Air purification is something that many have taken more seriously with the persistent spread of COVID-19. But can air purifiers help with the COVID-19 virus? And, what are best air purifier for COVID virus that you can use for your home?
In this article I seek to answer these and a few other questions as they relate to the coronavirus and the use of air purifiers.
Table of Contents
What is An Air Purifier?
First, let’s answer the question what are air purifiers?
An air purifier, also known as an air cleaner, is an electronic device that aims to clean the air by eliminating harmful air contaminants, such as particles that could potentially harm your health or that of your loved ones. Despite the fact that you may have heard about air purifiers before, you may not know exactly what they are or what they do.
Air purifiers are highly beneficial for you and your family's health, but before you can enjoy their benefits, it's essential to familiarize yourself with their function. These electronic devices are designed to purify the air by removing air contaminants, which are particles that could cause harm to your health or those who visit your home. It is highly recommended that all households have an air purifier, and some homeowners are even urged to get one.
Individuals who have pets or in-house smokers are often urged to get an air purifier, as studies have shown that pets and cigarette smoke can cause unhealthy air particles to form. In addition, those who suffer from allergies or have pets should consider purchasing an air purifier as it can eliminate common dust particles, which are a common cause for allergies. An air purifier may also help to reduce allergic reactions to pets or pet hair by keeping the air clean.
Different manufacturers produce air purifiers in different ways, and as a result, different purifiers work in different ways. However, most air purifiers use ionizers and filters to eliminate harmful air particles by preventing them from passing through the system. This ensures that only safe, clean, and breathable air is allowed to pass through.
Can Air Purifier Remove COVID Virus?
While there’s no scientific backing, that air purifiers can prevent COVID 19 or remove the COVID 19 virus it still stands to reason that we can protect ourselves from this deadly virus by reducing air pollution since according to the WHO, “exposure to high levels of air pollution can cause a variety of adverse health outcomes.”
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) was also quoted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as saying,
“Operating an air cleaner can be part of a plan to protect yourself and your family.” Furthermore on this the EPA said: “Ensuring proper ventilation with outside air can help reduce indoor airborne contaminants, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and other viruses. However, by itself, increasing ventilation is not enough to protect people from exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. When used along with other best practices (such as wearing masks, social distancing, frequent hand washing, and surface disinfection) recommended by the CDC, increasing ventilation can be part of a plan to protect yourself and your family.”
From the above it stands to reason to say that getting an air purifiers can help with COVID-19.
What Air Filters Protect Against COVID?
If you’re looking for the best air purifier for COVID 19 you will need to be careful because most of the products that claim to be the best are far from being that. However, from various customer ratings and researches, HEPA air purifiers have been found to be the best for viruses and COVID 19.
Please note that HEPA is not a brand name of any product. It is the technology used in manufacturing air purifiers. It stands for High Efficiency Particulate Arrestor (HEPA). This technology is used in the manufacturing of air purifiers, air cleaners, vacuum cleaners etc.
Some HEPA technology air purifiers are available with the EGF (Enhanced Germ Filtration) system or ultra violet system. The machines are medically graded and are equipped with advance technologies, are efficient in destroying the impurities like pet dander, pollen, viruses and any other impurities that might trigger the chances of breathing disorders, at quicker and a faster rate.
The filters of the higher range of these purifiers contain Zeolite and activated blends that work effectively in absorbing the chemicals or the gases released in the office indoor or in homes. The filters of the lower range of these purifiers, which are built with HEPA technology, are just covered with carbon dust come with a very short period of life/ usage and are not effective against cleaning and purifying of the air.
These filters have been found to be effective in making the air pure up to 99.97 % and they can filter air particles as minute as 0.3 microns. And since the virus that causes COVID-19 is approximately 0.125 micron (125 nanometers) in diameter it therefore means that HEPA filters can effectively capture them.
Of course, many people still believe that HEPA filters don’t filter below 0.3 micron and therefore will not be able to capture airborne coronaviruses. However, a study by NASA shows that HEPA filters are actually most efficient—almost 100% at 0.01 micron—at capturing ultrafine particles below the 0.3-micron HEPA test standard.
So getting a HEPA air purifier is definitely a good investment in protecting your family against the COVID 19. However, you must note that as the CDC writes: “The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.” So even if you decide to use an air purifier as a protective measure, we recommend that you also continue to closely follow the CDC’s other longstanding advice.
The 7 Best Air Purifier for COVID Virus
After much research and careful study of various customer reviews and ratings here are our top pick of HEPA-filter air purifiers to keep your home cleaner, healthier and free from viruses and COVID-19.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
#1: LEVOIT Core 300 True HEPA Filter Air Purifier for Home Allergies (Best Overall)
Whether you are looking for a true HEPA filter air purifier for a large room or for the budget then look no further than the LEVOIT Core 300 True HEPA Filter Air Purifier. This top-of-the-line product is specially designed to help you breathe easier and live more comfortably.
