Air irritants are the biggest enemies of asthma sufferers. These pollutants can trigger an attack, which can potentially put the life of an asthmatic person at risk. About 25 million Americans deal with this problem, so the best air purifiers for asthma sufferers will be a big help. This device will eliminate irritants in the air notorious for asthma attacks.
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In this post, I reviewed eight air purifiers tried and tested to help with respiratory problems. See which one matches your needs at home:
Asthma is a respiratory condition where a person’s airway becomes narrow and swollen. The airway will also produce extra mucus that will make breathing harder.
Take note that the intensity of asthma varies per affected person. Some can live their day-to-day lives without experiencing major impediments due to asthma. However, some will experience life-threatening effects and would have to change their lifestyle to avoid attacks.
Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. The most common are chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and trouble sleeping. Worse cases may suffer from more adverse breathing problems that require quick-relief inhalers frequently.
When it comes to asthma triggers, the following are some of the pollutants asthmatic individuals should be careful about:
Dust mites
Tobacco smoke
Pollens
Pet dander
Mold spores
Outdoor pollution
Off-gassing of cleaning agents
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for asthma. Many sufferers also notice that their asthma becomes worse as they age. As we age, our immune system becomes weaker and more susceptible to pollutants. However, some asthmatic individuals experience relief from asthma over the years.
Risk factors to asthma
Also, there are risk factors associated with asthma. The following are some of the factors that will affect the severity or likelihood of developing asthma:
Family history. If one parent has asthma, the chance of having the same condition is up to six times higher than healthy counterparts. If both the parents have asthma, the risk level for their child doubles.
Smoking. Smokers are observed to have a higher risk of developing asthma and other life-threatening respiratory problems. Secondhand smoking is also a risk factor. This means you can still develop asthma if you don’t smoke, but the people around you do.
Pollution exposure. A person exposed to high levels of pollution for long periods is more likely to develop asthma than those living with fresh air. Usually, this risk factor is observed in the workplace, where workers can be exposed to various chemicals and off-gassing. Your home can also be the culprit.
Obesity. Both adults and children who are obese/overweight have a heightened risk of asthma. Experts suggest that this could be due to the low-grade inflammation that the body experiences under excess weight. However, it could also be the medications prescribed to obese individuals due to other health problems.
Will an air purifier help asthma?
In an indoor setting, all of these can be reduced by using an air purifier. While this device isn’t the only solution, it will make a big difference in terms of reducing allergy attacks.
Overall, there are mixed opinions about the efficacy of air purifiers in reducing asthma attacks. Still, a 2018 study published in the European Respiratory Journal concluded that air purifiers are a big help in alleviating asthma among children.
Overall, the benefit of air purifiers on asthmatic individuals depends on the unit’s airflow rate and filter type. The location of the air purifier at home is also a determinant of how well it can remove particulates in the air. Most of all, the pollution level in your home and your sensitivity level are also at play here.
8 Best Air Purifiers For Asthma Sufferers
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: Honeywell HPA300 Air Purifier
Product Name: Honeywell HPA300 Air Purifier
Product Description: If you’re looking for the best air purifiers for asthma sufferers, the Honeywell HPA300 is one of the best options. It’s made for large rooms with floor areas of up to 465 sq. ft.
Inside this air purifier, there’s a HEPA filter that can trap up to 0.3 microns of air particulates. There’s also an activated carbon pre-filter that will neutralize odors and smoke. Overall, this is rated for dust, pollen, smoke, dander, mites, and mold. This also helps in reducing bacteria and viruses in the air.
Aside from that, the Honeywell HPA300 Air Purifier has three cleaning levels: Germ, General Clean, and Allergen. You can also use the Turbo Mode to speed up the filtration if there’s a high level of pollutants in the air. With this, you can filter the air five times per hour or 120 times a day.
Moreover, there’s a dimmer option to keep the air purifier low-key. Also, there are separate buttons to check the filter status and set the timer in 2, 4, or 8 hours.
