The environment is full of allergens. People suffering from bronchial asthma or prone to allergic reactions suffer if there is a lot of dust and animal hair in the room. One of the most effective means of combating allergies is an air purifier. With its help, you can create a favorable atmosphere in the house, due to which the number of attacks can be reduced. A competent approach to air purification will help people with allergic reactions and patients with bronchial asthma, pathologies of the respiratory system.
Allergens in the air
Even regular cleaning of the apartment will not help to achieve perfectly clean air without allergens. Dust mites, pollen from flowers, fumes from household chemicals irritate the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
Animal wool
Animal hair allergy can occur in both children and adults. Most often, owners begin to suffer from allergic reactions to pet hair when the weather is cold outside and it is not possible to keep the windows open all the time.
Allergy occurs not to the fur of the animal itself, but to a secret secreted by the skin. A humidifier for asthma and allergies will help cope with the problem. It is important to choose a device that will eliminate not only dust particles, but also odors that can cause an attack.
Dust
More than 40% of people are allergic to dust. Household dust is a whole complex of components. It includes various mineral and organic components, particles of the epidermis of the skin, waste products of insects, book dust, mold spores and fungi. All these particles can cause severe allergic reactions. They can manifest as a skin rash, conjunctivitis, severe cough, difficulty breathing.
Pollen
Washing the air can help reduce seizures in people with pollen allergies. The reaction can be seasonal, at the time of the flowering of a particular plant, or constant, for example, to a home flower. Allergy manifests itself with the slightest inhalation of pollen fragments.
How the air purifier works
An air purifier must fulfill a wide range of functions. The multi-stage cleaning system, thanks to the installation of several filters, removes viruses, fungal spores and bacteria from the air. Due to the constant circulation of air, its quality improves, which has a positive effect on the condition of people suffering from asthma or allergic reactions.
Most air purifiers have a humidification and ionization function. In such devices, plates are installed that should trap allergens. Before choosing a device for a home where asthmatics or allergy sufferers live, you need to understand its principle of operation.
The anti-allergy air purifier functions as follows:
- the device takes air masses from the room;
- a filter system installed inside removes impurities from the air.
Fully cleaned air is supplied back to the room by a fan.
Varieties of air purifiers for allergy sufferers and asthmatics
When choosing an air purifier for an apartment, you need to understand that the filter is the most important part of the device.The purity of the air depends on it.
A humidifier for allergy sufferers should perform the following functions:
- destroy harmful bacteria and microorganisms;
- remove dust and other allergens from air masses.
Several types of filters have been developed to accomplish these tasks.
Water filtration
Hydrofiltration humidifiers are equipped with water filters. They are classified into two types:
- disk;
- conical.
If a cone filter is installed in the unit, a damp mist will form when the filter is rotated. During operation, air passes through it, dust particles and other allergens settle and remain in a special tank.
The disc filter has small-gap plates. Dust adheres to the plates and is washed off with water. Such devices simultaneously purify and humidify the air. Disc filters have their drawbacks. They can only hold large particles. In addition, the water needs to be changed daily.
Only distilled water is suitable for the operation of the humidifier. If the reservoir is not cleaned properly, harmful bacteria will grow in it.
Photocatalysis
An ultraviolet lamp and catalyst plates are built into the filter of this type of device. They are made from titanium dioxide. All bacteria and microorganisms that are exposed to radiation enter into a chemical reaction with oxygen. As a result, they decompose into carbon dioxide and water. The great advantage of the UV cleaner is its antibacterial effect. But such a device has a drawback: it cannot catch building dust.
Mechanical filtration
Devices with a mechanical filtration system have a built-in special particle catcher. It is a filter made of fibrous material, resembling a folded accordion in appearance. The incoming air passes through it. The main advantage lies in the ability to retain even the smallest particles. The air after passing through such a filter will be perfectly clean.
It is important to regularly monitor the condition of the filter itself. If it is too dirty, dust particles and harmful microorganisms will enter the air. The disadvantage of such a device is that it does not remove unpleasant odors in the room.
Not all air purifiers are suitable for asthmatics. Do not purchase models with charcoal and electrostatic filters. They are unable to provide adequate protection against airborne dust and allergens.
