Best Air Purifier For Pet Allergies And Asthma Needs

Allergic and asthmatic patients might find it difficult to live with pets. Fine dust, dander, and hair from the pets can cause discomforts and illnesses, as described. Hence a lot of people having pets look for better ways to improve the quality of air indoors and solve their health concerns while still keeping their animal friends.

To prove these solutions, air purifiers became a range of the most sought-after options to minimize these problems by getting rid of inhalant allergens and irritants. These devices come in a variety of sizes and types, each designed to address a specific set of air quality problems and equipped with different features and capabilities.

In this article, we will take a look at the universe of air purifiers in general and concentrate on their effects on pets, and the allergens, and asthma triggers resulting from such interactions. So without Furter ado, let’s get started.

 

Understanding Pet Allergens and Asthma Triggers

 

Allergies to pets are quite often sourced in the proteins found in a pet’s skin flakes, aka dander, or a pet's saliva & urine. These proteins are light enough that they can float in the air and stay that way for quite a while. Many people are under the impression that it is the coat of the animal that causes the allergy when in fact it is the allergy-causing substances clipped onto the fur that are released into the environment.

For asthmatic patients, such exposure does stimulate the inflamed tissues of the airway with subsequent course of action involving wheezing, chest irritation with coughs triggered, and strained breather as a result. Further, other particulate matter such as dust, pollen, or mold which are airborne and are in pet-keeping households, makes the situation worse in asthma as well as allergy sufferers.

 

Key Features of Effective Air Purifiers for Pet Allergies and Asthma

 

While looking for the best air purifier for pets that works well for asthma, some features need to be present. First and foremost is high-efficiency particulate Air (HEPA) filtration. These filters are very fine meaning that they can capture tiny particles that are 0.3 microns or larger, most pet dander and other allergens will fall within this range. A True HEPA filter shall be issued on purifiers which lets through a maximum of only 0.03% of the harmful particles smaller than the HEPA-rated filter standard particle.

Adsorbing volatile organic compounds and odors that might provoke sensitive airways may also be performed by the activated carbon filters which are also significant components. More sophisticated models, for example, those that are made as a mold air purifier, might have extra filtration stages designed to eliminate targeted pollutant(s).

 

Another important factor to bear in mind is the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) as it is the scale that demonstrates how fast the purifier would be able to clean the room air. Get an appropriate CADR for the room subject where the purifier will be situated. For larger residences, a whole-house air purifier system may be used, allowing for air purification across the entire space.

 

 

HEPA Filtration: The Gold Standard for Allergen Removal

 

HEPA filters are widely regarded as the most effective method for removing airborne allergens, including pet dander. These filters work by forcing air through a fine mesh that traps particles of various sizes. The multi-layered construction of HEPA filters allows them to capture not only larger particles but also microscopic allergens that can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.

 

While purchasing an air purifier that has a HEPA-type filtration system, check the filter lifetime and the cost of replacement. Some designs, however, incorporate specialized filters that are either washable or long-lasting which assist in cutting down future maintenance costs.

 

The Role of Activated Carbon in Odor and Chemical Removal

 

HEPA filter serves the purpose of grabbing particulate and dust particles quite well but there are some gasses and unpleasant generic odors that cannot be treated with this. This is where activated carbon filters come into play. These types of filters are used to remove a variety of hydrocarbons that are capable of inflicting unpleasant traces in the air such as pet odors and other household smells that irritate the airways of some individuals.

Odor and chemical removal capabilities are enhanced in some advanced air purifiers through the inclusion of a higher quantity of activated carbon or a special form of carbon blend. More powerful filtration systems of this type are available in some models such as those designed as an air scrubber for sale and these are used for demanding air cleaning applications.

 

Additional Filtration Technologies

 

Other than the Heppa and the activated carbon technology, there are other air filters that are able to provide extra functionality in improving the recovered air quality for particulate matter. UV-C light will allow disinfection of the filters or air containing bacteria and viruses that are commonly found in the space or on the filters themselves. 

Ionizers are used to artificially charge the air with negatively charged particles which assists in the clumping of the particles and therefore makes it relatively easier to filter or settle the particles out of the air.

 

However, it's important to note that some of these additional technologies, particularly ionizers, can produce trace amounts of ozone as a byproduct. For individuals with asthma or other respiratory sensitivities, ozone can be an irritant. Therefore, when considering air purifiers with these features, look for models that are certified ozone-safe or allow you to disable the ionizing function.

 

Portable vs. Whole-House Solutions

 

For targeted air cleaning in specific rooms, a portable air scrubber or compact unit like a Homedics air purifier can be an effective solution. These devices are easy to move from room to room and can be particularly useful in bedrooms or other areas where you spend a lot of time.

 

For more comprehensive coverage, whole-house air purification systems offer a solution that can improve air quality throughout your entire living space. These systems are typically integrated into your home's HVAC system and can provide consistent air cleaning without the need for multiple standalone units.

 

 

Noise Levels and Energy Efficiency

 

When buying an air purifier for use in bedrooms or quiet areas, factors like noise levels need to be considered. Most modern air purifiers have more than one fan speed which makes it possible to optimize the noise level while still cleaning the air. Other models provide “sleep” or “quiet” modes that allow usage at night. Energy efficiency is particularly a big concern for appliances that are likely to be on all the time. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified units as these would have met specific energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.

 

Room Size and Air Exchange Rates

 

For an air purifier to function properly and clean the air of a certain area, it must have the capability of filtering the air more than a few times in an hour. This is also commonly referred to as the air exchange rate or air moves per hour (AMH) or air changes per hour (ACH). In the case of those suffering from serious allergies or asthma, the rate of air exchange rate may need to be at least four (4)-five times an hour for effective air conditioning.

 

When selecting an air purifier, compare the unit's CADR and recommended room size to ensure it's capable of adequately cleaning the air in your space. For larger rooms or open floor plans, you may need to consider more powerful models or multiple units to achieve the desired air quality improvements.