Do Air Purifiers Work for Allergies?

Sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes can be signs that your allergies are acting up. Although millions of people have allergies every year, trying to find relief that actually works can be a challenge. There are lots of products on the market that claim to treat allergies, but not all of them live up to the hype.

If you have allergies, you’ve likely seen ads for air purifiers that promise to relieve your symptoms. Air purifiers are small home appliances that clean the air. But do air purifiers help with allergies? And are they worth the high price tag? 

To help you decide if an air purifier is a worthwhile option for you, we’ll explain how they work and review some budget-friendly options. We’ll also share other strategies to help improve indoor air quality to relieve allergy symptoms.

Do air purifiers help with allergies?

Yes — somewhat. Some studies have shown that for people with allergies, cleaner air may provide some relief from symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and congestion. They may also help people with allergies cut back on the amount of medication they take. 

But keep in mind: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) says that when it comes to managing allergies, air purifiers are only one piece of the puzzle. It’s just as important to keep your home well ventilated and reduce indoor allergens in other ways. The AAAAI also says that it can take months — or even a year — of consistent use before an air purifier begins to help. 

Dr. Punita Ponda, associate chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Northwell Health, is also a bit lukewarm on air purifiers. “Air purifiers can be somewhat helpful,” but you shouldn’t “expect a drastic improvement in symptoms,” she said. This is because air purifiers only filter out small airborne particles (like pollen), but they “do not work as well for other indoor allergens, which are heavier and settle on surfaces.” 

How do air purifiers work?

Air purifiers remove small particles from the air by pulling air through special filters. This is why picking a machine with a quality filter is so important (more on filter types below). 

These filters can trap many different things that trigger allergies, including:

• Dust

• Pollen

• Pet dander

• Mold

• Smoke

• Chemicals

• Odors

• Air pollution

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What is the best air purifier for allergies?

The best air purifier for you will depend on a few things, including:

• The size of the room or area you want to filter

• The types of allergens you want to filter

• Your budget

Different air purifiers have different features, too. Here’s what to look for when choosing an air purifier for allergies:

• HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter: This is a special type of filter that can capture nearly 100% of tiny particles in the air, like plant pollen and pet dander. A true HEPA filter is the best choice for people with allergies. Beware of products with a “HEPA-type” or “HEPA-style” filter, as there’s no guarantee that these will work as well. 

• Carbon filter: This is another type of filter that captures odors and gases. It can be helpful for people whose allergies are affected by common household smells, like cleaning products or fragrances. 

• Adequate clean air delivery rate (CADR): This is a number that tells you how much air is filtered through the purifier, over a certain amount of time. Look for a CADR that matches the room or area where you plan to use it. 

• Indoor air sensor: Some “smart” air purifiers can also give you real-time information about your indoor air quality. This is an optional feature that can help you monitor the allergens in the air. 

What to avoid in an air purifier for allergies

Some air purifiers can actually make your allergies worse. That’s because they’re not actually air purifiers. Look out for product descriptions that include “ozone,” “ionic,” or “ionizer.” It’s best to avoid these types of “air purifiers”: 

• Ozone-generating air purifiers: These produce a natural gas called ozone (also called super oxygen or activated oxygen). Ozone can kill viruses and bacteria, but it can’t remove particles from the air that cause allergies, like dust or pollen. And ozone can worsen allergies, cause other health problems, and even damage your lungs. Avoid these types of “air purifiers.” 

• Air ionizers: These products electrically charge tiny particles, making them fall out of the air. This is supposed to make the air “healthier.” But ionizers don’t work well for most allergens and many also generate ozone. 

Need more help choosing a purifier? Check out the Asthma & Allergy Friendly Certification Program from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. This program tests many different types of products — including air purifiers — to determine whether they’re a good fit for people with asthma and allergies. 

How do you use an air purifier for allergy relief?

The first step is to pick an air purifier that matches your needs, budget, and home. Once you have your air purifier, put it in the room where you’ll be spending most of your time. If there’s a place where your allergy symptoms seem to get worse, that’s also a good place to set up your filter. 

Turn on the air purifier and let it run for several hours. If there are a lot of allergens in the air, like springtime pollen, you may want to run your purifier for longer — even all day. While the air purifier is running, keep your doors and windows closed. This prevents pulling in more allergens from outside. 

Keep in mind that you’ll need to regularly clean your air purifier and replace the filter. This upkeep is important to make sure it’s working at its best. Check out the instructions that come with your air purifier for guidelines specific to your machine. 

Should you sleep with an air purifier on?

Yes. Air purifiers that filter your “breathing zone” while you’re asleep seem to be very beneficial — especially since allergies and asthma can make it hard to sleep. The longer you run your purifier, the better it is for your indoor air quality. 

If you’re using an air purifier in your bedroom, try to position it so you have good airflow toward your headboard. Consider a model that’s quiet, so it doesn’t disturb your sleep. 

Is an air purifier worth the money?

It’s hard to say. Whether it’s worth the money depends on your symptoms and your budget. And health insurance usually doesn’t cover air purifiers, even if your primary care provider recommends one. 

Here are some ideas for making an air purifier more affordable:

• Build your own. Low-cost homemade air purifiers are a reasonable option for reducing allergens in the air. To make one, you’ll need a box fan, one or more furnace filters (ideally MERV 12 or 13), and heavy duty tape. You can find instructions online on how to build an air purifier. 

• Buy a refurbished purifier. Stores and manufacturers often sell refurbished (used) purifiers for a lower price. 

• Use your heating or air conditioning (HVAC) system. Upgrading your HVAC filter can also remove allergens from the air. Filters with a MERV of 11 to 13 are best for allergies. Check with an HVAC professional to make sure a higher MERV filter won’t strain your system.  

• Use an FSA or HSA to pay for your air purifier. These are savings accounts that can provide tax breaks on certain medical costs. But you may need a letter of medical necessity to get FSA or HSA reimbursement for an air purifier. 

Other strategies to help with allergies

An air purifier is just one way to help with allergies. There are plenty of other ways to lessen allergy triggers. 

Depending on what type of allergies you have, here are some changes you can make:  

• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.  

• Avoid smoking or using strong chemicals in your home. 

• Groom and wash your pets regularly. 

• Wash bedding, blankets, and soft toys regularly. 

• Scrub bathrooms, basements, and other damp areas frequently to limit mold growth. 

• Keep windows and doors closed to limit how much pollen comes inside your home.

• Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to reduce indoor moisture.  

Looking for more tips? The AAAAI has a terrific allergy-friendly checklist for your home. Your healthcare team can also help with specific strategies or medications to help manage your allergies. “Allergies can be very difficult for quality of life, even when they’re mild,” Ponda said. But there are “many ways to avoid allergens, as well as great medications and treatment options.”

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Written by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Edited by:

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN, is a California-based registered nurse and staff medical editor at GoodRx, where he focuses on clinical updates and Latino health.

Reviewed by:

Farzon A. Nahvi, MD

Dr. Nahvi is an emergency medicine physician and author of “Code Gray: Death, Life, and Uncertainty in the ER.” He works clinically at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, and is a clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Prior to this, he worked as an ER physician and clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Mount Sinai Health System, NYU Langone Health, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, and the Manhattan VA. He is a graduate of Cornell University and NYU School of Medicine.

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