Air quality is a vital aspect of our overall health. Whether you’re at home or on the go, a portable air purifier can be an essential tool in creating a cleaner and healthier environment. With wildfires raging across North America nearly every year, showing up to your vacation destination shrouded in wildfire smoke can threaten a good time and your health. But after years of skirting around wildfires and watching smoke forecasts in our travels, we’ve found one handy tool we now take with us everywhere: a portable air purifier.
We want to help ensure you’re breathing fresh air at home and on the go. We’re taking a closer look at our list of 8 best portable air purifiers. Let’s dive in!
What Is a Portable Air Purifier?
A portable air purifier is a compact and lightweight device that removes contaminants, allergens, and pollutants from the air. Unlike traditional air purifiers that stay in place, portable models offer flexibility, letting you create a cleaner and healthier environment wherever you go.
Portable air purifiers are for homes, offices, hotel rooms, or even on road trips. They can help you breathe cleaner air no matter your location. The ease of mobility and installation sets portable air purifiers apart. They can be beneficial for those who seek the best air quality no matter the circumstances.
How Do Portable Air Purifiers Work?
Portable air purifiers operate using a fan that draws air into the unit. The air passes through a series of filters, including HEPA filters and activated carbon filters. These filters trap and capture particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and harmful gasses. HEPA filters are highly efficient, capable of capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Some air purifiers use activated carbon filters that absorb and neutralize odors. By employing these filtration technologies, portable air purifiers can significantly improve indoor air quality, making them suitable for various environments like homes, offices, hotels, cabins, and recreational vehicles.
Do Portable Air Purifiers Work With Wildfire Smoke?
From California wildfires on the west coast to Canadian wildfires impacting the air quality along the east coast, the U.S. is no stranger to wildfires. And you don’t need to be even near the fire to experience the ill effects of the smoke. Smoke increases particulates and pollutants in the air, causing side effects like headaches, sinus pressure, respiratory irritation, and even shortness of breath, to name just a few. During these events, portable air purifiers can be a valuable ally in mitigating the impact of wildfire smoke, whether you’re on a road trip or seeking temporary relief in your home.
These devices may significantly improve indoor air quality. Portable air purifiers can work with wildfire smoke, providing much-needed relief during environmental challenges. However, it’s crucial to note that while these purifiers can be effective, they are not a substitute for following local health advisories and evacuation orders during severe wildfire events to ensure safety.
Things to Consider When Buying a Portable Air Purifier
Not all portable air purifiers offer the same benefits. To pick the correct portable air purifier, keep in mind the following key characteristics.
Size
When buying a portable air purifier, consider the size of the area you intend to purify. Choose a model with a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) suitable for the room size to ensure efficient air purification. A purifier too small for the space might not effectively clean the air, while one too large could be unnecessarily expensive and consume more energy.
Filter Type
The filter type is a critical factor in the air purifier’s effectiveness. Look for models with HEPA filters, as they are highly efficient in capturing small particles, including allergens and pollutants. A portable air purifier with activated carbon filters is preferable for environments with cooking or smoking odors as it neutralizes odor.
Energy Star
Opt for an air purifier with an Energy Star certification, as it indicates energy efficiency. Energy-efficient models can save on electricity bills and have a reduced environmental impact. Look for the Energy Star label to ensure that your air purifier meets the guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for energy efficiency.
Remote Controlled
A remote control feature on your portable air purifier adds convenience to its operation. With a remote control, you can adjust settings and control the purifier’s operation from a distance, without the need to physically interact with the device. This feature is particularly handy if you plan to use the air purifier in a bedroom or want to adjust settings from across the room.
Noise Level
Consider the air purifier noise level, especially if you intend to use it in quiet spaces like bedrooms or offices. Look for models offering a “sleep mode” or “low noise” setting for quieter operation at night or when you need a peaceful environment.
Pro Tip: Smoke can sure be stubborn! Use these 5 Simple Ways for How to Get Campfire Smell Out of Clothes.
