Air Purifiers for Pets Hair, Dander, Odors and Allergies
In this article, you will be reading about:
- Best air purifiers for pet’s dander and odors
- How air purifiers help in pet allergies
- If or not air purifiers are good for pets
Today, who does not love pets. Pets are a great source of joy, and they also help reduce clinical depression. Most people consider their pets as their families. Pets do grow on to us as one of our closest family members.
We do love our pets, but it is also very important that we love ourselves and our environment. Pets grow, but they also shed but does not mean that we start hating them or leave them. There are ways to cope up with pet’s dander and unwanted odors which can be opted to keep our air healthy for us.
Air purifiers play an essential role in not only eliminating airborne particles but also, eliminate pet’s dander and other shredded skin particles. Activated carbon filters are great for removing any odor from the environment. Thus, air purifiers with True HEPA filter and strongly activated carbon filters are a way to have a dander free environment.
Why Pet Dander is Harmful?
Pet dander can be harmful as they trigger allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are those who make our immune system overreact to certain conditions that would otherwise not do any harm to us.
Pet dander can also cause itching, watery or reddish eyes, eczema, and rashes. These conditions can get triggered from a minimum to a maximum extend. So, it is essential to deal with pet dander beforehand.
Pet Dander:
Pet dander is the shredded parts of the skin, in addition to hair, dogs and cats and other pets. They can carry dust and pollen particles that accentuate allergic reactions and may cause further harmful effects on human health.
Particles of pet dander can be microscopic and get trapped in carpets, bed sheets, furniture, etc. If these particles are disturbed from their position, they can release into the air and suspend there, which in turn can cause a further allergic reaction when inhaled.
Pet Hair:
Usually, pet hair does not cause any harm, but they can play as a host to dander, saliva, and urine of animals. Hair trapped with these impurities can become dangerous as it makes the environment unhealthy and may cause harmful allergic reactions as they settle down on the floor, furniture, and sheets.
Air Purifiers Good or Bad for Pets?
Though air purifiers help in cleaning the environment of pet dander and hair but are they suitable for pets or not? Today’s pet’s rights are on their peak, and every company has to label their products cruelty free to satisfy their customers that they do not play any part against the defined rights of animals.
So, while choosing an air purifier for eliminating pet dander and odor, it should be kept in mind that the machine is not only environment-friendly but also pet-friendly. Animals can hear sounds that we can not, as their hearing power is higher than us.
Thus, some sounds that are not audible to us can be harmful to the mental health of animals. Air purifiers that generate ozone are a big NO! They are not only dangerous to the environment but also deadly to animal health. While avoiding the ozone generator air purifier for the long life of your pet, it is also advised to check the filter technology that is used in your air purifier.
Activated carbon air filters can absorb unwanted odors, but if you have a severe urine odor problem, then the Rabbit Air Minus A2 is your go-to. It can be fitted with an extra customized air filter that can help in eliminating any strong pet odor, including urine odors.
To wholly conclude this discussion, it is safe to say that air purifiers are good for pets. It depends on what type of purifiers you are going for and whether the technology used in that specific air purifiers is beneficial for pets or not.
By doing complete research, thoroughly checking the specifications of the air purifier and also having a conversation about this with your vet, you can find an air purifier that is ideal for your furry friend to breathe in.
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Best Air Purifiers for Pets:
To determine whether or not an air purifier is best for our pets or not depends on the technology used in the air purifier. True HEPA filters with activated carbon filters are the best in terms of removing airborne particles as well as other unwanted odors. PECO technology air purifiers can eliminate the smallest particle from the air which might get missed by other technologies.
In the market, many air purifiers claim to be pet-friendly and useful, but after thorough research and survey only then it can be entirely determined which purifier is best for pets.
