Does an Air Purifier Work for Allergies?

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Updated Jul 6, 2022 8:28 PM

If you are suffering from symptoms related to allergies, you may have one question in mind. Does an air purifier work for allergies? Don’t worry. We are here to help answer that question and provide you with insight into the best air purifiers on the market.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Air purifiers will work to lessen certain allergy symptoms.
  • Try to use an air purifier that has been equipped with a genuine HEPA filter to maximize relief from allergy symptoms.
  • It is fine to leave most air purifiers running continuously, though you should have it at the lowest setting.

How Air Purifiers Function

To comprehend if an air purifier will help with allergy symptoms, it can be helpful to understand how these air purifiers work. Modern air purifiers tend to function by pulling in outside air, filtering it through a variety of mechanisms, and then releasing the air back into your local atmosphere.

Do Air Purifiers Help With Allergies?

Absolutely, air purifiers can help relieve symptoms of allergies. We would recommend choosing an air purifier with a high-quality true HEPA filter. HEPA filters will trap most common allergens, allowing them to be disposed of when you see fit. Common allergens that HEPA filters excel with include dust, dust mites, pet dander, smoke, pollen, and more.

Insider Tip

Air purifiers can help relieve symptoms of allergies.

Tips to Reduce Allergy Symptoms

Here are some simple tips for those with allergies to help alleviate symptoms.

Keep the Purifier Running Constantly

Once you have purchased and placed a decent air purifier in your home, you can maximize its efficacy by keeping it running 24 hours a day and seven days a week. It’s true. Modern air purifiers can excel with the elimination of common allergens if they are left on continuously. They can also help with reducing pet allergies. There is one caveat, however, as we would recommend keeping the purifier on its lowest setting if you plan on running it all of the time. Running it continuously in a high setting can tax the internal mechanisms.

Shut Windows and Doors

Keeping your windows and doors shut can help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms in a couple of ways. First of all, keeping your doors and windows closed will help the air purifier better perform its job, as it will not have to purify outside air. Additionally, keeping your exits closed will help reduce the number of allergens allowed inside your home and keep your home odor-free. This is of particular importance for those who are acutely sensitive to pollen and related allergens.

Regularly Groom Your Pets

Though a good air purifier will capture and trap pet dander, it is still a good idea to have your pets regularly groomed. This will be especially helpful for those who are sensitive to pet-related allergens.

Insider Tip

Modern air purifiers can excel with the elimination of common allergens if they are left on continuously.

F.A.Q.

Can air purifiers filter the outside air that enters your home?

It can and it does, though there is only so much air even the most powerful purifier can handle. In other words, try to limit the level of outdoor air that is allowed to enter your home.


What type of air purifier is best for reducing pet dander?

Many air purifier types are a decent choice for the elimination of pet dander, but we would choose a HEPA-style purifier as the best option. Look for an air purifier that has been equipped with a true HEPA filter.


Which one is better for allergies: a humidifier or an air purifier?

Each of these appliances has its use when it comes to home-based allergies. Purifiers will capture allergens from the air, while humidifiers will weigh down the atmosphere, forcing allergens to drop to the ground.



STAT: The industry standard for HEPA filters is that the unit must be able to remove at least 99.97% of particulates measuring 0.3-micron diameter in a lab setting. (source)

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