Air Purifiers for Allergies and Asthma

Allergies and asthma attacks are two common side effects of having poor air quality at home. They’re triggered by air pollutants such as pollen, dust, mold spores, pet dander, and more. When left untreated, these health conditions will continue to worsen over time.

Having an air purifier at home can help remove these pesky air pollutants and keep them from triggering allergies and asthma attacks. Air purifiers were specially developed to trap common airborne allergens such as pollen, mold, and pet dander so that you can breathe easier at home.

Here’s our take on the 10 best air purifiers for allergies and asthma you can purchase today!

Top 8 Air Purifiers for Allergies and Asthma Comparison

Product Features Price

Top Pick

1. Coway AP-1512HH

  • Pre-filter + Odor Filter + True HEPA filter + Bipolar Ionizer
  • Area coverage of 361 sq. ft.
  • CADR Ratings: Dust (246), Pollen (240), Smoke (233)
  • Built-in air quality indicator for real-time detection and adjustment
  • Comes with filter replacement indicator for easier maintenance
  • 3-year warranty
Check price on amazon

2. Levoit LV-PUR131

  • Pre-filter + True HEPA filter + Activated Carbon filter
  • Area coverage of 322 sq. ft.
  • Smart auto mode automatically adjusts fan speed depending on ambient air quality
  • Sleep mode and auto-off timer
  • Energy Star certified for higher energy efficiency
  • 2-year warranty
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3. Alen T500

  • HEPA Pure filter + Ionizer
  • Area coverage of 500 sq. ft.
  • CADR Rating: Dust (159), Pollen (159), Smoke (159)
  • 3 Fan Speeds to Choose from
  • Optional 12-hour run timer
  • Lifetime warranty
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Budget Pick

4. AeraMax 100

  • Carbon filter + True HEPA filter with AeraSafe Antimicrobial Treatment + PlasmaTRUE Technology
  • Area coverage of 200 sq. ft.
  • CADR rating: Smoke (68), Dust (65), Pollen (75)
  • Built-in AeraSmart sensor that monitors air quality and makes necessary adjustments in fan speed automatically
  • Asthma & Allergy-friendly certification by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
  • 3-year warranty
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5. Alen BreatheSmart Classic with HEPA Pure Filter

  • Mainly relies on unique HEPA Pure filter that targets dust, dander, pollen, and other airborne allergens
  • Area coverage of 1100 sq. ft.
  • With built-in ionizer for added efficiency
  • Laser Smart sensors to automatically detect allergens
  • Auto mode adjusts fan speed accordingly, depending on the environment
  • Lifetime warranty
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6. GermGuardian AC5250PT

  • HEPA filter + Charcoal filter + Optional UV-C light technology with titanium oxide
  • Area coverage of 180 sq. ft.
  • CADR ratings: Dust (123), Pollen (128), Smoke (116)
  • Filter replacement reminder
  • Energy star certified for energy efficiency
  • 5-year warranty
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7. AeraMax 300

  • Carbon pre-filter + True HEPA filter with AeraSafe Antimicrobial treatment + PlasmaTRUE Technology
  • Area coverage of 600 sq. ft.
  • CADR ratings: Dust (196), Pollen (188), Smoke (191)
  • Built-in AeraSmart sensor that monitors air quality and makes necessary adjustments in fan speed automatically
  • Asthma & Allergy-friendly certification by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
  • 3-year warranty
Check price on amazon

8. Coway AIRMEGA 300

  • Pre-filter + Max2 Filter (combined charcoal and HEPA filter)
  • Area coverage of 1,256 sq. ft.
  • CADR ratings: Dust (260), Pollen (260), Smoke (260)
  • Real-time air quality monitoring with air quality indicator
  • Smart mode automatically adjusts fan speeds depending on air quality
  • 5-year warranty
Check price on amazon

Allergies and Asthma Air Purifiers Reviews

1. Coway AP-1512HH

Coway has always impressed users with its cutting-edge products, and for those suffering from allergies and asthma, the AP-1512HH is definitely a favorite. Its four-stage filtration system consisting of a pre-filter, odor filter, HEPA filter, and optional ionizer effectively rids the air from potentially harmful airborne allergens.

Despite sporting a washable pre-filter, the HEPA and carbon replacement filters are expensive enough to keep long-term costs high. In addition to that, the AP-1512HH runs quite loudly on the highest setting so it’s best not to use it at night while you’re sleeping.