Following is detailed research of air purifiers and their specifications that have proven to be good for pets:
1. WINIX HR1000:
One of the top-notch air purifiers for pet friendly environment is this Korean brand WINIX. They are specialized in sensitive environments. This air purifier is very low in price and with such price range it is very hard to believe that it provides its customers with many efficient abilities. The price tag of WINIX HR 1000 reads under $400, but after reviewing its abilities and technology infused in it this price seems very reasonable.
The basic and the most effective features of WINIX HR 1000 are:
- True HEPA filter + PlasmaWave technology for high pet allergies
- Washable pre filters for getting rid of pet hair
- Coated deodorized activated carbon filters for eliminating pet odors
The most effective and distinguishing essence of this air purifier is its 5-stage air cleansing system. The true HEPA filter and PlasmaWave technology allows this air purifier to remove up to 99.97% airborne particles with up to 0.3 microns in size.
It means that any pet dander or pet hair that may trigger your allergies will be eliminated from the environment leaving behind a clean air for you and your pet to breathe in.
Due to the anti-microbial coating on the true HEPA filters of WINIX HR1000, it not only captures the tiniest of the pollutants but also it can go without washing for a long time. This coating also prohibits the growth of bacteria and microbes on the filters. This feature is only available for the latest purifiers of WINIX making them different and more effective than others.
The PlasmaWave technology of WINIX HR1000 guarantees that you would never have to live with pet allergies. This technology emits electrical discharge that generates positive and negative ions in the air. As the ion gets attached to the surface of the pollutants, they eliminate the hydrogen molecule from the pollutant which effectively results in cleaner and greener air.
For removing the pet hair, the pre-filters play a great role. They are washable and trap in all the hair and dander of pets. Once trapped in they can not be dispersed back in to the air.
As the pre-filter is washable, we can wash off the hair and dander from the filter making it clean and new again. This way the environment becomes clean of all the pet dander and hair which ultimately results in an allergy free environment. The deodorized activated carbon filter eliminates all types of odors including smoke and even Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). The performance rating of WINIX HR1000 has greatly increased due to high power fan with CADR of 264 Dust/ 258 Smoke/ 301 pollen (cfm).
With the advent of smart sense, now we do not have to control our air purifier, it does this itself by automatically detecting the quality of indoor air. So, if you have WINIX HR1000, just turn it on and sit back because it will do all the work for you.
Lastly, the smart WIFI function is the best. You do not need a remote control to turn the air purifier ON/OFF, it can be done by just using the WINIX smart app and you can control all the functions of your air purifier without any ambiguity.
Like any other air purifier, WINIX HR1000 has its own pros and cons but that does not make it any less effective than others. Following are the benefits and some drawbacks of the WINIX HR1000 air purifier:
Pros
- Effective performance ratings
- Smart sensor and WIFI function
- Impressively quiet
- Area coverage up to 400 sq. ft.
- Powerful and safe PlasmaWave technology
Cons
- Electromagnetic interference can cause malfunction of the air
- PlasmaWave technology can triggers asthma
2. HAMILTON BEACH 04384:
For a reasonable and under $100 air purifier, this is your go to. Of course, it is not a high-end air purifier but it can tackle all your pet allergies for a life time. If pet dander is not your concern and you want to only get rid of the pet hair and pet odor then HAMILTON BEACH is a big YES! for you.
There are only few air purifiers available in the market under $100 which actually work and provides effective results and this is one of them. Without a doubt you can invest in this air purifier and be carefree.
The basic features of HAMILTON BEACH 04384 are:
- Permanent HEPA filter
- Washable pre filters
- 2 activated carbon filters
The true HEPA filter used in HAMILTON is the one that can be easily cleaned by a vacuum cleaner. From many reviews it was concluded that this air purifier can clean up to 99% airborne particles in only under $100.
One thing to be taken under consideration is that the true HEPA filter used in this cannot be washed, it can only be cleaned by using a vacuum cleaner or any other air pressure device.
As HAMILTON BEACH 04384 has 2 activated carbon filters, it can eliminate any type of odor very easily, may it be dog odor or cat odor, this air purifier masters in eliminating them.
