With the level of air pollution in our society, it is important that we are able to breathe clean air, especially when indoors.

This is why air purifiers are important.

Air purifiers are devices that use different mechanisms depending on the type of air purifier, to clean the air and rid us of dust particles, allergens and even microbes.

There are various types of air purifiers, for instance the HEPA (High-efficiency particulate Air) Air purifier, the Ionizer, and the activated carbon air purifier.

These types of Air purifiers utilize different mechanisms to clean the air and ride us of mold spores, dust particles, allergens and other forms of irritants.

Some of these types also help to remove odor and some are helpful for people with respiratory problems.

Then, you have the Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier which combines the technology in all the Air purifier types stated above, to help increase efficiency and effectiveness. Now, we will take a look at some of the things that make the Winix 5500- Air purifier (which comes with True HEPA, PlasmaWave and odor Reducing washable AOC carbon filter) the perfect Air purifier for you.

The Winix 5500-2 utilizes three different technologies to make your indoor air cleaner. So, it utilizes them in stages. The three stages include:
The AOC (Advanced Odor Control) Carbon Filter: This is made up of adsorbent materials which will pass the air through its pores, filtering carbon particles.

It is the first stage in the three stage purification mechanism of the Winix 5500-2. It reduces VOCs (Volatile Organic compounds) and indoor odors from cooking, pets, smoke and other activities or substances. It is designed to catch airborne particles found indoors.

This helps prolong the life of the True HEPA filter since it won’t have to do so much as a result of the filtration activities of the AOC carbon filter.

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True HEPA air filter

A HEPA (High-efficiency particulate air purifier) air filter is the most effective filter type. It uses lots of filters to form the filtration device in an effort to filter tiny particles and microbes.

There are two types of HEPA filters. They are the HEPA-type filter which is very effective but not as effective as the second type- The True HEPA filter. True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants including particles like dust mites, smoke, pet dander, some microbes, pollen and other allergens up to 0.3 microns in size.

True HEPA filters are rigorously tested to earn their certification and they are the most trusted single mechanism in air purifiers. This is the second stage of the three stage air purification and one of the technologies the Winix 5500-2 employs.

Plasmawave technology

There have been cases that clean the air and leave harmful by-products, particularly Ozone.

There are devices called Ozone generators which clean the air by releasing ozone to bond with particles in the air. However, the ozone becomes destabilized and is often released into the air in highly unsafe quantities, resulting in several health problems, and complications for people with respiratory problems.

Then, there are air purifiers known as Ionizers which make use of negatively charged ions to clean the air by bonding to dust particles and other irritants. The negatively charged particles bring about the release of Ozone in safe quantities. However, people are skeptical of anything that produces ozone as a by-product, so people avoid ionizers entirely.

Plasmawave technology works at a molecular level to clean the air while ensuring safety. The truth is that some people are skeptical of anything that produces negative ions due to the link with ozone production.

The producers of the Winix 5500-2 air purifier have assured us of the safety of the plasmawave technology, saying the ozone produced is harmless. If you are one of those who are still skeptical about this technology, there is a button for switching off the plasmawave technology if you wish. We have to stress however, that the producers have assured the public of the technology’s safety. Keep in mind that these negative ions are also very good at neutralizing microbes.

Remote control

The Winix 5500-2 comes with a remote control which helps you control your device from a distance. This means you do not have to walk to your device all the time to operate it.

This may be a common feature for many devices but you appreciate this technology a lot when you are on your bed, tired and you need to turn your device on or off. A simple press on a button of the remote control does your bidding while you are a distance away. It makes your life easier, doesn’t it?

Maintenance is easier

The Winix 5500-2 makes maintenance much easier. Whereas in regular air purifiers, you have to change filters regularly, increasing the cost of maintenance, the lifespan of the True HEPA filter is increased in the Winix 5500-2 air purifier by the activities of the AOC (Advanced Odor control) carbon filter which does the first job of filtration, leaving the True HEPA filter to do work on whatever particles managed to escape the AOC carbon filter.

This means significantly less work for the True HEPA filter than in regular air purifiers and a longer lifespan. Whatever manages to get past the True HEPA purifier is then dealt with by the plasmawave technology which is a permanent air cleaning measure.

So, you only have to clean the AOC carbon filter (which is washable) regularly to increase the lifespan of the True HEPA filter. If you clean the AOC Carbon filter regularly, it is better able to do its job and leaves less work for the True HEPA filter to do.

Smart sensors

The Winix 5500-2 is equipped with smart sensors which help to guage the air or wind intensity indoor, helping to determine the speed at which the device’s fan would rotate.

It is on auto mode and adjusts the fan to filter the air as needed. This added bit of technology makes your life easier and ensures that your device serves you a lot better. Imagine having a device that does not regulate the air fast enough for proper ventilation or does not clean the air fast enough.

That could stress you out at least a little bit. So, the winix 5500-2 definitely takes your comfort and satisfaction into consideration.

Sleep mode

The Winix 5500-2 is also equipped with a sleep mode for silent night time operation whenever you choose to have it operate in that mode. This way, you sleep peacefully without hearing its sound if you please. The sleep mode does this by sensing the amount of ambient light in the room so it can adjust the fan speed. It then dims the indicator lights to provide quiet cleaning that helps you get a peaceful night rest. This is an additional feature that makes this model awesome.

High CADR

CADR (Clean Air delivery rate) is high and rated for 360 square feet room size. This is suitable for medium and large sized rooms including kids’ bedrooms, family rooms and kitchens. So, the device is very efficient and quite effective.It comes with a manual and is easy to assemble: The Winix 5500-2 comes with a manual and is very easy to assemble. So, you most likely don’t need the help of a technician as the instructions are easy to follow.

Durability

The Winix 5500-2 is very durable, lasting longer than most other air purifying devices. It is equipped with a long lasting lithium polymer battery. With the True HEPA filter lasting longer than you would expect for an average device, and with the AOC carbon filter being washable, you can be sure that your device would be functional for a long time even if you decide not to use the Plasmawave technology. To ensure that your device lasts as long as is possible; to ensure that you enjoy its effectiveness to the maximum level and for maximum duration, you should do regular maintenance.

Fans speeds

The air purifier has the Manual mode and the Auto mode. When set to the manual mode, the air purifier will continuously operate at whatever speed, be it Low, Medium, High, or Turbo. If you require near silent cleaning, you should set the fan speed at low or medium, and High or Turbo if you require air flow and cleaning power at the strongest or maximum level. It also has the auto mode which utilizes Smart Sensors to consistently monitor indoor air. The Winix 5500-2 is equipped with a LED indicator which displays the indoor air quality on a scale of good to poor (Blue – Amber – Red). When the device notices a change in air quality, it immediately regulates the fan speed to clean indoor air at the required or acceptable level.

Filter Replacement Indicator

The Winix 5500-2 is equipped with an Indicator LED which illuminates when the filter is ready for replacement. This is an effective maintenance monitoring system that helps you maintain your device at an efficient level. When this indicator illuminates, you should replace the filter. After replacing the filter, you should then use a pin to press the filter rest button to take it back to normal. This last thing is important so you are not confused as to why the indicator is still on despite your changing the filter.

Price

With features like these, the Winix 5500-2 basically satisfies your need for clean air with an effectiveness and an efficiency that is rarely seen. It also offers you multiple choices in various instances.

For instance, you get to decide if you want to use the three stage air purification or if you want to turn off the plasmawave technology, reducing it to two stage air purification.

The truth is that even one stage purification using a True HEPA filter would normally be good enough by regular standard. Having a two stage or three stage air purification is added assurance that the Winix 5500-2 provides. You also have a choice between the manual mode and the auto mode.

The manual mode allows you to overrule what the sensors say your environment need, to adapt to your own idea of what you need. If you want the fan speed to go faster, you can set it that way.

If you want it slower, you can set it that way. That is the beauty of the manual mode. For the auto mode, you allow the device to determine what is best for you by using the sensors it is equipped with to determine what the room needs.

This way, the fan speed would fluctuate at the appropriate levels, depending on the environmental requirements per time. Then, there is the remote control device, the auto mode, the sleep mode, and the filter replacement indicator which make it easier for you to use the device to your comfort.

These equipment are adapted to the device for your comfort and satisfaction. This ensures that there is less stress from using this device. You don’t have to bother yourself with pretty much anything, allowing the device to operate itself when you use the auto mode and the sensors.

You get to operate the device from a distance, not having to walk all the way. Plus you don’t have to be bothered about checking the filter regularly because there is a LED light that is designed to do just that for you.

Conclusion

The Winix 5500-2 is a complete device that is as close to perfect as far as air purifying devices get.

Utilizing the top three technologies in air cleaning devices shows the commitment to cleaning your indoor air. It is also durable and easily maintained.

The Winix 5500-2 is excellent for your air cleaning requirements, especially for medium and large sized rooms. It is highly recommended for respiratory sufferers, pet owners and people with allergies. It is one the best air purifying devices available for indoor air.

A big portion of the general public has never heard about VOCs, more popularly known as volatile organic compounds. This is one of the main reasons why many people suffer from health issues that can easily be avoided. While such air pollutants can be harmful to everyone, they can be significantly more dangerous to people who have asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity, or other respiratory issues.

If you ventilate your home on a daily basis, you would think that your indoor air is clean and healthy, however, this is far from true. Good airflow often isn’t enough. Indoor air can often contain levels of invisible, odorless toxic VOCs that are 2 to 5 times higher as compared to outdoor air according to the EPA.

In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about volatile organic compounds, the dangers that they can expose your healthy body to, as well as what you can do about VOCs to limit your daily exposure to those toxic airborne particles.

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What Are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?

VOCs are a group of carbon-based chemicals that can easily evaporate and mix with the breathable air indoors. While some VOCs are harmless plant-based extracts that cause smells like pine and citrus, others are released from burning petrol, wood, coal, and natural gas which can be extremely harmful to the human body when exposed over a period of time. Additionally, consumer products that release VOCs such as cigarettes and solvents are also harmful to the human body.

If you don’t smoke, you are probably thinking that you’re a lot less likely to be affected by VOCs. While you certainly minimize your exposure to a certain type of VOC, it isn’t a whole lot better when you take into consideration all kinds of airborne chemicals that are populating your indoor air. The truth is that these contaminants come in different forms, and there are typically thousands of them inside household products we all have around us. While some of them have an odor, others have no smell at all.

For example, relatively popular products that possess traces of VOCs include carpets, cleaning chemicals, air fresheners, cosmetics, mothballs, and others. Additionally, one of the most common VOCs that affects hundreds of thousands of homes in the United States is biologically created by plants, including some types of molds.

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How Do VOCs Get Released Into The Air?

Volatile organic compounds most commonly get released into the air through a process known as off-gassing. The off-gas process occurs when a particular product releases matter and gases that were initially trapped in a liquid or solid form. It is known that off-gassed elements are often carcinogenic; meaning that they can react with other common air components to form harmful elements that mix up with breathable indoor air.

An example of VOCs that can be released at home or at the office includes printing and photocopying as well as cosmetic products like air fresheners.

How Do VOCs Affect Our Health?

Scientists state that short-term exposure to a high-level of carbon-based compounds can affect your health and cause symptoms like eye, nose, and throat irritations, headaches, vomiting, and feeling of nausea as well as symptoms of asthma.

If you are exposed to high levels of carbon-based compounds, then you can experience more permanent health problems. Exposure to harmful VOCs can result in an increased risk of lung, liver and kidney damage as well as cancer, and permanent nervous system damage.

Who Can Mostly Benefit From an Air Purifier Against VOCs?

