
- The cleaning is done at a very high degree of detail.
- smart device compatible
Cons
- Large footprint.
- Some users have trouble connecting to the internet.
| Product name | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Dyson Pure Cool Purifying Fan | $$$ | Air circulation |
| Molekule Air Mini+ | $$$ | Portability |
| Honeywell HPA100 HEPA Air Purifier | $ | Budget |
| BISSELL air320 Smart Air Purifier | $$ | Pets |
| RabbitAir MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier | $$$ | Wall mounting |
| The Levoit Core 400S Smart Air Purifier | $ | Large rooms |
Consider the following when selecting the best air purifier.
- Filtration system: Decide which types of air pollutants and odors you plan to filter. To target allergies, consider HEPA and activated carbon filtration.
- Room size: Choose a model suitable for the size of the room or area you want to filter. Check the device dimensions and consider how it will fit into the space.
- Budget: Consider the initial cost as well as filter replacements.
- Company reputation: Choose a company with a solid reputation that provides quality products and excellent customer service.
- Customer reviews: Read online reviews to get an overall feel for customer satisfaction and find out what people say about your specific concerns, including noise, energy efficiency, and smart features.
If you frequently experience symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and head congestion, it may be time to see an allergist. They can identify triggers and create a treatment plan that helps prevent, alleviate, and manage symptoms to enhance your overall quality of life.
There are additional reasons to see an allergist.
- There are chronic infections of the sinus.
- breathing difficulties
- The chest is tight.
- There is a problem with the nose.
- Frequent wheezing.
How big is the area you’d like to filter?
The amount of space in your room is a factor. When evaluating a unit, check how much space it can handle.
The clean air delivery rate is a good way to determine how many particles and square feet an air purifier can reach. The smallest particles like tobacco smoke and medium particles like dust and pollen can be cleaned with a high CADR by using a high quality HEPA filter.
How big is the area you’d like to filter?
The amount of space in your room is a factor. When evaluating a unit, check how much space it can handle.
The clean air delivery rate is a good way to determine how many particles and square feet an air purifier can reach. The smallest particles like tobacco smoke and medium particles like dust and pollen can be cleaned with a high CADR by using a high quality HEPA filter.
What’s the difference between an air purifier and a humidifier?
“Air purifiers and humidifiers are not the same. An air cleaner is a device that removes pollutants from the air. A humidifier doesn’t do anything to clean the air.”
When should I get a new purifier?
If you notice that your air is not as clean as you would like it to be, or if you have noticed an increase in allergic reactions, you might want to consider buying an air purification device. If this is the case, make sure the filter is not in need of replacement.
“The filter is the main part of most air purifiers, so if it isn’t working at its usual capacity, the filter is probably to blame. If the mechanical hardware breaks down, you will want to get a new purifier.”
“If the air purifier can’t keep up in larger spaces, then you should get a larger one.”
Can air purifiers reduce allergy symptoms?
An air purifier can remove many allergic reactions. There is no official recommendation for the use of air purifiers for allergies, but many medical experts and research studies point to their effectiveness.
How do I prevent my purifier from getting mold?
Mold can grow quickly in humid areas with a lot of moisture and limited airflow. If you’re worried about your purifier growing mold, try using it in a dry room, and avoid using it in rooms that tend to retain moisture, like the bathroom.
You can remove the filter and check for mold when you need to.
If you live in a humid area, you should consider using a dehumidifier. It can make any room more comfortable, and it will decrease the chances of your mold growing.
Do air purifiers help lungs?
Yes, air purifiers help the lungs by improving the air quality so you breathe healthier air. The devices help reduce exposure to indoor particles, allergens, and pollutants, which may positively affect respiratory health.
However,
Should I sleep with air purifier on?
The air purifier are designed to run constantly so you should sleep with them. Sleeping with an air purifier can help you sleep better. You can either turn off the light or minimize the noise.
What are the disadvantages of air purifiers?
The cost of filter replacements is one of the disadvantages of air purifiers. They need regular cleaning and may take up a lot of space in small areas.
Where is the best place to put an air purifier?
The best place to put an air purifier is where you spend the most time. Adequate space around the unit can be found in a space with plenty of Ventilation. You can place small models on a surface a few feet from the floor.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refers to several studies that link the use of air purifiers to allergies and asthma symptom relief. The EPA cautions that these studies don’t always point to significant improvements or a reduction in all allergy symptoms.
- A 2018 study found that using a HEPA air purifier in the bedroom improved people’s allergic rhinitis symptoms by reducing the concentration of particulate matter and dust mites in the air.
- A
2018 study following 46 people using air purifiers with PECO filters found that their allergy symptoms decreased significantly over 4 weeks. - A 2018 study concluded that air purifiers were a promising therapeutic option for people with asthma triggered by dust mites.
If you are experiencing symptoms of asthma or allergy in your house, an air purifier may be able to help.
There are many different air purifiers. Before buying an air purifier, you should determine the size of your room and your specific needs.
“Steven Rowe is a writer, editor, and father. He has a degree in psychology, a master’s in arts and is interested in writing about mental health and childhood development. He can be found hiking in the woods with his family and rescue dog.”
Natalie Silver is the owner of Silver Natalie loves her job because it allows her to learn about many different topics in a day. She lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and two children. You can find more about Natalie on her website.
