Outside, we’re constantly exposed to pollen, pet dander, mold, and bacteria, so having a home with clean and fresh air may be able to provide some relief from contaminants that cause respiratory irritation. Essential oil diffusers and air purifiers may be a good investment to keep the air clean.
Essential Oil Diffusers
Diffusers work by circulating a mixture of water and essential oils to add a pleasant scent in the air. You can add a few drops of a citrus oil to the diffuser, such as lemon or orange peel, when you’re cooking a pungent dish or want to cover any musty smells. Some oils, such as peppermint and eucalyptus can even disinfect the air, which is beneficial if there is mold or sickness floating around.
Some essential oil brands sold in stores are formulated with harmful chemicals that can be irritating to your lungs. Purchasing essential oils that are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade will ensure that you are choosing the highest quality of oil, without any dilutants, chemicals, or fillers — just plants.
The downside of diffusing essential oils is that they can only disinfect and freshen the air, unlike air purifiers, which can trap and ionize contaminants with the filters. If you live in an area with a lot of smokey wildfires or trees with high amounts of pollen, then it’s recommended you use an air purifier that will be able to catch the particles, rather than just perfuming the air.
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers use filters to trap pollutants such as pet dander, pollen, mold, and bacteria. After trapping these particles, the newly cleaned air flows out to the rest of the room. It's recommended that you replace the air filters about every 3-6 months, depending on how often you use the machine.
To learn more about air purifiers and how they work, check out our Air Purifiers 101 blog.
The downside of most air purifiers is that they require the replacement of filters, which is costly and harmful to the environment. Many brands use HEPA filters, which are made of plastic or polyurethane frames. These materials never break down, so they will just sit in landfills forever. We recommend that you find an air purifier, such as the AirSoap, that does not use HEPA filters, so you can avoid the hassle and costs of replacing them every few months.
AirSoap
In case you need a place to start when researching what type of air purifier you should buy, we want to present our filterless electric air purifier. Instead of costly HEPA filters, the AirSoap uses a reusable graphene plate to catch all the particles that are making you sneeze and cough. Not only does the graphene filter collect allergens as small as 14nm, but it also uses Electric Wind Technology to kill bacteria and polarize airborne particles. Though it’s more on the expensive end ($400), over time the AirSoap will save you tons of money by eliminating the need for replacement filters. It’s tested and proven to kill 99.99% of airborne viruses and reduces smoke, pet dander, and other allergens.