While every household owner should consider purchasing an air purifier for healthier and cleaner indoor air, it isn’t absolutely necessary and people live long and happy lives without one. This fact, however, shouldn’t persuade you to abolish the idea of an indoor purifier as it has many health benefits. If one of the below applies to you, you absolutely must have an air purifier within your home.

• If you have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory condition.
• There is a young child or a baby living in your household.
• You are taking care of or are an elderly person.
• You have the desire to live in a healthy environment and want to maximize the health benefits provided by air purifiers.

On another note, if you are a healthy teenager or adult, you shouldn’t take your chances and invest in an air purifier especially if you live in a large polluted city and are under constant exposure to harmful VOCs coming from burnt vehicle fuel, factory emissions and more.

This Is What You Need To Do If Your Indoors Is Heavily Affected by VOCs.

Regardless if you feel it or not, chances are that your daily life is affected by volatile organic compounds in one way or another. It can happen in your car, in the office, or even at your own home, and so, taking preventative measures where possible can have a great impact on your overall well-being.

While the government is doing their part in minimizing VOCs, relying solely on regulators and manufacturers to minimize the effects of VOCs in their products may not be the best idea. You shouldn’t leave your well-being in their hands and begin to make informed decisions & invest in technologies that will help you against inhaling potentially hazardous air particles and gases.

While it is impossible to completely stay away from VOCs, there are a few ways that can help you with limiting your exposure to air pollution caused by VOCs inside your home or office.

What you can do at the home office

The air quality in your home office can often be neglected as the only time you spend there is working. So, if you spend more than 5-6 hours per day in a single room, you need to make sure that it is properly ventilated to reduce the level of VOCs in the air caused by photocopying, printing, cosmetic air fresheners and other products that release harmful elements into the air.

What you can do in the kitchen and lounge

The average person cooks at least once a day. Cooking can also release VOC emissions. In order to minimize VOCs from cooking, be sure to use the extractor fan and open your windows and doors. If you are cooking on a wood-burning stove, make sure that your chimney is well cleaned and that no emissions remain or return to eventually spread into your lounge.

What you can do in your bedroom

Having a good quality night sleep is one of the most important factors that contribute towards a healthy long life and overall great well-being. So, as we spend an average of 6-8 hours in the bedroom every day, it is important to make sure that you sleep in a clean and fresh environment.

Be sure to air-dry your bedding when possible to reduce emissions, choose furniture that is made from natural wood with non-toxic sealants, remove electrical devices, and most importantly, ventilate your bedroom on a daily basis.

What you can do during wash days

When you are washing your clothes or using cleaning products, benzene and acetaldehyde are often released into the air. One of the best ways to minimize the impact of VOCs during wash days is ensuring that the room where you wash your clothes is very well ventilated. Be sure to open your doors and windows to ensure that fresh and clean air is entering the room while VOCs are making their way out.

The Different Air Purification Filters And Their Effectiveness Against VOCs

If you spend some time on the market researching air purifiers, you will find out that there is a large variety of models and brands that make use of different filtration technologies. Below, we will discuss each filtration technology available on the market today and discuss it in more detail so that you can make a more informed decision when buying an air purifier against VOCs.

First, let’s start off with the air purification technologies that are not able to deal and effectively remove VOCs.

Electrostatic air purifiers

Electrostatic air purifiers like the OION B-1000 captures particles that are either in a solid or liquid form by making use of an electrically charged screen or panel. While they are effective in successfully purifying those kinds of particles, they are ineffective against VOC gas molecules that are smaller than 0.3 microns.

Ozone generators

Ozone generators continuously release toxic gasses like ozone into the indoor air as a method of air purification. While ozone is essentially oxygen, in this case, an extra oxygen atom is attached. If ozone gets the opportunity to interact with other molecules like mold, tobacco smoke, or other toxic evaporations, the extra oxygen atom can attach to the toxic molecules. This can transform them into more dangerous breathable particles and have serious health effects on the human body.

While ozone is proven in destroying cell walls and other biological cells, studies show that ozone is ineffective against the removal of VOCs from the air.

Are HEPA air purifier filters effective against VOCs?

The true HEPA filter is arguably the most common type of air purification technology on the market today. They are specifically designed to trap large particles like allergens, pet dander, and dust mites as air passes through the filter. While HEPA filters can certainly capture 99.97% of all harmful pollutants, it isn’t as effective against VOCs as they are gasses and are around 1000 times smaller than what the HEPA air filters can capture.

Are Photochemical Oxidation (PCO) filters effective against VOCs?

PCO filters, or more well known as photochemical oxidation filters make use of UV-C light to purify the air indoors from any harmful pollutants. PCO filters effectively break down and eliminate any toxic VOCs; however, in order to be effective, they need to expose the dangerous particles to intense UV-C light which can take some time. This makes this type of filtration often ineffective against VOCs. Moreover, the UV-C light technology is also known to produce ozone pollutants.

Now that you are familiar with the filtration technologies that are ineffective against VOCs, let’s move onto the only two options that you can pick from against the fight of VOCs.

Are Carbon-active filters effective against VOCs?

Activated carbon filters are specially designed with the goal to effectively remove gaseous elements from breathable air. This type of filter is very effective in the removal of volatile organic compounds in a short period of time. The only potential problem with this type of filter is that some of the gases that were initially captured for filtration may be released back into the air.

Are PECO filters effective against VOCs?

Finally, Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) is a technology developed by Dr. Yogi Goswami which was later implemented into the renowned Molekule air purifier. This recently developed air purification technology is capable of successfully capturing and disposing of volatile organic compounds in the air. In other words, unlike the carbon filter, it completely destroys the particles rather than collecting them or potentially releasing them back into the air.

Our Recommendation: The Best Air Purifier Against VOCs

After taking into consideration the different types of air purification technologies, it is pretty clear to see that active carbon air filtration and PECO technology are the two options that can successfully remove any unwanted volatile organic compounds from your indoor air.

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Now, when it comes to making a decision between the two, a question arises:

Now, when it comes to making a decision between the two, a question arises: Which air purification technology is right for you?

In order to find that out, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I need to remove a large amount of VOCs quickly?
• Do I need a short-term or long-term solution for everyday air purification?

If you are in need to remove a lot of VOCs in the air quickly, you should invest in a carbon-active filtration system due to their sheer filtration capacity. Some great carbon-active air purifier manufacturers include Dyson and Winix. On the other hand, if you are after a more long-term solution for everyday use, we would recommend the Molekule air purifier as it effectively disposes of all harmful particles without the risk of releasing them back into your indoors.

As a final thought, we would recommend you to invest your money in a Molekule air purifier which can effectively purify an area of 600 square feet. It is not only affordable on Amazon but is going to provide your home or office with the best solution against VOCs. It also has a great and proven clean air delivery rate (CADR) which makes it one of the most effective odor removal air cleaners on the market.

Other factors to consider when choosing an air purifier include noise levels, fan speed options, floor surface area, and wi-fi capabilities. After purchasing an air filter for VOC removal, be sure to stay on top of filter replacement and check the warranty. These factors will help you maximize the air filter’s efficacy and lifespan.

In the quest to ensure we have fewer or no allergens, pet danders, mold spores, and other airborne particles in our indoor air, consumers are often faced with the decision of choosing between an air purifier and an ionizer. Air purifiers and Ionizers essentially do the same thing. Ionizer is another word for Ionic air purifier. They are both air cleaners that improve the air quality in our living rooms and living quarters, ensuring fresh air and significantly lesser allergens. The differences between air purifiers and ionizers are in their different mechanisms, maintenance costs, and by-products.

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What are Air Purifiers?

Air purifiers are technological devices that clean air. Air purifiers work to improve indoor air. They help to significantly reduce health risks for asthma patients and others with respiratory problems. Air purifiers with true HEPA filters are most preferred. Since Ionizers are the same thing as ionic air purifiers, we will now discuss both HEPA air purifiers and Ionizers as two types of air purifiers.

HEPA Air Purifiers

HEPA is short for High-Efficiency particulate air. For an Air Purifier to be certified as having a true HEPA filter, it must meet the criterion of having a 99.97% effectiveness. This means only three particles won’t be filtered out of 10,000. It also means that it is able to trap particles that are up to 0.3 microns. That is a really small size as the human eye can only see particles as big as 10 microns.

HEPA-type filters are also HEPA filters, less effective but still do an awesome job at 95%. HEPA purifiers are very effective in cleaning the air as they do air filtration, trapping mold spores, cigarette smoke, small particles, and other airborne contaminants between or within the filters, ensuring we have fresh air. Some HEPA filters are equipped with anti-microbial filters also so as to deactivate the germs that may be trapped in the filter. This ensures that the filter does not become a breeding ground for germs and makes the Purifier even more effective.

Maintenance

HEPA filters trap dust and other particulate matter. So, it is essential that they are changed from time to time so they do not become saturated and become sources of irritants and allergens. Don’t forget to carry out regular maintenance. If the filters are not changed, it is as bad as not having a purifier in the first place.

Uses of HEPA Purifiers

HEPA purifiers remove cigarette smoke, mold spores, dust, allergens, and irritants from the air, making it safer for asthmatic patients and others at risk of suffering respiratory ailments.

HEPA purifiers (carbon filter models) serve to remove moist smell and give the room fresh air.

Since HEPA Purifiers have very thin pore spaces that won’t let anything bigger than 0.3microns pass through, microbes are often trapped and prevented from harming people who breathe the indoor air. Microbes are of various sizes but many are bigger than the 0.3microns limit of HEPA Purifiers. In this way, HEPA purifiers may be able to protect you from harmful micro-organisms.

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Ionizers

Air ionizers are also called ionic air purifiers. Ionizers work by using electric charges to purify the air. These are quite effective because they produce negative ions that bond with particles, making them heavy and dropping the air particles to the floor or to the collection plate in the Purifier. Ionic purifiers have had some trouble because they have often been confused with ozone generators. This confusion has also been fueled by Ozone generators who pass their products off as Ionizers.

Ozone generators produce Ozone in such large quantities and do not have collection plates, so they become dangerous to health as will be explained now. Ozone is only effective at high concentrations. However, such large quantities of Ozone are harmful to health and could cause respiratory problems, could irritate the lungs and affect you negatively. There is a list of health problems associated with ozone generation.

Ionizers vs Ozone generators

Ionizers and Ozone generators both produce Ozone as by-products but their difference lies in the safety levels and safety measures. Ozone generators have no collection plates and drop microbes to the floor. If disturbed, the microbes come up again, which means there was no use for the Ozone generator. Also, they produce very high levels of Ozone which are harmful to us. On the other hand, Ionizers produce negative charges which bond with particles and drop them onto the collection plates. As a by-product, Ionizers produce very low levels of Ozone which are perfectly safe and will not cause any of the symptoms listed earlier. The negative charges Ionizers produce also have the effect of deactivating microbes.

Maintenance of Ionizers

Ionizers have collection plates that must be cleaned from time to time to avoid the collection plates becoming some form of Petri dish for microbes. The collection plates do not necessarily have to be changed as they can last the entire lifespan of the Ionizer if washed regularly.

Uses of Ionizers

Ionizers clean air by binding to particles and deactivating microbes. They do not serve to clear the room of bad smell though.

Ionizers do an okay job in removing allergens and helping Asthma patients.

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HEPA Air Purifiers vs Ionizers

Effectiveness

High-Efficiency particular air purifiers are very effective at removing smells, small particles, and microbes due to the size requirement for particles to pass through which means only three (3) particles will escape out of every ten thousand particles. Ionizers’ effectiveness also depends on the homeowner. Ionizers that have charged collection plates can do a good job of holding the germs and particles, but they are still not as effective as the HEPA filter. So, it still largely depends on the homeowner to clean the collection plate and clean the house regularly.

