Air purifier for allergy sufferers and asthmatics: features, how to choose, reviews

The air inevitably contains dust, tiny particles, harmful allergens. It is not useful for a healthy person, but for asthmatics and allergy sufferers it is completely dangerous. Special devices are used to purify the air in the room. It is necessary to choose such a device according to certain criteria.

The principle of operation of the air cleaner

Air purifiers are designed to purify the air from unwanted impurities and substances. They do not provide absolute sterility, but they clean the air to a large extent.

The mechanism of operation of the device is quite simple. Inside the device are special filters. The purifier sucks in the air flow that passes through these filters. Cleaned air comes out of the device. The degree of purification is at least 80%. This figure mainly depends on the type of filters used.

Air purifiers may have additional features. They provide getting rid of pathogenic microbes, better air purification and humidification.

Advantages and disadvantages of devices

Air purifiers are in demand not only among allergy sufferers and asthmatics, but also among healthy people. The advantages of such devices are enough:

• Quality air purification. If you have allergies or asthma, it is especially important that the air is free of dust and pollen. Cleaners do a great job of this.
• Getting rid of unpleasant odors.
• The possibility of additional air humidification, which is especially important during the heating season.
• Low power consumption. Air purifiers have low power, rarely exceeding 50 watts.
• Compactness. The devices reach half a meter in height, but usually no more than 20 cm in depth. Some devices provide for wall mounting.

Air purifiers have some disadvantages:

• Noise during operation in some modes. During sleep, many devices provide an almost silent night mode.
• The need to add water to the reservoir. If the device works around the clock, then you have to add water several times a day.
• The water tank and fan fins should be cleaned regularly. This should be done every few days.
• The need to replace and clean the filter. This involves additional costs.

Most of the shortcomings are associated with the need to maintain the device, but such care is important for high-quality air purification.

Types of air cleaners

There are several types of air cleaners. The classification is based on the presence of additional functions in the device and the type of filter used for cleaning.

Types of air purifiers suitable for asthmatics and allergy sufferers:

• Air purifiers. The air flow in such devices is cleaned by the aquatic environment. The design of the device implies the presence of an internal drum with special plates. They attract unwanted particles and harmful impurities that pass through the water and remain in it. In addition to cleaning the air, such devices provide humidification.
• Humidification devices. Such devices are extremely effective, as they provide a decent degree of cleaning (from 90%) and maintain the optimal level of humidity in the room.
• Cleaner-ionizer. During the operation of the device, negative ionic particles are formed in large quantities. They eliminate harmful substances, including various allergens.
• Devices with a HEPA filter. Such a cleaning system is most attractive for people with asthma or allergies. These filters provide a purification rate of 99%.
• Cleaners-ozonizers. The operation of these devices is based on the synthesis of ozone. This ensures the elimination of toxins and disease-causing microbes.
• Devices with a photocatalytic filter. In addition to air purification devices provide its maximum disinfection. This effect is provided by a photocatalyst interacting with ultraviolet light.

Air purifiers not suitable for asthmatics and allergy sufferers:

• Cleaners with electrostatic filter. The attraction of harmful substances is provided by electric discharges. The degree of purification of such devices is at a minimum level (80%), therefore, for allergy sufferers and asthmatics, this option is inappropriate.
• Appliances with charcoal filter. Among the advantages of this type of cleaning is the elimination of unpleasant odors and low cost. The disadvantage of the device is its low efficiency. The carbon filter does not provide protection against dust and allergens, so this option is not suitable for asthmatics and allergy sufferers.

Air purifiers can vary in type of humidification. This function can be based on the following principles:

• Cold evaporation. Humidification is achieved by passing air through a special sponge with antibacterial impregnation.
• Hot steam. Humidification is provided by the evaporation of water, achieved by the action of temperature. Water is heated by two electrodes. When the temperature reaches the boiling point, the heating will automatically stop.
• Ultrasound. This option is the most attractive, as it cleans the air efficiently, simultaneously moistening it.

Some devices allow you to adjust the level of humidity. Adjustment can be manual or automatic.

Depending on the power of the device and the possible area of ​​​​use, air purifiers are household and professional. Devices of the first type are used in small rooms: apartments, private houses, offices. Professional devices are designed for larger areas.

Additionally, the device may be provided with the possibility of using aroma oils. They are added to the atomizer so that the air in the room is filled with a pleasant aroma. With allergies or asthma, this supplement should be used carefully.

