Allergies and asthma can be hard to deal with, especially when it seems like most triggers are in your own home. It can seem as if no matter how much or often you clean, the triggers are still there.
Luckily, having an air purifier can help to reduce or even eliminate common allergens such as pollen and dust. But to get the best bang for your buck, you need the best air purifier for allergies and asthma.
We’ve spent hours researching real customer reviews and expert advice to round up our five favorites. To conclude our choices, we looked at air purifier’s filtration system, room coverage, construction, purpose, and decibel rating.
- Removes 99.97 % of air pollutants
- Different modes for different needs
- Filter replacement indicator
- Unique structure draws in air from all sides
- Three-stage filtration
- Quiet sleep mode
- Compact design
- Efficient 360-degree air intake
- One-button operation
- HyperHEPA filter
- Programmable operation
- Seals impurities
- Cleans air quickly
- Turbo clean setting
- Easy maintenance and replacement alerts
Product Reviews
Having the right air purifier can help eliminate allergens from your living space, but choosing wisely is essential. We researched the best air purifiers for allergies and asthma to find our top five. Our expert team weighed in on each purifier to ensure it’s effective and safe to use.
Check out these amazing air purifiers.
Renpho Air Purifier for Allergies
Best Five-Stage Filtration Air Purifier
For large rooms, we highly recommend this air purifier from Renpho. It’s fitted with a five-stage filtration system and a True HEPA filter.
Its filters capture allergens and asthma triggers, and you won’t have to deal with them anymore. You can also use this unit during the night for a peaceful sleep. It’s very quiet and even features a sleep mode.
You can set the timer to shut the unit off automatically when needed to save energy. If you have young exploring children, set the unit to child lock mode to protect your clean air from curious fingers.
What We Like
Removes 99.97 % Of Airborne Pollutants
The five-stage filtration with a True HEPA filter effectively removes 99.97 percent of all allergens as small as 0.3 micrometers. The pre-filter will remove larger particles of dust, pollen, and hair, while the HEPA filter will capture the smallest particles.
Certain odors can also trigger reactions, whether small or big. Thankfully, the activated charcoal filter will absorb smoke, pet odors, cooking, and chemical smells.
Different Modes for Different Needs
This Renpho air purifier features multiple modes to suit your needs. The auto mode has a built-in smart air quality sensor. This will monitor the quality of the air and adjust the fan accordingly. You can check the air quality using the changing light on the panel.
Set the unit to sleep mode to get a good night’s sleep. The fan will work ultra-quietly at 28 decibels so that you can sleep in peace.
Filter Replacement Indicator
For most air purifiers, the manufacturer recommends a filter replacement after several months. However, this isn’t always correct, as usage and air quality play significant roles in the lifespan of a filter.
This unit, though, will warn you when it’s time to replace each filter. Look at the appropriate light indicator to see which filter needs to be replaced. This smart feature ensures that your air purifier is working at all times.
Child-Safety Mode
This unit has a child-safety mode, so your little ones can’t press buttons and change settings. This is a bonus for parents.
What We Don't Like
High Fan Is Noisy
Although sleep mode is as quiet as a whisper, you’ll definitely hear it when the unit is on high. This has been a common complaint among customers.
You Might Need to Replace Filters Often
This machine might alert you to change the filters every 1-2 months. This is a bit excessive but sometimes necessary.
Product Specs
| Filtration Stages | Five-stage |
| Room Size | 356 square feet |
| Unit Size | 13.98 x 8.11 x 20.87 inches |
| Warranty | One-year warranty |
| Decibels | 28 decibels |
Our Ratings
Levoit Energy Star Air Purifier
Best Energy Saver
If you’re looking to purify your air while saving energy, this is for you. This air purifier by Levoit is certified by Energy Star and uses only 33 watts.
Choose between three fan speeds to suit your air quality. This air purifier uses a tower structure with 360-degree filtration instead of flat filters.
It’s sleek and can easily be placed on the floor next to a sofa or table without looking out of place. You also get multiple smart features such as sleep mode and a filter replacement indicator.
What We Like
Unique Structure Draws In Air From All Sides
While most air purifiers use flat filters that only clean air coming in from one side, this is different. The towering structure draws air in from every side and angle. Due to the round build, the filter works from all sides to give you optimal results.
Three-Stage Filtration System
The three-stage filtration includes a fine preliminary filter that captures large particles such as hair and lint. As the air travels further through the unit, it comes to the True HEPA filter. Here, the unit will remove particles as small as 0.3 micrometers.
Certain odors can also trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks. So the activated charcoal filter effectively absorbs irritating odors such as smoke and chemicals.