With its H13 True HEPA filter, the LEVOIT Air Purifier is able to effectively capture up to 99.97% of dust, smoke, mold, and pollen. And with a coverage area of up to 1095 square feet, you can enjoy clean, fresh air in even the largest of rooms.
But what really sets the LEVOIT Air Purifier apart is its 24db filtration system. This innovative feature means that the purifier operates quietly and efficiently, ensuring that you can enjoy clean air without any annoying background noise.
Whether you suffer from allergies or just want to improve the air quality in your home, the LEVOIT Air Purifier is the perfect solution. And with its sleek white design, it's sure to look great in any room.
Features:
- H13 True HEPA filter
- Covers up to 1095 Sq.Foot
- 24db Filtration System
- Removes 99.97% of dust, smoke, mold, and pollen
- Core 300
- White color
Benefits:
- Effectively purifies air in large spaces, up to 1095 square feet
- Removes common airborne allergens, pet hair, and other particles that can cause respiratory problems
- Provides a quiet and peaceful environment with the 24db Filtration System
- Improves overall air quality and helps alleviate allergies and asthma symptoms
- Sleek and modern design in white color blends well with any home decor.
#2: Winix 1022-0214-00 Wi-Fi Air Purifier (Runner Up)
The Winix 1022-0214-00 Wi-Fi Air Purifier has a room capacity of 360sq ft, making it ideal for any room in your home. Whether you are in the living room, bedroom, or home office, the Winix air purifier ensures that you are breathing in fresh and healthy air.
What sets this air purifier apart is its Wi-Fi capabilities. With Amazon Alexa and Dash Replenishment enabled, this air purifier is easy to control and maintain. You can easily adjust the settings using voice commands or the Winix app on your phone. The filter replacement indicator ensures that you are always breathing in clean air by reminding you when it's time to change the filter.
But beyond the convenience of easy control, the Winix 1022-0214-00 Wi-Fi Air Purifier uses advanced technology to capture and remove 99.97% of airborne pollutants and allergens as small as 0.3 microns, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. This means that you can breathe easy and feel refreshed, even if you suffer from allergies or asthma.
The Winix 1022-0214-00 Wi-Fi Air Purifier is also energy-efficient, using only 8 watts of power on its lowest setting. It also features a washable pre-filter that captures larger particles, extending the life of the HEPA filter.
Features
- Wi-Fi enabled for easy control through the Winix Smart app or Amazon Alexa
- True HEPA filtration system captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants, including allergens, smoke, and dust
- PlasmaWave technology neutralizes viruses, bacteria, and chemical vapors without producing harmful ozone
- Energy Star certified for energy efficiency
- Washable AOC carbon filter helps to reduce household odors
- Air quality indicator and auto-mode adjust the fan speed for optimal performance
- Dash Replenishment enabled to automatically reorder replacement filters when it's time for a replacement
Benefits
- Clean and fresh air that you and your family can breathe easily
- Relief from allergy and asthma symptoms caused by airborne pollutants
- Improved overall health and well-being
- Better sleep quality and reduced snoring caused by nasal congestion
- Reduced household odors for a more pleasant living environment
- Automatic filter replacement through Dash Replenishment for your convenience
#3: Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) True HEPA Purifier (Best Midsize)
With advanced air quality monitoring technology, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) True HEPA Purifier detects and removes harmful pollutants, allergens, and odors from the air. Its True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, providing you with clean and fresh air that is free from harmful pollutants.
It also features an auto mode that adjusts the fan speed based on the air quality level, ensuring that you always have the best air quality possible. The timer function allows you to set the device to run for a specified amount of time, while the filter indicator lets you know when it’s time to replace the filter.
Beyond that the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) True HEPA Purifier also features an eco mode that conserves energy and saves you money on your electricity bill. With its ultra-quiet operation, you can enjoy the benefits of clean air without any distracting noise.
Features:
- Air Quality Monitoring
- True HEPA Filtration
- Auto Mode and Timer
- Filter Indicator
- Eco Mode
Benefits:
- Breathe Clean and Fresh Air: With the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) True HEPA Purifier, you can breathe easy and comfortably knowing that the air in your room is free of allergens, pollutants, and other irritants.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: The advanced air quality monitoring system ensures that you always know when the air in your room needs to be purified, so you can enjoy a healthier indoor environment.
- Peace of Mind: The filter indicator light lets you know when it's time to replace the filter, so you can rest assured that your purifier is always working at its best.
Energy-efficient: The Eco mode ensures that your purifier is not only effective but also energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly.