Source: www.iqair.com
8 Best Portable Air Purifiers for Pure Summer Air
Keeping your space fresh and clean is easier than ever before. The following portable air purifiers are great for home spaces and on-the-go adventures.
1. Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini Portable Air Purifier
The Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini weighs less than a pound making it useful for transporting in your vehicle or setting up in your home. This portable air purifier can purify up to 9 cubic feet per minute or about fifty-four square feet, about the size of a car, in twenty minutes. The device can operate either by plugging into an outlet or from its rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts up to twelve hours.
The Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini uses a 2-stage filtration system to purify up to 99.97% of germs and contaminants in the air. The activated carbon pre-filter is the first line of defense to remove odors and gasses from the air. The True HEPA Filter is the second stage of filtration and eliminates dust, dander, pet hair, pollen, mold spores, and smoke in the air.
- PERSONAL AIR PURIFIER: This convenient, portable travel air...
- TRUE HEPA FILTER: The 2-stage filtration system eliminates 99.97%...
- CORDLESS & TRAVEL-FRIENDLY: The rechargeable lithium-ion battery...
2. LEVOIT Air Purifier
The LEVOIT Air Purifier uses a 3-stage filtration system and is Energy Star certified. This portable air purifier uses 360-degree VortexAir Technology to purify air and is 6.5 by 6.5 by 10.4 inches. The compact size of the device makes it preferable for purifying a bedroom, office, or living room.
For those looking to not just purify their air, but also improve it, the LEVOIT Air Purifier has the option to add a few drops of essential oil to make your space fragrant. For those planning on using this portable air purifier in a bedroom, the device keeps noise levels as low as 25 dB, ensuring you can get a good night’s sleep while it runs.
- REFRESH & RELAX: If you struggle with allergies, low-quality...
- MATTER OF MINUTES: Breathe freely and sleep better as the air...
- QUIET OPERATION: Sleep soundly without loud rattling coming from...
3. Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W)
Remove impurities in your home with the Coway Airmega Air Purifier. This Energy Star-rated portable air purifier can accommodate spaces up to 361 square feet. It uses a 4-stage filtration system, including a pre-filter, deodorization filter, HEPA filter, and vital ion system. This extensive filtration system captures and reduces up to 99.97% of air particles, including pollen, pollutants, and other allergens. It additionally reduces odors in your space.
Run your Coway Airmega using its timer feature. It can run either 1, 4, or 8 hours before automatically powering off. The portable air purifier can run on three-speed settings depending on the indoor air quality. The noise level ranges from 24.4 dB to 53.8 dB.
This energy-saving device will automatically stop if it detects no pollution for thirty minutes while running.
- Coway Mighty (AP-1512HH) is designed to accommodate room sizes up...
- 4 Stage Filtration System (Pre-filter, Deodorization filter, True...
- Coway Mighty pollution sensor communicates indoor air quality in...
4. AROEVE Air Purifier
The AROEVE Air Purifier utilizes a HEPA filter to tackle particles like pollen, dander, hair, and wildfire smoke. It can purify up to 215 square feet in an hour. This portable air purifier may be preferable for use in offices, bedrooms, and other home spaces. It uses a 360-degree air outlet to purify a complete space.
Activate sleep mode on this device to purify your air silently. The filtered air noise operates as low as 22 dB, providing a more peaceful environment. Elevate your surroundings by putting a few drops of essential oils into the aroma pad on the device.
- Efficient Particle Filtration: AROEVE air purifier utilizes a...
- High Circulation Rate: With dual-channel and 360-degree air...
- Low Decibel Operation: AROEVE air purifier operates quietly,...
5. Westinghouse 1804
You can use the Westinghouse 1804 in a car, an airplane, a train, or a hotel room to purify your air while you explore. The Westinghouse 1804 weighs 2 pounds and comes with a leather strap for transportation. A single charge of the portable air purifier’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts 8 hours.
