Indoor air quality significantly affects your health and well-being, especially since most people spend a large part of their day indoors, whether at home or work. Indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air due to limited circulation, allowing harmful particles like dust, bacteria, chemicals, and allergens to accumulate. 
 

Knowing your area’s air quality index and recognising symptoms such as eye irritation, fatigue, or breathing discomfort can help you take proactive steps, as the need for air filtration is growing due to increasing health concerns and rising air pollution levels.1

With this blog, you will know the top air purifier uses and benefits, and the ways to choose the right one for your needs.

Benefits of an Air Purifier

Air purifiers offer several benefits for improving indoor air quality and overall well-being.
 

1. Relief from Asthma Symptoms
    

   Asthma often worsens when exposed to airborne irritants such as dust, pollen, smoke, or pet dander.2 In such cases, air purifier systems benefit individuals with asthma. These devices effectively remove common asthma triggers from the air, creating an environment that promotes improved respiratory health. Using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, air purifiers can capture and trap tiny airborne particles. This filtration process significantly reduces the presence of irritants in the indoor air, providing relief to people with asthma.
    

2. Enhanced Respiratory Health
    

   Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution can lead to throat irritation, coughing, and even long-term health issues. Air dust cleaners can play a crucial role in preventing these problems by continuously cleaning the air. 3
    

3. Better Sleep Quality
    

   Clean air is essential for a good night's sleep. 4 Poor indoor air quality can lead to sleep disturbances, such as snoring, congestion, and difficulty breathing. Air purifiers in bedrooms can create a peaceful environment for restful sleep by removing allergens and pollutants that can disrupt sleep patterns.
   When the air in your bedroom is clean and free of irritants, you're more likely to breathe easily and enjoy deeper, uninterrupted sleep. 
    

4. Helps with Allergens and Pet Dander

    

   Airborne irritants, such as dust, microbial contaminants like mould spores and bacteria, smoke, disinfectants, pet hair, and dander, can potentially aggravate our respiratory systems. Additionally, pet dander is a primary trigger for many individuals with asthma and allergies.5 An air purifier for dust removal helps deal with these problems effectively.
    

5. Neutralises Unpleasant Odours

    

   Unpleasant odours from cooking, cigarette smoke, pets, or household chemicals can linger in indoor spaces, making the environment less enjoyable. Air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters are highly effective at reducing these odours and trapping carbon particles, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.
    

6. Reduces the Chances of Airborne Diseases

    

   Air purifiers help prevent airborne diseases by removing harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, from the air. As contaminated air is drawn into the purifier, these pathogens are trapped in the filter, preventing them from circulating indoors. By reducing the concentration of airborne pathogens, air purifiers lower the risk of disease transmission, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. 6

    

7. Reduces Harmful Chemicals

    

   Many people deal with indoor contaminants in their homes, and outdoor pollutants can find their way inside, especially in crowded areas, affecting their health. Air purifiers work by passing polluted air through filters and then releasing clean air. If you use chemical cleaners or have appliances that emit harmful substances like ozone, an air purifier can reduce the amount of these pollutants you breathe in, making the air you breathe healthier.
    

Product Recommendations: Which One Suits Your Needs?

Here’s a quick guide to two smart portable air purifiers by Forbes:
 

1. Forbes Smart 500 Surround 360° Air Purifier
 

Best For: Entire home (up to 670 sq. ft.)
 

• 4-Stage Purification with True HEPA H13 Filter
• Surround 360° Air Intake Technology for uniform purification
• Removes 99.97% PM2.5, dust, allergens, bacteria & pollen
• Smartphone App Control
• Features: PM2.5 & VOC Indicator, AI Mode, Child Lock
• Purifies air in just 10 minutes
• WiFi enabled

2. Forbes Smart 355 Surround 360° Air Purifier
 

Best For: Living rooms (up to 480 sq. ft.)
 

• 4- Stage Purification with True HEPA H13 filter + 360° Air Intake
• 99.97% removal efficiency of common indoor pollutants
• WiFi Enabled with smart app control
• Includes PM2.5 indicator and Auto Mode
   

Conclusion
 

Now that you know how to choose an air purifier and the advantages of an air purifier, you are well-equipped to make an informed decision when purchasing an air purifier for your home.  Whether it's for improving indoor air quality, alleviating allergy symptoms, or creating a healthier living environment, your decision to invest in the right air purifier can have a significant and positive impact on your overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions
 

1. Do air purifiers remove viruses and bacteria from the air?
    

   Yes, air purifiers equipped with HEPA and plasma filtration technologies can effectively remove bacteria and trap viruses. 
    

2. Can I use an air purifier all day and night?
    

   Absolutely. Most Forbes air purifiers are designed for continuous use and come with energy-efficient modes like auto or sleep mode to adjust performance based on real-time air quality. Running your purifier consistently ensures cleaner air throughout the day and better sleep at night.
    

3. Where should I place an air purifier for best results?
    

   Place your air purifier in a room where you spend the most time—usually the bedroom or living area. Ensure it has enough space around it (at least a few inches from walls or furniture) to allow 360° air intake if applicable. Avoid placing it behind curtains or under shelves for optimal airflow and filtration.

Sources:

 

1. Indoor air quality | US EPA. (2023, July 14). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality/ Accessed on 16/02/2024.
    
2. Mudge, L. (2022, November 3). Six benefits of an air purifier. livescience.com. https://www.livescience.com/six-benefits-of-an-air-purifier/ Accessed on 16/02/2024.
    
3. Raju, S., Siddharthan, T., & McCormack, M. C. (2020). Indoor air pollution and respiratory health. Clinics in Chest Medicine, 41(4), 825–843. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccm.2020.08.014/ Accessed on 16/02/2024.
    
4. Yu, H., Chen, P., Gordon, S. P., Yu, M., & Wang, Y. (2019). The Association between Air Pollution and Sleep Duration: A Cohort Study of Freshmen at a University in Beijing, China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(18), 3362. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16183362/ Accessed on 16/02/2024.
    
5. Ling, M., & Long, A. A. (2010). Pet dander and difficult-to-control asthma: Therapeutic options. Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, 31(5), 385–391. https://doi.org/10.2500/aap.2010.31.3390/ Accessed on 16/02/2024
    
6. Wang, C. C., Prather, K. A., Sznitman, J., Jimenez, J. L., Lakdawala, S. S., Tufekci, Z., & Marr, L. C. Airborne transmission of respiratory viruses. Science (New York, N.y.), 373(6558). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abd9149/ Accessed on 16/02/2024