What Is Better for Allergies Humidifier or Air Purifier?

Allergies complicate the lives of many people. In spring, as you know, plants begin to bloom, the rest of the snow melts, and allergy sufferers react acutely to this. Allergy sufferers encounter pollen on the street and pets when visiting, so it is very important for them to feel well, at least at home. Maintaining a conducive atmosphere in the apartment of an allergic person can help with various climate control equipment. They help fight allergens and make life much easier for those who traditionally suffer at this time of year. Among them are humidifiers and air purifiers. Which one is best for allergy sufferers?

How air purifiers help with allergies?

The most trivial device for getting rid of allergens is, of course, an air purifier. After all, the air from the street contains fine dust particles, chemical residues, plant pollen, and on premises these ingredients are added products of dust mites. It is possible and necessary to get rid of them. Different air purifiers have different operating principles.

Air purifiers with air washer

In this apparatus, a water medium is responsible for cleaning the air flow. In the interior of the purifier there is a drum with special plates, through which harmful impurities and particles are attracted and passed through the water. The device also functions as a humidifier.

Air purifiers with HEPA filters

Devices with HEPA filters are considered the best choice for allergy sufferers and asthmatics. Such devices clean air from allergens by 99%. An added benefit is ease of operation, as evidenced by the large number of individual reviews on the thematic forum.

Electrostatic air purifier

Air purification in this case is carried out with the help of an electrostatic mechanism. Allergens and other harmful substances are attracted and retained in the filter due to electrical discharges. It is not recommended to choose such devices for allergy sufferers, as their result is not very impressive, the degree of air purification barely reaches 80%.

Humidifying air purifier

Humidifying air purifiers perform two main tasks, they maintain optimal humidity in the surrounding atmosphere and purify it, and the result of such purification is quite acceptable – not less than 90%.

Air purifier with ionization

During operation, such a device creates a large number of negative ion particles, the task of which is to destroy all allergens and other unsafe components that are in the incoming air stream. This device is recommended for people with insufficient immune defense and allergy sufferers.

Photocatalysts for Purifiers

These devices not only clean the air entering them, but also disinfect it as much as possible, making it look like a crystal. This occurs as a result of the interaction between the photocatalyst and ultraviolet light. With their help, harmful substances to the human body are destroyed.

Air purifiers with ozone

Their work is based on ozone synthesis. The best equipment for fighting pathogenic microbes and toxins.

How humidifiers help with allergies?

It may seem that a humidifier has nothing to do with allergy sufferers. But it doesn't. Air with normal humidity (about 50%) contains less dust: it settles faster on surfaces. It is also the kind of air that is easier to breathe. 

In dry air, dust particles and allergens may not settle for a very long time, and the likelihood of inhaling them increases significantly. A humidifier saturates particles with water. They become heavy, settle, and are removed during cleaning. 

The second problem lies within living spaces: mold and spores, library dust, dead skin, dust mites, clothing and furnishings put a strain on cleanliness. Suppressing these triggers is handled by maintaining a relative humidity level of 45%. This level has a positive effect on humans and is not suitable for pathogen development.

Humidity below 35% creates conditions for the development and spread of bacteria, viruses, dust mites and respiratory infections. Above 50% also leads to the development of fungi and allergens. Therefore, humidity control is important for hygienic cleanliness and health. Keeping humidity levels between 35 and 50 percent will help fight them.

Air purifier vs. humidifier: Which is best for allergies? 

If the main allergens are house dust, animal hair and dander, mold spores and plant pollen, allergists recommend using both an air purifier that traps allergens and a humidifier that helps maintain the relative humidity level in the room at 50 to 70%.

In dry air, pollutant particles fly freely and go straight to the respiratory tract, irritating it and triggering an immune response – allergies. If air pollutant particles are saturated with moisture, they settle on surfaces and do not enter the respiratory system. 

The body suffers from excessive air dryness for several other reasons. First, the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and eyes become thin, easily permeable and much more susceptible to irritation. In addition, it reduces their protective and cleansing function against airborne bacteria and viruses. The lack of moisture in the air causes skin and hair to lose tone, mucous membranes to dry out, sleep is disrupted, and allergy sufferers, children and the elderly are particularly affected.

While they each have their merits, when it comes to allergies, an air purifier can provide better allergy symptom relief than a humidifier in the long run.