Are Ozone Air Purifiers Good for Asthma Sufferers?

Ozone air purifiers may hide odors, as they change the chemical composition of the particles and gases that are present in the air. This gives the illusion that the air is cleaner and fresher. However, the tiny particles which trigger asthma are not removed, leaving them airborne to be inhaled. Inhaling even a small amount of ozone can damage the lungs and cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or cough. A more dangerous side effect is an increase in the risk of a serious respiratory infection.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ozone is a toxic gas and most federal agencies advise against the exposure of it. When inhaled, ozone reacts with several compounds that are found inside the body causing coughing, chest pains, irritation in the throat, and shortness of breath almost immediately. For those who already suffer from conditions such as asthma, the exposure to ozone can exacerbate the condition and even bring symptoms to dangerous levels. When healthy individuals perform physical activities, such as running or lifting, and inhale ozone, it is even more likely to cause harm to their respiratory system. The longer and more frequent the exposure to ozone, the more difficult it is to recover and the more likely that irreparable damage is done to the respiratory system.

The best kind of air purifier for asthma utilizes High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, and can offer an alternative solution. These HEPA filters remove small particles in the air without the risks that an ozone air purifier presents. Top rated brands, such as Alen or Austin Air, offer some of the best options available for an air purifier for asthma.

Best Air Purifier For Asthma Sufferers

As noted, one of the best ways to control asthma symptoms is with a HEPA air filter. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) holds strict requirements in meeting with the HEPA standard. For example, the filter must be able to remove 98% of all particles. Because of this, many companies use the marketing term “True HEPA” to assure consumers that their air filters are certified and meet the HEPA standard. It’s important to distinguish these from those that are labeled “HEPA-type”, “99% HEPA”, or “HEPA-style”. For an even more advanced filtration system, you can try an “Ultra-HEPA” air purification system, which removes an even higher proportion of tiny particles.

HEPA filters are able to capture smaller pollutants and particles compared to other brands, which is why they are the best air purifier for asthma. These particles are trapped by a combination of interception (particles that go through the air stream adhere to the interior fiber), impaction (larger particles are not able to avoid fibers so they embed in one directly), and diffusion (which raises the probability that particles will become stopped through the interception or impaction mechanisms). Brands, such as Alen or BlueAir, meet this standard with their use of electrostaticity in the airflow. This added technology causes pollution particles to stick to the filter media, which makes it far more effective.

When researching the best air purifier for asthma, we recommend keeping important criteria, such as the square footage it covers or how simple it is to replace the filter, in mind. The Alen BreatheSmart FIT50 Air Purifier is one of the best air purifiers for asthma and one of the most popular HEPA style air purifiers. The unit covers 800 square feet and comes standard with the HEPA-Pure Filter, an easy-to-use replacement filter. Featuring an ozone-safe Ionizer, the Alen FIT50 has electrostatically charged HEPA materials that attract even the most stubborn pet dander, pollen, dust, or other airborne pollutants. Conveniently, it offers a filter change indicator and has easy to use controls with digital displays. It also comes with a Forever Guarantee and is Energy Star certified.

Learn more about how air purifiers can reduce asthma triggers.