The 12 Best Air Purifiers for Allergies of 2023

Our top pick comes ready to use and has three filters to purify air.

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Best Air Purifiers for Allergies

Verywell / Chloe Jeong

Thick layers of smog are a dead giveaway that outdoor air pollution is looming over busy cities, but indoor air pollution isn’t as easy to see. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, which is concerning since people spend approximately 90% of their time inside. Fortunately, there’s something you can do about it: invest in an air purifier.

Air purifiers remove harmful and unwanted particles like allergens, viruses, bacteria, smoke, and other irritants from the air, says Purvi Parikh, MD, a New York City-based allergist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at New York University. When equipped with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, air purifiers can also help remove pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, and pollen. According to expert advice, firsthand testing, and research, a HEPA filter is a must for maximum efficiency.

Air purifiers come in a range of coverage areas, noise levels, and price points, so you’ll want to choose one with the features that work best for you. After researching dozens of models from trusted brands, we tested the top air purifiers for six months, both in The Verywell Testing Lab and in our own homes, and evaluated them based on ease of setup, design, noise level, features, effectiveness, and value. We also had an emergency medicine physician from our Medical Expert Board review the contents of this article for accuracy surrounding how airborne irritants affect the body and how these devices reduce those particles indoors.

Best Overall

Levoit Core 400S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier

4.9
Levoit Core 400S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier

Amazon

Pros
  • Night mode is extra quiet

  • Easy to set up and use

  • Lots of features

Cons
  • Highest setting is loud

If you want an air purifier that will clean the air in your home, look good in any room, and have tons of handy features, Levoit’s Core 400s is our top choice. It’s equipped with the gold standard of filters: a HEPA filter that can remove up to 99.7% of all particles 0.3 microns or smaller in the air, according to the Allergy & Asthma Network. It also has a pre-filter and activated carbon filter. While all of our choices improved the cleanliness of the air, this one was most effective at removing particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

The air purifier was so effective that we could tell the difference when it was off, and after six months, it’s still going strong. What’s more, this model has an aesthetic design and relatively small footprint. It’s equipped with features like digital display, quiet and night settings, timed shutoff, voice control, and smartphone app. The only downside we noted was that the highest setting is pretty noisy, so if you’re a light sleeper it might be best to opt for a lower setting at nighttime. 

Price at time of publication: $220

Key Specs: 
Coverage Area:
990 sq ft | Size: 10.79 x 10.79 x 20.47 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 442 m³/h | Noise Level: 24 dB

Best for Odor Control

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max Air Purifier

4.9
Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max Air Purifier

Blueair

Pros
  • Setup is easy and convenient

  • Night mode makes it easy to sleep

  • Low maintenance costs

Cons
  • Difficult to dim the lights

  • Loud on turbo mode

A good air purifier helps the air quality in ways that might even be too subtle to detect—you might just find yourself sneezing less, for instance, as it removes tiny particles from the air. However, there is one way in which an air purifier can make a very noticeable difference: the scent of a given room. The Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max was a standout in this way. During our test, we filled the space with incense and room deodorizing spray, and after the purifier operated for 30 minutes of operation, the room was noticeably less smelly. Our at-home test found that this purifier worked similarly well on smells like bacon.

This purifier is suitable for a medium-sized space, as it works in rooms up to 526 square feet in 30 minutes. The design is sleek, so it's nice to look at. We liked that the purifier can connect to an app that will tell you how clean your air is, and will also let you know when to replace the filter—but if you want a lower-tech solution, there is also a filter replacement light right on the machine. The running costs for this air purifier are also comparatively low, as the filters only need to be replaced once every six to nine months, and they cost $24. 

The machine didn’t do as great a job as some of the others we tested on pet hair, and we found that switching between the different light settings a bit tricky. It was very quiet on night setting, but the turbo mode was quite loud, to the level where it might be hard to watch TV with it in the same room. However, we like how it has four different settings, which makes it easy to toggle to the one you need.

