Do You or Any of Your Loved Ones Suffer from Asthma? Shopping for an Air Purifier for Relief?
Let us help you find the right one for your needs.
Asthma and allergies are two of the most common respiratory issues that have a great adverse impact on the daily lives of countless people. An asthmatic person is sensitive to almost everything, especially airborne particles like dust, mold spores, pet dander, pollen, chemicals, and odors.
It is crucial to remove these triggers from the air; otherwise, you risk experiencing inflamed airways and obstructed airflow, making it very difficult to breathe.
An air purifier is the perfect remedy for removing different triggers floating around in your home atmosphere.
The best HEPA air purifier removes up to 99.97% airborne particles to provide you with cleaner and higher quality air to breathe. When you remove the root cause, there is little to no chance of experiencing painful symptoms.
What’s In This Buying Guide
Contents of This Guide
Before you invest your hard-earned money into any purifier, here is something you should know upfront. Not every air purifier is great at preventing asthma, and certain features define a particular unit as an air purifier for allergies and asthma.
In this buying guide, we go over these features in detail to help you choose better.
We also review some of the best air purifiers for people suffering from asthma and allergies. You can check out the comparison table for a quick overview of our chosen models and the individual product review for a detailed round-up.
Don’t forget to check the shopping guide to know the essential features you should look for, and make sure you go through the FAQ section if you have any queries.
If you are also interested in purchasing a good air purifier to tackle the mold issue in your home, check out our review of the best air purifiers for mold.
Best Air Purifiers for Asthma Relief
Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com
- 1Best Overall: BlueairHealthProtect 7770i
- 2Best for the Money: IQAirHealthPro Plus
- 3Best Budget Pick: Coway AP-1512HH
BlueairHealthProtect 7770i
- Best Overall
Dimensions
33.9 x 13.4 x 13.4 inWeight
43.2 poundsCoverage Area
Up to 674 square feetCADR
>400 cfmFiltration Stages
2Power Consumption
8-71 WattsWarranty
1-year warranty, extendable up to 5 years
IQAirHealthPro Plus
- Best for the Money
Dimensions
16 x 15 x 28 inchesWeight
35 poundsCoverage Area
Up to 1,125 square feetCADR
300 cfmFiltration Stages
3Power Consumption
27-215 wattWarranty
10-year warranty coverage
Coway AP-1512HH
- Best Budget Pick
Dimensions
16.81 x 9.57 x 18.31 inchesWeight
12.35 poundsCoverage Area
Up to 361 square feetCADR
>200Filtration Stages
4Power Consumption
77 WattsWarranty
1 year for internal/functional parts and motor, 3 years for electronic parts
1. Best Overall: BlueairHealthProtect 7770i
The BlueairHealthProtect 7770i is the latest flagship air purifier model of the Swedish air purifier giant. It is a sophisticated and modern device with all the features for smart home integration.
The 7770i can cover areas as big as 674 square feet and deliver up to 4.8 air changes per hour.
It has a high CADR score and can easily eliminate 99.98% solid particles and 99% gaseous molecules to create a healthier indoor environment.
Pros
- Effective and powerful
- Made with the highest-quality materials
- Boasts BlueAir’s best technology yet
- SpiralAir™ circulation for better cleaning
- Almost noiseless
Cons
- Expensive
- No wheels for mobility
Our Review
BlueairHealthProtect 7770i stands out from the rest of Blueair’s line up in terms of air filtration technology, performance, smart features, and a powerful fan. It is a gorgeous device with a tall yet modern design. And it’s not bulky like most air purifiers. Instead, it is pretty sleek.
Inside its narrow body, this HealthProtect device contains a strong fan and an improved HEPASilent Ultra technology that Blueair introduced for the first time.
The 7770i has a highly effective 2-stage filtration process. The first layer is the pre-filter that captures all the large particles that can quickly clog the second-stage filter. You can clean it to reuse it once it is full of hair, fur, dirt, and other visible particles.
The next stage in the Blueair 7770i is where all the air sterilization happens.
