Allergy Air Purifiers

Buying a portable HEPA air purifier can be a confusing process when you're not sure what you're looking for. After all, we're not born knowing the ins and outs of HEPA filters, activated carbon filters or electrostatic precipitators, and the market is crowded with different air purifier technologies – not to mention all the various brands. At AllergyAirPurifiers.com, we're committed to providing world-class air cleaners and superior-quality filtration systems. But that's not all we do. We also strive to make sure our customers know what they're buying.

When you're shopping for an air purifier, a HEPA filter (or High Efficiency Particulate Air filter) should be considered the minimum requirement. HEPA filters will capture an array of particles, including pollen, ragweed, dust, pet dander, smoke and more. As far as air-cleaning technologies go, nothing comes more highly recommended by doctors to capture small airborne particles. Not every doctor knows this, however: while all HEPA filters will capture particles down to 0.3 microns in size, some ultra-efficient filters go beyond even that, down to 0.1 microns.

Where can we find particulate matter below 0.3 microns in size? Wood burning fires can produce it, and you'll also find it in cigarette and cigar smoke, vehicle exhaust, and various other indoor contaminants. Tiny particles like this cause the most damage to our respiratory systems. We recommend a filter system that captures particles down to 0.1 microns in size, but at the very least, an air cleaner that captures particles at the true HEPA standard of 0.3 microns is still considered good.

But what about the pre-filters and activated carbon filters that are commonly seen in high-end air cleaners? Well, these are two filters that are also worth having as part of a complete filtration system.

Pre-filters stop large particles like hair and dust from clogging the HEPA filter. Most often, a pre-filter is a separate unit that fits onto the air purifier, but if you examine a few models, occasionally you'll see a thin layer of tightly woven fibrous material attached directly to the HEPA filter. That's a pre-filter as well. But whatever form they take, their function is the same: to extend the life of the HEPA filter while also keeping the particle capture efficiency at a high level.

The other filter you'll often find in the kinds of high-performance air cleaners that are offered by allergy specialty stores is the activated carbon filter. This filter is sometimes combined with the HEPA filter (as seen in Austin Air Systems products and Blueair’s SmokeStop edition), but it can also be a completely separate filter. Both types are fine. The important thing to note is whether it’s sprayed-on activated carbon or if it’s the longer-lasting and more effective granular version. Sprayed-on carbon filters look like thin, fibrous filters and are usually black in color. That's the sprayed-on activated carbon.

Granular charcoal filters, on the other hand, contain pellets or little pieces of activated carbon, and the increased surface area helps to better trap odors, volatile organic compounds, smoke, household chemicals and paint fumes. People who deal with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) can greatly benefit from an air purifier that contains a healthy amount of activated carbon.

The main thing to keep in mind with activated carbon filters is that they’re not all created alike. Sprayed-on carbon filters, as well as air cleaners containing 1 pound of carbon or less, should be used for mild odors and smaller jobs where chemicals and smoke are not as much of an issue. For above-average reduction in chemicals and gases, look for air cleaners with activated carbon filters weighing between 3-15 pounds, depending on the severity of the problem.

So, now that you know the basics of air purification technology, you're better equipped to decide which system is right for you. Start by thinking about your environment and your specific health needs. Consider what types of contaminants might be present. Finally, consider the size of the room you wish to clean. All of the systems available through AllergyAirPurifiers.com are rated for square footage based on 4-6 air changes. That makes it easy to find the model that's right for your environment, the one that can perform enough air changes per hour to get the job done. Good luck, and happy breathing!