Quiet Sleep Mode At 25 Decibels
When it’s time to hit the bed, create a peaceful and clean atmosphere by activating sleep mode. The fan will turn down to a low speed where it only produces 25 decibels of noise — similar to a whisper.
If you want to save some energy, set the timer to turn the unit off after your desired hour. You can set the timer between one and 12 hours.
Filter Replacement Indicator
When it’s time for a filter replacement, the filter indicator on the panel will let you know. This feature is important when you’re dealing with allergies or asthma because it clues you in when the filter isn’t working anymore.
What We Don't Like
Can’t Fully Remove Smoke Odor
Although the filter removes most odors, strong cigarette smells seem difficult to remove entirely. A few customers still noticed a lingering smoke odor.
Hard to Find Replacement Filters
Air purifiers require a bit of upkeep, especially on the filter front. You need to replace your filters regularly. When these filters are hard to find, it’s a hassle. Plus, when you do find them, they’re pretty expensive.
Sensor Struggles to Detect Some Pollutants
The air sensor has a tough time detecting certain pollutants, especially that of smoke. Whether this is cigarette smoke or cannabis, the machine doesn’t always notice it’s there.
Product Specs
| Filtration Stages | Three-stage |
| Room Size | 538 square feet |
| Unit Size | 24.9 x 14.8 x 14.7 inches |
| Warranty | One-year buyer assurance |
| Decibels | 25 decibels |
Our Ratings
Koios Indoor Air Cleaner with True HEPA Filter
Best Budget Air Purifier
If you’re on a budget but need something to keep allergens and triggers at bay, this is for you. The Koios Air Purifier is a small and compact unit, perfect for small spaces such as a bedroom or office.
Despite the small size, it’s fitted with a True HEPA filter and a three-stage filtration system. It effectively removes large and tiny particles, as well as odors, from the air.
The compact purifier draws air from all sides and angles for optimal results. It’s simple to operate and looks stylish in any room. There’s no UV-C light, so you won’t have to worry about the risk of ozone production (1).
What We Like
Compact Design Fits Small Spaces
The compact design makes this purifier excellent for smaller rooms. It fits easily on a nightstand in your bedroom or nursery where your precious baby sleeps. If you’re struggling with allergy or asthma triggers at work, take the purifier with you and place it on your desk.
Efficient 360-Degree Air Intake
Because the air purifier has an air intake of 360 degrees, it’s more efficient than other units. Plus, you don’t have to place it in any specific direction to get optimal results.
The True HEPA filter will remove common allergens such as pollen and dust — and it will create a much more comfortable living atmosphere for you.
One-Button Operation
Using this air purifier is super straightforward as it only has one button. You don’t have to take out the manual whenever you need to activate it or change the settings.
Optional Nightlight
Create a cozy late-night atmosphere with the nightlight function. This is the perfect addition to any kid’s room or nursery.
What We Don't Like
Nightlight Is Bright
Although many customers like the nightlight function, it might be too bright for some. It has a glowing white/blue tone.
Replacement Filters Are Expensive
Over time, this can be a costly little machine, even though it’s budget-friendly to begin with. The replacement filters are roughly half the price of the unit itself, though!
Annoying Background Noise
While the unit is quiet, around 25 decibels, it sometimes has a buzzing noise or high-pitched whistle, which can be irritating.
Product Specs
| Filtration Stages | Three-stage |
| Room Size | 300 square feet |
| Unit Size | 5.3 x 5.3 x 7.6 inches |
| Warranty | Two-year warranty |
| Decibels | Maximum 20 decibels |
Our Ratings
IQAir Medical-Grade Air Purifier For Allergies & Asthma
Best for Large Areas
![Product Image of the IQAir [GC MultiGas Air Purifier] Medical- Grade Air [HyperHEPA Filter] - Odors, Smoke, Allergies, Pets, Asthma, Pollen, Dust, MCS, Swiss Made](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/317J4mmtU2L.jpg)
If you’re dealing with severe allergies or asthma, you need the right kind of air purifier. We highly recommend this one from IQAir, which features a HyperHEPA filter.
It removes the tiniest of particles while reducing viruses and eliminating irritating odors. This unit was made to cover large rooms and even whole floors.
The unit is equipped with a triple-seal technology to prevent any impurities from escaping the filter. The unit will evenly distribute the filtered air throughout the room so you can enjoy an allergen-free atmosphere.
What We Like
Made for Large Rooms and Areas
The powerful air purifier was made to clean the air of an area of up to 1125 square feet. After the air has been cleaned of all impurities, it’s emitted back into the room using an EvenFlow diffuser. This delivers clean air from 320 degrees without any noise or draft.
