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We Bust 5 Air Purifier Myths

We bust common air purifier myths to help you tackle bacteria and viruses, pollutants and allergens in your home.

Indoor air quality is a growing concern, especially for health-conscious individuals and families who are aware of the potential hazards lurking in their indoor air. With many of us living in urban environments or dealing with allergies and Asthma, air purifiers have become an essential tool in our quest for cleaner, healthier air.

In this blog, we uncover the benefits of air purifiers, bust some common myths and share some of our favourite air purifying devices. Read on to find out more!

How Air Purifiers Work

Air purifiers work by using fans to draw in air, which is then passed through various filters that trap unwanted particles and microscopic nasties like dust, mould, bacteria, pollen and pet dander. Some air purifiers might use UV light to kill viruses and bacteria, offering another layer of protection.

Air purifiers then release clean air back into the room, creating a healthier and more hygienic home environment for your home. Click here to find out more on how air purifiers operate.

What Are the Benefits of Air Purifiers?

Air purifiers offer a range of benefits that can significantly enhance your quality of life. Here are some key advantages:

  • Reduced Allergies and Asthma Symptoms: By filtering out allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, and mould spores, air purifiers can help alleviate symptoms for those with Asthma or respiratory conditions.
  • Improved Sleep: Cleaner air delivered by air purifiers can lead to better sleep as it reduces the presence of allergens and pollutants that may disrupt sleep.
  • Reduced Exposure to Harmful Particles: Air purifiers can remove harmful particles like particulate matter (PM) found in outdoor air pollution, protecting your respiratory health.
  • Odour Removal: Air purifiers can eliminate unpleasant odours from cooking, pets, or other sources, such as paint and furniture, leaving your home smelling fresh.
  • Improved Overall Health: Breathing cleaner air can boost overall health and well-being, offering a healthier and vibrant lifestyle.

Benefits of Air Purifiers

5 Common Misconceptions & Myths About Air Purifiers

Despite their benefits, there are some common concerns and misconceptions about air purifiers. Here we bust some myths and share the reality of using an air purifier:

  1. Air Purifiers Dry the Air: Unlike dehumidifiers, air purifiers do not remove moisture from the air.
  2. Air Purifiers Only Remove Dust: Modern air purifiers are equipped to filter out a range of pollutants, including allergens, harmful particles, odours and gases.
  3. Air Purifiers Can’t Remove Odours and Gases: Many air purifiers have activated carbon filters specifically designed to absorb odours and gases.
  4. Using an Air Purifier Means You Don’t Have to Clean: While they reduce airborne pollutants, regular cleaning is still necessary to maintain a healthy home environment.
  5. Air Purifiers Mean You Don’t Need to Ventilate Your Space: Proper ventilation is vital to ensure good air circulation, even when using an air purifier.

Myths About Air Purifiers

3 Air Purifiers We’re Loving Right Now

 1. Breville’s Smart Air™ Viral Protect Plus Purifier – LAP408WHT

The Smart Air™ Viral Protect Plus Purifier offers advanced 4-stage filtration technology to capture 99.97% of airborne particles, providing peace of mind for allergy sufferers. With both app and voice control compatibility, this Breville air purifier ensures effortless control. Its sleek design fits seamlessly into any home décor, making it a functional and stylish addition.

  • Suitable for Areas Up To: 42m2
  • Filter Types: 4-stage filtration
    1. AntiViral HEPA-13 Filter reduces viruses and allergens, with the ability to kill up to 99.97% of SARS-CoV-2 and 99.99% of the Influenza A viral particles 1
    2. The unit’s pre-filter reduces dust and pet-dander
    3. Activated Carbon filter reduces smoke and odours for a fresh home feeling
    4. The fourth layer of protection is the Microbe Shield™ short-wave light function which targets bacteria and viruses
  • Speed Settings: 4
  • Timer: 8 hours
  • Smart App/Voice Control: Yes, with Breville Home Connect app and voice via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant
  • Sensitive Choice Approved: Yes
  • Warranty: 2 years

 Breville’s Smart Air™ Viral Protect Plus Purifier

2. Electrolux’s UltimateHome 500 Air Purifier – EP53-47SWA

Designed for larger spaces like living and dining areas, the UltimateHome 500 Air Purifier delivers superior air purification with its multi-layered filtration system. It effectively removes allergens, smoke, and pollutants while offering smart connectivity features for seamless operation via the Electrolux app on your smartphone.