Another thing I like about this unit is that the replacement filters are easy to come by. Honeywell sells them in multi-packs, which is a big money-saver.
On the downside, this air purifier is slightly noisier than the other units I’ve had before. Other than that, this is a well-made unit that will surely help those with asthma.
Pros
3 cleaning levels + Turbo Mode
Suitable for large rooms
Small footprint
Cons
Slightly noisier than other units
RUNNERS-UP
Coway AP-1512H Air Purifier
Aside from that, this air purifier has three fan speeds that you can set up manually. There’s also an auto mode that adjusts the fan speed based on the pollution level. If the purifier doesn’t detect any pollution for 30 minutes, it will automatically switch to Eco mode.
Moreover, the Coway AP-1512H Air Purifier has a Vital Ion System that utilizes a bipolar device. It will produce electrochemical reactions that will release into the air. This will neutralize airborne bacteria and viruses, which is added protection for asthmatic individuals.
Another air purifier I recommend is the Coway AP-1512H. This unit is suitable for rooms up to 361 sq. ft. in size. It also has a CADR of 246 for dust, 233 for smoke, and 246 for pollen (cubic feet). Paired with a small footprint and sleek design, this air purifier isn’t just helpful for asthma but also an aesthetic addition to your home.
This air purifier has a 4-stage filtration system that uses a HEPA filter, a carbon filter, and a pre-filter. There are indicator lights on the control panel that will illuminate once it’s time to replace either the HEPA or carbon filters. Meanwhile, the pre-filter can be washed.
I like that this unit has a pollution indicator as well as a filter lifetime indicator. You’ll also enjoy a timer that can be set in 1, 4, and 8-hour periods.
If there’s one thing that needs improvement on this Coway unit, it would be their manual. I hope they can be more specific on the modes.
Do you have a small room? The Pure Enrichment PureZone Air Purifier is an excellent choice to reduce asthma attacks. Like the one from Coway, this unit boasts a 4-stage filtration that can remove dander, pollens, dust, smoke, and household odors.
Aside from that, this air purifier is equipped with a medical-grade HEPA filter, an activated carbon pre-filter, an ionizer, and a UV-C light. All of this helps trap particulates and neutralize pathogens in the air to reduce asthma symptoms.
Moreover, this unit has a smart air quality sensor that will automatically adjust the filtration based on the pollution level. There’s also a color-coded pollution indicator to let asthmatic users know if the indoor air is filled with irritants.
The Pure Enrichment PureZone Air Purifier also has three timer settings and an auto mode. Overall, this has a CADR of 120 CFM that can remove major irritants in the air.
I also like the easy-lift handle design of this air purifier that makes it easy to move around the house. The device is also covered by a 5-year warranty to protect your purchase.
From combatting seasonal allergies to reducing asthma symptoms, this reasonably priced air purifier is truly for the money.
I just wish they can do something about the high-pitched sound the unit emits. If you’re noise-sensitive, this can be an issue. But other than that, this air purifier works well in reducing irritants that could cause asthma attacks.
Pros
Equipped with a medical-grade HEPA filter
Built with UV-C light for disinfection
Easy to move around the house
Cons
There’s a high-pitched sound that can be annoying for some users.
If you’re looking for a compact air purifier that can cover a 185 sq. ft. room, you’ll never go wrong with the Blueair Blue Pure 411+. This unit boasts of the HEPASilent filtration technology with the same efficiency as a True HEPA but with less noise and lower energy consumption.
Aside from that, the Blueair Blue Pure 411+ has an activated carbon filter that will neutralize odors and smoke. Overall, such filtration can remove 99.97% of airborne irritants, which is heaven-sent for asthma sufferers.
Moreover, this air purifier has one of the quietest operations, which isn’t surprising for its patented technology. It only emits 17 dB of whisper-quiet sound at normal settings. For higher fan speeds, the noise level is still tolerable at 46 dB. If you have an asthmatic child, this is an excellent option.
