Blog: Soothe Hay Fever & Asthma With Air Purification

8 Aug 2024

The arrival of spring and summer in the UK brings blooming flowers, warmer weather, sunny spells, and unfortunately, a surge in hay fever. If you are a seasonal sufferer, you may find relief in an often-overlooked solution: air purifiers. Investing in air purification will armour your home from invading airborne pollutants to protect and improve your air quality.

Equipped with filters and fans, air purifiers are designed to capture and remove particles from the atmosphere, including the finest dust, pollen, and mould spores. Air purifiers effectively sanitise any indoor environment, soothing allergies and related respiratory issues. Let's explore the major causes and symptoms of hay fever, and all the ways in which air purifiers can help. Discover our top picks for combatting allergies with market-leading air purifiers, so you can breathe lighter and live better.

THE IMPACT OF HAY FEVER ON HEALTH

Affecting around 13 million people, hay fever is one of the most common allergies in the UK. Though anyone can experience it at any age, those with asthma and related respiratory issues can suffer significantly.

Living with hay fever can be challenging. Pollen can be such a pain that some people prefer to stay indoors on sunny days just to avoid aggravating symptoms. What’s worse is once irritants drift indoors, hay fever victims can feel as if there’s no escape from suffering.

It affects your sleep, reduces productivity, and can even lead to more severe health issues like sinus infections or asthma. Continuous sneezing and a runny nose are not just annoying but can also cause fatigue and irritability. It’s crucial to find effective ways to manage these symptoms and improve your quality of life.

SYMPTOMS THAT SIGNIFY A POLLEN ALLERGY:

Frequent sneezing and coughing
Irritated eyes
Blocked or runny nose
Itchy throat and ears
Headaches
Sinus pressure
Fatigue

CONSIDER POSSIBLE CAUSES

Several factors contribute to hay fever and allergies. The primary culprit is pollen, but indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mould spores can also play a significant role in triggering a reaction. Keeping windows open during spring and summer invites pollen inside, while damp areas in your home can harbour mould spores.

Urban or industrial areas often have higher levels of pollutants that can intensify allergic reactions. Lifestyle factors like smoking and stress also impact the severity of your symptoms. So, the first step to breathing with confidence is to determine what is enabling airborne irritants to aggravate your airways. By identifying these causes, you can implement strategies to minimise exposure and manage your allergies more effectively.

HOW AIR PURIFICATION CAN SAVE YOU IN SPRING & SUMMERTIME

Before you begin to make any hasty changes, such as locking all windows and chucking out your candles and pets, know that your pollutant problem will still not be solved. Airborne irritants always find ways to infiltrate indoor spaces through often overlooked opportunities, such as vents and cracks. Plus, leaving windows closed will just limit ventilation and make your home uncomfortably stuffy on warmer days.

It's time to answer the ultimate question: are air purifiers worth it? Air purifiers can be a game-changer for those suffering from hay fever and allergies. These devices work by filtering out allergens from the air, providing cleaner, healthier indoor air. Here’s how they help:

Removes Pollen

Air purifiers with HEPA filters capture pollen particles, preventing them from circulating in your home. This reduces your exposure and minimises symptoms.

Eliminates Dust Mites and Pet Dander

Dust mites and pet dander are common indoor allergens. A good air purifier can trap these particles, improving air quality and reducing allergic reactions.

Reduces Mold Spores

Mould spores can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. Air purifiers help by filtering out these spores, especially in damp areas like basements and bathrooms.

Decreases Pollution

Air purifiers can also reduce indoor pollution, such as smoke and chemical fumes, which can aggravate allergies. Cleaner air means fewer triggers and better overall health.

SELECTING THE RIGHT AIR PURIFIER

Using an air purifier can significantly improve your indoor environment, making it a safe haven during high pollen seasons. Let’s look at some top expert picks for air purifiers that can help soothe your hay fever and allergies.

Remember, it is important to consider the size of your space before choosing the most ideal purifier, as this will affect the time required for the appliance to work efficiently. Also, when setting your purifier up, leave ample space surrounding the appliance to ensure maximum ventilation for optimum functionality.

AT A GLANCE

BEST OVERALL: AirX Pro AXP-800 Air Purifier

BEST FOR VERSATILITY: Vybra Multi 3 in 1 Tower Heater, Cooling Fan & Air Steriliser

BEST FOR SLEEP: Winix Zero Air Purifier

BEST FOR HOME: Woods AD20G Hybrid Dehumidifier & Air Purifier

BEST FOR YEAR-ROUND USE: Boneco H400 Hybrid Humidifier and Air Purifier

Best Overall Air Purifier: AirX Pro AXP-800 Air Purifier

Exceptional. Efficient. Effective.

7-Stage Purification System
UV-C Light Sterilisation
Smart Auto Clean Mode

If you are looking for an air purifier that ticks every box, the AirX Pro AXP-800 is your winner. Featuring a 7-stage air purification system with HEPA filtration, UV-C sterilisation and 99.99% efficiency, there’s no wonder why this air purifier claims the top spot for 2024. This powerhouse removes all types of particles, including bacteria, viruses, and odours, thanks to its medical-grade technology. Our favourite part? This purifier not only cleans the air but also revives it with negative ions, making your space feel vibrant and refreshing.

Control is a breeze with the AirX Pro AXP-800. The touch panel is super easy to use, letting you adjust fan speeds, set timers, and activate sleep mode with just a tap. The LED screen gives you real-time updates on air quality, so you’re always in the know. Pair this purifier with your smartphone for real-time readings and access to controls or go hands-free with Alexa and Google voice commands. Perfect for managing air quality in restaurants, hospitals, schools, and offices, where building management is crucial. Ensure a healthier, more productive space for your employees and impress clients as they step into clean, fresh air.

