Best Air Purifier For Asthma & Allergies: Our Reviews For Sufferers
Asthma is a common respiratory condition that can make it difficult for people to breathe. One way people help combat their asthma, aside from taking their prescribed medicine, is using an air purifier to help freshen the environment around them. The best air purifier for asthma is one that treats the air for allergens, pollen, pollutants, and other foul elements.
To find the best air purifier for asthma, we’ve reviewed the top five models currently on the market that are designed to treat the atmosphere of rooms and eliminate potentially irritating substances. Some of the elements we considered were effectiveness, treatment area, stages of filtration, and whether or not the purifier is easy to use.
Best Air Purifier Reviews for Asthma
- Coway AP-1512HH Home Air Purifier
- Oransi Finn HEPA Air Purifier
- Oregon Scientific HEPA Air Purifier
- Pure Enrichment HEPA Air Purifier
- Whirlpool Whispure WPT60P HEPA Air Purifier
1. Coway AP-1512HH Home Air Purifier
Specs
3 Fan Speeds
4 Stage Filtration System
Treats Up To 361 sq. ft.
Product Dimensions: 16.8 (L) x 18.3 (W) x 9.6 (H) in.
Weighs 12.8 lbs.
The Coway AP-1512HH Home Air Purifier is a powerful device that’s great at removing irritants like pollen, making it a good choice for individuals whose asthma is triggered by natural environmental factors.
Pros
The Coway AP-1512HH Home Air Purifier is a machine designed to look like a cube with rounded edges. It is available in black or white and features an air quality indicator that will detect the amount of impurities in the air and adjust the fan speed accordingly. There are three different fan speeds ranging from low to medium to high. Users can activate an automatic shut off designed to turn the machine off after one, four, or eight hours of consistent use, which is great for individuals who want to keep the air fresh even when they have to leave for a few hours. For asthmatics, this also means the fans will run smoothly and shut themselves off at night so users fall asleep more easily.
The manufacturers of the Coway AP-1512HH Home Air Purifier claim it is capable of reducing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns floating in the air, which is great for asthmatics who struggle with environmental factors. These particles include a diverse array of substances like pollen, allergens, general atmospheric pollutants, animal dander, and regular dust. The purifier removes these substances by pulling in air and forcing it to pass through four separate stages of filtration before being returned to the room. A filter replacement indicator lights up whenever the owner of the machine needs to replace a worn filter.
This four stage filtration system consists of a pre-filter, a deodorization filter, a HEPA filter, and something called a vital ion, which targets some of the smallest particles. The air purifier can be switched to ECO mode to save energy and reduce the use of electricity. A single product costs between $180 and $200.
Cons
Despite having numerous pros, there are some major cons to the Coway AP-1512HH Home Air Purifier. In particular, the interior fan that pulls air into the purifier wears down rapidly and cannot be replaced, even if the company is called. The warranty that comes with the purchase is also short – lasting at most three months – and the company is difficult to contact for customer service. For these reasons, this air purifier, while good, is not one of the best.
2. Oransi Finn HEPA Air Purifier
Specs
3 Fan Speeds
3-in-1 Filtration
Treats Up to 400 sq. ft.
Product Dimensions: 7 (L) x 10 (W) x 22 (H) in.
Weighs 10 lbs.
The Oransi Finn HEPA Air Purifier is an all-around amazing air purifier that works hard to treat a large area. While it lacks bells and whistles, the device is designed to last a long time, leaving users with years of fresh air.
Pros
The Oransi Finn HEPA Air Purifier is one of the few air purifiers on the market designed and marketed specifically for individuals with asthma. This particular air purifier has a great benefit, which is that it comes with an automatic 10-year warranty upon purchase that covers manufacturer errors and general wear and tear. This air purifier is designed to remove all sorts of airborne contaminants from the environment, including mold spores, dust, pet dander, and a variety of other common irritants. The device is powerful enough to treat a room that measures up to 400 sq. ft., which is amazing for asthmatics who want to be able to breathe throughout their whole house or apartment.
