The 6 Best Air Purifiers For Allergies In 2022, Expert-Approved | mindbodygreen - mindbodygreen

Try as we might to keep our living spaces pristine, things like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, smoke, mold spores, and various pollutants always have a way of tracking into our homes. These irritants will affect everyone differently. For those with allergies, they'll often set off an immune reaction that can cause symptoms like runny nose; sneezing, watery eyes; coughing; and itchy nose.

Staying on top of your cleaning routine and taking your shoes off at the door can be the first level of defense against these irritants. If you keep a clean home and still suffer from allergy symptoms, investing in an air purifier will provide another layer of protection.

"Put simply, air purifiers filter out harmful particles thus reducing the levels of environmental allergens and pollutants within an indoor area," Kara Fitzgerald, N.D., functional medicine expert and author of Younger You, tells mindbodygreen.

Lamya Kamel, LAc, DAOM, the director of acupuncture at Aligned Modern Health, says that these purifiers work primarily through filters that catch very small particles and keep them from recirculating in the air. Some also contain another layer of activated charcoal to further clean the air and remove odors.

Both Fitzgerald and Kamel note that not all air purifiers are created equal. You'll want to make sure to look for one that is independently verified to reduce the irritants you're concerned about, is the right size for your space, and remains easy to care for over time.