However, with the AP-1512HH, you can bet that the pros far outweigh the cons. First off, considering how affordable it is, its CADR ratings are quite impressive. It also offers smart modes such as an auto mode and ECO mode for automatic air purification needs and for energy-saving needs, respectively. Overall, the AP-1512HH is easily one of the most robust air purifiers available today.

Pros

  • Affordable (upfront)
  • Good for small to medium-sized rooms
  • Impressive CADR ratings
  • Washable pre-filter
  • Sleek, modern design
  • Energy Star rated for higher energy efficiency
  • Air quality sensor offers real-time monitoring
  • Auto Mode and ECO Mode

Cons

  • HEPA and carbon filter replacements are pricey
  • Loud on highest setting

2. Levoit LV-PUR131

The LV-PUR131 is a popular air purifier from Levoit. When placed in a room no larger than 322 sq. ft. in size, the LV-PUR131 can single-handedly clean the air 6 times in one hour, making it an ideal choice for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.

Although the LV-PUR131 is affordable upfront, it does become quite expensive in the long run due to the expensive filters that it uses which need to be replaced quite frequently. Aside from costs, another thing to worry about would be the loud noise the LV-PUR131 tends to make, regardless of what fan speed it’s on.

Despite a few disadvantages, it’s clear that the LV-PUR131 is an attractive, affordable choice for anyone suffering from asthma and allergies. It also works quite well against smoke and other odors. It also offers auto and sleep modes that allow you to set it and forget it!

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Good for small to medium-sized rooms
  • Smart auto mode and sleep mode for added convenience
  • Good for both families with both allergy/asthma sufferers and smokers
  • Easy to use and maintain

Cons

  • Short warranty
  • Expensive replacement filters
  • Filters need to be replaced frequently
  • Loud

3. Alen T500

Alen is well-known for manufacturing high quality air purifiers and the T500 is no exception. Rated to cover 500 sq. ft. of space, the T500 efficiently targets pet dander, dust, and other allergens with its built-in HEPA-Pure filter. It also comes with an optional ionizer for an added air purification boost.

A recurring complaint with the T500, however, is the alarming crackling sound that its ionizer makes while it’s running. While totally normal for ionizers, it can be quite distracting to some users. It also uses expensive filters which means long-term replacements will end up being a hefty price to pay, too.

All things considered, the T500 is an excellent, mid-priced option that can cater to medium to large-sized rooms. Thanks to the HEPA-Pure filter, you can count on the T500 to remove pesky allergens in and around your home.

Pros

  • Reasonably priced
  • Large room coverage
  • Sleek, tower-type design
  • HEPA-Pure filter best used against allergens
  • Optional timer for economical use
  • Optional ionizer helps remove dust
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Slightly loud
  • Ionizer makes a crackling noise
  • Expensive replacement filters

4. AeraMax 100

AeraMax is known to deliver dependable and affordable air purifiers, and this is proven by the AeraMax 100. The AeraMax 100 is certified Asthma and Allergy-Friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, automatically taking it several steps ahead of its competitors.

One consideration to keep in mind when picking out an air purifier for allergies and asthma is the room coverage and, unfortunately for the AeraMax 100, its area coverage is limited to only 200 sq. ft. Because it’s only rated to cover small rooms, CADR ratings for this unit also remain quite low.

What makes the AeraMax 100 stand out is its patented AeraSafe antimicrobial treatment applied on its HEPA filter to prevent bacterial build-up. It also has a special Aera+ Mode which was specifically developed to remove more allergens. It is also able to automatically adjust fan speeds using the built-in AeraSmart sensor.

With an AeraMax 100 at home, you can rest easy knowing it will eradicate up to 99.99% of airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and mold spores.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Certified allergy and asthma friendly
  • Comes with AeraSafe Antimicrobial Treatment for HEPA filter
  • Built with PlasmaTRUE technology removes airborne pollutants
  • Aera+ Mode removes more allergens and bacteria
  • AeraSmart sensor automatically adjusts fan speed

Cons

  • Small coverage area
  • Operates loudly
  • Low CADR rating

5. Alen BreatheSmart Classic with HEPA Pure Filter

Alen’s BreatheSmart Classic is a powerful console air purifier capable of covering extra large spaces up to 1100 sq. ft. in size. What’s great about this air purifier is that it allows you to pick your own filter, and for anyone suffering from allergies, its HEPA-Pure filter for allergies and dust is a godsend!