Ionizers are also great at removing particles and germs from the air but they do not do as well when it comes to removing smells.

Maintenance costs

HEPA purifiers are generally more costly. This is as a result of the technology implemented. You also have to consider the cost of changing the filters regularly. Ionizers do not require that their collection plates be changed regularly. Just some good cleaning would do.

Purchase cost

Ionizers cost less than HEPA purifiers, costing about $50. HEPA air purifiers, however, range from between $50 to anywhere above $100. HEPA air purifiers use a more sophisticated technology than the Ionizer and that is why it costs more. You can make purchases or check prices on Amazon. We encourage you to go through Amazon, checking the different models and prices so you can make a choice on the one you can afford. If you are on a limited budget, perhaps an Ionizer is best for you since it does not cost as much as a HEPA air purifier does.

Design and Model variants

HEPA air purifiers come in different shapes and sizes. Some of the HEPA air purifiers are even mountable and come in various colors so you can choose the ones that match your fashion sense as an added bonus of having a HEPA purifier. Ionizers on the other hand, are usually cylindrical and have to be placed on the floor. There are smaller sizes that can be placed on desks or shelves but they are not as efficient as the bigger ones that are placed on the floor.

By-products

HEPA air purifiers do not produce by-products. However, Ionizers due to the negative charges, produce small quantities of Ozone which are still safe.

Mechanisms

HEPA air purifiers make use of HEPA filters that ensure that particles and microbes with sizes up to 0.3microns do not pass through. There is absolutely no worry or controversy about this technology which is the product of multiple filters creating tiny pore spaces for air to pass through, trapping particles. However, there are concerns over the mechanism involved in Ionizers’ air cleaning. The negative charges produced by Ionizers create Ozone as by-products. Even though the little amount of ozone produced is not harmful in any way, Ionizers are victims of the Ozone problems caused by Ozone generators. So, many people stay away from anything that produces Ozone. Hence, many people stay from Air purifiers that have ionizers or that don’t have buttons to switch off their Ionizers.

Once again, it must be stated that the ozone levels produced by Ionizers are completely safe. As a matter of fact, the negative charges produced by Ionizers are good for the health and the environment. They improve air quality and your energy. It is important that you know that ozone becomes dangerous at over two hundred parts per billion (200 PPB). However, ionizers produce ozone at levels way below that. Ozone is safe when less than 50ppb (parts per billion).

With this, we see that Ionizers are actually safe. They are merely victims of the problems caused by Ozone generators.

These are the factors we believe are important and should be considered when making a choice between an Ionizer and a HEPA air purifier. If you are interested in comparing further, this is a table showing comparison- a table comparing Ionizers and HEPA air purifiers..

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Conclusion

Both HEPA air purifiers and Ionizers are very safe. However, there is no confusion when it comes to HEPA air purifiers unlike Ionizers which are often confused with the harmful Ozone generators. Some producers also market Ozone generators as Ionizers. This then makes it safer to go for a HEPA air purifier unless you know what you are doing or you are buying from a popular and trusted brand, which then means you can go for either Ionizers or HEPA air purifiers. Keep in mind that Ionizers do not get rid of smells in your indoor space.

There is also the cost restraint on HEPA air purifiers which makes Ionizers a cheaper choice. If you are restrained financially, you might want to go for Ionizers. However, we recommend that you do proper research before getting Ionizers so you do not get Ozone generators instead of the harmless Ionizers you seek.

Whether you choose to get ionizers or HEPA air purifiers, do not forget to carry out the maintenance for your choice. Clean the collection plate in your Ionizer regularly, change the filters in your HEPA air purifier from time to time. Remember that the aim of getting these devices is to help clean air in indoor spaces and remove irritants and allergens from indoor air. That is the goal of getting these devices, not to turn them into reservoirs for the germs, irritants, and allergens you seek to get rid of. So, ensure that you carry out maintenance.

Household dust can cause a wide range of issues. For some people, it can irritate their airways and cause coughing and sneezing. For others, it can make their hayfever worse and irritate your eyes. The effect of dust can even be more serious than that. Dust particles can trigger asthma attacks and cause breathing difficulties in those who have pre-existing conditions.

The reasons for needing to reduce the amount of dust in your home are clear. But how do you do it? Well that’s what we’re here to find out. After reading this you’ll have a clear idea on how to make your home happier and healthier. Let’s get started!

Dusting the right way

Many people will clean their home then look at their surfaces the next day and see that they are still covered in dust. The reason could be that you’re not dusting in the right way. Here we look at some simple tips to help you out.

One of the best things that you can do is clean from the top down. If you’ve dusted all of your furniture but then clean your ceiling fans then a lot of that dust is going to fall on the exact place that you’ve just cleaned. With each room you go in, start with the highest possible surface and work your way down.

When you dust your home, you should aim to catch the dust instead of spreading it around. To do this you’re best using a damp microfiber cloth instead of feather dusters. You can then rinse out your cloth when it becomes too dirty. A dry cloth will often just push dust off surfaces, creating a problem elsewhere whereas dust will cling to a damp cloth.

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Thorough cleaning

You can’t be expected to clean every inch of your home every day but there are a few areas which often get left behind. This is because they are areas that remain unseen and can therefore they can be forgotten about while dust builds up.

This includes cleaning behind large pieces of furniture. This is often where large clumps of dust can settle and accumulate. This includes under beds, behind sofas and any other piece of furniture that you can access. Doing this at least once a month, along with regular cleaning, is going to make a lot of difference.

Another hidden area where a lot of dust can accumulate is in air ducts. Every so often you’ll need to take off the cover, wipe it down and then vacuum the entrance to the air duct. A lot of dirt and grime can build up here and it makes it worse that air will constantly be passing over it.

If you any type of filter in your home then ensure that they are receiving regular cleaning and/or replacing. The same goes for any extractor fans you may have. These can get filthy very quickly and you should keep an eye on them with frequent maintenance checks.

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Buy an air purifier

Aside from cleaning your home, the best way to reduce dust is by using an air purifier. When cleaning it’s almost impossible to remove all of the dust and pollutants that are in the air but that’s what a high-efficiency particulate air filter is going to help you with.

Air filters work by drawing air through a filter. That internal filter is going to capture dust (as well as many other types of pollutants) then a fan will be able to recirculate that cleaner air throughout your home. There are many different types of filter and some are a lot more than effective than others.

While higher quality filters can help to improve air quality in a number of different ways, almost all of them will be able to reduce the amount of dust in your home. These are generally large particles and when they are sucked into the purifier, they are easily caught in the filter.

This does mean that the filter will eventually become clogged and lose its effectiveness. It’s important that you complete regular maintenance to ensure it remains efficient. With some filters they can be manually cleaned and then reused, other filters are can’t be cleaned and would instead need to be replaced.

How can an air purifier improve my health?

As we’ve already mentioned, dust can cause a wide range of problems such as triggering asthma attacks. If you have any asthma sufferers in your home then you’ll know the effects of dust in terms of agitating their airways. As well as reducing this common irritant, there is also more than just dust that an air purifier can remove.

They will also help to remove allergens from the air. If you’re a hay fever sufferer or have any pet allergies then this could be vital in improving your health. A high quality filter is going to be able to remove pollen and pet dander from the air.

Another great benefit of an air purifier is being able to reduce smoke particles. This will be particularly useful if there are any smokers in the house or if any guests have smoked. It will also help to reduce the odors from smoking but also generally unpleasant odors from your property. They can reduce smaller airborne particles but it’s important to note they aren’t 100% effective.

As well as these fantastic qualities, HEPA filters inside purifiers can also reduce even more sinister particles. It can help to reduce radon gas which can be an issue in some homes due to its carcinogenic properties. In older properties, it can also be used to remove any asbestos particles should that become a problem.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) can also be removed by filters. These are particles that, over time, become removed from the likes of paint, furnishing and aerosols. VOC’s can cause a series of issues such as a sore throat and eyes, as well as nausea. They have also been linked to much more serious issues, such as leukemia.

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What should I look for in an air purifier?

Not all purifiers are the same and not all filters are equal either. There are a few key features that you’ll want to look out for such as the CADR rating. This is the clean air delivery rate and will determine the speed that the purifier is going to operate at. You’ll want to look for a figure of 300 or more.

The capacity is a crucial feature. Using a small air purifier in a large room simply isn’t going to be very efficient. Each air purifier should state the amount of space it is effective in, usually measured in square feet. Ensure you’re getting a purifier suitable for your home.

While other types of filter can be effective, ideally you should be opting for a HEPA filter. For any particle measuring 0.3 microns, a HEPA filter should be able to remove at least 99.97% of them. This will include the likes of dander and pollen. You should be looking for true HEPA filters as some will state that they are a “HEPA-type” of filter when they don’t have the same level of quality.

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Additional dusting and cleaning tips

Rugs

If you have rugs in your home then it’s unlikely that vacuuming alone is going to get all of the dust out of them. The best idea is to take your rug out of your home and beat and shake it. The best way to do it is to hang it over something like a clothesline. It can be beaten with any type of blunt instrument and this will remove most of the dust and debris out of it.

Carpets

If you are sensitive to the effects of dust then carpets can present a huge problem. They collect a huge amount of dust and it can be hard for a vacuum cleaner to get rid of it all. As you walk over it, this dust can be kicked up into the air.

If could be worth considering ripping out your carpets and putting down some hard floors. They don’t collect anywhere near the same level of dust and are also a lot easier to clean. This can be an expensive solution but one that can dramatically reduce the dust in your home.

Windows

You should keep windows closed as much as you can. It is said that approximately half of the dust in our homes from outside. Due to this, you want to keep your windows closed as much as you can. This can be difficult in warmer climates but a better idea is to invest in an air conditioning machine.

It’s important to note that there are key differences between an air purifier and an air conditioner and you shouldn’t expect a conditioner to clean the air in the same was a purifier can. A good air conditioner will prevent you from needing to open the windows and let all that dust in.

Box or bag items

Dust is going to settle on almost any surface. The more surfaces that it has to cling too, the more it is going to collect and the harder it’s going to be to clean all of that dust away. One way to reduce this is too box and bag any loose items, especially in cupboards. This makes it easy to not only clear away the dust but also remove the box or bag and clean around it.

Mats and shoes

A surprise source for a lot of dust is from people’s shoes. This can then easily rub off on carpets and hard surfaces. To combat that, it’s a great idea to have a heavy-duty doormat outside of your home where people can clean their shoes before entering. It’s also a good idea to ask people to take their shoes off and leave them by the door to stop bringing in dust.

Clean bedding often

It doesn’t sound nice but it’s true that your bedsheets and pillowcases are a perfect breeding ground for dust and dust mites. Not only that but due to nighttime sweating, bacteria can also develop rapidly and can lead to many different health issues. It’s recommended that you wash your bedding weekly.

Air purifiers are the best and most affordable pieces of equipment that can help clean your indoors from harmful pollutants and airborne diseases like pollen, common allergens, pet dander, dirt, dust mites, mold, and other VOCs. One of the issues that many air purifier owners face is that they have opted in for a system that requires the regular change of filters. While the filters aren’t going to break your bank, the costs certainly add up the more you use the unit.

Thankfully, innovators in the air purification industry have realized this problem and have innovated air purifiers with washable filters, meaning once in a while, all you need to do is wash the filter and install it back in. It will be just as effective as if it was new.

What are the advantages of a washable filter?