This stage involves the HEPA Silent Ultra filter that combines both the efficiency of a true HEPA and activated carbon filter and infuses it with electrostatic charging to eliminate up to 99% of solid and gaseous particles, including germs, dust, pollen, smoke particles, VOCs, odors, and mold spores.
The 7770i boasts lots of modern features. It is Wi-Fi compatible and comes with a smartphone application for better control. You can use the app to access innovative features like Clean Air ETA count down, Welcome Home setting, SmartFilter RFID for real-time filter status tracking.
A premium LCD interface on top of the BlueairHealthProtect 7770i lets you regulate the unit. Plus, the smart air quality monitor gives you real-time information about particles and VOCs in the air. And you can also learn about temperature and humidity.
Specs
Dimensions: 33.9 x 13.4 x 13.4 in
Weight: 43.2 pounds
Energy Star: Yes
Noise Level: 25-53 decibels
Fan Speeds: 3
Operating Modes: Auto
Filters: Pre-Filter and Smart HEPA Silent Filter
2. Best for the Money: IQAirHealthPro Plus
The IQAirHealthPro Plus air purifier is a sturdy and reliable unit with long-lasting filters. It is very effective against ultrafine particles.
The HealthPro Plus features HyperHEPA filtration that removes particles 100 times smaller than 0.3 microns, which is the size of particles that standard HEPA filters remove.
It is a powerful device with an improved fan design that can cover areas as big as 1,125 square feet.
This IQAir device may not have received the official AHAM rating, yet its self-reported CADR is high at 300 cfm on the highest of 6 speeds.Pros
- Durable and sturdy build
- Caster wheels increase portability
- 3D Ultraseal prevents dirty air from passing through
- Filters have a long lifespan
- It comes with remote control for a user-friendly experience
Cons
- High upfront cost
- Not Energy Star certified
Our Review
The IQAirHealthPro Plus is a durable and sturdy unit. It features an impact-resistant ABS plastic exterior housing with a 3D Ultraseal triple-seal technology that prevents off-gassing and cross-contamination.
The HealthPro Plus has air outlet vents near the top that evenly distribute the air at 320° without creating an irritating waft.
The IQAir is both simple and easy to control. The remote control included in the package lets you adjust your IQAir device setting. It features a user-friendly interface with separate buttons for power, fan speeds, and timer settings. The top-loaded digital control panel is pretty simple to operate.
In addition to that, there are 3 distinctive filtration stages in this device.
The first is the PreMax filter that prevents larger particles from making their way into the internal filtration stages. It has a long lifespan and can last for about 18 months before needing replacement.
The second stage is the HyperHEPA filter, an advanced mechanical filtration layer that removes particles as small as 0.003 microns. That’s a hundred times better than any other HEPA filter. This filter has an average lifespan of 4 years, so you won’t have to worry about replacing it any time soon.
The IQAir air purifier is a great option for people with asthma and allergies, particularly because it also includes a special V-5 Cell Gas and Odor filter. This filter effectively removes many household odors and airborne chemicals that can trigger allergies. It also lasts for up to 2 years with daily usage.
Specs
Dimensions: 16 x 15 x 28 inches
Weight: 35 pounds
Energy Star: No
Noise Level: 35-69 decibels
Fan Speeds: 6
Operating Modes: None
Filters: HyperHEPA, V5-Cell, and PreMax filters
3. Best Budget Pick: Coway AP-1512HH
The Coway AP-1512HH is a leading model in the air purification market. It comes with many innovative and advanced features that make it a great choice for people suffering from asthma and allergies.
This award-winning Coway air purifier has 4 filtration stages, including True HEPA as the main filter. It is suitable for medium-sized rooms measuring up to 361 square feet.
It has a built-in air particle sensor that allows you to run it in auto mode. Plus, you can operate the Coway AP-1512HH in an energy-efficient eco mode.
