How to choose an air purifier

How to choose an air purifier？

Recommended air purifiers
The key to a good air purifier is that it filters out particles 10 micrometers or smaller in diameter (a human hair is about 90 micrometers wide).
Your nose and upper airway are pretty good at filtering out particles larger than 10 micrometers, but particles smaller than that can easily get into your lungs and bloodstream.
Air purifiers that contain a HEPA filter are the gold standard. Choose one that contains a true HEPA filter, rather than a HEPA-type filter. Although it’s more expensive, it will remove more particles from the air.
Avoid any purifier that uses ozone or ions. These products could be harmful to your lungs.

Benefits of using an air purifier
Using an air purifier may help clean the air in your home so you breathe in fewer particles that could irritate your lungs.
Cleaner indoor air might help your heart, too.
Exposure to particles in the air can contribute to the inflammation that damages blood vessels. In studiesTrusted Source, filtering the air led to improved blood vessel function, which could contribute to better heart health.

Air filters

When choosing an air filter, you have a few different options.
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. These filters are highly effective at clearing the air because they remove 99.97 percentTrusted Source of particles 0.3 microns (1/83,000 of an inch) in diameter or larger.
For every 10,000 particles of that size that enter the filter, only three will pass through.
When choosing a HEPA filter, look at its minimum efficiency reporting values (MERV). This number, which goes from 1 to 16, shows how effective the filter is at trapping certain types of particles. The higher the number, the better.
Some air filters are disposable. You change them every 1 to 3 months and throw out the old one. Others are washable. You check them once a month, and if they’re dirty, you wash them.
Disposable air filters offer more convenience, but you’ll spend more to keep replacing them. Washable air filters save you money, but you’ll need to keep up with the cleaning.
In addition, filters are made from several different materials:

• Pleated filters are designed to last longer with less maintenance.
• Polyester filters trap lint, dust, and dirt.
• Activated carbon filters help control odors in your home.
• Fiberglass filters are made from spun glass that traps dirt.

You need to keep the filter in your air purifier clean so it can work effectively. Plan to clean your purifier about once a month.
The only filters you should never wash are HEPA or carbon filters. Change these filters every 6 months to 1 year.
To clean your filter:

1. Turn off and unplug the air purifier.
2. Clean the outside with a damp cloth. Use a soft brush to clear any dust out of the top air vent.
3. Remove the front grill and prefilter and wash them with warm, soapy water. Dry them with a towel before putting them back inside the machine.
4. Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe down the inside of the air purifier.

An air purifier can remove some pollutants and allergens from the air in your home. While these machines haven’t been proven to help with COPD, they may improve asthma symptoms.
For best results, choose a purifier with a HEPA filter. Make sure to keep your air purifier clean by regularly washing or changing the filter.