In addition, this is an ENERGY STAR-rated air purifier. With this, the air purifier uses less than the power consumption of a 10-watt LED lightbulb. That’s a big money-saver, especially if you’re running the unit non-stop.
The Blueair Blue Pure 411+ is available in six pre-filter color options, which also adds an aesthetic touch to its appearance. It’s available in black, blue, gray, yellow, pink, and red.
The only downside I see is the bright light it emits. The solution is easy, though: a milk jug cap that fits nicely on the circular slot on top.
The Kokofit KJ-510B HEPA Air Purifier is made for large rooms up to 800 sq. ft. in floor area. It boasts a mechanical H13 True HEPA filter paired with a pre-filter and activated carbon filter. All of these will trap irritants that could trigger asthma attacks.
Aside from that, this has a CADR of 320 CFM, which can clean 1,600 sq. ft. of floor area in an hour and 800 sq. ft. in 30 minutes. The air coming out of it smells fresh, even if you’re filtering out cooking odors.
I also like the intelligent monitoring system of this air purifier that uses infrared technology to detect pollution levels. This will trigger the auto mode that will adjust the fan levels and color indicator for optimal air filtration.
Moreover, this air purifier has a filter change reminder to let you know when the HEPA and carbon filters need replacements. Kokofit sells the replacement, so it should be easy to get by.
Also, this unit is relatively quiet, though it’s understandable that the highest setting would yield higher noise levels. Still, it remains tolerable for most users.
The only gripe I have over this air purifier is that the filter is replaced from the bottom. Anyway, it’s just a minor inconvenience I can live with, considering the filtration performance of this air purifier.
If you have the extra budget, I highly recommend that you invest in the Rabbit Air BioGS SPA-625AW 2.0 Air Purifier. This is suitable for room sizes of up to 625 sq. ft. It can filter the air twice per hour using the highest setting so that you won’t suffer from asthma attacks indoors.
This unit sports Rabbit Air’s proprietary BioGS HEPA filtration system that uses four stages of purification. It’s made of a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter that will last for three years of 12-hour use.
Overall, the Rabbit Air BioGS SPA-625AW 2.0 Air Purifier works well in removing smoke, dust, dander, pollens, bacterial, VOCs, and more from your indoor air. It’s truly worth the splurge if you want to prevent asthma symptoms.
Moreover, this air purifier is equipped with a quiet BLDC motor you can operate in five settings. The noise level is tolerable even for toddlers who have asthma.
I also want to emphasize that this air purifier has a very sleek design. It has a white color with interface lights that disappear during idle periods. There’s also a childproof feature that stops the unit from working if someone removes the front panel.
Your purchase of this air purifier is backed by 24/7 lifetime technical support and a 5-year warranty. This is also ENERGY STAR-rated to reduce energy consumption.
Pros
BioGS HEPA filtration system
Quiet BLDC motor
Sleek and childproof design
Cons
I noticed that the lights are really bright, which may not be a good choice for nurseries.
Now, if budget isn’t an issue, my top-dollar recommendation is the Coway Airmega 300. This is designed for massive rooms of up to 1,256 sq. ft. in size.
It’s equipped with Coway’s Airmega Max2 filter, which is basically a combination of a True HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter. All of these can capture up to 0.3 microns of particulates or a total of 99.97% of all airborne irritants.
Moreover, this unit has a built-in pollution sensor that works in conjunction with the auto mode. This way, the air purifier will automatically adjust the filtration level. There’s also a LED ring light that changes its color based on the pollution level of your home.
In addition, this Coway unit has five fan modes that you can adjust from smart, sleep, low, medium, to high. The noise levels are proportionately louder at high settings, but it remains tolerable below medium fan mode.
Aside from that, this unit comes with a filter lifetime indicator for on-time replacements. This will prevent recirculation of the irritants that could trigger asthma attacks.
