By Giulia Villanucci
As someone who is part of a clinically vulnerable household, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic required me to take quite a few precautions to protect my health. Two items that never leave my side for trips or medical visits are a respirator mask and the QT3 Travel Air Purifier.
Despite its compact size, for me, this battery-powered air purifier stood out for its power and efficiency, making it an essential companion in environments where air quality cannot be fully controlled. To better explain my use of personal air purifiers as an additional mitigation measure against viruses, I’d like to share my experiences using the QT3 during a dental visit in Scotland and a train journey to London and back.
Small, but mighty, travel air purifier
The QT3 is specifically designed for personal use, providing an effective stream of clean, filtered air within 40 cm from your face. This proximity helps ensure cleaner air in my breathing zone, helping to reduce my risk of exposure to viruses and other airborne particles, especially when coupled with a good-fitting and good quality face mask. Its portability and battery-powered design make it convenient for use in various settings, particularly environments where larger purifiers are not an option (yet!).
At the dentist *
Dental visits are often unavoidable and can be risky, given the close contact and prolonged exposure to people indoors not wearing a mask. Bringing my QT3 along, I placed it on my chest near my face.
I was fortunate that my dentist masked and opened the window for me, but the QT3 provided an additional tiny layer of protection that offered me a noticeable sense of relief - knowing it was slowly filtering the air I was breathing during the appointment. This added layer of protection made a significant difference in my comfort level throughout the appointment, though I was fully aware that, given the size and power of the QT3, the open window and mask worn by the dentist were doing most of the job in protecting me at the time.
On the Train *
Train travel poses another set of challenges, especially when crowded and air circulation is limited. On a recent journey from London to Edinburgh, the train was extremely busy, and CO2 levels skyrocketed to 2300 ppm and beyond. Levels above 800ppm can indicate poor air quality and a greater risk of airborne virus transmission. Keeping my mask on and the QT3 as close to my face as possible, was all I could control within that enclosed environment. It was not the ideal scenario, but I felt reassured by the tools I was able to use throughout the trip.
I felt confident that the HEPA filter inside the QT3 was efficiently capturing harmful particles and, paired with my face mask, it offered a crucial layer of protection. This combination helped mitigate the risks associated with the crowded train environment, making my journey more bearable.
Conversely, the train from Edinburgh to London was less crowded, with CO2 levels consistently below 700 ppm. The QT3 still proved valuable, providing peace of mind in allowing me some level of control over the air quality around me.
Peace of mind in a compact package
While the QT3 cannot replace room-based air purifiers, I feel it excels in personal, travel air filtration. It’s the best option I’ve found for maintaining clean air in close proximity, particularly in situations where mobility and compactness are crucial. For anyone who is Covid-aware or needs to take extra precautions due to clinical vulnerabilities, the QT3 can offer peace of mind.
Practical use and benefits
Using the QT3 is simple to operate. The battery lasts for about 4 hours (on low-setting), allowing for extended use without the need for frequent recharging. During my train journey, it operated seamlessly for the entire trip, and its quiet operation ensured that it didn’t draw attention or cause any discomfort. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry, whether in a backpack or a tote bag, adding to its practicality for everyday use.
Bottom Line
While it may not match the power of room-based air purifiers, the QT3 shines as a personal, travel solution. For those who need to be extra cautious, the QT3 is an invaluable tool. It provides an additional layer of protection and a sense of security in environments where air quality is a concern. Whether you are clinically vulnerable or simply want to take extra precautions against airborne viruses, the QT3 is a worthwhile investment for ensuring safer, cleaner air wherever you go.
Accessorising clean air
* I'm a big fan of Covid Careful Crafting, local to me in Edinburgh. The dental image shows the handles that made it easier to hold the QT3 as close to my face as possible and the train image shows a carry case for the CO2 monitor.