Price at time of publication: $170

Key Specs: 
Coverage Area: 526 sq ft | Size: 18.9 x 10.6 x 10.6 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 141 m³/h | Noise Level: 24 dB

Easiest to Use

Bionaire True HEPA 360 UV Air Purifier

4.8
Bionaire True HEPA 360 UV Air Purifier

Target

Pros
  • Includes a night light

  • Intuitive to operate

  • Filter lasts a long time

Cons
  • Doesn't have an app or many bonus features

  • The higher settings can be a little loud

Many air purifiers have lots of extras, but the Bionaire True HEPA 360° UV Air Purifier has the one you really need: a true HEPA filter, which is particularly effective at eliminating particles from the air. The filter is located on the bottom, and it’s very easy to remove and replace. The filter only needs to be replaced every 8 to 12 months, which means you won’t have to deal with this very frequently—but the clear and concise user manual will help you when you do. This air purifier also has a UV light feature, which helps kill bacteria and viruses.

This machine would be great for a bedroom, as it works well in a medium-size room (up to 175 square feet in just over 12 minutes or 848 square feet in an hour). While the noise level is about the level of an ambient room on lower levels, it provides a white noise at higher levels that may get a little noisy during the day at 59 dB. It's frill-free without many special features, but it does have a night light.

So far as odor removal goes, we found this one to be effective at removing the smoke and smell from incense, but less effective against the room deodorizer spray, so we’d feel comfortable recommending this for smoky environments and scents. It did a good job of picking up pet hair, good for those with pet allergies.

Price at time of publication: $180

Key Specs:
Coverage Area:
848 sq ft | Size: 10.98 x 10.43 x 17.01 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 113 m³/h | Noise Level: 59 dB

Best for Large Spaces

Aroeve MK04 Air Purifier

4.7
Aroeve MK04 Air Purifier

Amazon

Pros
  • Light can be dimmed at night

  • Helps absorb odors

  • Compact size

Cons
  • Doesn’t filter for VOCs

  • No filter change indicator

Most professionals recommend placing multiple air purifiers throughout your home since a single air purifier can only cover a certain amount of space. Mathew Varghese, MD, FACAAI, a board-certified allergist in North Bergen, New Jersey, says it’s best to keep one air purifier in each room, especially rooms where you spend the most time. For large rooms, you’ll need an air purifier that can handle the job. 

While most air purifiers are suitable for rooms in the 400 to 600 square foot range, the Aroeve Air Purifier has an impressive coverage area of up to 1,095 square feet. This is thanks to the 360-degree air out that circulates air quickly and efficiently.

It’s easy to set up and use with a simple user interface. The touch display lets you toggle sleep mode, dim the UV light at night, and set a timer. We found these features convenient, as well as the real-time air quality indicator lights, which specify whether the current air quality is good, moderate, or poor. 

While we didn’t notice significant changes right away, its effectiveness could be seen by checking the status of the HEPA air filter six months later. The collection of dust, hair, and other pollutants present in the filter demonstrated that it definitely improved air quality. 

Price at time of publication: $180

Key Specs: 
Coverage Area:
1,095 sq ft | Size: 7.5 x 13.5 x 17.25 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: Unknown | Noise Level: 22 dB

Best for Dust

Coway Airmega 400S Smart Air Purifier

4.7
Pros
  • Eco mode saves energy

  • Alerts you when to change filters

  • Cleans air in 30 minutes

Cons
  • Large footprint

One of the main reasons to invest in an air purifier is to rid the air of dust mites. If you have allergies or asthma, dust mites can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks, per the American Lung Association, which recommends HEPA filters for trapping dust. Fortunately, the Coway Airmega 400S Air Purifier is equipped with multiple dust-trapping filters, including a pre-filter for large dust particles and HEPA filter for smaller dust particles. It also has a carbon filter to absorb odors from food, pets, and cigarettes.

When put to the test, this unit performed quite well at improving air quality on both high and low settings. After six months, we had to change the filter (the app alerts you when it’s time to do so). The air purifier comes with some standard features, including sleep mode, smartphone app, real-time air quality indicators, and filter indicators. A couple of features that set it apart include eco mode, which conserves energy by shutting off when the air is clean and turning back on when it detects pollutants. It also has a large coverage area and works quickly—in 30 minutes it cleans the air in up to 1,560 square feet of space.

Price at time of publication: $458

Key Specs: 
Coverage Area:
1,560 sq ft | Size: 14.8 x 14.8 x 22.8 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: Unknown | Noise Level: Unknown

Best for Monitoring Air Quality

Mila Air Purifier with Basic Breather Filter

4.6
Mila Air Purifier with Basic Breather Filter

Amazon

Pros
  • Attractive design

  • Smart features

  • Carbon monoxide sensor

Cons
  • One of the louder models we tested

  • No filter replacement alert

While some smart air purifiers have buggy apps, this one doesn’t. Extra features like deep clean, sleep mode, scheduling, and energy saving mode make it intuitive and effective.