#4: Dayette H13 true HEPA Air Purifier (Best for Bedrooms)
The Dayette HEPA Air Purifier is your perfect solution to maintain clean and fresh air in your large home. With a CADR of 300+m³/h and a coverage area of 1290ft², this air purifier is designed to effectively purify the air in any room, leaving you with a breath of fresh air.
The Dayette HEPA Air Purifier features a H13 true HEPA filter that can remove 99.97% of dust, mold, allergies, odor, pets hair dander, smoke, pollen, and other harmful particles, making it the ideal air purifier for those who are looking to improve the overall air quality in their home. Say goodbye to allergies and unpleasant odors, and enjoy a healthier and more comfortable environment.
Not only is this air purifier highly efficient, but it is also designed to be user-friendly. The intuitive touch panel allows for easy operation, and the sleek design will blend in seamlessly with your home décor. Plus, the noise level is low, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed environment while the purifier is in use.
Investing in the Dayette HEPA Air Purifier is investing in your health and wellbeing. With its superior air cleaning capabilities, it can help reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall quality of life.
Features:
- CADR of 300+m³/h
- Covers up to 1290ft²
- H13 true HEPA filter removes 99.97% of harmful particles from the air
- Removes dust, mold, allergies, odors, pet hair dander, smoke, and pollen
- Quiet operation
- Sleek design that blends in with your home decor
- Easy-to-use control panel and filter replacement indicator
Benefits:
- Improved air quality
- Alleviated symptoms of allergies and asthma
- Eliminated smoke and odors
- Healthier environment for you and your family
- Easy maintenance
#5: BLUEAIR HEPASilent Air Purifier (Best for Large Home)
The BLUEAIR Air Purifier Large Room is a top-of-the-line air cleaner that will make your home a haven for anyone who suffers from allergies or simply wants to breathe cleaner air. This powerful machine is designed to eliminate dust, pet dander, smoke, mold, pollen, bacteria, viruses, and allergens, ensuring that the air you breathe is fresh and healthy.
With its advanced HEPASilent technology, the Blue 211+ Auto quietly cleans the air in large rooms, making it the perfect choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and other spaces. Unlike other air purifiers that can be loud and disruptive, this one operates almost silently, making it easy to sleep, work, or relax while it does its job.
Another great feature of the BLUEAIR Air Purifier Large Room is its washable pre-filter, which captures larger particles like pet hair and dust. This pre-filter can be washed and reused, saving you money and reducing waste. The main filter, which is easy to replace, captures even the smallest particles, ensuring that your air is as clean as possible.
In addition to removing harmful particles from the air, the BLUEAIR Air Purifier Large Room also eliminates odors, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean. Whether you have pets, smoke, or just want to get rid of stale air, this air purifier will do the trick.
Features:
- Powerful Air Purification
- Washable Pre Filter
- Large Room Coverage
- Sleek Design
- Auto mode
Benefits:
- Cleaner Air: With the BLUEAIR Air Purifier, you can breathe cleaner air that is free from harmful pollutants and allergens. You'll feel the difference in the air you breathe, and you'll enjoy improved health and well-being as a result.
- Odor Removal: The BLUEAIR Air Purifier doesn't just remove pollutants and allergens from the air, it also helps to eliminate unwanted odors, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.
- Easy Maintenance: The washable pre-filter is easy to clean, and it helps to extend the life of the main filter, so you won't have to worry about replacing the filter as often.
- Peace of Mind: The BLUEAIR Air Purifier is backed by a solid reputation for high-quality performance and reliability, so you can trust that you're making a wise investment in your health.
#6: Coway Airmega 400S(G) True HEPA Air Purifier (Best Smart)
The Coway Airmega 400S(G) is a cutting-edge air purifier that has been designed with smart technology to make your life easier. This sleek, graphite-colored purifier is compatible with Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control it with your voice, and is equipped with True HEPA filtration to provide you with the purest air possible.
Not only is the Coway Airmega 400S(G) stylish and convenient, but it also boasts an impressive coverage area of 1,560 square feet. This means that it can effectively purify the air in large rooms, making it perfect for use in your living room, bedroom, or even your office.
But what sets this air purifier apart from the competition is the benefits it provides. With its True HEPA filtration system, it is able to remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including allergens, pollutants, and other harmful particles. This means that it can help alleviate allergy symptoms, reduce the risk of respiratory infections, and improve overall air quality in your home or workspace.
The Coway Airmega 400S(G) is not just an air purifier; it is a powerful tool that can help you take control of your environment. With its app-enabled smart technology and compatibility with Amazon Alexa, you can monitor and control the purifier from anywhere at any time. This means you can adjust the settings, turn it on or off, or set a schedule, all with just a few taps on your phone or through your voice.
