Hayfever & Air Purifiers

Hay fever and allergies are usually confined to the summer months so you may be wondering why you’re reading this with watery eyes and a sniffle in September.

While September marks a decline in pollen count from grasses, the arrival of cooler damper weather can bring other allergy triggers. Airborne spores from decomposing fallen leaves become prevalent and ragweed, a wild plant that reaches peak pollen levels in early to mid- September.

As we are increasingly indoors more, exposure to dust mites and pet dander will likely exacerbate symptoms for those with allergies and sensitivities. Vacuuming frequently and changing your outdoor clothes once you get home can help, but could air purifiers do a better job? And what’s the difference between these and dehumidifiers?

Air purifiers trap airborne particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander cleaning the air you breathe at home. Modern air purifiers use HEPA-filters which is the most efficient mesh (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) capturing particles that normal cleaning can’t.

Dehumidifiers are not filters, instead they remove moisture in the air, effectively diminishing dampness and mould that can increase in the colder months especially with radiators on.

A fast and effective way to consider what is triggering your symptoms: if your problem is pollen, dust and pet dander, the air filter is the better choice. If your home has excess moisture, mould and dust mites, the dehumidifier may be the better choice.

This article is general information, not medical advice, and doesn’t replace a consultation. Whether a treatment is right for you — and at what dose — is a decision made with a PPRX clinician who reviews your history.