Best Air Purifier For Versatility: Vybra Multi 3 in 1 Tower Heater, Cooling Fan & Air Steriliser

Multifunctional. User-Friendly. Adaptable.

Heats, Cools & Sterilises
80-Degree Oscillation
Stylish Tower Design

The Vybra Multi 3 in 1 is the jack of all trades in the world of air purifiers. This do-it-all device works as a powerful air steriliser, heater and cooling fan, offering a complete climate control solution for any space up to 50m³. This sleek and stylish tower design adds an elegantly high-tech addition to any room, featuring a wide range of functionality to satisfy a diverse variety of needs and preferences. The sterilisation feature offers 80° of oscillation with a 1,350m³/h airflow, ensuring UV-C sterilised air is evenly dispersed throughout your space, killing bacteria and viruses to contribute to a healthier living environment. The ceramic heating element offers a 2kW output to boast a max temperature of 30°C, ensuring warm, clean air at a rapid rate.

What sets this purifier apart is its user-friendly design. Not only does the Vybra Multi offer multiple functions but it also features flexible settings and controls. This all-in-one air purifier comes equipped with a thermostat, temperature controller, a remote control and a free-to-download smart app for ultimate convenience. For use during summertime, the cooling fan features nine-speed options, allowing you to personalise the performance to achieve the most comfortable cooling relief.

Best Air Purifier For Sleep: Winix Zero Air Purifier

Whisper-Quiet. Intelligent. Great For Children.

Special Silent Sleep Mode
4-Stage HEPA Filtration
Patented PlasmaWave Technology

Equipped with a special sleep mode, the Winix Zero Air Purifier is the perfect choice for achieving a peaceful night’s rest. The Winix Zero Air Purifier delivers a whisper-quiet performance, supplying fresh, clean air to soothe your mind and lungs. The sleep mode function automatically darkens the LED display lights and prompts the device to run silently as it works away to purify the air throughout the night. This smart air purifier is also ideal for children suffering from asthma and hay fever, so they can feel refreshed and ready to learn to their full capacity the following day.

Featuring four-stage HEPA filtration and PlasmaWave technology in a stylish, slim design, the Winix Zero Air Purifier is perfect for any bedroom, kitchen, office or living space up to 99m². This is also an ideal air purifier for pets, with the 4-stage filtration ensuring pet dander is removed. The touch screen interface allows you to customise the operation with multiple settings and controls. The built-in air quality sensor means you can trust in the Winix Zero to automatically regulate the airflow depending on the ambient air quality, ensuring efficiency, convenience and ultimate cleansing.

Best Air Purifier For Home: Woods AD20G Hybrid Dehumidifier & Air Purifier

Smart. Eco-Friendly. Customisable.

Patented Filtration System
23 L/Day Dehumidification Rate
Smart Laundry Mode

Doubling as a dehumidifier and purifier, the Woods AD20G ensures the optimal indoor climate with eco-friendly technology and a smart laundry mode for maximum convenience. Perfect for homes, the patented purification technology equipped with active ION HEPA filters captures harmful particles with a low-noise, eco-friendly process. This whole home air purifier effectively eliminates excess moisture and odours. With an extraction capacity of up to 23 litres per day, it's perfect for spaces up to 100m², operating most efficiently in temperatures between 5°C and 35°C.

The smart laundry mode is particularly useful, featuring a top air plate that efficiently dries your laundry at a maximum airflow rate of 250m³/hr. This hybrid unit also adopts a greener approach by using the eco-friendly refrigerant gas R290, aligning with future EU regulations. Featuring an air quality monitoring system, customisable humidity levels, 12-hour timer, auto restart feature, built-in water tank and continuous drainage option, the Woods AD20G combines functionality and convenience, making it an advanced solution for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

Best For Year-Round Use: Boneco H400 Hybrid Humidifier and Air Purifier

Innovative. Soothing. Reliable.

Ideal For Every Season
Real-Time Measurement & Control
Innovative Fragrance Container

The Boneco H400 is both a humidifier and air purifier, making it a great choice for maintaining optimal indoor air quality. It effectively filters out allergens while adding moisture to the air, soothing dryness and irritation while limiting the spread of viruses. The H400 is particularly useful in dry climates or during winter when indoor air tends to be dry. The large 12 litre tank allows the device to continuously humidify rooms for long periods. Due to its hybrid performance and humidifying functions, it offers the optimal solution for maintaining ideal air quality in every season.

With a purification capacity of 100m³/hr, it's perfect for medium-sized rooms. With 6 fan speed settings, auto and sleep mode, and timers, you can customise the operation to suit your specific needs. Remote control is simplified by Bluetooth connectivity for smart devices. The H400 also features an innovative fragrance container, which allows you to add a small amount of your favourite fragrance, and this air and odour purifier will disperse it with the circulating airflow. Smell fresher and feel fresher with the Boneco H400 all year-round.

Conclusion

Hay fever and allergies can significantly impact your quality of life. However, with the right air purifier, you can create a safe, comfortable indoor environment free from allergens, pain and torment. Whether you need a versatile all-in-one unit like the Vybra Multi 3 in 1, the powerful AirX Pro AXP-800, the whisper-quiet Winix Zero Air Purifier, the dual-function Boneco H400, or the eco-friendly Woods AD20G, there’s an option to suit your needs. Plus, you can explore our entire category of Air Purifiers for an even larger range of top-ranked air purifiers.

Each of these expert picks offers unique features that can help you breathe easier and feel better. Investing in an air purifier is an effective way to manage hay fever and allergies, allowing you to enjoy the warmer seasons without the discomfort of constant symptoms. Remember to consider your specific needs, room size, and additional features when selecting the right air purifier for your home. With cleaner, healthier air, you can reclaim your comfort and well-being all year round.