Unlike most of the air purifiers on the market, the list of 6 air purifiers below have a washable filter. There are a number of benefits for you when it comes to selecting an air purifier with a washable filter as compared to a system with a replaceable filter. Some of the advantages include:

• Cheaper maintenance as you will not have to regularly buy expensive replacement filters for the unit.
• The washable permanent filter is as good as new after it has been washed, meaning that it can offer the same level of service when eliminating household odors and external air pollutants.
• Very easy to remove and reinstall.

Is there a difference in the air purification efficiency between a washable and a replaceable filter?

The quality of the filters is essential as they are responsible for capturing and containing the pollutants in the indoor air that goes through the air purifier. So, to answer the question, yes, to an extent there is a difference in efficiency between a washable and a replaceable filter. Washable filters are not as efficient in the filtration of potentially harmful pollutants present in the air as compared to their replaceable counterparts. As a matter of fact, washable filters filter out approximately 75% of all air pollutants as compared to replaceable filters’ 95%. This is mainly due to the materials that they have been made out of. This, however, should not worry you as washable filters remain a fantastic and a very popular choice on the market.

What should I consider before purchasing an air purifier?

Purifiers are not the cheapest of technologies, and so, finding the best one for your needs will be crucial to your investment. To help you with a better understanding of what it is that you are looking for, below you will find three questions that you should ask yourself which are going to help you with your decision-making process and picking out the right unit for your home.

Is my home located in a heavily polluted area?

If you live in the center of New York City, you most definitely need an efficient air purifier that can purify the extremely polluted air coming from the outside before it ends up in your lungs. Poor quality of air might not impact you right away if you are a relatively healthy adult, however, in the long term, it can have serious effects on your overall health. You should especially consider an air purifier regardless of where you reside if you have any kind of respiratory conditions.

Do I have a newborn or a young child and desire to provide them with a healthy living environment?

If you have a newborn or a young child living in your home, an air purifier might be the best technological addition that you can invest in. This is because newborns and young children have weaker and significantly more underdeveloped immune systems as compared to adults and can be severely affected by long-term exposure to polluted air. Polluted air will not only have an effect on their overall health over time it may be the reason behind the development of symptoms of asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Am I allergic or have respiratory conditions?

Clean and fresh air is critical to your respiratory health and overall well-being. If you have seasonal allergies or a respiratory condition like asthma, a good air purifier can capture any allergens that may affect you before they enter your lungs and begin to trigger any symptoms. With a great quality of air, you will not only feel better during the day but will also have a productive sleep. Read more on how allergies can affect your respiratory system.

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6 Best Air Purifiers with Washable Filters

Below, you will find out more about the functional capacity, features, design, advantages, and the disadvantages of each of the 6 air purification units that we have selected on this list so that you can make a more informed decision before clicking the buy button.

Winix 5500-2

First on our list is the 5500-2 model by Winix, and rightfully so, without disapproving of the remaining air purifiers, this unit is a fantastic addition to any home. With its clean air delivery rate (CADR) of 350 and functional ability to remove up to 99.97% of all airborne particles such as pollen, dust, pet dander, and other, it is one of the most effective air purification systems with a washable carbon filter on the market.

Design

With its dimensions of 15” x 8.2” x 23.6” and weight at just 15.4lbs, this unit certainly isn’t the smallest and most portable as compared to some of its competitors on this list. It hosts a slick matte black design which can certainly make the unit be seen as a modern addition to a range of household settings. The overall shape is rather rectangular with the control panel on the top side while the filters are placed along the whole length of the unit down the middle.

Features

On top of the sleek design and modern look, the Winix 5500-2 is also an incredibly capable air purification system. With its 4 settings, you can manually set the speed and cleaning levels to match your requirements. If you are heading to bed, you have the option to choose a lower setting, making the system operate at the lowest and most quiet level. If you are just moving into a new home, you can set the air purifier to the Turbo mode for the fastest and just as effective air purification.

Moreover, the unit features a washable HEPA-type filter that is capable of capturing over 99.97% of airborne pollutants while the washable AOC carbon filter takes care of all household odors. Unlike most units on the market, this air purifier has integrated smart sensors for the auto mode that automatically adjust the fan to filter the air as needed.

Advantages

• Filter replacement indicator.
• Washable AOC carbon filter.
• Suitable for large rooms up to 360 square feet.
• Smart sensors contributing to the energy-efficient operation of the unit.
• The unit can be remote controlled.
• Four different fan speed options.

Disadvantages

• The HEPA particle filter cannot be washed and needs to be fully replaced on a regular basis for the proper functioning of the air purifier.
• The unit automatically switches to night mode when it gets dark, even if it is during the day.

Read our full Winix 5500-2 review.

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ENVION – Therapure TPP230H

Therapure TPP230H by ENVION is the thinnest tower design air purification unit on this list. With its length of just 7.9” and height of 27.5”, it is suitable for compact air-purifying operations. With three different fan speeds and coverage of up to 350 square feet, this unit is a great addition to homes who are seeking a less bulky air purification system.

Design

ENVION’s Therapure TPP230H hosts a slick tower design, making it an ideal solution for compact and tight spaces. At just 7.9” x 9.6” x 26.1”, this unit is not just the smallest but also one of the most good looking tower design air purification systems on the market. Moreover, the grid design spreading across the entire length of the unit adds an extra character, making it not only an effective air purification solution but also very modern.

Features

Besides the great compact design, this tower air purifier also brings a wide range of functionalities that have earned it a spot on this list. The washable HEPA filter technology effectively reduces up to 99.97% of all mold spores, germs, viruses, common allergens, dust, and any other potentially harmful particles. This technology can purify the air of an average-sized living room up to 3 times an hour. The reusable filter also contributes greatly towards the consistent removal of unpleasant and potentially harmful household and external odors like cigarette smoke, chemical gases from vehicles, and others.

Advantages

• The tall and slim design allows for the unit to be installed in tighter settings.
• Portable handle, making it easily movable without any risk of damage to the unit.
• Permanent washable filter, making the unit cost-efficient when it comes to maintenance.
• Can easily purify the air in medium to large-sized rooms of up to 350 square feet up to 3 times per hour.
• Perfect against mold, tobacco smoke, germs, viruses, bacteria, and allergens as well as all kinds of unpleasant odors.

Disadvantages

• A relatively short cord.
• Only available in the color white.

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Honeywell HFD-120-Q QuietClean

The HFD-120-Q is one of the first air purifiers by Honeywell and still remains one of the best air cleaners for its relatively affordable price bracket which is the reason why it is on the list today. With washable pre-filters and portability, it is the ideal solution to polluted indoor air.

Design

The design of the HFD-120-Q is definitely not one of the most modern-looking ones. It features an oval tower-like shape with black grills in the middle throughout the whole length of the unit. Right on top, you can find the control panel through which you can control the unit itself. Moreover, there are 3 LED indicators to show the fan speed.

Features

Unlike most washable-filter air purifiers on this list, this unit has one oscillation control. If you are after simplicity and don’t have a lot of custom requirements and are happy with just on/off clean air control, then that is the air purifier for you. This air purification unit features a 2-stage air filtration system using a washable pre-filter that catches out larger particles and an ifD filter which is responsible for trapping smaller particles like pollen, dust mites, dirt, allergens and more.

Advantages

• Dirty air filter indicator light.
• Easy to operate and clean.
• The unit comes with washable filters and pre-filters.
• Very lightweight and portable.

Disadvantages

• It can be a bit loud when operating on higher settings.
• Low CADR rating.
• Hard-to-push buttons.
• Not the best air purifier when it comes to visual appeal.

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Blueair Blue Pure 411

Blueair Blue Pure 411 is one of the newest models by Blueair and has gained tremendous popularity on the market due to its washable filter, compact design, portability, and value for money. In other words, it is the ideal solution to a smaller home or room.

Design

At just 17” x 8” x 8”, this is the smallest and most compact washable filter air purifier on this list. The design of the unit features a cylinder-like shape that comes in 6 different colors. The cylinder design also allows for a 360° air intake, making the unit very useful as it can be placed in a range of different home settings for maximum convenience.

Features

Despite the compact design, the Blueair Blue Pure 411 features an airflow of up to 200 m3/h which is a fantastic performance considering the size of the unit. The system also features a one-button operation with three fan speed control options, making it nice and easy to use.

Last but not least, the air purifier dims the lights that are on while operating at the lowest possible fan speed level so that you can enjoy a peaceful sleep.

Advantages

• Perfect for small rooms.
• Simple and easy to install and use.
• Washable pre-filter.
• Dimmed lights when operating at the lowest level.
• Energy-star certified.
• Customizable pre-filter colors.

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for larger properties or hall rooms.
• It cannot filter through elevated levels of chemicals, gases, or odors.
• No remote control.

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Honeywell HFD320 AirGenius 5

When it comes to the innovation of air purifiers, Honeywell has been at the forefront of providing reliable, functional, and affordable systems. The Honeywell’s HFD320 AirGenius 5 is another excellent air purification choice that is using washable filters. The unit is equipped with a hi-tech 2-stage filtration system that has the ability to capture up to 99.97% of all air particles that are present inside your home, making this unit one of the most effective not just on this list but on the market for its price range.

Design

The HFD320 AirGenius 5 hosts a rather visually appealing black exterior that can definitely be considered as one of the key selling points of this unit. The rather tall and slim design of the unit at just 9.9” x 9.7 x 26.8” allows for it to be installed almost everywhere within your home for better overall air quality.

Features

This Honeywell airgenius model is equipped with 5 different levels of fan speed to suit the different needs of its users. It is an ideal solution to bad air quality especially if you live in an area with high rates of air pollution. Despite the efficiency of air purification that this unit is capable of, this system is relatively quiet as compared to other systems on the market. Moreover, with the sleep mode, the unit will operate at a low noise level which will greatly contribute towards your productive sleep while the air purifier provides you with clean and fresh air.

Additionally, the air purifier is integrated with a straight-forward smart control panel that is located right on top of the unit for easy access.

Despite having a sleep mode, one of the issues that some owners of the Honeywell HFD320 AirGenius 5 face is that the lights on the unit cannot be dimmed. While that isn’t such a big deal, it can affect someone that is a light sleeper and prefers to rest in complete darkness.

Advantages

• A great solution for the removal of up to 99.97% of all harmful allergens and airborne diseases.
• The slim tower design allows for it to be placed pretty much anywhere within your home.
• The HFD320 AirGenius 5 model features 5 different fan settings to suit every possible need of the user.
• Effective removal of household and external odors due to the ifD (Intense Field Dielectric) filter and washable activated carbon filter.
• A straightforward smart touch screen. If you are having trouble operating or setting up your air purifier, read our guide on using your new air purifier.

Disadvantages

• The filtration system of the HFD320 AirGenius 5 is unable to capture particles and airborne diseases that are smaller than 0.3 microns.
• This particular model is only available in the color black.

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Winix HR900

The Winix HR900 was made with the goal to help with air purification for households that are looking for a unit with minimal maintenance cost. Furthermore, this model was specially designed for households that owned animals. And so, if you have a pet or are thinking of getting one, with the HR900, you shouldn’t worry about being affected by any potential pet-related allergies.

Design

While this particular model from Winix is only available in the color white, the modern and flat design contributes greatly towards a seamless look that makes the air purifier suit almost every home setting. With its 16.30” x 9.60” x 23.60” and 18.70 lbs, this air purifier is a suitable option for larger homes and room halls.

Features

From a functionality standpoint, the HR900 is undoubtedly in the top 3 for its price range. With the smart sensors and hi-tech system integrated into the unit, the true HEPA filter, and Ultimate Pet Pre-Filter work together to process over 99.97% of all household odors, pet dander, pet hair, allergens, dust mites, pollen, and other such unpleasant particles.