  • Suitable for Areas Up To: 54m2
  • Filter Types: 4-stage filtration
    1. Pre-filter: Filters larger size particles like dust and hair to ensure a longer life for other filters
    2. Antibacterial coating: removes harmful bacteria and viruses
    3. HEPA 13 filter: removes up to 99.99% of bacteria 2 for even cleaner and healthier fresh air
    4. Activated carbon filter works to removes odours and eliminates up to 94% of harmful gases, like those emitted by household products such as paint, cleaning supplies and tobacco smoke 3
  • Speed Settings: 5
  • Timer: auto timer
  • Smart App/Voice Control: Yes, with Electrolux app
  • Sensitive Choice Approved: No
  • Warranty: 2 years

Electrolux’s UltimateHome 500 Air Purifier

3. Sunbeam’s On-The-Go Fresh™ Portable Air Purifier – SAP0800WH

Perfect for individuals who are always on the move, the On-The-Go Fresh™ Portable Air Purifier is compact and powerful, ensuring you breathe clean air wherever you go. Its USB charging feature makes it ideal for use in cars or small workspaces. With up to 12 hours of wireless air purification time, this portable air purifier will deliver longer peace of mind.

  • Suitable for Areas Up To: 10m2 (personal air purification)
  • Filter Types: 3-stage filtration
    1. The pre filter collects large particles
    2. True HEPA filter removes up to 99.97% of airborne dust and pollen
    3. Carbon Filter helps to eliminate odours and gases
  • Speed Settings: 2
  • Timer: max. 12 hour run time on low setting
  • Smart App/Voice Control: No
  • Sensitive Choice Approved: No
  • Warranty: 1 year

 Sunbeam’s On-The-Go Fresh™ Portable Air Purifier

Air Purifiers: Final Thoughts

Investing in an air purifier can be a game-changer for improving your indoor air quality and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking to reduce allergy symptoms, enhance your sleep, or simply enjoy a fresher home environment, there’s an air purifier tailored to your needs.

For those eager to learn more about how air purifiers can revolutionise the home atmosphere, exploring models like those featured in this blog offers a great start. Breathe easy knowing you’re making a wise choice for your household’s health.

Ready to breathe easier? Discover the best air purifiers for your home and improve your air quality today.

FAQs

Air purifiers can significantly improve indoor air quality by effectively removing pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. This can lead to various benefits, including reduced allergy and Asthma symptoms, improved breathing for those with respiratory conditions, and a more pleasant living environment. To maximise their effectiveness, it's crucial to choose a purifier with a HEPA filter, consider your room size, and replace filters regularly. While air purifiers are a valuable tool, they should be used in conjunction with proper ventilation and cleaning practices.

The success of an air purifier depends on factors like the filter type, room size, and pollutant type. High-quality HEPA filters can significantly reduce particulate matter. However, they're not a complete solution; proper ventilation and cleaning remain essential for optimal indoor air quality.

While air purifiers can help remove mould spores from the air, they may not be effective in addressing the root cause of mould growth. It's important to address any underlying moisture issues.

Yes, it's generally safe to sleep with an air purifier on. Many people find it beneficial, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues. Modern air purifiers are designed to operate quietly, ensuring undisturbed sleep, especially if they have a ‘sleep’ or ‘night’ mode. However, it's important to choose a purifier with a low noise level and place it in a suitable location to avoid any disturbances.

To choose the right air purifier, consider factors such as the size of the room, the type of pollutants you want to remove, and your budget. Other important technical considerations include the filter type (HEPA for particles, activated carbon for odours), noise level, energy efficiency, maintenance ease, and any specific needs (allergies, Asthma).

Filter replacement frequency depends on the type of filter, usage, and the level of air pollution. Do check your air purifier's manual for specific recommendations.

DISCLAIMERS

1 The AntiViral filter material is tested for the reduction of SARS-CoV-2, H1N1 and H3N2 viral particles as per ISO 18184.

2 Tested for Legionella pneumophila, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Serratia marcescens.

3 Tested to GB/T standard against 9 gases for TVOC efficiency.

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