Pros
- Sleek and minimalistic design
- Available in 2 color options
- Flat and compact unit fits in most small spaces
- Real-time air quality indicator
- Washable, permanent pre-filter
Cons
- CADR is not AHAM-verified
- No remote control or child lock
Our Review
The Coway AP-1512HH is a compact and narrow device that delivers exceptional performance. Measuring 18.3 inches in height, 16.81 inches in width, and 9.57 inches in depth, you can easily place it in tight spaces, including your nightstand and office desk.
Moving this Coway device from one place to another is also not a hassle because it is pretty lightweight. Aesthetically, it is both elegant and sophisticated to match your contemporary or modern home decor.
The AP-1512HH is highly efficient at eliminating a variety of air pollutants. It boasts a 4-stage filtration system, including an optional ionizer.
The first stage is the washable pre-filter that removes the most visible allergens like dust, lint, and pet hair.
The second filtration stage in this Coway air purifier is the Activated Carbon Deodorization filter. It consists of coconut shell carbon to trap and absorb common household odors, VOCs, cooking smells, and smoke particles.
The next stage in the AP-1512HH is the green True HEPA Filter, a high-performance composite filter that captures 99.97% of solid particles down to 0.3 microns. It effectively eliminates pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other asthma and allergy triggers.
The Coway Mighty Air Purifier also boasts an optional ionizer feature. The Vital Ion feature works to boost the cleaning power and freshens the air. But if you find it irritating, you can always turn it off.
The device also boasts a built-in pollution sensor. It measures the indoor air quality in real-time and communicates it through the brightly colored LED light indicator.
There are also separate filter check indicators for both HEPA and deodorization filters. When any of these illuminates, you know that it is time to replace that particular filter.
Specs
Dimensions: 16.81 x 9.57 x 18.31 inches
Weight: 12.35 pounds
Energy Star: Yes
Noise Level: 24.4 dB to 53.8 dB
Fan Speeds: 3
Operating Modes: Auto mode and Eco mode
Filters: Pre-filter, Deodorization filter, True HEPA filter, and Vital Ion
Air Purifier for Asthma: Buying Guide
Why Asthma Sufferers Should Consider Buying an Air Purifier
Asthma is a lung disease characterized by inflamed and obstructed airways. The disease exhibits its symptoms when the patient comes in contact with different allergens. These include smoke particles, dust, pollen, mold spores, and many other common household air pollutants.
The slightest exposure to any of these can trigger disease-causing frightening symptoms, including dizziness, wheezing, shortness of breath, and uncontrollable coughing.
Since dust, pollen, smoke particles, and other airborne allergens are the root cause of asthma, an air purifier is the best way to remove these from the air.
Many asthma and allergy-certified air purifiers are designed with advanced filtration systems. These involve a multi-stage air cleaning process that removes up to 99.9% of airborne pollutants.
The different stages include a pre-filter to remove bigger particles visible to the human eye like fur, hair, and lint. And a HEPA filter traps smaller particles and an activated carbon filter to remove odor and chemical molecules.
All of these stages work together to clean the air of asthma triggers. With little to no triggers floating around, the chances of an asthma attack also decrease.
However, it's important to install the device in the area where the patient spends most of his time. It is also important to completely seal that room from other areas, as the air coming from outdoors or other parts of the house reintroduce triggers into the air.
Features to Consider: Air Purifier for Asthma and Allergies
Not every air purifier is effective in preventing allergies and asthmatic symptoms. An air purifier for asthma and allergies must have a true HEPA filter as one of the filtration stages. Only a true HEPA filter can catch particles as small as 0.3 microns and remove up to 99.97% airborne particles.
The standard HEPA or HEPA-Type filters available on the market are inferior and don’t deliver the same performance.
The presence of an activated carbon filter is also necessary for an air purifier to be effective. And that does not mean an activated carbon pre-filter or a thin, flimsy layer.
You need this filter to absorb odor, gas, and chemical particles, so the filter should have enough carbon content to effectively trap them and keep them from escaping back into the air.
