Using Air Purifiers for Asthma

More and more people are using air purifiers for asthma treatment, but can an air purifier prevent your next asthma attack?

There really is no easy answer to that question, sometimes yes; an air purifier is very helpful. However, you have to keep these machines in their proper perspective and also take into account the severity of your asthma, triggers, household composition and your overall health. Here are a few more things you may want to consider.

Sensitivity

How sensitive are you to potential asthma triggers and how severe are your attacks? If you are a severe asthmatic, you do not want to rely completely on one air purifier. For example, a HEPA air purifier offers the best protection as it captures very tiny particles out of the room and keeps them trapped in the filter. This means of course that you will need to be diligent in changing the filter, because when it is full, no more allergens are being trapped.

Allergy Triggers

Ion, HEPA and activated charcoal air purifiers are helpful at keeping down the allergy triggers in your world. However, it is not a bad idea to eliminate as many sources of allergens as possible. This could mean finding new homes for certain pets if their dander is a trigger for your asthma. An air purifier may help, but with the animal still in the home, you are still at risk.

Carpet Cleaning

When you vacuum with traditional beater bar style machines this action stirs up allergens, dust, mold and pollen spores that may be trapped in the fibers. Remember, for rooms where replacing the carpet with a more hypoallergenic option is just not feasible you should vacuum often, steam clean regularly and use an air purification device.

Types of Air Purifiers

There are three basic air purification types, HEPA filter units, Ion air purifiers and activated charcoal devices. The one you choose will be based upon your personal needs and what you can afford. Ion units are generally cheaper to purchase up front and maintain, however they capture the least amount of pollutants. HEPA filters capture very tiny particles of all types, but the filters themselves must be changed often and they are not always cheap. Charcoal air purifiers are highly efficient at removing more pollutants from the air including chemicals, toxins, mold, pollen and more, however these too can have more expensive operating costs.

Conclusion

Air purifiers can be an excellent tool for fighting the effects of asthma, as long as you remember they are not the only tools you have at your disposal. There are preventative measures you will want to follow as well including limiting the number of allergens in your home, dusting and vacuuming regularly and maintaining your overall health. Altogether, these steps along with air purifiers will make breathing much easier at your home!