HyperHEPA Filter Technology
Severe allergies call for the most effective filter. This purifier utilizes a HyperHEPA filter that effectively removes particles as small as 0.003 microns. These impurities include allergens and viruses.
The thorough filter will ensure you have a safe place to relax and thrive in.
Programmable Operation
You can use the remote to set the air purifier to suit your needs. Set the fan speed and duration, then sit back and relax. You can also check the filter’s life by pressing the appropriate button on the remote. A light indicator on the unit will show you if the filter needs to be replaced.
Seals Impurities and Prevents Air Leakage
The air purifier is fitted with a 3D UltraSeal that seals everything inside the unit. When the air is drawn in, it doesn’t escape impure. This is down to the triple-sealing technology, which provides an airtight closure.
What We Don't Like
Cumbersome Large Unit
If you’re looking for a small unit for your bedside table, this isn’t for you. The IQAir is large and cumbersome and will take up a significant amount of space. Fortunately, it’s equipped with four wheels to help you move it to the right location.
Might Emit Bad Odor
Some customers noted that this unit emitted a bad odor. Thankfully, the customer service is excellent, and a replacement filter works well to prevent the smell.
Difficult to Replace the Filters
The filters are pricey, and when they arrive, they’re pretty tricky to get into the unit. The unit is clunky and hard to open.
Product Specs
| Filtration Stages | Three-stage |
| Room Size | 1125 square feet |
| Unit Size | 16 x 15 x 28 inches |
| Warranty | One-year warranty (longer if you register online) |
| Decibels | 44 decibels |
Our Ratings
Honeywell Allergen Remover with True HEPA
Best for Medium-Sized Rooms
We recommend this air purifier from Honeywell for medium rooms of up to 465 square feet. Although it’s a large unit, it’s highly effective and made to remove allergens.
You get three levels of air purification to choose between, depending on the room. The filter includes a True HEPA filter that removes up to 99.97 percent of airborne particles.
Maintaining the Honeywell purifier is fuss-free, and the filters are long-lasting. A light indicator will let you know when it’s time for a replacement, so you don’t have to guess.
What We Like
Cleans Air Quickly Five Times per Hour
You get to enjoy cleaner air fast as the unit filters the air up to five times an hour.
Polluted air goes through a pre-filter that removes larger dust, hair, and pollen particles.
The activated charcoal filter effectively absorbs odors, gases, and vapors, while the True HEPA filter removes tiny particles of allergens. Finally, clean air is emitted from the top of the unit, directly into your living space.
Turbo Clean Setting for Polluted Air
When you feel like your air is too polluted, activate the Turbo Clean. In this setting, the unit will work even faster and more efficiently at removing allergens so you can get back to enjoying your day.
Easy Maintenance With Filter Replacement Alerts
Honeywell recommends that you replace the pre-filter every three months. The True HEPA filter needs to be replaced once a year. The unit will alert you to make it easier to know when a replacement is needed.
Carbon Filter Reduces Odors
You will love this unit if odors are an issue in your home. The genuine Honeywell Enhanced Pre-Filters capture VOCs and odors, including cooking smells, pet smells, and trash fumes.
What We Don't Like
Pricey Replacement Filters
Unfortunately, the replacement filters are quite pricey. This was a common complaint by several customers who found the unit too expensive in the long run.
No Air Quality Sensor
An air quality sensor is one of the best features of an air purifier. Unfortunately, this unit does not include one.
Loud, High-Pitched Fan
This unit is pretty loud. Not only that, but it’s an irritating high-pitched noise that quickly gets on customers’ nerves. Thankfully, this doesn’t happen right away, and most people get about a year of use out of it before it makes this noise. Regular maintenance and filter replacement helps.
Product Specs
| Filtration Stages | Two-stage |
| Room Size | 465 square feet |
| Unit Size | 13.5 x 8.9 x 13.9 inches |
| Warranty | Five-year warranty |
| Decibels | Maximum 66 decibels |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Filtration Stages | Room Size | Unit Size | Warranty | Decibels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renpho Air Purifier | Five-Stage Filtration Air Purifier | 5-stage | 356 sq ft | 13.98 x 8.11 x 20.87″ | 1-year | 28 dB |
| Levoit Energy Star Air Purifier | Energy Saver | 3-stage | 538 sq ft | 24.9 x 14.8 x 14.7″ | 1-year | 25 dB |
| Koios Indoor Air Cleaner | Budget Air Purifier | 3-stage | 300 sq ft | 5.3 x 5.3 x 7.6″ | 2-year | 20 dB |
| IQAir Medical-Grade Air Purifier | Large Areas | 3-stage | 1125 sq ft | 16 x 15 x 28″ | 1-year | 44 dB |
| Honeywell Allergen Remover | Medium-Sized Rooms | 2-stage | 465 sq ft | 13.5 x 8.9 x 13.9″ | 5-year | 66 dB |
Why Use an Air Purifier?
