There has been some discussion in the nicehair forum about air quality, pollution and allergies and their impact on health and hair. Indeed it has been proven that air quality impacts hair growth. See Pollution Sends Men Bald. Clearly though poor air quality has only a small fraction of the impact on hair that DHT has.
So I’ve compiled this list of air purifiers that had at least 4.5 stars in their Amazon ratings. I’ve analysed them to determine what you really must look for in a good quality air purifier. More details on that at the end of the article. Here are what I believe to be the best at home air purifiers at reasonable prices:
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Hamilton Beach True Air® Air Purifier
Price: $49.24
This compact yet powerful product is easily moveable and has effective performance when used either vertically or horizontally.
Key benefits:
- Allergen-reducing air cleaner for large-size rooms up to 160 square feet
- Permanent HEPA-grade filter removes airborne allergens
- Filter can be vacuumed clean; no replacement filters to buy
- 3 ultra-quiet speed settings; tower design; simple control knob
- Measures 8-1/2 by 6 by 13-1/2 inches
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Winix PlasmaWave 5300 Air Purifier
Price: $159.99
The Winix Plasma Wave 5300 is definitely an investment worth considering, especially because of the Odor Control Carbon Pre-filter and PlasmaWave Technology, offering an impressive filter that neutralizes viruses, bacteria and chemical vapours.
Key benefits:
- 3-stage air cleaning unit removes indoor pollutants and odors for healthier living
- PlasmaWave Technology
- No ozone or harmful by-products produced
- Built-in air quality sensor adjusts fan speed automatically
- Designed for large spaces; certified for rooms up to 350 square feet
- Long Life True HEPA Filtration
- Energy Star approved; 1-year limited warranty
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Whirlpool Whispure Air Purifier AP51030K
Price: $ 296.99
Whirlpool’s product is designed for more spacious areas. Having the advantage of The Quiet Partner® System, you have one of the most
efficient air-cleaners on the market, as well as a Sleep mode for energy saving and quiet operation.Key benefits:
- Filters air 4.8 times per hour in a 500 square feet room
- Quiet and easy to use electronic controls
- True HEPA 0.3 micron filtration
- Clean Air Delivery Rate (CEDR) 315
- 4 Fan speeds, plus sleep and turbo modes
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Hamilton Beach TrueAir Compact Pet Air Purifier
Price: $61.99
An ideal choice for pet owners, the TrueAir Compact has a permanent HEPA filter and two replaceable carbon filters, especially made to
target animal odors. In addition, you can control the speed at which the air within the room is purified by means of the 3-speed settings.Key benefits:
- Complete air protection for pet owners
- 99-Percent HEPA filtration permanent filter
- Proven zeolite technology eliminates pet odors
- Effective performance for 140 square foot rooms
- Vacuum-clean permanent HEPA filter
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Whats the best shampoo for hair loss? Winix WAC9500 Ultimate Pet True HEPA Air Cleaner
Price: $254.99
Because of its Smart Sensor, the Winix WAC9500 Ultimate does its job both effectively and in energy efficiently, adjusting fan settings in
relation to the purity of the air in the environment. Moreover, odors are neutralized by means of the PlasmaWave technology and both of
its filters are washable.Key benefits:
- True HEPA Filtration captures 99.99% of airborne pollutants
- Washable advanced odor control carbon filter especially formulated to capture offensive pet odors as well as smoke, cooking and other household odors.