Lastly, I like the stable and aesthetic design that’s elevated from the floor. It blends well in most home settings and has a considerably small footprint. I just wish they work well for cooking odors, but it removes allergens nonetheless.
For those on a budget, my pick is the Germ Guardian AC4825E Air Purifier. This has a True HEPA filter that traps particulates as small as 0.3 microns. It’s paired with an activated charcoal filter that will neutralize malodors in your home that may trigger your asthma.
Aside from that, this air purifier has a UV-C light function that will destroy bacteria and viruses. This way, you won’t suffer from common colds and coughs that will worsen your asthma symptoms. On top of that, there’s TIO2 treatment that will remove VOCs in the air.
The Germ Guardian AC4825E Air Purifier is best used in a room not larger than 248 sq. ft. You can use this in rooms not bigger than 153 sq. f.t or less for more filtration cycles.
Moreover, this unit has a small footprint and a reliable operation. You can also adjust the fan speed in three different levels to reduce the sound at night. However, expect this to be louder than other prime units I reviewed here.
Overall, this unit is AHAM Verified and bears the ENERGY STAR seal. It’s also CARB compliant, so it doesn’t produce harmful ozone that could cause asthma attacks and other respiratory problems.
Pros
Four filtration and purification stages
Small footprint, ideal for cramped rooms
Equipped with UV-C light and TIO2 treatment
Cons
The noise level is higher but understandable for its price.
If you’re scouting for the best air purifiers for asthma sufferers, it’s important to consider the following aspects first:
✔️Capacity and airflow rate
It’s very important to match the air purifier’s capacity to the floor area of the room where you’re planning to use it.
Manufacturers often provide a floor area rating on their units, which makes it easy to choose the right one. They will also indicate a CADR or clean airflow delivery rate, which dictates how fast the air purifier can filter out specific irritants in the air. The higher the CADR, the more powerful it is against asthma triggers.
Remember that an air purifier too small for your room will not effectively remove particulates in the air. If you have asthma, I suggest investing in a top-of-the-line unit that has the right capacity.
To ensure that the suggested floor area on the label is accurate, you should look for an AHAM Verifide seal. The AHAM or Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers is a third-party tester that guarantees the performance of appliances based on the features for which it’s being marketed.
✔️Air filter type
Another thing you should check is the air filter of the unit. The best air purifiers for asthma sufferers use the following filters, which can be a combination of two or more:
True HEPA filter. This is a type of mechanical filter that can trap up to 0.3 microns of air particulates like pollens, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander. You can also find medical-grade HEPA filters that can sieve particulates as small as 0.1 microns.
Activated carbon filter. An activated carbon filter works in removing toxic gasses in the air. It’s an effective filter in removing smoke in the air, which most HEPA filters can’t successfully neutralize. This filter will also neutralize malodors to prevent irritations to those suffering from asthma.
✔️Pollutant type
It’s also crucial to consider the type of pollutant you want to remove from the air. This will let you choose the filter type that you need in an air purifier.
You should focus on the pollutants that trigger your asthma attacks. For example, if pet dander is your major trigger, you should invest in an air purifier with a powerful HEPA filter.
Some air purifiers with specialized or patented filters may cost more, but it’s just a small sacrifice for the comfort you’ll enjoy.
✔️Energy-efficient certification
A certification from ENERGY STAR is proof that the air purifier is energy-efficient. This is an important feature, especially if you’re planning to run the unit for long periods.
Take note that powerful air purifiers can also be power-hungry, so an ENERGY STAR certification will help reduce your energy costs.
✔️Noise level
For some, the noise level is a paramount consideration. This is usually an issue if infants at home are disturbed by noisy air purifiers. Also, quiet units will allow you to sleep soundly in the same room without being bothered by its operation.
Overall, it’s a bargain between power and noise level. If you need a high-capacity air purifier, you should be willing to accept a slightly higher level of noise. This is due to faster fan speeds and larger motors. Nevertheless, many brands are coming up with patented technologies that help muffle the air purifiers’ noise.
