Do you also have a year-round annoying condition where you sneeze, have a runny nose , and feel like you're coughing? Do you feel like these symptoms are getting worse when you're at home? Then you probably think that bringing a good air purifier, or 'Air Filter', to your home will solve all these problems. But is that really the case? Is it worth spending money on an Air Filter? Let's talk about this in a little more depth.
Step One: Before an Air Filter, Prepare the Home Environment
Actually, as doctors, the first thing we recommend is not to buy an air filter. There is a much more important first step. That is, to reduce the things that trigger your allergies and asthma in your home environment as much as possible. Think about it, if you don't clean a place that accumulates dirt regularly, there is no point in spraying perfume on it. That's the same with this. First, we need to eliminate the cause of the problem.
So, here are some things you can do before even thinking about an air filter.
- Remove carpets: If possible, remove carpets from your home and use a smooth surface like tile or terrazzo. Carpets are a great place for allergens like dust and dust mites to hide.
- Take care of your pets: If you have a puppy or kitten at home, it can be a difficult decision. However, if you have allergies, keep them out of the house as much as possible. If that's not possible, don't bring them into your bedroom at all. Also, stop letting them sleep on your bed, sofa, or play with them.
- Use the A/C: Using an air conditioner instead of opening the windows during hot weather reduces the amount of allergens, such as pollen, that are present in the outdoor environment entering the house.
- Clean filters regularly: Clean or replace your A/C filter and your home's ventilation system ( DUCT System) filter regularly, at least every three months.
- Keep the windows closed: During times when your allergies are severe, keep the windows in your home and car closed as much as possible. And reduce your time outside.
- Ban smoking indoors: If anyone in the house smokes, stop doing so indoors altogether. Cigarette smoke is a major trigger for asthma and allergies.
- Wash clothes in hot water: Use as hot water as possible when washing your bedding, pillowcases, and curtains. This will kill dust mites.
- Reduce dust: Dust tends to accumulate when there are too many decorations, piles of books, and unnecessary items. Keep your home as simple and tidy as possible.
Step Two: Now let's think about an Air Filter.
Okay. You've tried everything I mentioned before, but you still don't have enough relief from your symptoms? Then, now is the perfect time to consider an air filter.
But remember, an air filter is not a magic bullet that can be used alone to achieve great results. It is just an additional help when combined with the cleaning methods we discussed earlier.
Even organizations like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Lung Association say that air purifiers can be helpful for people with allergies and asthma, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Even in a well-ventilated, clean home, there are varying opinions about how much additional relief an air filter provides.
What are these types of air filters?
There are many different types of air filters on the market. To choose the one that suits your needs, it is important to have a little understanding of these types.
| Filter Type | How it works and important points |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Filters | These work by forcing air through a special mesh (screen) to trap particles like dust, pollen, and animal dander. The best and most popular filter of this type is the HEPA filter . HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air . A true HEPA filter should be able to capture 90% of particles larger than 0.3 microns that pass through it. Choose one that is certified as "True HEPA" rather than "HEPA-type." |
| Electronic Filters | These use electrical charges to attract and trap particles in the air. Some have collecting plates that collect the particles. Or those particles stick to the walls and furniture in the room. We have to clean them later. |
| Hybrid Filters | Simply put, these have elements of both mechanical and electronic methods. |
| Gas Phase Filters | These are used to remove odors and gaseous pollutants. For example, cooking fumes, paint fumes, and perfumes. They do not remove allergens such as dust and pollen. |
| Ozone Generators | Although these are advertised as producing ozone gas and purifying the air, we do not recommend their use at all. Inhaling high concentrations of ozone gas is very harmful to the lungs. Therefore, it is best to stay away from such devices. |
One for the whole house? Or one for each room?
If your home has central air conditioning, you can install a whole-house filter system that connects to it. However, their filters can be expensive and need to be replaced frequently. We generally recommend using a portable air filter that fits in the room where you spend the most time, especially the bedroom.
Ask these questions before buying an air filter
Okay, now that you've decided to buy an air filter, don't just go to the store and get the prettiest one, or the cheapest one. Make an informed decision, ask yourself these questions, or ask the salesperson.
- What does this remove? What doesn't it remove? (e.g., just dust? Does it also remove cigarette smoke? Does it remove odors?)
- How efficient is this? (Does this meet the "True HEPA" standard?)
- Is it suitable for the size of the room? (Can this clean the air in your bedroom within 4-6 minutes?)
- What is the CADR value? CADR stands for `(Clean Air Delivery Rate)`. Simply put, this refers to how quickly the machine can clean the air. There are separate CADR values for dust, pollen, and smoke. The higher this value, the more efficient it is.
- Is it easy to change the filter? (If possible, ask the store to do it for you.)
- How often should I change the filter? Also, how much do the filters cost? Are they easily available year-round?
- How is the sound? Is it quiet enough to use while sleeping? Try turning it on for a while at the store. Try to imagine how it sounds in the quiet environment of your home.
Ultimately, if you are healthy and live in a relatively clean environment, there is no need to spend money unnecessarily on an air filter. However, if you have asthma, allergies, or a chronic lung condition like COPD, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor about this type of device.
Take-Home Message
- An air filter is a second-line solution for allergies and asthma. The first and most important thing is to keep the home environment free of allergens.
- Before purchasing an air filter, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and the need for such a device.
- Choose the type of filter that best suits your needs. For allergies, a "True HEPA" filter is best.
- Avoid purchasing ozone generators, which can be harmful to the lungs.
- Before purchasing, carefully research factors such as CADR rating, cost and ease of filter replacement, and noise level of the device.
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