The app also gives you detailed insights into the current air quality of your home. If you love data, you’ll appreciate the real-time reports that are always available on the app. Almost everything is done through the app. It has a basic touch interface on the unit itself, which may be a downside for some who prefer to adjust the settings with the click of a button. If you like smart, tech-savvy devices throughout your home, you’ll like this one. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Though it’s advertised as a quieter option, our tests said otherwise. It reached 86 decibels on the highest setting, one of the highest we found in our testing. On the bright side, the higher settings also meant better cleaning in less time. On the quietest setting (sleep mode), we didn’t notice any noise at all.

Price at time of publication: $408 

Key Specs: 
Coverage Area:
1,000 sq ft | Size: 12 x 12 x 15 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 447 m3/hr | Noise Level: 24 dB

Best Humidifier Combo

Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde PH04

4.7
Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde PH04

Dyson

Pros
  • Modern design

  • Detects formaldehyde

  • Operate using app or remote

Cons
  • Small coverage area

You may be familiar with Dyson’s vacuum and hair drying products, but the top-rated brand also makes quality air purifiers. This model triples as a humidifier and fan, though we only tested its air cleaning potential, which checked out. It was especially effective at combating pet dander.  

If you’re looking for an air purifier with all the bells and whistles, the Dyson Purifier is it. It has an attractive modern design and plenty of smart features. You can control it and view reports from the app, though it’s also equipped with a remote control. It uses a HEPA filter to trap particles, but also has a carbon filter for odor control. We found it easy to set up and use and noted it was just as effective after running 24/7 for six months as it was on day one.

While having a humidifier is a nice touch, allergy experts say to use it sparingly. Dust mites and mold thrive in moist environments, which can worsen allergy symptoms, according to the AAAAI.

Price at time of publication: $920 

Key Specs: 
Coverage Area:
400 sq ft | Size: 36.33 x 11.02 x 12.23 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: Unknown | Noise Level: Unknown

Best Quiet

Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 Ultra Quiet Air Purifier

4.7
Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 Ultra Quiet Air Purifier

Amazon

Pros
  • Equipped with a carbon filter

  • Energy efficient

  • Award-winning design

Cons
  • No smart features

  • Not as effective as others we tested

A quiet air purifier is hard to come by, but this one by Rabbit Air is up for the job. Even on its highest setting, this model had a noise level of 56.1 decibels, which we found to be minimal. On its lowest setting, it was virtually silent.

For those with pets, it has the added bonus of collecting pet dander and deodorizing smells. After one day, we noticed a significant decrease in the common musty basement smell. This is likely due to the carbon filter, though it’s also equipped with a washable pre-filter and replaceable HEPA filter for trapping allergens. 

If you’re looking for a quiet air purifier or one that neutralizes odors, this is a solid option, but it was slightly less effective than some others during our lab testing. Still, we were pleased with how it performed in a real home setting, especially given how quiet it runs.

Price at time of publication: $370 

Key Specs: 
Coverage Area:
550 sq ft | Size: 9.8 x 16.6 x 22.2 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: Unknown | Noise Level: 22.8 dB

Best Portable

Koios Air Purifier

KOIOS Air Purifier

Amazon

Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Simple one-button operation

  • Multiple timer settings

Cons
  • Low coverage area

  • Low CADR

  • Lacks some features

An air purifier doesn’t need a ton of smart features to do what it’s designed to do: clean the air in your home. And this one does just that. It’s small and simple, so it’s easy to use and move around, but it doesn’t slack on its one job. During our lab testing, this unit effectively cleaned the air, bringing it to good levels in 10 minutes. Like some of the pricier models, it has a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and carbon filter to remove indoor pollutants and smells.

Despite its advantages, it’s not powerful enough for large bedrooms or living spaces. It could work in small offices or nurseries that are 215 square feet or less. For the price, it’s definitely worth it. We also love that it’s not super loud and makes the air feel and smell cleaner in small spaces.