For such a robust device, it’s no surprise that the Classic comes with an equally hefty price tag. Aside from being expensive, however, one glaring problem with the Classic is that it doesn’t have a dedicated charcoal carbon filter. This automatically makes it less able to tackle odors and VOCs.

However, when you look at it as a whole, there’s no denying the Classic is definitely worth the investment. If you weren’t already impressed by its large coverage area, then you’d be blown away by the smart features this unit boasts. On top of that, you get to pick from an array of different panel designs and colors!

Pros

  • Energy efficient
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Large coverage area
  • Operates quietly
  • Smart features that automatically makes adjustments when necessary
  • Aesthetically pleasing with several panel colors to choose from
  • Customizable filters depending on needs

Cons

  • Relatively pricey
  • Doesn’t work well with odors and VOCs

6. GermGuardian AC5250PT

GermGuardian is the go-to brand for homeowners looking for affordable, high quality air purifiers. The AC5250PT is one of GermGuardian’s popular tower air purifiers that come fully equipped with a charcoal pre-filter for odors, a HEPA filter for allergens, and a UV light for bacteria and viruses.

Unfortunately, despite having a comprehensive air purification system, the AC5250PT is greatly limited by its area coverage which is maxed out at 180 sq. ft. This means it can only be used in small rooms, otherwise it would lose its effectivity. Aside from that flaw, the AC5250PT is also reportedly loud and the brightness of its UV light has irked some users.

These flaws can be overlooked, though, especially when you take into consideration how cost-effective the AC5250PT is. It’s affordable upfront and long-term because it’s highly energy efficient. If you suffer from allergies, asthma, or have pets at home, then the AC5250PT is a solid choice.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Good for pet owners and people allergic to pet dander
  • Sleek, tower-type design
  • Energy Star-certified for higher energy efficiency
  • UV light can eliminate airborne bacteria
  • Long warranty

Cons

  • Small room coverage
  • Loud on highest setting
  • UV light is very bright

7. AeraMax 300

If you’re a fan of the AeraMax 100 but think it won’t meet your needs, then you can definitely take into consideration the AeraMax 300. It’s capable of servicing large rooms up to 600 sq. ft. in size with an air purification system consisting of a carbon filter, HEPA filter, and ionizer.

Unfortunately, the AeraMax 300 does come with a pretty hefty price tag upfront. Aside from being costly, it also tends to emit a high pitched noise which an alarming number of users have reported. Another design flaw would be the panel lights which are bright enough to be distracting at night.

Despite these few flaws, the AeraMax still has a lot of redeeming qualities. For one, it has an Aera+ mode makes it work harder to remove any pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and other allergens that might be lurking in the vicinity. It also has good CADR ratings for dust and pollen. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable air purifier to help you battle your allergies, then look no further than the AeraMax 300.

Pros

  • Large room coverage
  • Certified asthma and allergy friendly
  • HEPA filter has antimicrobial treatment
  • AeraSmart mode automatically adjusts fan speed depending on air quality
  • Good CADR ratings
  • Aera+ Mode developed to remove more allergens, viruses, and bacteria
  • Sleek, modern design

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Loud, emits high pitched noise
  • Bright panel lights

8. Coway AIRMEGA 300

The AIRMEGA 300 from Coway is part of their newest line of AIRMEGA air purifiers. The AIRMEGA 300 is the cheapest in this line, but it is by no means inferior. Rated to cover extra large spaces up to 1256 sq. ft. in size, the AIRMEGA 300 uses a washable pre-filter for capturing large particles and a Max2 filter which is a combined carbon and HEPA filter.

You can probably tell from how the AIRMEGA line looks that these air purifiers don’t come cheap. Even the AIRMEGA 300, which is the cheapest of the AIRMEGA line, costs several times more than the other models on this list. Long-term costs remain high, too, due to its expensive replacement filters and short lifespan.

While these costs are understandably off-putting, you definitely get your money’s worth with the AIRMEGA 300. It comes with a built-in air quality sensor that allows you to monitor air quality and allows the machine to adjust fan speeds accordingly. There are smart modes and a pre-set timer for added convenience.

Pros

  • Extra large room coverage
  • Uses smart technology that automatically adjusts fan speed
  • Real-time air quality monitoring
  • Washable pre-filter
  • Max2 filter can tackle both allergens and odors
  • Unique, modern design
  • Pre-set timer
  • Filter maintenance reminders

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Expensive replacement filters
  • Short filter lifespan

Buyer’s Guide:

Air Purifiers for Allergies and Asthma

Are Air Filters Capable of Easing Asthma and Allergies?