Moreover, this unit has a 5-stage filtration process which maximizes its effectiveness in the battle against indoor air pollution. And so, if you live in an air-polluted city like Los Angeles or are heavily affected by pollen in rural America, this unit is the solution that you have been looking for.

Advantages

• Ideal air purification solution against pet allergies.
• The true HEPA filter catches out 99.97% of all airborne pollutants that are as small as 0.3 microns.
• The unit comes with washable advanced odor control (AOCTM) carbon filter and pre-filters, making it inexpensive to maintain.
• Integrated with plasmawave technology.
• 300 sq feet air purification range.

Disadvantages

• Unable to filter the smallest of air pollutants and airborne diseases.
• Only available in white.

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What Do We Recommend For Being The Best Air Purifier With Washable Filter?

Now that we have discussed all of the best options on the market for washable filter air purifiers, one question remains; out of the best air purifiers with washable filters mentioned above, which unit should you go for? While the question is subjective as people have different needs and expectations, one air purifier stands out in particular as compared to the rest. We believe that the Winix 5500-2 is the favorite on this list for the overall functional ability and overall value. Now, if you have specific requirements like raising a newborn with pets, perhaps a different air purifier like the Winix HD900 might be a better option as it is not only suitable for homes with pets but also operates at a minimal noise level, allowing your child to live in a stress-free and healthy environment.

Furthermore, when selecting an air purifier, you should also consider whether the design matches your overall home decor as well as how difficult the filter change is after the wash.

Last but not least, we advise that you invest a little bit more money if necessary so that you can get a unit that fulfills all of your needs and provides you with Amazon-like clean air.

Dust mites are a hidden danger in the home that can degrade indoor air quality. This can be even worse when coupled with the presence of pet dander or mold. Some people even have specific allergies to dust mites.

Regardless, the presence of dust mites can be health affecting. It can also be a source of poor sleep. So, tackling a dust mite infestation can be important to you and your family. One of the best lines of defense against dust mites is to purchase a quality air purifier.

However, purifiers are not equal. You should search specifically for the best air purifier for dust mite allergies in particular. While not an exhaustive list, let’s focus on the best air purifiers for the job and learn a bit about dust mites and their dangers in the process.

What Dust Mites Are and What They Do

Dust mites are incredibly common in homes. They can be found anywhere humans live and work. These bugs average just one-hundredth of an inch in size and are near impossible to see with the naked eye.

As dust mites devour dead skin cells and other organic matter, they leave behind tiny waste particles. In a lifetime, which typically spans a few weeks, dust mites will produce as much as 2,000 particles of waste each. When considered along with the dust mites ability to reproduce rapidly, it’s this large amount of waste that introduces dangerous allergens which can cause severe reactions in some people.

The Risks of Dust Mites in Your Home

As mentioned, the most common problem with dust mites is the release of allergen particles into the air. In the confines of indoor air, this can build up and create generally poor air quality. Worse still, dust mites can cause severe reactions in those allergic and even trigger an autoimmune system response – allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis, more typically known as hay fever, causes a multitude of symptoms including:

• Sneezing
• A runny nose
• Itching skin, eyes, and mouth
• Fatigue
• Congestion and a stuffy nose

With dust mites, allergic rhinitis is perennial, as opposed to seasonal, occurring year-round for sufferers. Dust mites can also trigger dangerous asthma attacks in susceptible people. What’s worse is the persistent nature of these health issues. Long-term, dust mite allergens can disrupt natural sleep and generally damage your health by denying you quality sleep.

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How Air Purifiers Work to Protect Your Home and Family from Dust Mites

Air purifiers employ several means to scrub your indoor air of molds, allergens, and other particles. Some methods are better than others at targeting specific types of air impurities. The best air purifiers for dust mites employ a combination of different technologies to remove their waste particles from your indoor air. Some of the more common methods employed are:

Filters

This is the most common and simplest of air purifier options. Whether it uses disposable or washable filters, they employ a dense filter material designed to trap particles in the air. Regular cleaning or replacement of filters is required to keep this type of air purifier running effectively.

HEPA Filters

This is very similar to a standard filter system. The difference is in the filter itself. HEPA, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters are EPA compliant and proven to dependably remove 99% of particles as small as 2 microns in size. This makes them excellent at dust removal. Like standard filters, these should be replaced regularly. HEPA filters are so efficient at cleaning the air, they are commonly used in industrial settings where air purity is of the highest importance. This covers a lot of allergens and odors that affect indoor air quality.

True HEPA filters

True HEPA filters are much the same as HEPA filters, but they are capable of catching more material of even smaller size, at 99.97% of particles captured as small as .03 microns in size. Pet dander and dust particles lie in this range.

Ionizing Air Purifiers

This air purifier generates an electrical field that causes particles to gain an electrical charge and, thus, clump together. This extra weight causes particles to fall from the air to the floor where they can safely be vacuumed and wiped up. The device also has a plate or plates carrying an opposite electrical charge to the emitter which draws particles towards it to be trapped. While excellent against like cigarette smoke, it can be more challenging for it to remove other particles such as dust and other airborne allergens.

Ozone Generators

These air purifiers work by emitting an electrical charge, much like an ionizing air purifier. However, this electrical charge converts oxygen to ozone. Ozone can not only eliminate airborne particles but also neutralize odors. While the EPA warns against the use of ozone air purifiers in home settings in some cases, it is commonly used in commercial areas.

Activated Carbon Filter

An activated carbon filter uses absorption to trap impurities and contaminants in its porous structure. Carbon filters are excellent at removing odors as well.

The Safety of Air Purifiers

The benefits of having an air purifier are many. Air quality affects general health and cleaner air offers respite for allergy sufferers from outdoor air quality. Even from people who do not suffer allergies, clean indoor air can offer a break from outdoor air pollution.

Still, some people worry air purifiers can make you sick. The short answer to this question is no. Air purifiers are perfectly safe indoors and do not contribute to illness. The only known exception, as noted, are ozone-generating air purifiers that are not recommended for use in homes.

Things to Consider When Choosing Air Purifiers for Dust Mites and Allergens

Hands down, if you are concerned about finding the best air purifier for dust-mite allergies, you should focus on those that use a HEPA filter. A HEPA filter is designed to catch 99.97% of all dust matter it filters. Many air purifiers are hybrid models employing different systems alongside a HEPA filter. But a true HEPA filter should be something you require, regardless of other features.

The other consideration should be how much air a particular air purifier can clean. This is usually expressed in square feet. Keep in mind, if your home has higher than average ceilings you may have to account for this and adjust the square feet of the unit you’re considering.

Lastly, keep in mind, the square foot rating is typical for running the machine at full capacity. So, if you want to run your air purifier at a lower, quieter setting, you will want a larger model.

Look for Air Purifier Certifications

Another way to identify a good air purifier is to check what certifications it has. Here’s a short list of the important ones and what they mean.

• CARB Certified – CARB stands for the California Air Resource Board. This shows that the air purifier meets California’s stringent air quality regulations. Its primary focus is to prevent exposure to toxic air contaminants. Most importantly for you, it means the purifier will have extremely little to no ozone emissions.
• FCC Certified – FCC certification is done by the Federal Communications Commission. It certifies the electronics within the purifier to ensure it doesn’t create electromagnetic interference when operating.
• ETL Listed – ETL listed means that the air purifier is certified to meet all safety standards in North America.  This assures you that the purifier will run safely in your home and not endanger your family.

The Best Air Purifiers for Dust Mites Currently on the Market

Let’s examine some of the best air purifiers on the market for dust mites. Some are even rated as the best air purifier for mold, dust mites, and other irritants as well. Which is best for you largely depends on the area you will need to clean of air impurities, what particles and odors you need to remove, what methods you prefer, and what budget considerations you have.

Here are, arguably, the top 5 models on the market. You can follow the links provided in the product names to view them directly on Amazon.

Levoit LV-H133

This Levoit model uses three separate filters for maximum effectiveness. Pollutants travel through a preliminary filter to catch larger particles such as lint and pet fur. The second layer is a true HEPA filter designed to catch particles such as dust mite waste. The final filter is a carbon filter, which removes fumes and odors from a room such as smoke and cooking odors.

The Levoit runs quietly at under 25dB and can handle rooms as large as 881 square feet. With a suite of programmable options, this unit can even detect airborne contaminants and adjust its fan speed automatically.

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Rabbit Air MinusA2

The Air MinusA2 can handle rooms as large as 815 square feet and comes with a six-stage HEPA filtration system. It even has interchangeable filters depending on your individual needs, such as Pet Allergy, Germ Defense, or Toxin Absorber. It also has a negative ion generator to freshen the air.

What’s extremely interesting with this Rabbit Air model is its slim design and WiFi capabilities. It is shallow in design and looks like a standing black square. The Rabbit Air can even be wall-mounted to reduce clutter. As to the controls, you can use a smartphone to control this air purifier from anywhere in the world as well as order replacement filters when necessary.

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Honeywell HPA300

The HPA300 can handle rooms as large as 465 square feet. Its impressive speed means it can recirculate all the air in the room five times per hour. It runs with dual filters, a standard one as well as a True HEPA filter.

The Honeywell is a larger model, at 21 pounds. But it is hardly a surprise considering how quickly it can filter an entire room. But it isn’t the perfect model if space is tight. If you tend to forget to replace filters though, you’ll love the Honeywell warning lights on this unit that tell you when it is time to change each filter.

Read our complete Honeywell HPA 300 review.

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Germ Guardian AC5250PT

This Germ Guardian entry is designed to be perhaps the best air purifier for mold and dust mites. Not only does it come standard with a HEPA filter, but you can also add an optional UV-C light that works with titanium dioxide to kill bacteria, viruses, mold, and germ spores.

This Germ Guardian is designed to run in rooms up to 180 square feet in size, filtering the air up to four times per hour. It’s also Energy Star certified, meaning it will cost you less per hour than many other leading brands to use.

While it handles smaller rooms than other models, the Germ Guardian’s extra features make it a strong contender on this list. The UV-C light does need replacement about once a year.

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Coway AIRMEGA 400S

For large rooms, there is no comparison to the AIRMEGA 400S. This unit can handle rooms as large as 1560 square feet.

The Coway uses a combination of a HEPA filter and a carbon filter to clean the air at maximum room size up to two times per hour. The pre-filter, designed to catch larger particles, is washable and reusable, cutting down on filter bills.

It has five speeds and runs nearly silently at lower speeds. At the highest speed, the noise level is still a moderate 43.2 dB.

The Coway can even tell you in real-time how contaminated your air is with a visual indicator. It’s also fully programmable for automatic run times and has indicators to let you know when to replace your filters. The only drawback to the AIRMEGA 400S is that it is on the higher end of the pricing scale.

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A Special Note Regarding True HEPA and HEPA Filters When Selecting the Best Air Purifiers

While HEPA filters, in general, are excellent for air cleaning, True HEPA is likely what you’ll want for dust mites. These HEPA-type filters are ideal dust removal. For dust allergies in general, True HEPA is a clear choice.

You might still consider a model with a humidifier or UV-C light option as well, which can also help to alleviate allergy symptoms as well as remove dust particles and, in particular for UV-C light, can help destroy volatile organic compounds thus purifying the air.

Protect Your Family from Dust Mites Allergens with an Air Purifier

Whatever model you choose, you’ll find an air purifier a good investment if your home has dust mites. Even if no one in your home suffers from dust mite allergies, dust mites will adversely affect the air you breathe. Air purifiers are a simple and affordable defense against this health hazard. Ensure you can rest and breathe easy.

