de humidifier or air purifier?

[Bullsfan52]

Hi, i have asthma and partner has COPD. We are looking to invest in either an air purifier or de humidifier, for our health, ( easier breathing in hope) But we are unsure which we need.....We dont have any damp, its a lovley warm house, but we dont know if the air is too dry.....Any tips???? Thankyou.

[twinkly29]

I don't know much about these things, as in the technical stuff, but if not damp and you're concerned about the air being too dry, you won't want a dehumidifier as that will dry out the air.

That's the extent of my not-very-helpful advice though! 😅

[Bullsfan52 in reply to twinkly29]

thankyou, that makes sense!!!

[Poobah]

I wouldn't buy a humidifier or dehumidifier until you've monitored the humidity in your home. Calibrated hygrometers can be purchased online to measure the humidity. Ideally, your home should be between 35% & 50% humid for respiratory health. During the winter it's difficult to achieve this thanks to central heating and if the house is sealed (no chimney) then it's more likely to be dry. Damp is just as harmful, and again, the hygrometer will detect any raised humidity or weak spot in the home. Raised humidity levels can result in escalation of dust mites and allergens. Too much humidity can make the air feel heavy and difficult to breath.

I suspect the humidity in your home fluctuates depending on the season and weather, so continuous humidity monitoring would be necessary if you decide on mechanical humidity production - just so the optimum levels are maintained and to avoid excesses.

Humidity alone is not the only factor when considering its impact on respiratory health, temperature also plays an important part. I struggle to breath in high temperature/high humidity but cope in low temperature/high humidity. Moderate levels are best, if they can be achieved.

Both humidifiers and dehumidifiers have to be maintained to a high standard in order to avoid bacteria etc. accumulating in the machine, which can then end up in the air.

I've no experience of air purifiers but I'm sure others will share their experiences.

Hope this helps.

[AutumnHedgerow]

I have a Philips hepa air purifier in my bedroom. It really helps overnight and I can always come into my bedroom for a rest if things too hot in the kitchen or whatever.

[_Badger_]

If you're considering buying an air purifier be careful if ozone is a trigger for you. Some machines create ozone as part of the purification process.

[Itswonderful]

I have an air purifier. It is one that does not release ions. I have had it for about two months now. I wanted it to reduce the dust which is inevitable in any home even though I have hard floors throughout a d steam mop them and damp dust surfaces daily. It seems to be doing a good job and I have felt that my breathing has improved since I have had it. The amount of dust floating around is definitely much less when I have it on, so IMO it is very helpful 👍. You do need one big enough for the area you use it in. I move mine around depending on where I am in the house. At night, it turns itself onto night time mode and runs very quietly so it is possible to have it on all night without it disturbing your sleep. Mine is currently downstairs so I would really like another one for the bedroom. But I will have to save up first! I got mine off Amazon so there was the option of returning it if it wasn’t useful or didn’t suit me, but I think it is doing a grand job. Happy new year !

[Bullsfan52 in reply to Itswonderful]

thankyou, thats helpful.