Keeping these important pointers in mind, here are some other important aspects that you should prioritize in an asthma air purifier:
Energy Efficiency & Operating Cost
Since you will run the air purifier round the clock, your air purifier for asthma should be energy-efficient. This way, you will incur low operating costs.
One way to identify whether an air purifier is energy-efficient is to look for the Energy Star certification. Certified devices are independently tested to be around 60% less energy-consuming than their regular counterparts.
An energy-efficient air filter for asthma consumes as much power as a light bulb, so even if you run it the whole day and night, you won’t notice a dramatic increase in your electricity bill.
Some air purifiers also come with different operating modes. These include a sleep mode for night-time operation, an eco-mode for even less energy consumption, and an auto mode for automatic fan speed regulation. Using the device on these further reduces the overall operating cost.
Coverage Area
Each air purifier has a certain area coverage limit, beyond which it loses its effectiveness. So you must measure the room you intend to place it in beforehand. Knowing the size of your room will help you choose the right air purifier with the optimum area coverage.
This consideration becomes more important when looking for an air purifier to address asthma and allergies. The air purifier you choose must have enough airflow capacity to clean the entire room or house.
For example, an air purifier with a 200 square feet coverage area can effectively clean areas measuring 200 square feet or below. But it will fail to clean the air adequately in a 400 square feet area.
At the end of the day, it is always best to choose an overpowered unit over an underpowered one. Using an air purifier with a higher coverage rating does not pose any significant side effects, but using an under-sized one definitely compromises air quality.
We recommend choosing the air purifier according to the size of the largest room in your house. That way, you will be able to use the device all over the house, including the biggest room, without dealing with increased allergen levels.
Filter Technology
The filter technology is a consideration in an air purifier for asthma because not every air purifier is apt at dealing with asthma triggers.
For example, ionic air purifiers are a popular choice amongst many buyers, but they produce ozone as a by-product which is a known lung irritant. The negative ions they release in the air can sometimes also inflate asthma symptoms.
On the other hand, PECO (Photo Electrochemical Oxidation) is great at eliminating asthma triggers. It uses free radicals to oxidize air pollutants and destroys them at a molecular level. It can eliminate particles 1000 times smaller than any HEPA filter.
True HEPA filters are also very effective at eliminating particles that cause allergies and asthma. They can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns and remove up to 99.97% of all airborne pollutants.
In addition to the HEPA filter, the device should also have an activated carbon filter to absorb odors and chemicals.
The air purifier you choose must contain at least one of two air filtration techniques described above (PECO technology or a true HEPA filter). An activated carbon filter is also a must-have if you want to remove gaseous allergens.
CADR Rating
The CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) rating is a numerical value used to specify the amount of air an air purifier can purify.
It is officially used by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). The organization independently tests the efficiency of different air cleaners at removing specific types of pollutants in cubic feet per minute (cfm).
The CADR is measured in 3 parameters: pollen, dust, and smoke. The higher the CADR rating, the more beneficial an air purifier is for people living with asthma.
You should look for a device with a CADR score of over 150. It ensures that the unit is efficient at effectively eliminating different asthma-triggering particles and allergens.
Weight & Size
Although the air purifier’s size does not affect its performance, it becomes a priority when you want to use the device in multiple places.
A lightweight device is undoubtedly easier to transport than a heavier one. You can carry it alone without needing help.
On the other hand, a heavier device creates more difficulties when moving from one room to another. You can’t do it yourself without asking someone for assistance, and if you do, it can put too much stress on your back.
When comparing different models, always opt for a lighter device. But if you absolutely have to choose a heavier model, make sure it has caster wheels for easier movement and crevices or handles for better support.
Likewise, a bigger and bulkier unit is not only difficult to adjust in most places, but it also takes up a lot of available space. In contrast, a compact device not only looks stylish but fits into most spaces without claiming too much area for itself.
While it all comes down to personal preference, we believe that a small and compact device boasts a more aesthetic appeal. It is also easier to move around and set up and doesn’t require too much space.
Warranty
The warranty coverage of any device is a sign of the manufacturer's trust in its product’s performance.