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Who needs an air purifier? What’s the point of them? Well, in this article we will give you a good reason and argue there is a point to them. The reason is wildfire smoke.

That’s right, wildfires and wildfire smoke may be rare events, but the smoke is truly bad for you, like all the worst pollutants rolled into one big bad black cloud which seeps all around your neighborhood. And wildfires are becoming more common, making for episodes of terrible air quality.

Although indoor air is often more polluted than outside air, because of cigarette smoke, flame retardants in our furniture, off-gassing electronics, and so on, when it comes to wildfire smoke, the tables are turned, and you are wise to stay at home with windows firmly shut.

Imagine when a wildfire breaks out and the wildfire smoke particles billow across the skyline. It fills the air not just with particulate matter (tiny burnt fragments), but with a range of other toxins picked up along the way. Toxins from the burning of homes, cars, pesticides and even the chemicals used to fight the flames.

Wildfire smoke, air quality & air purifiers

Studies of the aftermath of the devastating October 2003 wildfires in California confirm how bad it can get. The fires raged over 750,000 acres of land, burnt down 3,640 homes, 33 commercial properties and 1,141 other buildings (and their contents) sending a noxious smoke all around the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

In one of the largest studies of its kind, the effects of this toxic wildfire smoke was assessed on children in the affected area. The findings revealed that exposure to wildfire smoke in children was associated with the following: increased eye and respiratory symptoms, medication use, and physician visits.

One of the most interesting findings was that asthmatic children were ‘shielded’ from the wildfire smoke more than non-asthmatics because their parents took more preventative action, and they knew what to do – they made their kids wear a mask, stay indoors, and they used air cleaners.

The lesson was clear, and the results also:  effects on children were directly related to their wildfire smoke exposure level and staying indoors and breathing cleaner air was key.

The study concluded that wildfire smoke has a considerable impact on both a child’s short-term (e.g. wheezing/sore throat) and long-term health. And this can be lessened by “staying indoors, wearing a mask, or using air conditioners [air purifiers] during wildfire smoke periods” (a quote from the study)

The deadliness of wildfire smoke

So, you would be very wrong to assume that the smoke from forest fires is harmless because it’s “just burnt trees”. In fact, when analyzed, wildfire smoke is shown to be truly nasty, and dangerous to breathe. It is certainly not your typical pollution.

In fact, it is so deadly, it has been linked to premature death, with experts saying as many as 600,000 people every year suffer premature death as a result of wildlife smoke – very nearly the population of Baltimore.

There’s also more wildfire smoke around. As the EPA state, of the ten years with the most wildfire smoke, 9 have occurred since 2000, so it’s linked to climate change and set to become more regular.

This makes for a bit of a health crisis, because as studies say, wildfire smoke causes a range of health problems: respiratory morbidity, cardiovascular morbidity, birth outcomes, and mental health. For asthma sufferers the problem is worse, and babies and young children are especially vulnerable. In fact, a baby’s lungs is acutely sensitive to wildfire smoke, so new parents may want to take note – see this link for more info.

How an Air Purifier can help

Wildfire smoke can travel long distances, affecting your indoor air quality even if you can’t see it. If you are close to a wildfire, things are even worse. Airtight modern homes can shut out some of this wildfire smoke, but an air purifier can give those inside a precious source of clean air.

In conjunction with a humidifier (for more info on humidifiers see this link), your family can limit the impact of a wildfire on their health, reducing what studies show wildfire smoke does to you – i.e. reduced lung function in non-asthmatic children, oxidative stress, cell damage, premature death, and stress to those with heart disease.

The fine particles from wildfire smoke can penetrate deep into your lungs and the long-term health effects could be worse than you might think. In the short-term wildfire smoke may sting your eyes and make your nose run, which you can easily feel. But also, it will aggravate chronic heart and lung disease, and truly can provoke an early death – EPA.

Air purifiers lessen the threat by removing particulate matter circulating in your indoor air. They can be strategically placed next to sleeping children or within well-sealed rooms. Advances in technology mean they can eliminate nearly 100% of this tiny matter, before it reaches sensitive lungs.

Sadly then, there is a growing and unavoidable need to protect yourself from wildfire smoke because fires are becoming both more common and the smoke more polluted. Maybe this has changed your mind on air purifiers? If so, read on.

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How does air purification work?

Air purifiers eliminate pollen, mites, dust, tobacco smoke, VOCs, and other pollutants from the air in a way that ‘deactivates’ the bad stuff. In this way, they are different from general filters and cleaners like you might find in ventilation units because they don’t just filter, but carry out a kind of ‘reaction’.

First, they do it by directing the air their way with a fan, then they use one of various technologies to purify the air in the unit. This can be ultraviolet light, a type of reactive filtration ( HEPA filters), ionization, or even catalytic conversion (e.g. airocide).

The last one (using catalytic conversion) does not use filters at all, so promises the joy of lower maintenance. But they are more expensive.

Best Air Purifiers for Wildsmoke

Ultimately, some air purifiers are more effective than others. Some use air filters and some don’t. The decision like with everything, boils down to a cost and intended use. Below is a selection of 5, some with HEPA filters, and some with alternative technologies.

LEVOIT LV-H135

The Levoit LV-H135 Tower Pro Air Purifier uses HEPA filters and retails at around $299 so is a mid-range option. We had previously recommended the LV-H134 with a conical design but they are now out of stock at many retailers. Features include:

• A preliminary/ true HEPA filter/ activated carbon filter/ 3-layer combination
• 360°- filtration (it is a round tower) which promises to clean more air

An indicator light that changes color based on the quality of the air. Red = Bad, orange = moderate, green = good, and blue = very good, and rated at removing 99.97% of particles. It is quite large (25” tall), so not as small as other available units. One thing to consider: the filters will need to be changed about every 6 months and currently cost around $60 – $70. In sum, the unit processes a lot of air and at the lowest fan speed, is very quiet (26dB), so is a very practical option for large family spaces.

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Honeywell HPA – 300

The Honeywell HPA300 is very similar in terms of price and performance as the LEVOIT LV-H134. It sells for just under $300 and like with all the HEPA filter units featured here captures up to 99.97% of allergens above 0.3 microns. It is also quite large, standing at 20” tall, and 22” wide. The big difference is in design: the unit is more industrial looking and heavy, so may suit different types of interiors to the LEVOIT units.

The key features:

• Can process large volumes of air (a rated 5 air changes per hour in a large room)
• 4 cleaning levels (Germ, Allergen, General Clean, Turbo)
• Has an activated carbonpre-filter as well as a HEPA filter

The model uses three Type-R HEPA filters at once, as well as one Type-A odor-reducing pre-filter. A package of three HEPA filters will run you $90 MSRP, but Honeywell recommends replacing them just once a year. The carbon pre-filter should be replaced every three months (or more often, if needed) and retails for under $20. Indicator lights on the unit will remind you when it’s time to check each filter.

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DYSON Pure cool™

The third one on the list – by DYSON – again uses HEPA filtration, but the design is way different: it is futuristic looking. The price is around $400 for the entry model, the TP01, so maybe you pay a premium for the looks. Maybe also, for its range of features:

• A gas sensor which detects volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like those from vehicles
• Humidity and temperature sensors

Dyson claims it is the only purifying fan to clean a whole room properly. A bit of a bold statement but they base it on the sensors – they say to clean an entire room properly, you need to sense pollution events automatically and project cleaner air around the room using Air Multiplier™ technology. However, there are other units with smart sensors (see below).

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Alen BreatheSmart Classic P1000 Large Room Air Purifier

The Alen Breathesmart is a step up because it can purify larger spaces, up to 1,100 sq ft, around the size of a large living room. Compare this to Dyson’s model above which has figures based on a room of 290 ft sq.

The Breathesmart claims to purify the air in under 2 hrs and like with the Dyson model, has an auto mode (smart sensor) which adjusts operation based on pollution levels.

As it is larger (more powerful) and packed with features, it is no surprise this model is more expensive than the previous 3 models ($649 on Amazon). Some of the standout features are:

• The unit has both a HEPA filter and ionizer (which can be turned on/off)
• Alen offer a choice of HEPA filters (HEPA Pure, HEPA Fresh, HEPA Silver & HEPA OdorCell) and they offer a choice of unit color finishes

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Airocide APS-300

The Airocide air purifier is interesting because there is no filter at all. Instead, it uses catalytic converters in little glass tubes where ‘photocatalytic oxidation’ removes the impurities. Reportedly developed by NASA no less, this unit is the perhaps the most innovative of the 5, but the price reflects this – the APS-300 costs $999 but their largest unit (APS-1000) costs $2,499.

For this extra cost you get a unit that can purify smaller particles like at the virus scale (below the 0.3 microns that a HEPA filter can tackle). This means it is more effective. Also, there is no need to change or clean filters, so offers the joy of lower maintenance (changing dirty filters can be a real chore).

Standout features of the unit are:

• The sleek design
• The scope of air purification (below 0.3 microns)
• No filters – so no dirt trap build up and less maintenance

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Final thoughts…

Ultimately, if you live in an affected area, wildfire smoke may be a hazard too big to ignore because your air quality may be seriously compromised. These units give you a choice, and don’t have to be on all the time, for example if you think your air is already fine, so you can just use them if a wildfire breaks out in your area, or hire one perhaps, in order to clean your indoor air during the emergency.

Like with anything, it pays to explore your options when choosing the best air purifier for you. So, check out the choices, consider the options e.g. HEPA air purifiers. If possible, find out which company has the best environmental policies, and remember, the manufacture of these devices also impacts the environment, which in turn affects the air quality for all of us. Remember, air purification units can be used in conjunction with other methods to purify your indoor air, like filling your house with more plants, vacuuming more regularly, and smoking outside.

Having an air purifier in any room you live or work in, can make the world of difference to your overall health. You might not realize it, but quite often, the air we breathe indoors, is actually dirtier than the air we breathe outside. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. In pretty much every home out there you’ll find a number of airborne particles floating around including dust, mold spores, human hair, pet hair, pet dander, bacteria, and viruses. Those that have the lowest levels are usually those that use good air purifying systems like the Honeywell HPA300.

The Honeywell HPA300 is a fantastic air purification system that’s hot on the market right now for several reasons. Not only is It super functional, it’s also highly effective, and it’s affordable. But is it the best purifier to meet your needs? Keep reading to find out.

A Bit About the Company 

Honeywell International Inc. is an American-born business, with its headquarters based in Charlotte, North Caroline. For more than 100 years the company has been providing innovative and technological solutions to both the commercial sector and the home user. Honeywell is a Fortune 500 company, currently ranked at #92.

Honeywell HPA300 Review

Pros and Cons 

Pros

• Super-fast filtering
• Easy to use
• 4 fan settings to choose from

Cons

• A little noisy
• High power consumption

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Size and Shape 

The Honeywell HPA300 is a sleek, black, True HEPA air purifier that will accentuate pretty much any room décor. It’s not too loud-looking and it’s not too boxy. Instead, what you get is a kind of curved-edge device that not only looks good, but also intakes air exceptionally well thanks to the full-body air intake grill.

In terms of size, this device measures in at 9.25” x 20” x 22.5” and weighs just over 20 pounds. So, if you are looking for an air purifier you can move around without too many problems, this is a good option for you.

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User Friendliness

The function buttons are located on the top of the machine and are all easy to navigate. From here you can power on the device, select the fan speed, activate the timer, see whether the filters need replacing and control the brightness of the control panel lights. Everything is pretty straightforward to operate through the use of the touch-sensitive control panel.