With all this said, HAMILTON BEACH 04384 has it benefits as well as drawbacks. Following are some listed pros and cons of this air purifier:
Pros
- Small Sized
- No annual HEPA filter replacement
- Price under $100
- Cheap replacement of carbon filters
Cons
- It lacks smart functions
- Can be quite noisy
- Area coverage is only 100 sq. ft.
3. GERMGAURDIAN AC5250PT:
This air purifier is listed as one of the best sellers at Amazon. It is not a surprise that a germ guardian air purifier is listed for best-selling air purifiers, especially for pets. The price tag for this air purifier read $100.
The basic features of GermGaurdian AC5250PT are:
- True HEPA filter and UV-C light filter
- Pre-filter
- Charcoal filter
GermGaurdian AC5250PT has new features for a pet-friendly feature called the new Pet Pure Treatment technology. It can eliminate up to 99.97% allergens of 0.3 microns in size, which means it can eliminate pet dander, pet skin, molds, dust, and many other airborne particles all under $100.
The UV-C light filter is the signature filter of all GermGaurdian air purifiers which destroys even the smallest germ particle from the air. With the powerful combination of technologies infused in this air purifier, you will not have to live with your pet allergies for long.
One major drawback of this air purifier is that the carbon filter is attached to them, which means that the pre-filter requires early replacements i.e., within 7-8 months. The whole air filter system also needs to be replaced annually, which in turn can be very costly.
Like other air purifiers, this one, too, has its benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- It consists of True HEPA filter combined with UV-C light filter
- Great performance ratings
- 5-years warranty
Cons
- Annual filter cost is very high
4. BLUE PURE 411:
Blue pure is a giant in air purifier market for the last 20 years now. They are famous for their reasonable yet effective air purifiers. The Blue Pure 411 is effectively known for eliminating every problem from your environment quickly and efficiently.
The basic working principles of Blue Pure 411 are:
- Particle filters instead of true HEPA filters
- Washable Pre-Filters
- Activated carbon filters
The Blue Pure 411 uses certified particle filters instead of true HEPA filter. This purifier can capture up to 99% of contamination up to 0.3 microns in size. Mostly the cat dander is 5 – 10 microns and only 25% are 2.5 microns or smaller. Thus, thus Blue Pure purifier will eliminate all your pet allergies in no time.
To fully trap airborne particles and pet hair/dander, it has an external pre-filter which helps in knowing the status of the filter so that it can be washed as soon as it gets full of contaminants. This pre-filter also helps in elongating the lifetime of particle filter.
However, the fan power of Blue Pure 411 is a major downside as it has the capability of only 161 sq. ft. On power saving mode the fan speed is slower and Blue Pure has confirmed that Blue Pure 411 consumes less energy than an LED light bulb.
With benefits come drawbacks, here are some pros and cons of Blue Pure 411:
Pros
- Smart sensor
- Light in weight
- Impressively quite in working
- Highly stable performance rating
Cons
- It does not have true HEPA filter
- The dust filter is of very low quality
5. HONEYWELL TRUE HEPA ALLERGEN REMOVER HPA300:
Honeywell stands out to be the best true HEPA filter air purifier in the market for a long time. For more than 25 years in this market, there is no substitution to Honeywell true HEPA filter air purifiers. They are truly everyone’s first pick even if they lack smart features. This is due their reliability and marked performance.
The basic working principles of Honeywell are:
- One of the best true HEPA filters
- Pre filters
- Activated carbon filters
Although Honeywell HPA300 has only 2 stage air cleaning system, it most prominent feature is its true HEPA filter technology. This filter can capture up to 99.97% contaminants down to not only 0.3 microns rather than 0.05 microns in size. That is why it is highly known as a true allergen remover. You can feel the difference it makes in the air just by after using it for 10 minutes.