A prolonged warranty period usually means that the air purifier is highly reliable and will deliver the results it claims. A short or no warranty period is a red flag that you should steer away from the unit because of possible quality issues.
Although every manufacturer has different terms and conditions regarding their warranty coverage, you should carefully check what parts and components it covers, plus if the unit is eligible for repairs or replacement or both.
Also, find out where your nearest service center is so that you can easily have the device looked at if it malfunctions.
It is also a good idea to read the reviews about online customer care services to get an idea of whether the company is worth buying from.
Pros and Cons: Air Purifier for Asthma Relief
So are air purifiers any good for asthma relief? Go over their pros and cons to decide for yourself.
Pros
Make it Easier to Breathe
Air loaded with various pollutants is very difficult to breathe in. If you have ever breathed in a room where someone’s smoking, you know what we mean.
But indoor air pollution is not merely restricted to smoking.
We cook, have pets, and regularly communicate with the outside world. These activities introduce a hoard of air contaminants into our indoor atmosphere that can trigger asthma and allergies in sensitive people.
Installing an air purifier provides you with cleaner air to breathe easily. It ensures that the indoor air is clean and free of allergens that can trigger your respiratory condition.
Capture All Types of Dust Particles
An asthma air purifier has a removal rate of about 99.9%. This means it can effectively remove all types of dust particles from the air, regardless of their size.
When you suffer from asthma, these dust particles can trigger and further worsen your symptoms, so completely eradicating them from the air is essential. A certified air purifier for asthma does that efficiently, creating a dust-free environment around you.
Do not Generate Ozone
Unlike different ionizer air purifiers available on the market, air purifiers rated for asthma relief do not generate ozone as a by-product. These devices work with True HEPA mechanical filtration to capture particulate matter.
The presence of ozone causes chest torment, shortness of breath, sinus and throat issues, and other health-related issues. With a good asthmatic air purifier, you can avoid all these problems.
Cons
Require Regular Filter Replacements
Most air purifiers for asthma and allergies use disposable or replaceable filters to purify the air. These filters have a specific lifespan, after which they start losing their effectiveness. When this happens, you have to replace them with new ones to continue using your air purifier as before.
Unfortunately, these replacement filters usually entail high costs, so you end up spending even more money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Should an Asthmatic Person Place their Air Purifier?
The best place for an asthmatic person to place his air purifier is the room where they spend the majority of their time.
This could be the living room where they spend most of their waking time, the bedroom where they sleep for 6-8 hours, or the office area where they work.
Having separate air purifiers for all these spaces is definitely costly, so a portable unit is also a great idea for creating clean air wherever they go.
What Calms Asthma at Home?
The first and foremost remedy to calming asthma at home is using an inhaler. But if you are caught without one for some reason, here are some things you can do:
Is a Humidifier Better than an Air Purifier for Asthma?
An air purifier removes airborne pollutants from the air, whereas a humidifier adds moisture to the air to eliminate dryness.
Although both devices are great for asthma relief, an air purifier is the better option because it eliminates the root cause of asthma.
A humidifier makes the air pleasant to breathe, but it does nothing to eliminate asthma triggers.
How Does an Air Purifier Help with Breathing?
An air purifier is a tool to clean indoor air. When the air is free of contaminants like dust particles and other debris, it automatically becomes better to breathe.
Using an air purifier also helps reduce respiratory issues like congestion, throat irritation, and different allergies.
These days, you can also purchase combination units that deliver the functionality of both an air purifier and a humidifier.
Final Verdict: What Is the Best Air Purifier for Someone with Asthma?
The BlueairHealthProtect 7770i is the best air purifier for asthma currently available. This modern device comes with smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity, an air quality sensor, and auto mode.
But if you want something more powerful, the IQAirHealthPro Plus should be your pick. It features a large 1,125 square feet area coverage with long-lasting filters that save you from the hassle of constant replacements.
Lastly, if you are a bit tight on the budget, we’d say you opt for the Coway AP-1512HH. It is also a smart device with numerous useful and unique features.