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Filtration System 

The Honeywell HPA300 uses both an activated carbon pre-filter and 3 True HEPA filters in which to effectively clean the air and here we’ll go through each of those in more detail:

Carbon Pre-filter

As the air gets drawn into the unit it first has to pass through the pre-filter. Here, any large particles such as hair, pet dander, and dust are captured. And because the pre-filter is equipped with activated carbon, it also helps to reduce any tobacco or cigarette smoke, VOCs, and bad odors. As a rough guide, this filter will need replacing around every 3 months. However, the handy filter indicator light on the control panel will remind you when you need to do this.

True HEPA Filter

The next stage of the filtering system involves the True HEPA filter – the real star of the show. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air and any air purifier fitted with one of these filters is worth looking at. These replacement filters are capable of capturing up to 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or smaller. This includes contaminants such as pollen, pet dander, viruses, and bacteria. There are 3 HEPA filters built into this device, covering pretty much the whole of the front panel, for maximum effectiveness.

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Performance and Capability 

When it comes to performance, the Honeywell HPA300 is a true force to be reckoned with. For such a small machine, it’s certainly got some power. It has the ability to filter a room size that’s up to 465 square feet in size, and it does this very efficiently.

ACH stands for Air Changes per Hour and this rating is there to let you know how many times per hour an air purifier can filter the air within a room. The HPA300’s ACH is 5 times per hour, which is pretty good and means you get a fresh batch of air in the room every 12 minutes.

The CADR rating is another thing to look at when comparing air purifiers as is also a good indication as to your device’s capabilities. CADR stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate and is a rating that shows you exactly how much of a specific particle is removable from the air. It also indicates how fast it can filter the room. This rating is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and is usually taken for dust, pollen, and smoke and the higher the number, the better.

Any air purifier with a CADR of less than 100, should be avoided. However, the CADR on this device is 320 for dust, 300 for pollen, and 300 for smoke, which is very good. Very few others on the market are this efficient and it just goes to prove how powerful this device is.

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Fan Speeds

There are 4 different fan speeds to choose from on this air purifier:

• Germ: This is the lowest (and subsequently the quietest) setting and is the best mode to select when using the device in your bedroom while you sleep. As the name suggests it’s very good at ridding any airborne bacteria, viruses, or germs that could potentially make you ill.
• General Clean: This setting is used for everyday use. It’s slightly noisier than the Germ mode, as offers a better level of filtration. However, it still makes sleeping possible if you want a slightly more powerful effect while you slumber.
• Allergen: Using the air purifier in this mode, will increase its allergen reduction capabilities, which is perfect for using during the allergy season. And while it’s a very effective setting to use if you are someone who suffers with allergies, it may be a little too noisy to use this setting at night.
• Turbo: The highest fan setting this device has to offer is the Turbo mode. This mode offers the most fast and efficient level of filtration and is great for eliminating bad odors quickly. However, because the fans are moving at such fast speeds, it is quite noisy, so it’s probably not a setting you’ll use all the time.

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Energy Consumption 

Despite, it’s Energy Star rating, this is one of the only areas this device doesn’t too well. Depending on which fan setting it’s on, the Honeywell HPA300 has a power consumption that’s between 40 and 130 watts. This is pretty high in comparison to some of its competitors. Using an average power consumption, and calculated on usage of 8 hours per day, this device will cost around $50 – $70 per year to run. And while that’s not in any way a deal breaker for most people, it is still something to bear in mind.

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Price 

In terms of price, the Honeywell HPA300 is considered to be a mid-range model. It’s not too expensive that it’s going to break the bank, but it is still an expense that you’ll need to budget for. You can pick one up quite easily online on sites such as Amazon or eBay, or in stores such as Walmart or Home Depot.

You may see other air purifiers on the market that are a lot less than this model, but when it comes to performance, or overall quality, they don’t come anywhere close. So, don’t be fooled into thinking you’re getting a good deal when you see a supposedly top-spec model at a low piece as more often than not, it won’t live up to your expectations.

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Extras 

As you can see from the above, this air purifier is pretty amazing. In addition to the unit’s user-friendly design and powerful performance capabilities, it also has a few more bells and whistles to offer including the following:

• Adjustable dimmer lighting: When using an air purifier in the bedroom, the last thing you want is a super bright light beaming all around. With the Honeywell HPA300, you can dim the light to your liking. You can also turn it off altogether if you so wish.
• Filter change indicator: This is one of the most useful features of this device. Knowing when to change your filters is very important. There’s no point spending all your heard-earned cash on a good air purifier only to not change the filters, and for it to then have very little effect in what’s it’s designed to do. With this machine, thanks to the two filter change indicators (one for the pre-filter and one for the HEPA filters), you don’t even need to open it up to see when the filter needs changing. One quick glance will tell you all you need to know.
• Auto off timer: Another fantastic feature on offer here is the auto off timer. With this function, you can choose to set the device to run for either 2, 4, or 8 hours straight. When the time is up, the purifier will automatically power down.
• No ozone: While it’s more a lack of, opposed to an extra, the fact that no ozone is produced by this device is definitely worth a mention. Because of this, it’s a very good choice of air purifier for those who have any existing breathing problems.

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One Final Word

If you’re looking for an air cleaner that’s well made, powerful, and won’t break the bank, this Honeywell air purifier is a great investment. It’s capable of filtering the air in pretty large rooms and it does this in a matter of minutes. Sure, it may be a little loud on the fastest setting, but when in Germ or General Clean mode, it’s quiet enough to dismiss as white noise and carry on as normal. You can even adjust the lighting so that it won’t disturb you when you sleep.

Being fitted with a HEPA filtration system, it effectively cleans and filters room air to a very high standard. It’s also very easy to use, so is attractive to those who are new to these devices. Another great benefit is that being black, it will match pretty much any décor. In addition to that it comes equipped with some fantastic additional features, including an auto off timer and dimmer lighting. All-in-all, the Honeywell HPA300 is definitely an air purifier worth investing in to improve the air quality within you home of office.

Air purifier bags offer a simple and effective way to eliminate bad odors. Unlike HEPA air purifiers, they do not require specialized knowledge or electricity to use.

Additionally, they are phenomenal for eliminating odors, pet dander, allergens, and sometimes even volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  A bamboo charcoal air purifier is a natural air purifier and is also typically carbon activated, making filter replacement and cleaning a simple process.

If you want to learn more, read on. If you are looking for our top picks, here they are.

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What Are Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifier Bags?

Bamboo charcoal air purifier bags are natural, carbon-activated air purifiers that eliminate unpleasant odors from your room or living space.

A bamboo charcoal bag is made from the roots and stems of bamboo trees, which are then exposed to extremely high temperatures. Thermal decay then sets in, and oxygen is applied to the bamboo, facilitating its activation naturally.

Materials like bamboo, coal, coconut husks, peat, and wood all have enough carbon, making them candidates for activated charcoal. However, of these options, bamboo is the most compatible with charcoal.   This compatibility is due mostly to the porous design of bamboo. Bamboo has hundreds, sometimes thousands, of tiny pores that can effectively trap and ionize negative airborne particles, mold spores, foul odors, pet dander, and allergens, keeping your air quality fresh and clean.

This process is ultimately known as adsorption and will eventually cause these air purifier bags to become heavier. Adsorption is different from absorption because adsorption attracts the alleged allergens and bad odor particles onto its surface, while absorption causes one substance to diffuse into another without any special medium.

However, the key with bamboo charcoal air purifier bags is their replacement filter as more allergens, pet dander, odor-causing bacteria, and the like cling onto their surface. Fortunately, bamboo charcoal air purifier bags have a carbon filter. Their replacement process is usually as easy as leaving the air purification device in the sun for a few hours.

Not only are these bamboo charcoal air purifier bags great for eliminating harmful airborne particles, but they are also incredibly safe to use for maintaining better air quality. These air purifier bags do not emit any substances or foul odors. Instead, the harmful substances are attracted to the bag and prevented from causing any further damage to your air quality. The air purifying bags themselves also do not produce any bad odors, making them silent air cleaners in your home.

Do I Need a Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifier Bag? 

Bamboo charcoal air purifying bags are convenient and great for keeping a tidy airspace in your home. There are a wide variety of air purifiers to use in your home, but bamboo charcoal air purifiers are the simplest and most convenient of the air purifier family.

These bamboo charcoal air purifier bags are carbon activated, meaning they do not require electricity or power to run and can be renewed for years.

If you have issues with pet dander, allergens, or lack of clean air, you should consider getting an air filter. Pet dander, for example, can build up in your lungs over time, making you more prone to allergic reactions in the future.

Pet dander and other animal by-products are light and linger freely through the air in your home, making it widespread and contagious for everyone. Unfortunately, pet dander does not blow away or concentrate in corners of your living environment as dust does. If you have purchased a bamboo charcoal air purifier bag and still experience allergies, check out the best air purifiers for allergies and asthma.

Additionally, you could be doing permanent damage to your lungs if you allow dust, unhealthy toxins, odors, allergens, or worse, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to roam freely in your air without at least the assistance of a HEPA filter.

Bird owners, for example, can develop bird keeper’s lung from inhaling too much bird dander from their pet over time, making them very susceptible to allergy attacks. With a room air purifier, your chances of contracting diseases like these dramatically decrease.

These air pollutants may also feel harmless because we cannot see them with the human eye, however, the danger is in allowing pet dander and other harmful substances to accumulate in your lungs or the corners of your home.

Different air purifiers are beneficial for different situations, which is why it’s also important to do your research on the different varieties of air filters in the marketplace that can keep your air quality fresh and pure.

Bamboo charcoal air purifiers, for instance, are much different from ionic air purifiers or air ionizers in general, which emit negative ions to capture airborne particles but also produce ozone in the process.

Both air cleaners will help eliminate common irritants like animal byproducts and cigarette smoke. The best ionic air purifiers, usually categorized as true HEPA filters, are best for collecting allergens and irritants in varying square feet. In contrast, the bamboo charcoal air purifier is sufficient in concentrated areas. True HEPA filters often feature additional features like fan speed, night lights, UV rays, and sometimes even filterless components. However, both will still contribute to better air quality.

What to Consider When Buying a Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifier Bag

When buying any item, you want to consider the pros and cons of the purchase. Even the best ionic air purifiers can have little to no effect in the wrong environment. With bamboo charcoal air purifier bags, the pros drastically outweigh the cons, especially when compared to other ionic air purifiers or even HEPA filters.

While most air purifiers and home devices require electricity to power and function, these carbon filters can be recharged with sunlight. If you live in an area where you consistently get little to no sunlight or perhaps experience a cloudier climate, you may want to consider other options. However, you can likely give your air purifier enough exposure to the sun in most parts of the world.

Bamboo charcoal air purifying bags are great for maintaining healthy air quality, however, the distance covered by bamboo charcoal air purifying bags is lower than your typical HEPA air purifier filter. Fortunately, these air purifying bags come in many different sizes and quantities for your air cleaning needs. If your home or living space consists of many rooms, you might want to consider purchasing a package with multiple bags. If, on the other hand, your living space consists of one or a few large rooms, then a larger bamboo charcoal air purifying bag will suffice for eliminating irritants and indoor odors.

Noise levels are sometimes noted in customer complaints about HEPA air purifiers. The bamboo charcoal air purifier bag is silent in your home, which is perfect for customers who experience irritation with certain noise levels. However, the HEPA air purifier and the bamboo charcoal air purifier bag complement each other in their weaknesses.

Below we have created a list of the best-selling bamboo charcoal air purifier bags on the Amazon marketplace. These ionic air purifier reviews are also different in their size and quantity options, as well as maintaining high CADR ratings, allowing you to choose the best bamboo charcoal air cleaner for your environment. Unlike some of the best ionic air purifiers, these air filters do not offer UV light.

