A secret weapon to fight hay fever and allergic rhinitis
Spring is here and for many of us the season comes with crippling fatigue, sneezing, itchy eyes and a stuffy or runny nose. While I have some useful herbs and supplements to treat these in my arsenal, last year I accidentally stumbled upon a game changer for hay fever and other allergies.
While planning for inevitable ‘bushfire summers’, after considerable research, I bought a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) air purifier. Admittedly a good one is a bit of an investment for a ‘just in case’ scenario but come spring it proved its worth.
A good quality HEPA purifier can be a game changer for people who suffer hay fever or all- year-round (perennial) allergic rhinitis, as well as some types of asthma.
How air purifiers work
Air purifiers with HEPA filters, capture solid particles and liquid droplets in the air including viruses, smoke, dust and pollen. They’re designed to trap 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. As pollens generally range from 10 to 100 microns, it makes sense that these machines can reduce your exposure to hay fever allergens.
The research
Several studies have proven the effectiveness of HEPA air purifiers in reducing allergy symptoms. This includes a recent randomized, double-blind study that found they significantly reduce both allergy symptoms and the need to medicate them.
Things to consideration when investing in an air purifier
As the most effective air purifiers can cost up to AU$1000 each, it’s not a purchase to be made lightly. Here are some considerations before you invest.
- Do your research: Online, independent reviews are useful (including Choice). Once you’ve chosen your model, you can often save a substantial amount shopping around online.
- Choose the right size: Air purifiers come in different sizes and are rated accordingly for use in small, medium or large spaces. A unit that is too small for your room will not effectively filter the air.
- Space: The unit itself can be quite large and needs to be centrally positioned, away from walls and furniture, to maximise airflow and filtration efficiency.
- Filter: In order to work effectively, depending on how often you run the purifier, manufacturers recommend changing the filters every 6 to 12 months.
- Cost: Other than buying the unit, replacement filters can cost up to $100. Depending on the model and how long you run the machine for, purifiers use about the same amount of electricity as most fridges.
- You may need more than one unit: Considering the size and weight of many air purifiers they’re not always easy to move from room to room. Allergy sufferers should initially prioritise the bedroom to ensure a better night’s sleep.
- Night mode: As you’ll want to run it overnight during the allergy season, check that has a quiet night mode and read reviews as to how efficient it is when using this setting as not all machines do this well.
Tips to sleep well during allergy season
Wash your face before bed to remove pollens hitchhiking on eye brows and lashes.
Remember to wash bedding regularly and vacuum the mattress and pillow to reduce pollen exposure.
Sleep with the windows shut during peak pollen times. If you want to freshen the room, as less airborne pollen is around at night, open windows for a short time after dark but shut them an hour before bed. Once the windows are closed you can run the purifier on full before dropping to night mode when going to sleep.
For further tips on reducing hay fever, check out the spring survival guide.
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