Is an Air Purifier Good for Your Room?

Air purifiers can be a great way to freshen up stale air and reduce the chances of health problems caused by indoor pollutants. These pollutants can trigger respiratory infections, neurological issues, or worsen asthma symptoms. Quality air purifiers can remove a variety of pollutants from the air and keep us healthy. The best place to put an air purifier is in the breathing area.

The closer it is to your head, the shorter the distance clean air must travel before it reaches you. In the bedroom, this usually means putting it on a nightstand or bedside table near the bed. If possible, mounting it on the wall is ideal. When placed close to areas with lower indoor air quality, an air purifier can improve air quality quickly.

It can also work in conjunction with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which is known for trapping airborne allergens. Research shows that filtering the air can help remove harmful particles from indoor spaces, such as allergens, smoke, and mold. However, having an air purifier and fresh air in the room at the same time is practically impossible. An air purifier can act as a supplement to other strategies to help remove particles.

It's also important to look for air purifiers and filters that are certified asthma and allergy friendly devices from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. When using an air purifier, make sure to keep windows and doors closed so that it can be more effective. You should also place it on the ground if you have cats since their hair often falls to the ground. Placing it on a nightstand near your bed, away from any obstructions, gives you the best chance of efficiently removing air pollutants and delivering clean air directly to you while you sleep.

For a more efficient setup, choose an air purifier with a clean air supply rate (CADR) that matches the size of your room. Additionally, getting as much air as possible into the unit can help it clean the air faster. Running it with old, clogged filters can reduce the speed at which air moves through it.