The fan speed of Honeywell air purifiers is unmatched till date. The price tag of Honeywell HPA300 reads $200 but for such price it provides us with a CADR of 320 dust/ 300 smoke/ 300 pollen cfm. This CADR is higher than many high-end air purifiers ranging from $600 or more. With such high CADR Honeywell HPA300 will eliminate all pet allergens from the environment in no time.
One major drawback is that like germgaurdian, this air purifier also has its pre-filters and carbon filters fitted together. This in turn makes the maintenance cost higher than usual.
Here are some of the pros and cons of Honeywell HPA300:
Pros
- High CADR rating
- 5-years warranty
- Area coverage of 465 sq. ft.
- High performance rating
Cons
- Consumes high power
- Can be very noisy
- Annual filter cost can be very expensive
6. LEVOIT LV-H134:
Levoit air purifier has made its mark in the market. In the air purifier industry, levoit has always been distinct due to its high performance and great results. The LV-H134 is truly a pet friendly purifier with the solution to all you pet allergens problems.
The basic working principles of LV-H134 are:
- True HEPA filter
- Pre filters
- Activated carbon filter
The new levoit LV-H134 can neutralize 99.97% contaminants down to 0.3 microns in size that also includes pet dander. It has a high fan power with CADR as high as 312 cfm. For a very reasonable price, this air purifier can cover up to 710 sq. ft. area. The performance of LV-H134 was taken into a test in a lab in which there were two cats and a dog was places and no sign of pet odor could be sensed. This purifier is best for sensitive people.
Some pros and cons of Levoit LV-H134 are listed below:
Pros
- High performance rate
- High CADR
- Powerful design and built
- Area coverage of up to 710 sq. ft.
Cons
- It can be quite noisy at times
- The power cord is of low power
7. RABBIT AIR MINUSA2:
In a very sleek built and design, this air purifier contains numerous features. It consists of a high-end air filtration process and it is best for pet allergens.
The main working prinicples of this air purifier:
- Advanced BioGS HEPA filter and ionizer
- 2 Pre-filters
- Activated carbon filters
The Rabbit Air MinusA2 works with 6 stage air cleansing system. The 2 pre filters make sure that no allergen is left behind and that it is fully captured on the filters. The next thing is the BioGS true HEPA filter that can eliminate 99.97% contaminants down to 0.3 microns in size. As it is a true BioGS HEPA filter, it does not need to be replaced annually. It can be used up to 2 years without replacement.
This air purifier is currently the best selling air purifier of 2019. If you have issues with pet allergens as well as their odors then this air purifier is the answer to all of your problems.
Following are the pros and cons of Rabbit Air MinusA2:
Pros
- High performance rate
- High CADR
- Powerful design and built
- Area coverage of up to 710 sq. ft.
Cons
- It can be quite noisy at times
- The power cord is of low power
Why is it Important to Look after Pet Dander?
Pet dander can cause many harmful and sometimes lethal allergic reactions. As the pets grow older, so does their shedding. This in turn triggers the allergic reaction to a great extent. That is why people with allergies see an increase in their symptoms when they own a pet. Therefore, for a healthy lifestyle to prevail, it is very important to look after the pet dander.
Advantages of air purifiers for pets:
- Removes dander
- Removes pet hair
- Removes unwanted pet odor
- Removes pet allergens
Disadvantages of air purifiers for pets:
- Some times can get very noisy
- Consumes power
- Some generates ozone which can be lethal for pet’s health
- Needs annual filter replacement that can be very costly
Verdict:
Air purifiers are a great solution for removing pet allergens from the environment. Not only they provide a healthy atmosphere for the humans but the pets can breathe in healthy air too. However, before buying an air purifier for pet allergens, it is recommended to do thorough research of the technologies and working principles used in the air purifier.
It is also advised to have a chat with your vet regarding this as they will guide you in detail keeping in mind of your and your pet’s situation. Hence, it is a good step to get an air purifier to keep the environment pet allergen and other contamination free.