How to Choose the Right Air Purifier If You Have COPD or Asthma

If you or any of your loved ones suffer from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you know that irritants and allergens in the air can worsen symptoms. A good way to limit these allergens, at least within your own home, is by using an air purifier. Here’s how you can choose the right air purifying device for your home.

Know What Your Options Are

There are numerous air purifiers on the market – some of these devices are meant for small rooms, while others can work efficiently even in a large room. Some of the common types of air purifiers are:

HEPA purifiers: These air purifiers work very well to capture large particles like pet dander, pollen, smoke, dust, and smog. However, they don’t kill mold spores or bacteria, and they also don’t trap viruses, paint fumes, or chemicals.

Electrostatic cleaners: This air purifier uses electrically-charged plates to capture particles. Depending on the size of the area it is placed in, you may need to clean these plates every day. Keep in mind that some of these units could produce ozone, which can be an irritant for people with COPD or asthma.

Ionizers: These units emit charged ions that attach themselves to air particles. These particles then cling to your walls, shades, or tiles instead of floating around your room.

Check How Effective the Device Is

When evaluating if you should buy a specific air purifier, you need to check just how effective the unit is in cleaning the air. This can be determined by checking the device’s purification rate and clean air delivery rating.

Don’t Be Tricked by Marketing Gimmicks

When you shop for an air purifier, you’ll see some manufacturers make use of clever marketing terms to improve their sales. For instance, some air purifiers may be labeled “true HEPA,” which is meant to indicate that other HEPA filters are not authentic – don’t fall for tactics like this. Your best bet to find a good product is buying an air purifier from a reputable brand and checking the purification rate.

Placement Is Extremely Important

Air purifiers work well if you place them in whichever room you spend the most time in. This could be your bedroom since that’s where you spend the majority of your night, in your office, or the living room.