Air purifiers, also commonly known as air filters or air cleaners, have become increasingly popular amongst the public as they become more aware of the importance of indoor air quality, especially in their homes. After all, Australians spend more than 90% of their time indoors. Therefore, it’s only fitting that we take the right steps to ensure the air in your homes is fresh and clean.
For those with asthma, air purifiers can be particularly beneficial as they help remove airborne asthma triggers that can exacerbate and worsen symptoms. Here, we will discuss the many benefits of using air purifiers for asthma and provide a guide on choosing the right air purifier for asthma patients.
Whether you’re looking for relief from seasonal allergies or year-round asthma symptoms, an air purifier can help ease your worries and help you create a healthier indoor environment.
Understanding asthma triggers
Asthma triggers are substances or impurities in the air that cause inflammation and constrictions in the airways that lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and chest tightness, among others. Some common asthma triggers include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mould, dust and other air pollutants.
Understanding asthma triggers is essential for managing the condition. By knowing and staying away from triggers, those suffering from asthma can reduce the frequency and severity of their symptoms. One of the best ways to reduce exposure to asthma triggers is by using an air purifier.
Air purifiers are able to remove allergens and irritants from the air, making it easier to breathe for people living with asthma. However, not all air purifiers are created equal as some may be more effective at removing asthma triggers than others.
How air purifiers help asthma symptoms
Ionmax air purifiers are equipped with up to six filtration stages and can be an effective tool in managing asthma symptoms by filtering the air, and removing asthma triggers like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, etc that trigger asthma symptoms. This is the main benefit of using air purifiers for asthma.
Air purifiers for asthma typically employ high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters which are able to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns in size. By removing allergens and pollutants from the air, air purifiers can create a cleaner and healthier environment.
However, it’s important to understand that although air purifiers can help ease asthma symptoms, they should not be the only form of treatment and should instead be used with proper medication and lifestyle modifications. Air purifiers can add value to an asthma management plan but should be used in combination with other management strategies recommended by a healthcare provider.
Among the filters used by Ionmax air purifiers for asthma management include
- Pre-filter – the first line of defence, pre-filters help stop large particles such as dust, pet fur or hair from entering the air purifier.
- HEPA filters – the main filter within air purifiers, these filters trap microscopic particles such as pollen, pet dander and dust mites.
- Activated carbon filter – as the name states, these filters contain activated carbon that absorbs and removes odours, chemicals and gases from the air.
- Titanium dioxide filter – often used alongside UV lights to break down and inactivate airborne bacteria and viruses.
- UVC light – when switched on, the UV light can neutralise bacteria, viruses and mould spores that will prevent them from reproducing.
- Negative ioniser – this feature releases negative ions into the air, which attach to positively charged airborne particles, causing them to clump together and fall out of the air, making it easier to clean.
READ MORE: Air filters commonly used in air purifiers
What to consider when choosing an air purifier for asthma?
There are several factors to consider when choosing an air purifier for asthma. Here, we’ll discuss four main factors to look into when looking to buy an air purifier for asthma.
Filters used
The first is the type of filter that the unit uses. Ionmax air purifiers utilise HEPA air filters that are highly recommended for patients living with asthma as It captures microscopic airborne particles that trigger asthma symptoms, as explained earlier.
Additional filters, such as an activated carbon filter, can also be helpful as it removes odours and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate the lungs.
Coverage area
An air purifier’s coverage area is important as it determines how much space the purifier can effectively clean. It’s important to choose a purifier appropriate for the size of the room or space users intend to use it in.
If the air purifier is too small for the room, it may not be able to effectively filter the air and remove allergens and pollutants that trigger allergy symptoms.
CADR
CADR, or clean air delivery rate, is the volume of air that an air purifier can clean within a given period of time, usually within one hour and is measured in cubic metres per hour. For asthma patients, it is important to choose an air purifier with a higher CADR rate, as this will help ensure that the air purifier is capable of removing the maximum amount of allergens and other asthma triggers from the air.
After-sales service
As an air purifier is used to continuously remove allergens and pollutants from the air, the filters used may eventually get dirty and will not be able to efficiently purify the air. While it’s important to invest in high-quality air purifiers, it’s also crucial to choose one with hassle-free filter change processes, reliable warranties and easy-to-connect to customer relationship teams.
Ionmax offers filter subscription plans that will automatically send users new filters periodically once it is time to replace the filters. Ionmax also offers an extended 4-year warranty on all air purifiers purchased, allowing you longer peace of mind with your air purifiers.
Summary
In conclusion, air purifiers can used as a valuable tool in easing asthma symptoms of patients by removing airborne triggers that can exacerbate symptoms. When investing in an air purifier for asthma, it’s crucial to select a unit with the relevant filters, coverage area, CADR and after-sales service to ensure the unit is effective and efficient in the long run.
By using air purifiers with proper medication recommended by healthcare professionals, asthma patients will be able to breathe easier and take control of their condition.
To learn more about air purifiers and indoor air quality, check out our popular resources below:
- 5 ways to reduce humidity indoors without a dehumidifier
- How does a UV air purifier protect you from bacteria and viruses?
- Air purifiers and COVID
- All you need to know about HEPA filters
Visit our resources page to learn more about indoor air quality and to gain tips on how you can improve the air in your home.
You can also browse through our wide selection of innovative Ionmax air purifiers to look for the right unit for your space.
Enjoy an extended 2+2 year warranty on all residential air treatment appliances, including desiccant dehumidifiers, when you buy with Ionmax today!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general reference only. Please seek advice from professionals according to your needs.
Ionmax Australia
Founded in 2003, Ionmax Australia has received numerous awards and accolades for its innovative products and commitment to customer satisfaction. Ionmax dehumidifiers and air purifiers have been recognised for their effectiveness in reducing indoor air pollutants and improving air quality. The company is committed to researching and developing new and improved products that meet the needs and expectations of its customers, making it a trusted name in households across Australia and beyond.