The tricky thing about most allergens is that their particles are so tiny that we can’t see them. This is why it’s difficult to remove them all when cleaning. It can also be hard to know which specific allergen is causing your reaction.
Common allergens found in a household include but are not limited to:
- Mold and mildew
- Pet dander
- Dust and dust mites
- Pollen
- Volatile organic compounds
- Insects
Indoor allergens tend to float around and eventually settle on different surfaces such as the carpet or bed covers. Once they settle, whenever you walk across the rug or lay down on the bed, you’ll be exposed. The settled allergens are sent back into the air that you breathe.
Cooking can also release large particles that can set off food allergies. However, it isn’t the smell; it’s the proteins that are released (2).
Allergies may also manifest as sensitivity towards chemicals such as perfumes and cleaners. The symptoms include nausea, asthma attacks, headaches, dizziness, and even heart palpitations (3).
An air purifier will help to remove these allergens and triggers before you get a chance to inhale them.
Choosing an Air Purifier for Allergies and Asthma
Most air purifiers are marketed toward allergens, odors, smoke, and mold. However, just mentioning allergen removal might not be enough in your case. Here are a few essential things to look for:
True HEPA Filter
Many air purifiers are fitted with a multi-stage filtration system. These usually include a HEPA filter, which captures almost all airborne pollutants.
However, there are different types of HEPA filters. Some of these are HEPA-grade, HEPA-type, True HEPA, and Hyper HEPA or Medical HEPA. For the specific use of removing allergens from the air, a True HEPA filter is a must.
This filter will remove up to 99.97 to 99.99 percent of airborne particles (4). It captures everything, including fine dust particles, dust mites, and pet dander. A good pre-filter is also crucial as this will capture larger particles such as pollen, hair, and dust.
Activated Charcoal or Carbon Filter
An activated charcoal filter is necessary if you’re finding your allergies or asthma aggravated by specific odors. This filter absorbs odors such as smoke, cooking, and even aromas caused by chemical cleaners.
Volatile organic compounds are domestic pollutants in common household cleaners, sprays, and other products. These can cause asthmatic and allergic reactions, as well. Activated carbon filters will also absorb VOCs and remove them from your environment.
These activated charcoal or carbon filters are also commonly used in water filtration systems. They can remove particles that range between 0.5 and 50 microns (5).
As effective as these filters are, they also require replacement more frequently than HEPA filters. Most air purifier manufacturers recommend replacing them every three to six months. In comparison, HEPA filters can last six months to a year, depending on the size and air quality.
Avoid Ionizers
Some air purifiers are called ionic air purifiers or ionizers. These tend to be more affordable than air purifiers.
Ionizers use electricity to create negative ions that are released into the air. The negative ions bond with positive ions, such as dust. When the two bond, they become too heavy to float in the air and drop to the closest surface (6).
You might think the air purifier will remove them before they drop to the ground, but that’s not always the case. When the particles become too heavy to float, the purifier can’t draw them in.
There’s a lot of debate on whether ionizers are helpful against allergens or not. However, the problem with ionizers is that they cause allergens such as dust to linger around. When the heavy particles fall to the ground, dust and allergens cling to sofas, chairs, beds, and floors, which require additional cleaning.
Worse still, this can lead to further allergic or asthmatic reactions if you don’t remove them by cleaning.
Keep In Mind
FAQs
How Can I Make My Home Asthma Friendly?
The best way to make your home asthma-friendly is to dust and vacuum regularly. Also, ensure good airflow by installing an effective ventilation system with HEPA filters to remove the allergens that cause breathing issues.
Do Doctors Recommend Air Purifiers?
Doctors do recommend air purifiers for asthmatics because they remove harmful pollutants in the atmosphere. They trap the allergens in filters and push clean air back into the room.
Do Air Purifiers Make the Air Dry?
Air purifiers do not make the air dry because they have no means of extracting moisture. Unlike dehumidifiers, they lack a reservoir and cannot store the liquid extracted from the atmosphere.
What’s Better for AsthmHumidifier or Dehumidifier?
Knowing which is better for asthma, between a humidifier and a dehumidifier, is tricky because it depends on the asthma triggers of the individual person. Humidifiers increase the humidity levels to counteract dry air, whereas dehumidifiers remove moisture.
Is a Warm Mist or Cool Mist Humidifier Better for Asthma?
Knowing which is better between a warm or cool mist humidifier depends on the individual asthma sufferer. If you are comfortable breathing sauna-like air, choose a warm mist model. If you can’t breathe warm moist air, try using a cool mist humidifier.