Recommendations for choosing an air purifier
To find the right air purifier for allergy sufferers, it is recommended to pay attention to the following criteria:
- The power of the appliance is one of the main factors that affects the operation of the purifier. The larger the area of the room, the higher the power should be.
- Maximum cleaning area - this parameter is specified by the manufacturer for each model.
- Control parameters: devices with mechanical and electronic control are distinguished. Mechanical control is installed in budget devices. If the cleaner is electronically controlled, the user can independently create the program and the switching interval.
- Mains or battery type. This is an important criterion that allows you to move the device to a convenient place without being tied to the presence of outlets.
- The level of the emitted noise - for the comfortable use of the cleaners, it should be no more than 35 dB. The device must work constantly, so high noise levels will be inconvenient.
- The size of the device - it is best to give preference to compact devices that do not take up much space and fit well into the interior.
These are the main criteria that are recommended to pay attention to when choosing a purifier. But there are additional functions that affect the operation of the device:
- the presence of an ultraviolet lamp - with its help you can neutralize the air from fungi and bacteria, but the lamps have a limited service life, they need to be changed regularly;
- the ability to produce ozone, which is necessary for air disinfection;
- saturation of the air with ions that contribute to the settling of dust;
- the ability to adjust the operating speed of the device - this function allows the user to independently set the mode and fan speed;
- the presence of indicators indicating the level of filter contamination;
- built-in timer for setting on and off the device;
- remote control for ease of use.
Every year manufacturers are expanding the range of additional functions that make it easier to use the device.
Rating of the best models of 2020
Air purifiers have become a popular way to combat allergens in homes and offices. They are produced annually in a wide range of modifications. Due to the wide selection, it is often difficult to make a choice in favor of a particular model. The most popular devices include:
- The AIC XJ-3800A1 is a mid-range purifier. Its cost starts from 16,000 rubles. The device weighs no more than 7 kg and is capable of purifying the air on an area of 70 sq. M. The cleaning system includes three types of filters; an ionizer and an ultraviolet lamp are built in as additional functions. Convenient and comfortable control with a remote control. The main advantage of the device is its quiet operation. There is no sensor for detecting allergens in the air.
- Ballu AP-155 is a Russian-made device. You can buy an air cleaner of this model at a price of 9,000 rubles. The device has a light weight of no more than 4.5 kg. Its range is 20 sq. M. Therefore, such a device is purchased only for small rooms. The purifier has a built-in ionizer and contamination control function. Installed middle class HEPA filters. The model is equipped with an electronic control unit, thanks to which you can independently control the evaporation rate. The device can be set for a delayed start. The advantage of the device is the low price of consumables, ease of operation, quiet operation.
- Daikin MC70LVM is a premium device. It is designed to clean the air in a room no more than 46 sq.m. The device weighs about 8 kg. Low noise level - 16 dB. The big advantage is the three-stage cleaning system, the presence of a remote control, air ionization and cleanliness control. The device is equipped with a timer located on the control panel. The device helps to cope well with attacks of asthmatics and allergy sufferers, as well as people suffering from respiratory diseases. It is a reliable device with stylish design and low energy consumption. The downside is the high cost - from 34,000 rubles.
- Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 2 is a model of the Chinese manufacturer, which can be purchased at a price of 11,000 rubles. The device is designed for indoor use no more than 34 sq. M. It copes well with a lot of dust and various allergens. The device has a built-in cleanliness control function, as soon as the filter is completely dirty, an indicator on the case will light up. You can install programs, adjust the mode using a smartphone. The model attracts not only by its technical capabilities, but also by its attractive appearance, stylish design, and ease of operation.
- For small rooms no more than 15 sq.m. you can purchase the Ecology-Plus Super-Plus-Turbo model. This is a budget option, starting at a cost of 3800 rubles. The device is controlled mechanically. There are two built-in indicators to indicate contamination level and power. The disadvantages include the material of the device body and the need to frequently change filters.
Air purifiers are a great option for people with asthma and allergies. Thanks to the ability to capture and effectively neutralize any impurities in the air, it ensures impeccable purity and reduces the number of attacks.