The filters that air purifiers use are highly effective at trapping and removing common allergy triggers. The most popular type of air filter that air purifiers use is the True HEPA filter.

True HEPA filters are required to meet a standard to filter at least 99.97% of all particles larger than 0.3 microns. Particles that HEPA filters are able to trap include chemicals, bacteria, and viruses, thus, HEPA air purifiers create a more sanitary environment.

Common Asthma and Allergy Triggers

People with sensitive respiratory systems are the ones easily affected by allergy and asthma. However, having poor air quality in your home is more likely to trigger these allergy and asthma symptoms. These triggers include, but are not limited to, pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander.

Examples of some common air contaminants that HEPA filters are able to trap:

  • Pollen (5-100 microns)
  • Mold (2-20 microns)
  • Pet Dander (0.5-100 microns)
  • Dust Mite Debris (0.5-50 microns)
  • Bacteria (0.35-10 microns)

Features to Consider

When it comes to selecting an air purifier for allergies and asthma, there are certain features that you have to look out for:

  • Room Coverage

    To ensure maximum efficiency, an air purifier needs to be placed in the room size recommended by the manufacturer. Otherwise, your air purifier will be unable to effectively purify the air. Make sure you already know what room size you’re planning to put the air purifier in so that you know what type of air purifier will fit your needs.

  • HEPA filter

    UV light is able to break down and eliminate bacteria and viruses at the cellular level, rendering them harmless. In this way, UV air purifiers are able to create safer, more sanitary environments as well as reduce the spread of harmful diseases.

  • Helps reduce odors from cooking, smoke, etc.

    As previously mentioned, the HEPA filter is a very important component of an effective air purifier. It’s the only type of air filter that would be able to effectively trap and remove common allergens and asthma triggers. Without it, you can’t rely on the air purifier to prevent allergy and asthma symptoms.

  • Clean Air Delivery Rate

    Clean Air Delivery Rate or CADR is a very important performance metric for air purifiers. It indicates the ability of an air filter to reduce smoke, dust, pollen particles between the ranges of 0.10 to 11 micron. The higher the values, the faster the purifier filters the air. The highest CADR rating that an air purifier can achieve is 400. For more information on CADR, you can check out our guide here.

  • Air Changes Per Hour

    Along with CADR, the air change rate of an air purifier should also be taken into consideration. As a minimum requirement, a good quality air purifier should be able to purify all the air in the room at least twice per hour. For allergy and asthma sufferers, however, it’s more ideal for an air purifier to cycle through 4 to 5 ACH.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I figure out if I need an allergy/asthma air purifier?

If you or any other member of the family is suffering from asthma or respiratory allergies, then an air purifier that specifically targets allergy or asthma triggers is definitely a good investment.

An air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter will be able to effectively trap and remove pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites which are the most common triggers. This will ultimately help prevent future allergy and asthma attacks.

Can the device handle the removal of mold spores?

A great majority of air purifiers are able to handle the removal of mold spores. Most of them come with a True HEPA filter, which can remove 99% of mold spores, and other harmful airborne pollutants.

Does the particle size matter when it comes to an air purifier’s capability to clean the air?

Yes, definitely. Many airborne particles are microscopic in size, unable to be seen by the naked eye. A top-notch air purifier with a True HEPA filter should be able to at least capture 0.3 microns of pollutants. However, air purifiers that use other, less efficient types of filters will not be able to remove such microscopic air pollutants.

Final Thoughts

Allergies and asthma attacks are never a pleasant experience. Unfortunately, these two health conditions are very common and are very easily triggered by the presence of airborne pollutants. If you or any of your family members suffer from respiratory allergies or asthma, then investing in a high quality air purifier would help relieve them of those symptoms.

After much consideration, we’ve decided that the air purifier that will give you more bang for your buck would definitely be the Coway AP-1512HH. For a very reasonable price, you get a robust, feature-packed air purifier to help you combat household air pollutants that can trigger allergies and asthma.

If the AP-1512HH is a little too much power for you, then we definitely recommend the AeraMax 100 for smaller rooms instead. It’s affordable, it’s effective, and it’s compact! Perfect for anyone looking to only cover small spaces.

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