Price at time of publication: $74

Key Specs: 
Coverage Area:
215 sq ft | Size: 6.3 x 6.3 x 10 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 80 m3/hr | Noise Level: 16 dB

Best for Smoke

Bissell air400 Air Purifier

4.8
Bissell air400 Professional Air Purifier TP07

Amazon

Pros
  • Digital display is easy to use

  • Filter change indicator

  • Automatic night mode

Cons
  • Large footprint

  • Has a light that doesn’t fully shut off

Wildfire and cigarette smoke are a significant source of VOCs, which can negatively impact your health. If you live in an area with frequent wildfires or secondhand smoke, investing in an air purifier that effectively removes VOCs may be a good idea. Not all purifiers remove VOCs, but this one from Bissell does. During our lab test, it effectively lowered both PM and VOC levels.

It has some other features going for it, too. As expected, its highest setting is very loud, but it’s pretty much silent on night mode. It has a three-layer filtration system, easy-to-use interface, and filter change indicator, so it’s on par with some of our pricier picks. In terms of coverage area, it’s recommended for 485-square-foot rooms, though it can handle spaces up to 2,347 square feet. 

However, it’s not without some drawbacks. It has a particle sensor that’s meant to be cleaned once every two weeks but can only be removed with a screwdriver, so it’s not a quick task. After six months, we also noticed a slightly more clunky sound coming from the industrial grade fan. Finally, the air quality light on the front of the unit dims during nighttime but never fully shuts off, so if you like to sleep in a pitch-black bedroom, this will give off some light.

Price at time of publication: $360

Key Specs: 
Coverage Area:
485 sq ft | Size: 9.75 x 16.13 x 24 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 279 | Noise Level: 30 dB

Best for Small Rooms

Toppin Comfy Air C2 Air Purifier

4.8
Toppin Comfy Air C2 Air Purifier

Amazon

Pros
  • Lightweight, compact, and portable

  • Sleek design

  • Touch control panel

Cons
  • Low CADR

  • One of the louder models we tested

For smaller spaces, a large air purifier isn’t necessary and would likely take up too much space. The Toppin Air Purifier fits on a desk and has a sleek, small footprint. Though it’s small, it still cleans air in spaces up to 645 square feet. During our lab testing, this small but mighty model effectively cleaned the air within minutes, making it on par with some of the larger and more expensive options on our list. It has a HEPA filter to remove allergens and a carbon filter to trap smoke and odors, which is probably why we found it particularly effective at combating cat allergies.

While you certainly don’t need a smartphone to use an air purifier, the lack of data reports left us wanting more. However, the Toppin does have some standard features, such as filter change indicator, quiet mode, and timer.

Price at time of publication: $100

Key Specs: 
Coverage Area:
645 sq ft | Size: 8 x 8 x 18 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 100 ft³/m | Noise Level: 21 dB

Best for Pet Allergies

Alen BreatheSmart 75i True HEPA Air Purifier

4.2
Alen BreatheSmart 75i True HEPA Air Purifier

Amazon

Pros
  • LED lights indicate changes in air quality

  • Suitable for large spaces

  • Long-lasting filter

Cons
  • Expensive filter replacements

Got pets? Allergies to cats and dogs affect up to 20% of the population, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, so you’re not alone if they give you the sniffles. Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter is an effective way to safeguard against pet dander circulating throughout your home, and this one from Alen is equipped with a HEPA filter specifically designed for homes with pets.

One cool and uncommon feature of this air purifier is that the LED lights indicate real-time changes in air quality. We found the lights to be insanely accurate. They picked up speed immediately when we started to cook or use hair products.

The air purifier also has a smartphone app, but it’s not necessary, since all of the features and functions are easily accessible on the control panel. 

Overall, it’s a strong choice that is suitable for large rooms, doesn’t make too much noise, and has a beautiful design. One downside is that the filter replacements are expensive. They start at $99 each and last up to 15 months before it’s time for a new replacement. There’s a filter change indicator that will let you know when it’s time for a replacement. 

Price at time of publication: $779

Key Specs: 
Coverage Area:
1,300 sq ft | Size: 27 x 18.5 x 11.5 in | Filter Type: HEPA | Clean Air Delivery Rate: 347 | Noise Level: 25 dB

How We Rated the Best Air Purifiers for Allergies

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best air purifiers for allergies we tested. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These air purifiers for allergies are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great air purifiers for allergies, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These air purifiers for allergies are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend air purifiers for allergies with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

We Also Tested

  • Molekule Air Mini+: This air purifier has a sleek and minimalist design that looks like home decor. However, we had some issues with the touch screen. It was also loud on the highest setting but not very effective on the quieter setting.
  • BLUEAIR Air Purifier: We found this model easy to set up, but it was loud and vibrated on the highest setting, making it impractical for daily use. Some of the display features didn’t work, either.
  • Coway Airmega 150(K) True HEPA Air Purifier with Air Quality Monitoring: This air purifier performed decently well during our lab testing but left us wanting more. It wasn’t super simple to set up and lacked a lot of features that other models offer.
  • GermGuardian AC4825 22” 3-in-1 True HEPA Filter Air Purifier: Unlike many we tested, this air purifier wasn’t obnoxiously loud, even on the highest setting. Since it doesn’t have a night or sleep mode, it’s not the best option for bedrooms.