Each Oransi Finn HEPA Air Purifier includes two sets of fan blades and has three fan speeds: low, medium, and high. The product is silver and black and features a 3-in-1 filtration system with a HEPA certified filter. Unlike some other air purifiers, this particular model has easy filter access and comes with two extra replacements, meaning users shouldn’t have a hard time removing and replacing filters. The filters are designed to last for two years so people do not have to change them often. There is also an intuitive LCD display so users can easily read the fan level and quality of the air.
Cons
The biggest con of this air purifier is that if the filter isn’t installed absolutely right, the air purifier will not turn on. This is a problem since it is hard to tell when the filter is in correctly and when it is not. The area where the filter is re-installed closes whether or not the filter is in properly, and the sensing system seems to measure in fractions of a centimeter, so even a small mistake means the machine won’t turn on. However, this is a minor problem that doesn’t affect the quality of the machine, which provides fresh, breathable air. The product is also more expensive than others, costing between $280 and $300.
3. Oregon Scientific HEPA Air Purifier
Specs
3-in-1 Filtration
Treats Up to 323 sq. ft.
Product Dimensions: 12.7 (L) x 7.3 (W) x 16 (H) in.
Weighs 11.35 lbs.
The Oregon Scientific HEPA Air Purifier understands that people with asthma need to breathe no matter how much money is in their wallets, making it an excellent budget option.
Pros
The Oregon Scientific HEPA Air Purifier is a HEPA-certified machine available in white or black. This particular model is capable of treating rooms as large as 323 sq. ft. and comes with a free replacement policy and one year warranty upon purchase. There is an automatic shutoff system that comes with three time options of two, four, and eight hours. The machine intakes air from the surrounding environment through all four sides. The entire machine is ETL-Certified and energy efficient, so users don’t have to invest extra money on electric bills.
The manufacturers of this air purifier claim that the machine is capable of removing 99.7% of dust and allergens that are as small as .3 microns in size. The Oregon Scientific HEPA Air Purifier also works well at filtering out dust, smoke, pet dander, pollen, allergens, and lingering unpleasant odors like garlic and fish. Some people reported success as eliminating other scents like those from plants that can trigger a person’s asthma, including from pollen. This air purifier is one of the quietest, which is great for individuals with asthma who want to run the machine while they are sleeping to improve the quality of their rest.
Each of these air purifiers costs between $70 and $80.
Cons
While this machine seems great at first glance, there is one major problem: The company does not sell replacement filters. What this means is that once a filter doesn’t work anymore, it is impossible to find a replacement specifically made for the Oregon Scientific air purifier. While there are some other brands that fit, this means users will need to research and measure their filters to find replacements rather than ordering from the company, which can be a major hassle. For this reason, the Oregon Scientific HEPA Air Purifier is not considered one of the best.
4. Pure Enrichment HEPA Air Purifier (PureZone)
Specs
3 Fan Speeds
3-in-1 Filtration
Treats 200 sq. ft.
Product Dimensions: 10.8 (L) x 6.9 (W) x 12.1 (H) in.
Weighs 6 lbs.
The Pure Enrichment HEPA Air Purifier is a small device with a specialty in removing smoke and odors, making it essential for any asthmatic who has ever had to share a home with a smoker.
Pros
The Pure Enrichment HEPA Air Purifier is a white air purifier that features three fan speeds, a 3-in-1 filtration system and a UV-C light capable of killing germs and bacteria in the air. The machine is easy to set up and is one of the quietest purifiers reviewed, with people being able to sleep through the night without being disturbed by the machine. The total noise level reaches about 30 dB. Each device comes with a five-year warranty included that covers manufacturer error as well as general wear and tear.
This particular air purifier is good for asthma because it is effective against dust, smoke, and pollen. While Pure Enrichment does not explain how small of particles the purifier is able to filter, it does mention that it improves the air quality enough to aid people with allergies and asthma. The machine does include an optional shutdown timer with three settings at two, four, and eight hours. One nice feature about this air purifier not seen with many others is that the customer service hotline is always open and free to answer questions, so if something malfunctions at night, people can repair the machine and get back to sleep and breathing easily.
Each Pure Enrichment HEPA Air Purifier costs between $95 and $105.