This device uses a 3-stage purification system to purify air. Purification starts with air moving through the oxygen generator, then through the HEPA filter, and finally through the patented NCCO reactor to break down odors and contaminants. You can operate the device with two fan speeds and a silent mode option.
- MEDICAL-GRADE PATENTED NCCO TECHNOLOGY: The patented NCCO Reactor...
- KILLS AND ELIMINATES: While other purifiers only “trap” and...
- GREAT FOR TRAVEL: The portable air purifier is your personal-size...
6. IQAir Atem Car Portable HEPA Air Purifier
The IQAir Atem Car Portable HEPA Air Purifier is a road trip companion that can keep your car fresh. This device uses Bluetooth to filter the air in your car to 0.003 microns. Use the app to control the device on the road. The IQAir Atem Car unit uses a motion sensor to automatically power off after fifteen to thirty minutes of idling to prevent draining your car battery.
This portable air purifier comes with a mount to attach to your car, truck, SUV, van headrest, or seat. While on the road, toxic pollutants like sulfur dioxide, benzene, formaldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide can enter your vehicle. The HyperHEPA Plus filter helps remove these pollutants and odors from your vehicle.
- #1 CAR/TRAVEL AIR PURIFIER: The Atem Car by IQAir is the ideal...
- CLEAN AIR ON THE ROAD: IQAir’s air cleaner fans get rid of...
- THE HYPERHEPA DIFFERENCE: IQAir’s exclusive HyperHEPA air...
7. Munchkin Portable Air Purifier
The Munchkin Portable Air Purifier is compact. This device fits in a car cup holder or a stroller for purified air on the go. It can purify up to 7 cubic feet of air per minute and has 4 air speeds, including an ultra-quiet mode to accommodate sound sleepers near the device.
The Munchkin Portable Air Purifier uses a 4-stage filtration system, including a HEPA filter. The gas sensor in the portable air purifier automatically adjusts based on the surrounding air quality to provide the perfect filtration speed. The rechargeable battery can run up to ten hours before you’ll need to plug it in.
- Removes 99.7% of airborne particles like allergens, smoke and...
- Perfect item for back to school, return to office environments or...
- Powerful 4-Stage air filtration system utilizes True HEPA air...
8. Nuwave Portable Air Purifier
The Nuwave Portable Air Purifier may be helpful for people with large rooms. It can purify a four hundred square foot room three times per hour and a one thousand square foot room once an hour. That function makes this device useful for large bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and basements. This Energy Star-certified device uses HEPA and carbon filters to remove 99.97% of airborne contaminants as small as 0.3 microns including dust, pollen, and wildfire smoke.
The device has an LED touchscreen for ease of use and six purification settings. The autofunction sensor monitors the air quality of the room to adjust fan speeds. The sleep mode setting allows indicator lights to turn off and for the fan to operate at 17.38 dB to promote better sleeping conditions.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE PORTABLE AIR PURIFIER - The True HEPA air...
- TOUCH SCREEN CONTROLS – The LED touch screen is elegant and...
- INDEPENDENT 3RD PARTY LAB CERTIFIED – The Portable Air Purifier...
Pro Tip: Use these 7 Best Essential Oils for Camping & Recreating Outdoors to freshen up your indoor space.
Are Portable Air Purifiers Worth It?
When we first hit the road in an RV, we had never experienced wildfires before. Now that we’ve encountered wildfire smoke almost every single year we’ve traveled, we don’t go anywhere without our portable air purifier.
Portable air purifiers are a worthwhile investment for those seeking cleaner and healthier indoor air, especially when Mother Nature decides to mess up your vacation and travel plans. These versatile devices effectively remove contaminants and allergens, making them invaluable in homes, offices, and even travel settings.
With advanced filtration technologies like HEPA and activated carbon filters, they tackle airborne particles, including those from wildfire smoke. They provide relief to those with respiratory issues or allergies. Factors like size, filter type, energy efficiency, remote control functionality, and noise level help in finding the ideal air purifier. They can create a comfortable and healthier living space.
Do you have a portable air purifier in your home or RV? Tell us in the comments!
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