- Washable Anti-Microbial Pre-Filter extends the life to your filter
- PlasmaWave technology neutralizes viruses, bacteria, odors, and gases in the air
- Smart Sensors with Auto-Mode. Odor, Dust and Light Sensors automatically adjust your air cleaner settings
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Fellowes Quiet Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter (AP-300PH)
Price: $207.29
A clear advantage in the Fellowes product is the sensor which automatically adjusts the fan-speed according to the air present in the
environment. It combines the True HEPA filter with the PlasmaTRUE technology at an affordable price, and because of the filter
change indicators you never have to worry about remembering when to do it.Key benefits:
- Air purity sensor
- True HEPA Filter safely removes 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns
- PlasmaTRUE Technology creates an ionized field to help safely remove airborne pollutants
- Purifies large sized rooms up to 300 square feet
- Ultra quiet operation
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Winix WAC5500 True HEPA Air Cleaner
Price: $189.99
The “older brother” of the 5300 series comes equipped with all the great benefits of the previous product also including a programmable
remote control, so that you can adjust the settings of your air filter from anywhere in the room.Key benefits:
- Long Life True HEPA Filtration
- Odor Control Carbon Pre-Filter
- PlasmaWave Technology
- Smart Sensor with Auto-Mode
- Energy Star Qualified to save you money
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Blueair 203W HepaSilent Air-Purification System
Price: $329.00
Being one of the few products on the market that has 100% recyclable filter, the Blueair 203W air purifier is a quiet, sturdy and
reliable choice. Although heavier than most filters, it does not need to be moved around in order to efficiently clean the air and prevent
the formation of dust in the environment.Key benefits:
- Energy Star air purifier with 3 speeds for rooms up to 175 square feet
- HEPASilent technology uses electrostatic and mechanical filtration
- SurroundAir system prevents annoying drafts; 5 air changes per hour
- Galvanized steel construction; 100-percent-recyclable filter media
- Measures 9-1/2 by 17 by 21 inches; 5-year limited warranty
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Coway AP-1012GH Smart Air Purifier
Price: $189.99
The Coway AP-1012GH Smart Air Purifier offers clear advantages at an affordable price. Besides the four stage, extensive cleaning, it can
detect the purity of the air at any given moment, adjusting the fan speed accordingly and saving you time and energy.Key benefits:
- This smart air purifier with pollution level sensor
- 4-stage filtration : pre-filter + carbon filter + true hepa filter + ionizer effectively eliminates pollutants
- Long-lasting 3-year hepa filter
- Air quality indicator provides visible color change, indicating the air quality level
- AHAM certified and energy star
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Blueair 503 HepaSilent Air-Purification System
Price: $659.00
This award-winning product is a definite upgrade from the 203W version. The ideal choice for people who suffer from allergies or respiratory
conditions, it has one of the biggest air-filter ranges available on the market. Last but not least, the CADR rating is a good sign
that it meets a high efficiency standard.Key benefits:
- Energy Star 3-speed air purifier with HEPASilent technology
- 5 air changes per hour for rooms up to 580 square feet
- CADR rating of 375 for smoke, dust, and pollen; SurroundAir system
- Galvanized steel construction; 100-percent-recyclable filter media
- Measures 13 by 20 by 26 inches; 5-year limited warranty
Features explained
The HEPA filter
The HEPA filter is one important feature, preventing particles as small as 0.3 microns from passing through it. Most of the filters are not permanent and it will mean spending an amount to buy one each year. Whether this is good or bad is debatable. Ask yourself, would you rather purchase fresh new filters when necessary or clean permanent ones? Features like the vacuum clean permanent HEPA filters on the Hamilton models featured above make this very easy and cost effective.
The Ion Filter
Another key advantage is the ion filter, widely known as plasma technology, which uses negative ions in order to form a chemical reaction and neutralize the airs unbalanced ion content, which is caused by electronic equipment.
Product Conclusion
The Winix PlasmaWave 5300 probaby offers the best price for the quality of the product and the air filtering effectiveness. I don’t think the extra amount is worth it for the 5500 model and that the Korean design covers large spaces, does not occupy a lot of space and provides an CADR assessed air cleaning standard.
Air Filters: Is it Worth Buying One?
People spend up to 90% of their time indoors in an environment in which there are no factors to contribute in the proper recycling of the air. Although surprising, the air in a room can sometimes be even more polluted than the air outdoors by dust, smoke, pollen, animal dander, viruses, bacteria and even chemical vapors – most of them not even sensed by the nose.
In the long term, exposure to these pollutants can have a detrimental impact on blood circulation, liver health and lung health. That is why special care is necessary when it comes to the quality of the air you breathe indoors. Another great health benefit is the fact that people that suffer from allergies or respiratory conditions such as asthma can diminish their symptoms or even prevent their emergence through the use of a good air-purification system.
Since we spend so much time indoors I really think an air purifier is a wise purchase. And since we spend so much time in close proximity to electrical products such as computers, TVs and wi-fi routers it’s worthwhile getting a product with “PlasmaWave” or ion emitting technology.