How We Tested Air Purifiers for Allergies

To find the best air purifiers, we put them to the test. We chose air purifiers from trusted, top-rated brands and ensured they have HEPA filters—the gold standard for trapping indoor allergens. Then, we evaluated them in the lab based on their ease of assembly, design, noise level, special features, and effectiveness. 

To begin the testing process, we used a stopwatch to measure how long it took to set up the air purifier out of the box. All models were assembled in less than eight minutes, though some required just one minute. After assembly, we noted the attractiveness of the design as well as the size, function, and ease of use of each air purifier.

Air purifiers are notoriously loud because they are equipped with a fan to draw in and circulate air. To determine the noise level of each model, we measured the noise in decibels using a decibel meter. Fewer than 30 decibels is considered ideal. This is possible on the lowest settings (usually sleep or night mode), but higher settings can reach as many as 86 decibels in some models.

A simple air purifier can get the job done, but some special features make the experience more pleasant and convenient. We made note of any special features, such as smartphone app, filter change indicator, night mode, and others. 

The final lab test involved testing for effectiveness. We set up multiple chambers to conduct indoor air quality tests. Each chamber housed different particles, such as pet hair, mothballs, and smoke. Prior to the test, we measured the indoor air quality of each chamber to have a baseline measurement. Then, each model was tested on its lowest and highest settings for up to 10 minutes. These readings were compared to the baseline to see how each model improved the indoor air quality.

After the lab testing, we took the air purifiers home for six months. We used them nonstop and evaluated them every couple of months based on our firsthand experience. 

We also asked the following experts for their advice about which features to look for:

  • Purvi Parikh, MD, New York City-based allergist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at New York University
  • Mathew Varghese, MD, FACAAI, board-certified allergist in North Bergen, New Jersey
  • Niha Qamar, MD, a specialist in Allergy and Immunology at ENT and Allergy Associates in Fresh Meadows, New York
  • Melanie Carver, Chief Mission Officer at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)

What to Look For in an Air Purifier for Allergies

Cost 

The cost of an air purifier can vary depending on size, coverage area, and features. We found quality models at all price points usually start as low as $55 and can exceed $900. Most fell in the $130 to $649 range, averaging around $382.

Coverage Area 

When choosing an air purifier, Varghese says it’s important to make sure the product is the right size for your space. If the room size exceeds the coverage area of your air purifier, it won’t be able to perform as effectively.

For bedrooms, a coverage area of 400 square feet is plenty. For larger rooms, such as living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchen areas, you may need something more substantial. We tested air purifiers with coverage areas as small as 215 square feet and as large as 2,347 square feet. Typically, they fall in the 400 to 600 square foot range. If you have an open floor plan, you may need a model with a large coverage to efficiently circulate the air throughout the space.

Filter

All of the allergists we spoke to unanimously recommend the same type of filter. HEPA filters, short for high-efficiency particulate air filters, are the gold standard for effectively improving indoor air quality. 

“HEPA filters have the most data when it comes to efficacy with allergens,” said Parikh. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters significantly reduce the concentration of indoor particulate matter and can reduce the medication requirements for people with indoor allergies, according to an August 2020 study in Yonsei Medical Journal.

This high level of effectiveness can be explained by the filter’s ability to trap small particles, which may be too small for other types of filters. “HEPA filters trap particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, including pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold spores,” explained Varghese. The filter catches these particles and reduces the number of allergens in the air. 

We only tested air purifiers with HEPA filters since they are viewed as the best for cleaning indoor air. Some models also include pre-filters to trap larger particles, as well as activated carbon filters for neutralizing odors. 

After some time, HEPA filters can become clogged with particles, which makes them less effective. Parikh recommends changing the filter every six months or so, but this can vary by manufacturer and frequency of use.

One final note—the type of filter used in an air filter can affect its CADR, or clean air delivery rate. The CADR measures the volume of clean air produced per minute based on the coverage area. Look for a CADR of 200 or higher, though 350 or higher is even better.