Moso Natural: The Original Air Purifying Bag

For years, Moso Natural Air Purifying Bags have been naturally eliminating odors and allergens from cars, closets, bathrooms, and pet areas. Other air purifiers are typically fueled with formaldehyde, petroleum, and fragrances that fill your living space with harmful chemicals and cause health problems. Fragrance and chemical-free, these air purification devices are perfect for families, pets, settings with diverse crowds, or a mix of square feet.

The Moso Natural does more than your typical air purifier bag—these air purifying bags don’t just mask the odors, they eliminate them, along with other larger particles like pet hair.

Moso Natural has a large selection of sizes for different uses around the house and on the go. Consider the Moso Natural Original Air Purifying Bag for a safe and reliable purchase to improve your home air.

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Chmy Bamboo Charcoal Bags 

The Chmy Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags are 100% natural, carbon-activated charcoal bags. These air purifier bags are easy and safe to use against bad odors, allergens, and pet dander. You can put them in your car, home, shoes, anywhere you like! Because these bamboo bags contain activated carbon, these bags are the cleanest, safest air purifiers for your pets and family. These air purifier bags are also recognized for their durability, lasting up to one year. To maintain the functionality of the activated carbon filter, place it outside in the sun for a few hours once a month.

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Angbo Activated Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bag

The Angbo Activated Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bag is perfect for absorbing moisture, formaldehyde, odors, moisture, and just about anything else that threatens the integrity of your air quality. Packed with premium biodegradable sacks, this carbon-activated air purifying bag can last you up to two years and makes filter replacements as easy as 1, 2, 3. These air purifying bags also come in multiple different sizes, perfect for accommodating different size needs. Convenient to use and remove with exquisite metal buckle and buckle loop designs. You can hang these air purifier bags anywhere you want and remove the bags for cleaning after long-term use.

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Tennessee Home Goods Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags 

The Tennessee Home Goods Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags are extra-large carbon activated charcoal odor absorbers. While most charcoal air purifier bags come in 200g, these purifiers come in 1000g. These air purifiers also feature a custom black linen that is superior in eliminating negative ions, which helps reduce common air pollutants like pet dander, allergens, and dust mites. Due to the size of these air filters, they can also capture larger particles like pet hair or sometimes pet dander. These charcoal air purifiers need sunlight exposure for an hour once a month to keep them fresh and durable. Each bag comes with a special message that also serves as a decorating purpose, making it a great air sanitizer for guests.

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Qendon Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bag 

Quendon Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags will give you a breath of fresh air in any room. The numerous pores on this air purification system also absorb moisture in the air, making your home odor-free from cigarettes or pet odors. This ionic air purifier is also great for capturing dust mites and other irritants. These air purifiers are also 100% natural carbon activated with a carbon filter and can last you up to 2 years. Disposing of these bags is also easy as you can simply cut the pouch and release the contents into the ground.

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Wisedry Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bag

Wisedry Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags come with a rope, making them convenient to hang in different parts of your living space. One of the few bags that is traceable, allowing you to mark months of use on the bag every time after reactivated. It can be used for two years, provided you reactivate it in the sun for three to five hours every month. Totally unscented and chemically free, these air purifier bags are perfect for people with sensitive noses. These bamboo charcoal air purifying bags come in packs up to 5 at 200 grams each, with two packs of 75g at size 5. These are without a doubt perfect for people with diverse environments, or a mix of small and large rooms, enabling effective use in a wide variety of square feet.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a 100% organic and chemical-free way to keep your airspace and living environment clean and safe for guests, you should strongly consider purchasing a bamboo charcoal air purifying bag. At Skyonic, we talk in great detail about the different varieties and benefits of air purifiers. We also do not sell our air purifiers, making our mission strictly to help you facilitate a cleaner, more pristine airspace.

Pet owners have grown in substantial numbers over the recent decade.  This pet-owning trend is in part due to millennials taking home more pets on average than any other generation. While pets can make great companions or even a new best friend, it is important to identify some of the potential risks of neglecting to maintain suitable air quality for you and your pet, especially when it comes to bird owners.

Why Do Bird Owners Require an Air purifier?

Birds can make wonderful and engaging pets. While there are some great qualities in a bird pet, there are also some drawbacks that most bird owners can speak to, like unclean indoor air or an unreasonable amount of bird dust. One house-keeping activity most bird owners adhere to is keeping a clean environment for your bird, which can smell of excrement and pet odor after a short amount of time. While you yourself may grow accustomed to this smell or lifestyle, this can create challenges for you as a pet owner when you invite friends and family over.

While the majority of bird owners must do some manual labor every now and then to keep their environment pristine, you will find many seasoned bird owners also recommend an air purifier to expel dander from your environment. True HEPA filters are the gold standard in air purifier technologies, which eliminate 99.97% of allergens and airborne particles as well as bird dander as small as 0.3 microns. If you have not been using an air purifier to eradicate bird dander, our suggested HEPA filtration air purifiers listed below from Amazon will come in handy. Before buying a new room air purifier, there are some facts you should know about air purifiers for birds and why it is a must-have item for bird owners.

Is Bird Dander a Problem?

If you have not owned a pet bird for a substantial amount of time, this question might seem silly to you as most people recognize dander coming from mammals due to their hair shedding. However, birds are equally capable of spreading dander through their feather dust, and some owners risk the possibility of developing bird keeper’s lung. As a result, owners can become very sensitive to bird dander after it builds up in their lungs, making them prone to extreme allergy symptoms or even skin rashes in severe cases. With these disastrous consequences, we can postulate that bird dander is an especially harmful by-product.

Containing and controlling bird dander is not always as simple as wiping down the birdcage. Bird dander is likely to be present in the birdcage, however, it is also very likely that the bird dander has spread throughout the environment. This spread is made possible predominantly through the bird flapping its wings which inevitably spread feather dust and other particulates both from the bird itself and from the cage. The natural airflow of your environment will also more than likely spread dander throughout the environment as well as adjacent environments. If you live in a large room this can be especially challenging as this means more square feet to maintain.

Even if you have not experienced adverse health effects, having a bird as a pet can make your home much dirtier then it would be otherwise. The same scenario applies to dog owners, who also deal with an incredible amount of dander and germs throughout their home. However, when you have guests over at your home, they will inevitably notice the different atmosphere, which can be solved simply and with minimal effort from an air purifier.

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How Can I Solve My Bird Dander Problem?

Fortunately, there are a variety of air purifiers available for any pet scenario, especially birds. The best air purifiers for beds are ones that can detect and eliminate small, particulate dander. Since birds produce an unpleasant odor for house guests, its also recommended using a combination HEPA and carbon unit when selecting an air purifier for birds.

Cleaning your birdcage or environment manually will also unfortunately not work. As you will see with some of the recommended air purifiers below, some of the harmful dust and particulate matter can be as small as 3 microns. While this may seem insignificant, an issue ensues when these microscopic particles begin to bunch up on top of each other, creating a larger and more potentially more harmful pile of dust and dander. This feather dust can also create a breeding ground for mold spores if they are not taken care of immediately. With a HEPA air purifier, however, this will not be an issue for you and your pet.

Maintenance for air purifiers and pre-filters is also much less taxing than manually cleaning up your environment, making your air quality easy to maintain while also reducing sneezing. Cleaning an air purifier filter is one of the most important maintenance routines you can do to ensure your air purifier and filtration system are working as intended. If you neglect to clean your air filter or filtration system at least once every 6 to 8 months, then you can potentially cause more problems with allergens around your environment than you intended to solve.

There is a distinction between air purifiers and dehumidifiers when it comes to keeping your environment free of bird dander. Whereas air purifiers are created with the express purpose of removing irritants, allergens, and airborne contaminants through air filters, dehumidifiers will only remove excess moisture in the air. While both mechanisms can be handy for people suffering from allergy symptoms, the dehumidifier will not keep your home clean from bird dander. However, there are also air purifier and humidifier combinations that you can look into for heavy-duty environment cleaning.

The Best Air Purifiers for Bird Owners

Do not let your bird companion create a permanent mess in your home. The sooner you can get an air purifier for your bird, the less likelihood of developing lung damage or unsavory odors for your guests. Below is a variety of air purifiers that will work great with bird owners as they all target dander and germs as small as 3 microns, which is smaller than what the human eye is capable of seeing. Collectively, these sizes and germ eradication standards align with HEPA filter standards, the gold standard in air purifier technology. With HEPA air purifiers, your working with the best air purifiers for airborne particles like bird dander.

Winix HR900

The next gen version of the Winix 9500 Ultimate Pet Air Purifier captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants. The best air purifier to date, this hepa filter air purifier is also capable of picking up pet dander and allergens as small as 0.3 microns–much smaller than what the human eye can perceive! Not only is this air purifier great for capturing the majority of airborne pollutants, but also capturing pet odors, smoke, kitchen, and other household odors, all through the power of the Washable Advanced Odor Control (AOCTM) Carbon Filter. Plasma Wave technology will break apart odors, allergens, chemical vapors, and other pollutants at the molecular level.

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Core 300

The Core 300 creates a crisp, clean air. The Vortexair Technology inside creates smoother, stronger airflow. Purifier covers up to 219 sq. ft, with a CADR number of 230+m3/h. Like the Winix HR900, the Core 300 also captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants and can capture dander and allergens as small as 0.3 microns.  Not only does it capture the majority of air pollutants and airborne particles, but the noise level is nearly non-existent as these devices are as quiet as a mouse. The Core 300 will also last much longer than your average air purifier as these have an internal structure modified to avoid abrasion, which contributes wear and tear on the device, as well as the fan speed, ultimately giving you and your pet bird fresh air for months before having to replace your HEPA filter.

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HPA300

The HPA300 will cover much more space while still maintaining the same cleaning accuracy as the Core 300 and the Winix HR900.  The HPA300 also offers a turbo cleaning option, in addition to 3 other air cleaner levels. These purifying agents also remove allergens and odors, while also capturing germs. With 5 circulations per hour in the above-mentioned room size, you can breathe easy knowing the air in your Is germ and odor-free. Keep your air quality fresh and your breathing easy with the HPA300.

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MA-40

The MA-40 is an official medical-grade purifying agent, and higher rated than the true HEPA filters. The MA-40 quadruples the reach of the HPA300 at 1,600 sq. ft. per hour, which is perfect for large rooms. This purifier also comes with options to reduce possible noise levels via the ionizer. Featuring a tempered glass panel, these purifiers won’t scratch like cheap plastic models and will last you a very long time. Additional features include child lock, night mode, and an 8-hr. timer.

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AC5250PT

Captures 99.97 percent of allergens, including pet dander, and comes with a pet pure. A pet pure is an anti-microbial agent used for purifying the growth of mold. By adding the pet pure to your filter, you can effectively limit mold growth in your environment. The charcoal filter, powered by activated carbon, reduces common odor from pets, especially pet birds. Optional UV C light technology works to kill airborne bacteria, allergens, viruses, germs, and mold spores, all with the help of titanium dioxide. Standing at 28 inches tall, the purifier is best for rooms of 180 square feet, ideal for your bird room. The Ac350PT circulates about 4 times per hour. Filters need to be replaced every 6 to 8 months to maintain optimal air quality.

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There are many uses for air purifiers that stretch beyond keeping bird dander at bay and maintaining bird dust. At Skyonic, we produce high quality and researched information on all things air purifiers and clean air. We offer up to date events on why air purifiers are rising in popularity to which purifiers are the best and why.  Air purifiers are great for maintaining a crisp, pristine household with pets inside, but they have several other use cases and can benefit just about anyone.