How to Pick an Air Purifier for Asthma
Asthma is a health condition that makes breathing difficult for some people. Fortunately, using an air purifier can reduce the number of pollutants in one’s home and improve the air quality. Listed below are the most important factors to remember when choosing an air purifier for people with asthma.
Efficiency
When shopping, look for an air purifier with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters trap 99.97% of particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter or larger, meaning just three in every ten thousand particles won’t get through the filter.
Room Size
When deciding which air purifier to buy, it is crucial to consider the size of the room in which it will be used. One should also check that the device has a good Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) for the room’s size. The Environmental Working Group recommends using a filter that replaces the air in the room at least twice every hour.
Certification
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) advises using air purifiers with certified asthma- and allergy-friendly filters. These specialized filters capture almost 98% of particles that can trigger allergic reactions.
Ozone-Free
Some ionizing air purifiers create ozone, which can irritate the respiratory system. The EPA states that ozone does not remove particles from the air, and ionizing air purifiers may not be as effective for asthmatics as HEPA filters.
Does an Air Purifier Really Ease Asthma Symptoms?
According to some research, air purifiers may help reduce asthma symptoms.
In 2018, researchers examined the effects of air purifiers on 50 people with asthma. One group used an air purifier in their bedroom, while another group did not. The results showed that air purifiers could improve indoor air quality and help asthmatics breathe easier. Furthermore, a 2016 review stated that portable HEPA purifiers reduce particles in the air by around 25–50% and offer some relief from asthma attacks.
In conclusion, an air purifier might be a fantastic investment for people with asthma who live in a house with pets, cigarette smoke, or other pollutants. Reducing triggers such as mold or pests by regularly cleaning one’s home can also significantly help reduce asthma attacks.