Noise

Air purifiers are inevitably noisy. They use a fan to draw in and circulate air, which can be quite loud. The highest settings tend to be the loudest, though you can look for an air purifier with a night mode to clean the air while you sleep without as much noise. This is especially important if you plan to use the air purifier in a bedroom or other quiet room. 

Features

Quality air purifiers clean and deodorize the air in your living and work spaces to help keep you healthy. This can be accomplished with different types of filters and odor-eliminating features. We selected the top air purifiers for allergies for our list by looking for trusted brands with top-rated products. We researched product details, read customer reviews, and checked with an allergist about what to look for.

We chose air purifiers based on the type of filtration they offer and what particles they filter, the square footage they cover, and special features such as automatic mode settings, remote control operation, and automatic air quality detection. We also talked to expert Kathleen Dass, MD, a Michigan-based allergist and immunologist.

HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air, and Dr. Dass says that purifiers with HEPA filters have been the most extensively studied—and the only kind proven to filter particles out as small as 0.3 micrograms. That makes them one of the best tools in combating the effects of indoor allergens. 

When we’re talking about size for air purifiers, we mean the square footage the device can cover and clean the air around you. If your device only covers a small space within a large room, it's not doing the job you need it to in order to remove allergens. Air purifiers have a clean air delivery rating (CADR), which indicates how efficient the device is at cleaning the air. “The AHAM (Association of Home Appliance) says that ‘as a rule of thumb, the CADR of your air cleaner should be equal to at least two-thirds of the room’s area,’” says John McKeon, MD, CEO of Allergy Standards Limited speaking on behalf of the Asthma and Allergy Friendly Certification Program for the AAFA. 

Some air purifiers are electrically-charged, or ionized, with UV technology to further clean and sanitize the air. This is a feature that some people benefit from, but others—like those with asthma—should avoid these types of purifiers, says Dr. Dass: “They have been shown to create an ozone [which] can actually trigger or exacerbate your asthma symptoms.” 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do air purifiers and HEPA filters work?

    Air purifiers work by using a built-in fan to draw in air. The air passes through a filter, such as a HEPA filter, which traps particles. The clean air is then circulated through. “Air purifiers are devices designed to remove harmful pollutants, allergens, and other particles from the air inside a room or building,” Varghese says. “They work by drawing in air, filtering it through one or more stages of filtration, and then returning clean air into the room.”

  • Do air purifiers really work for allergies?

    Investing in an air purifier is a great way to combat indoor allergens. They can improve allergy symptoms by removing allergens from the air you breathe. “Allergens can float in the air and lead to sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes,” Varghese says, adding that using an air purifier can help reduce symptoms by trapping substances like dust mites and pet dander.

  • Does sleeping with an air purifier help allergies?

    If you have indoor allergies, you may benefit from using an air purifier at night. “The bedroom is the most important place to use an air purifier to limit allergen exposure,” says Parikh, adding that it’s important to keep it on while you sleep. Air purifiers can be noisy, however, so if you need an air purifier for your bedroom, opt for one with a night mode.

  • How many air purifiers do you need in a house?

    The amount of air purifiers you need in your house depends on where you spend most of your time, the size of your home, and the coverage area of your air purifier. “The best place to put an air purifier is in the bedroom, since this is where you spend several hours sleeping,” explains Sonia Cajigal, MD, board-certified allergist in St. Louis, Missouri. “If you have a lot of allergens or irritants in the air, such as pet dander, you may want to have an air purifier in each room.”

Why Trust Verywell Health?

Lacey Muinos is a health and wellness writer. She has both seasonal and indoor allergies, so she’s familiar with the struggle of sneezing all year round. To help soothe her symptoms, she uses over-the-counter allergy relief medication and follows best practices to remove indoor allergens, such as using an air purifier in her bedroom.

6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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  2. Allergy and Asthma Network. HEPA filters: Help or hype?

  3. American Lung Association. Dust mites.

  4. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Humidifiers and indoor allergies.

  5. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Pet allergy.

  6. Park KH, Sim DW, Lee SC, Moon S, Choe E, Shin H, Kim SR, Lee JH, Park HH, Huh D, Park JW. Effects of air purifiers on patients with allergic rhinitis: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. Yonsei Med J. 2020;61(8):689-697. 

    doi:10.3349/ymj.2020.61.8.689