Cons
For all of its great selling points, there are some sticky details that affect the greatness of the Pure Enrichment HEPA Air Purifier. The fan is a bit weak and doesn’t work well in larger rooms, so it’s better to use this particular machine in a closed environment. The fact that the machine is inexpensive also seems to affect its quality. When we reviewed this device, we noticed that the purifier has trouble lasting more than a year. This is annoying, but the five-year warranty means it is easy to get a replacement.
5. Whirlpool Whispure WPT60P HEPA Air Purifier
Specs
3 Fan Speeds
3 Filtration Levels
Medium Product Dimensions: 8.5 (L) x 6.9 (W) x 17 (H) in.
Large Product Dimensions: 8.5 (L) x 6.9 (W) x 23 (H) in.
Medium Weight: 6.7 lbs.
Large Weight: 9.3 lbs.
The Whirlpool Whispure WPT60P HEPA Air Purifier is reliable and easy to use. Because it’s available in multiple sizes, there’s always an option for rooms with any amount of area.
Pros
There are several wonderful features about the Whirlpool Whispure WPT60P HEPA Air Purifier, including its customizable nature. Unlike a lot of other purifiers, this model comes in multiple sizes: medium and large. The machine is also available in white and black and has a compact yet tall design that fits well in most rooms. Each product comes with a limited five year warranty upon purchase which covers manufacturer error and general wear and tear.
The Whirlpool Whispure features three different filtration levels including anti-bacteria and smoke filters that help eliminate irritants for asthmatics. There is also a real HEPA filter to improve general air quality. Like many others, the manufacturer of this air purifier claims to remove 99.7% of dust and allergens as small as .3 microns in size, which is beneficial for people with asthma and allergies because it removes impossible to see irritants. It can also eliminate odors from regular activities like cooking or the presence of pets. The purifier is also whisper quiet, which is again great for individuals who want to run the machine while they sleep.
One added side bonus of this air purifier is that it includes antibacterial filter cleaning technology to keep the filters fresher longer and stop pollutants from getting back in the air. This can save asthmatics a lot of time and heartache since irritants won’t escape the machine and become a problem once more.
Each of these purifiers costs between $100 and $150 depending on what size the buyer wants.
Cons
We’ll admit the cons of this product were a bit difficult to parse out. In general, the biggest problem with the Whirlpool Whispure air purifier was that the product quality can be a bit inconsistent. Many times, the product arrived with a piece missing or poor construction. Thanks to warranty, these defect purifiers could be sent back and replaced, but it is an added inconvenience for the asthmatic seeking assistance. The other issue is that the product can produce a strange, plastic odor, which can be bad for severe asthmatics. For this particular reason, we decided not to give it the “Best” title.
Conclusion
So, which of these air purifiers should you buy if you struggle with asthma? Out of the ones examined here, the best one was the Oransi Finn HEPA Air Purifier because it is reliable, treats an average room, and eliminates pollutants that can irritate the lungs of asthmatics. This air purifier can be placed anywhere in a room and has filters that are easy to change. However, we know people are on budgets, and thus we also recommend the Oregon Scientific HEPA Air Purifier for individuals who don’t want to spend too much money.
Buying Guide
What an Asthmatic Should Look For In an Air Purifier
We know asthmatics have some special considerations when finding an air purifier. Since so many pollutants and contaminants can irritate the lungs and cause an attack, it’s important to check a purifier’s levels of filtration and how much space it can treat.
Filters
Most purifiers made today possess more than one filter for a reason. The more filters a machine has, the more levels of purification air go through before it can return to a room. Different filters will extract a variety of contaminants, making the air more breathable. Someone with asthma should then search for a machine that has at least three levels of filtration.
Treatment Area
Besides filters, the most important thing asthmatics should consider is how much space the air purifier is able to treat. Most bedrooms are 300 sq. ft. or less, and a good purifier is one able to treat this area so users have an easier time breathing in their own home. We reviewed air purifiers able to handle an average room, so asthmatics don’t have to worry about the chosen products.
What’s Next
Now that you’ve finished reading this guide, you’re all set to choose an air purifier that will help you breathe easier without fears of aggravating your asthma. You can learn more about any of the products we’ve recommended here by clicking on the links in our reviews.
You can also find out more in our general air purifier buying guide. Or, head to our homepage for even more appliance recommendations and lifestyle tips. Have a great day, and enjoy the new, cleaner air in your home!