Features
- Covers up to 1,560 square feet
- True HEPA filtration system removes up to 99.97% of airborne pollutants
- App-enabled smart technology allows for easy control via voice or smartphone app
- Sleek graphite design adds a touch of modern style to any space
Benefits
- Enjoy cleaner air, thanks to the True HEPA filter that removes up to 99.97% of airborne particles, including allergens, pollen, and pollutants.
- Live healthier, by breathing in only the purest air possible.
- Control the air purifier from your smartphone or with voice commands.
#7: LEVOIT Core Mini Air Purifiers for Bedroom (Best for Small Spaces)
The LEVOIT Core Mini Air Purifier is a must-have for every home and office. Specifically designed for your bedroom, this powerful air cleaner features a HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including smoke, allergens, pet dander, dust, and even odors.
With the LEVOIT Core Mini, you can say goodbye to restless nights and hello to a better sleep. Simply add a drop of your favorite essential oil to the sponge and enjoy the soothing aroma as you drift off to sleep. You'll wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to take on the day ahead.
The LEVOIT Core Mini Air Purifier is also perfect for your office, desktop, or any small space. Its compact size makes it easy to move from room to room, ensuring that you always have clean air wherever you go. And with its sleek black design, it will blend seamlessly with any decor.
Unlike other air purifiers, the LEVOIT Air Purifier doesn't just mask odors – it eliminates them! Whether you're dealing with cigarette smoke, cooking smells, or pet odors, the HEPA filter and activated carbon filter work together to remove even the most stubborn odors.
Features:
- HEPA filter for effective air purification
- Fragrance sponge for improved sleep quality
- Filters smoke, allergens, pet dander, odors, and dust
- Suitable for use in bedroom, home, office, desktop, and portable
- Core mini design in black color
Benefits:
- Provides clean air for improved respiratory health
- Helps create a better sleeping environment with the fragrance sponge
- Reduces the presence of smoke, allergens, pet dander, odors, and dust in the air
- Versatile use in different settings and environments
- Compact and stylish design that fits well with different decor styles
What to Consider when Shopping for Air Purifiers
When searching for air purifiers online, you're bound to come across a variety of options. While each air purifier has its unique features, one common aspect is their capacity to clean a specific space. Most air purifiers are designed to handle a small area, typically around 200 to 350 square feet. However, it's possible to find air purifiers that can work in larger or smaller spaces.
Now, you may be wondering if an individual room air purifier is worth investing in, considering its limited coverage area. Well, it depends on your preferences and needs. If you have a room where smoking or pet activities take place, a single-room air purifier may suffice. However, if smoking or pet activities occur throughout your entire home, then you should consider getting a whole house air purifier.
Individual room air purifiers come in various shapes, sizes, and prices. Some cost as little as $50, while others may cost up to $1,000. The price generally reflects the quality of the product, with the better performing ones costing more. However, the higher cost may be justified by their superior performance and longer lifespan.
Before making a purchase, it's crucial to measure the size of the room to ensure that the air purifier can effectively clean the air inside. If the air purifier's maximum square footage is smaller than the size of the room, it may not work correctly. Also, consider if the room has a door, as closed doors can produce better results.
FAQs:
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Can HEPA filter capture coronavirus?
While no air purifier can guarantee complete protection against coronavirus, a HEPA filter is capable of capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 99.97%. Therefore, it is believed that using a HEPA filter air purifier can help reduce the concentration of airborne viruses, including the coronavirus.
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What does the CDC recommend for air purifiers?
The CDC recommends using an air purifier that has a HEPA filter and a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating. The CADR rating indicates the volume of clean air produced by the air purifier per minute.
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Which is better air humidifier or purifier?
Both air humidifiers and purifiers serve different purposes. An air humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can be beneficial for those with respiratory problems, while an air purifier removes pollutants from the air. Therefore, choosing between the two depends on the individual's specific needs.
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Is it advisable to use an air purifier?
Yes, using an air purifier can help improve indoor air quality by removing harmful pollutants and allergens from the air. This can be especially helpful for those with respiratory problems, allergies, or asthma.
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What are the side effects of HEPA air purifiers?
HEPA air purifiers do not typically have any harmful side effects. However, some people may experience dryness or irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat due to the dry air produced by the purifier.
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What do doctors say about air purifiers?
Many doctors recommend using air purifiers, especially for those with respiratory problems, allergies, or asthma. Air purifiers can help remove allergens and pollutants from the air, which can improve indoor air quality and potentially reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
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What is the most widely used air purifier technology?
HEPA filtration technology is considered the most widely used air purifier technology. It is capable of capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 99.97%. Other popular air purifier technologies include activated carbon, UV-C light, and ionizers.
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