✔️Price and warranty
When it comes to the best air purifiers for asthma sufferers, cutting back on quality is the worst choice you can ever make. While there are extremely cheap air purifiers, say $30, they may not offer topnotch filtration power. In the long run, your big savings will also turn into big respiratory problems.
Self-care tips for asthma sufferers
Aside from using an air purifier, the following tips will also help asthma sufferers in managing their conditions:
Know your triggers. While any pollutant can trigger asthma attacks, every sufferer will have a varying threshold when it comes to such irritants. Therefore, it’s important to know what triggers your condition most, so you can avoid exposure. It will also help you choose the right air purifier.
Stay active. Sure thing, exhaustion can trigger asthma attacks, but it’s still crucial for sufferers to stay active. Proper exercise will keep your lungs strong, which will then reduce the risk of asthma attacks in the future. It won’t cure your condition, but it will make your body stronger.
Keep taking medications. It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s prescription to manage your asthma. Since asthma is a long-term condition, medications will help you live a normal life.
Have an action plan. Those who have been suffering from asthma for years have come up with an action plan whenever they are about to experience attacks. You should have mastered steps to take, including having a quick-relief inhaler around all the time and calling your care provider.
Prevent cough and colds. Common respiratory problems like coughs and colds can aggravate your asthma. It’s crucial to strengthen your immune system, so your body can fight infections. Also, you should wash your hands and take multivitamins that your doctor approved.
Go easy with perfume. Some asthma sufferers are sensitive to strong scents and sprays like perfumes. So before you suffer from an attack, it’s best to keep it gentle with your choice of scents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do doctors recommend air purifiers for asthma?
A: Some doctors will recommend air purifiers for asthma patients to reduce irritations and attacks. Still, you should know that air purifiers are just a complementary solution and not the sole answer to preventing asthma attacks. You still need to follow your doctor’s prescription.
Q: Is humid air bad for asthma?
A: Excessively humid air can make the indoor air quality worse. It will allow mold spores, dust, and other irritants to thrive in the air. In turn, this will also increase the risk of asthma attacks. This is why it helps a lot to use a dehumidifier in conjunction with an air purifier.
Q: Is air conditioning bad for asthmatics?
A: Air conditioning isn’t usually bad for those with asthma. However, make sure that you clean or replace the filter regularly. Also, asthma sufferers should avoid entering an air-conditioned room right away after coming from a hot place. The sudden change in temperature can trigger an asthma attack.
Q: Are ionizers bad for asthma?
A: The biggest issue with old ionizers is it produces ozone, which is bad for people with asthma. When inhaled, ozone can cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest pains, and ultimately, an asthma attack. The good thing is that modern ionizers no longer produce harmful amounts of ozone, making it safer for asthmatics.
Q: Do HEPA filters help with asthma?
A: Air purifiers with HEPA filters help eliminate airborne pollutants that could trigger asthma. Still, it’s important to replace the HEPA filter regularly to prevent the irritants from recirculating in your home. Also, you should invest in True HEPA as well as medical-grade ones that have better filtration power.
Q: Can air purifiers cause breathing problems?
A: Air purifiers are known to ease breathing problems. But if you don’t maintain or clean it well, it will soon harbor nasty dirt. The irritants trapped on the filters will recirculate and cause breathing problems. This scenario is very dangerous for asthma sufferers as the recirculated allergens can trigger attacks.
Final words
The best air purifiers for asthma sufferers are a big help in reducing irritants that could trigger attacks. While it’s not a cure, air purifiers can make breathing easier for those with respiratory problems. Just make sure that you invest in a unit with the right filter, capacity, and reliable operation.
Home Air Quality is founded by Bernard K to provide information on Indoor Air Quality in Homes and enlighten people about what they need to know about creating and maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment.
We believe that “Quality air brings a healthy life.”
