Seasonal allergy symptoms can be difficult to cope with. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and red, watery, and itchy eyes. Fortunately, studies show the use of HEPA filter air purifiers in the home can significantly reduce pollen and seasonal allergy symptoms.
Studies Show HEPA Air Purifiers Reduce Pollen and Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Multiple studies show HEPA air purifiers are effective at reducing seasonal allergy symptoms. One double-blind study showed a significant reduction in allergy symptoms for those using a HEPA air purifier in their room versus the control group. After just 2-4 weeks, allergy symptoms and medication use decreased by 16%. The study also showed the HEPA air purifier removed the majority of particulates in the room, which are the typical cause of allergy symptoms.
Researchers have also studied how HEPA air purifiers affect children with allergic rhinitis. One study showed children with allergic rhinitis had significant allergy relief, particularly nasal symptoms when the HEPA air purifiers were used. A significant reduction of fine particulate matter was measured as well when the air purifier was in use.
How Do HEPA Air Purifiers Reduce Pollen and Seasonal Allergy Symptoms?
Seasonal allergy symptoms typically result from exposure to particulates such as pollens and mold spores. These particulates typically range in size from 10 to 200 microns for pollen and 4 to 20 microns for mold spores.
Even smaller particulates under 2.5 microns in size, called PM2.5, are also shown to exacerbate allergy symptoms. These PM2.5 particulates are in the air nearly everywhere, even indoors. How small exactly are these particulates? Below puts in perspective how small a 2.5 micron particulate is.
Air purifiers that use HEPA filters can trap 99.97% of all particulates above 0.3 microns on the first pass. This includes pollen, mold spores, dust mites, PM2.5, and other allergens. With a strong enough purifier, nearly all of these allergens can be removed from a room within 30 minutes.
How to Choose an Air Purifier for Allergy Relief
To find a HEPA air purifier for seasonal allergy relief, there are a few things to know. Ignore the marketing hype and avoid buying purifiers with add-ons such as ionizers and UV lights that can make your air worse. A HEPA filter is all that is needed for removing allergens from the air. There is also no correlation between an air purifier’s price and effectiveness.
In addition, make sure the air purifier is strong enough for the room it will be used in.
Check out our four-step guide on how to choose the best purifier for more information on finding the best air purifier.
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