Air Purifiers For Hayfever Sufferers in Australia

The best air purifier for Hayfever & allergy sufferers feature HEPA air filters and high ACH (air changes per hour scores).

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Hay Fever is one of the most common allergies down under affecting 1 in 5 Australians. If you are unlucky enough to find yourself in this portion of the population, you may be wondering if air purifiers help reduce hay fever. The good news is yes they do! Air purification devices like air purifiers are excellent for reducing the amount of allergy causing particles in your home. Read on to find out more about how air purifiers reduce pollen and other airborne allergens from your home and specific features to look for in your air purifier to ensure it’s as effective as possible at easing your hay fever symptoms this spring season.

How Air Purifiers Help With Hay Fever

Hay fever, scientifically known as Allergic Rhinitis, is your bodies immune system response to allergen particles in the air – often resulting in a runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing. For most people these allergens include pollen and grass in the Spring, however dust and pet hair can also be a trigger for hay fever. 

A 2020 double blind placebo controlled study published in the YMJ showed that the use of air purifiers with HEPA filters significantly reduced medication requirements for adult patients with allergic rhinitis & significantly reduced the amount of airborne particulate matter.  

Air purifiers help to reduce hay fever symptoms by removing these allergen particles from the air in your home. The allergen containing air is sucked into the air purifier unit before being channeled through a filtration system which is designed to capture the microscopic allergen particles resulting in only clean, allergen free air being recirculated back into your home. 

For the best protection against airborne allergens, it’s essential to choose an air purifier with a HEPA grade filter which is clinically proven to remove 99.97% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns. For context, typical pollen particles range between 10 to 1000 microns, meaning a HEPA air purifier will remove all types of airborne pollens. 

Our Top Picks For The Best Air Purifiers For Hayfever Available in Australia

Here’s our recommendations for the best air filtration purifiers for removing airborne allergens like pollen that are available in Australia or view our full air purifier range. 

Limitations of Air Purifiers For Hay Fever

It’s important to note that whilst HEPA air purifiers are fantastic for removing allergens from the air, they don’t remove allergy aggravating particles from surfaces like furniture, curtains and floors. 

The effectiveness of an air purifier for removing allergens also depends on factors such as the size of the room, air quality (amount of pollen entering the room) and the cleanliness of the filter. 

We recommend checking with the manufacturers floor area specifications to ensure the air purifier you’re considering will be powerful enough to remove a sufficient amount of allergens from your intended room to provide relief from your hay fever. Additionally, always follow the manufacturers recommendations for replacing your HEPA filter and pre filter to maintain the highest levels of protection. 

air purifier removing dust

Where To Position An Air Purifier In Your Home

In order to maximise your air purifier’s effectiveness in eliminating airborne pollen which cause Hay Fever you should position is close to a door or window so it captures the particles as they enter the room. 

dust particle size
Dust particle sizes compare to 5 cent piece - credit WorkSafe QLD

Features of the Best Air Purifiers For Allergies

As mentioned above, the best air purifiers for allergies feature HEPA filters – however additional features to look out for are pre filter systems, which are beneficial for capturing larger airborne contaminants such as pet hair which prolong the lifespan of the HEPA filter. Some air purifiers also feature activated carbon filters, which remove odours, VOCS and smoke. 

Other specifications to look out for are a high air changes per hour (ACH) score which is a measure of how many times an air purifier can circulate through all the air in a room within a one hour period. For larger rooms, look for a unit that has a high ACH score. 

 

Other Strategies For Reducing Exposure to Hayfever Causing Allergens in the Home

  • Keep Windows and Doors Closed: Limit the entry of pollen and other outdoor allergens by keeping windows and doors closed, especially during high pollen seasons.

  • Regular Cleaning: Frequently clean and vacuum your home using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap allergens. Pay special attention to carpets, rugs, and upholstery where pollen can accumulate.

  • Use Allergen-Proof Bedding: Encase mattresses, pillows, and box springs in allergen-proof covers to prevent pollen and dust mites from accumulating.

  • Shower and Change Clothes: After spending time outdoors, shower and change into fresh clothes to remove pollen from your skin and hair, preventing it from spreading indoors.

  • Maintain Proper Humidity Levels: Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity levels below 50%, which can help reduce the growth of mold and dust mites, both of which can exacerbate hay fever symptoms. There are a number of 2 in 1 air purifier dehumidifier options available in Australia too.