Criterias of choice

Despite the small functionality of air purifiers, when choosing them, many criteria must be taken into account. The following parameters have meaning:

• Room size. In case of allergies or asthma, it is advisable to put such a device in all rooms in which a sufficiently large amount of time is spent. If one device is purchased, then the service area should be selected according to the size of the largest room. In this case, the cleaner can be rearranged and it will be effective anywhere in the apartment (home, office).
• Air exchange. This aspect is important for high-quality air purification. The appliance must pass air through the filters at least twice per hour. This parameter must be correlated with the size of the room. It is important to calculate its cubic volume and multiply by 3.
• Air washer available.
• Number of cleaning steps. In this regard, there are three classes of equipment — budget, medium and elite. The first option provides for 2-3 levels of cleaning, the second — up to 6 steps, the elite — up to 9 steps of cleaning.
• Number of fans. Usually a device with 1-2 fans is enough, but with severe allergies or asthma, their number should be 4-5 pieces.

• Filter type. For allergy sufferers and asthmatics, it is advisable to choose devices with a photocatalytic or HEPA filter.
• Possibility of regulation of humidity of air.
• Additional functionality. The air purifier can be equipped with indicators, timer, child protection, backlight, remote control. Automatic shutdown can be provided, the presence of an LCD display that reflects the main parameters.
• Noise level. This parameter is extremely important if the device will be in the bedroom. Some purifiers provide a special night mode.

The best air purifiers for asthma and allergy sufferers

If choosing a device is difficult, you can choose a device from our TOP:

Sharp KC-A41RW

This device combines the functions of air purification, ionization and humidification. The device is designed for an area of ​​​​26 square meters. m. Noise level 42 dB. Power 25 W.

The humidification function provides for the presence of a hygrostat. Water is consumed at the rate of 450 ml per hour. The volume of the water tank is 3 liters.

The air purification function implies the presence of control of its purity. There are several types of filters — pre-filters, coal, HEPA. When cleaning the air, the productivity is 216 cubic meters. m per hour.

The device provides speed control (3 positions) of the fan and the ionization function. There are two modes of operation. Automatic mode of maintenance of humidity is provided.

The device is equipped with a display. Electronic control. There is a dual sensor that reflects temperature and humidity. With the help of the indication, the switching on, the installed power, the operating mode, the level of odors, air pollution, lack of water in the tank are reflected.

This air purifier is effective, quickly raises the level of humidity. The possibility of ionization, which creates the effect of mountain air, is attractive. Among the disadvantages of the device is the inability to independently set the level of humidity, noise when operating in the ionization mode.

Watch the video review of the Sharp KC-A41RW air purifier:

Bork A501

The device is designed for a room up to 34 square meters. m. Power 45 W, maximum performance — 300 cubic meters. m per hour. Noise level 48 dB.

There is child protection, night mode and automatic shutdown — the timer can be set up to 8 hours. There are indicators of inclusion and pollution of air.

The operating mode can be selected manually or automatically. The control is completely remote — a remote control is provided.

Cleansing is multi-stage. There is a replaceable HEPA filter, pre-cleaning, carbon, anti-allergic filter and active sterilization filter.

One of the advantages of the device is the possibility of both floor installation and wall mounting. The second option is convenient if the device is purchased for one room. Another plus is quiet operation. Noise is emitted in the anti-dust mode. The only downside is the high price.

AIC KJF-20B06

The cleaner is designed for rooms up to 40 sq. m. The power of the device is 50 W, the productivity is up to 200 cubic meters. m per hour. Noise level 28 dB.

A multi-stage cleaning system is provided: HEPA filter, pre-cleaning, carbon and photocatalytic filter.

There is an ionization function and an ultraviolet lamp for disinfection. There is an automatic shutdown timer, child protection.

The device includes a display. Electronic control, remote. There is an automatic and night mode of operation.

The advantages of the device are a combination of an attractive price and high-quality air purification, low noise level. The disadvantages are the lack of indication of filter contamination, the impossibility of separate operation of the ultraviolet lamp and the ionizer.

See also the comparison of three well-known air cleaners from the high price range Bork a803, IQAir HealthPro 250 and Daikin MCK75JVM-K in this video:

Reviews

Alexei:

I am allergic to pollen, so even at home I feel bad during the season. Bought an air purifier with a HEPA filter. After an hour of his work, his condition improved significantly.

Olga:

We live in a private house with stove heating, it is impossible without an air purifier. I’m allergic to dust, my child has asthma. In both rooms, a device was installed — now it is very easy to breathe. There is a moisturizing function — the effect is very noticeable even on the condition of the skin.

Konstantin:

At first I used a simple air cleaner — I did not notice the effect. Bought this humidifier 6 months ago. The air in the room with him becomes fresher, asthma attacks are now less common.

An air purifier is a useful purchase for asthmatics and allergy sufferers, as it removes various harmful particles and allergens from the air. It is important to choose the right device, taking into account the whole range of criteria. This affects the efficiency of the device.