Best Air Purifier for Allergies

If you suffer from allergies, you know how valuable an air purifier can be in your home. Whether you want a personal air purifier you can keep by your bed as you sleep or home air purifiers that clean the air throughout different rooms, you can buy air purifiers that remove dust, pet dander, pollen and other allergens with just a few tips. Read on to learn about the best air purifiers for allergies.

Air Purifiers for Allergies:

1. Look for a HEPA air purifier. For severe allergies, you'll want to look for an air purifier that features a high-efficiency particle arrester, or HEPA, filter. HEPA air purifiers are designed to catch allergens and air particles that can cause health problems. While the filters in HEPA air purifiers usually last for two to three years, you will need to replace them more frequently if they smell musty or if you live in a particularly dusty environment. Even the best air purifier can become clogged with dust and dirt after a few months. If you're short on space, buy a tower air purifier with a HEPA filter; its tall, narrow shape can easily fit into any room. Find a tower air purifier with a carbon filter to eliminate odors, too.

2. Buy an ionic air purifier. High voltage is used to ionize, or electrically charge, air particles in an ionic air purifier. Once these air purifiers for allergies have emitted a positive charge, allergens in the air cling to the negatively charged plates and become trapped; purified air is then circulated back into the room. Research has shown that high concentrations of negative ions, which are produced by an ionic air purifier, can be an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder, which affects many people during the winter months. Check with your doctor if you suffer from this disorder so you can find the best air purifier that works for you.

3. Find a personal air purifier. If you want to buy air purifiers that are more portable and effective for just one room, buy a personal air purifier. This compact allergy air purifier can be placed on a dresser or nightstand and removes dust and odors from the air with a carbon filter. Some of these home air purifiers also feature UV germicidal lights that kill bacteria and are safe for use in children's bedrooms. Those who need a stronger allergy air purifier might want to buy air purifiers they can wear around their necks; these devices emit negative ions that keep allergens away.