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Has anyone tried air purifiers? Just wondered if they were effective.

Ravenswing profile image
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Ravenswing
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18 Replies
pete1958 profile image
pete1958

We tried one of those dehumidifiers.

3 weeks of non stop coughing saw it for sale on ebay.

martin1945 profile image
martin1945

Hi Ravenswing - I have used an air purifier at night for about five years and although I cannot say it has improved by condition, it appears to have been no harm. I breathe normally at night (no 02 needed). It is important to keep the machine regularly cleaned/maintained. Stay well. Martin

Ravenswing profile image
Ravenswing in reply tomartin1945

Thank you, Martin

Bit of a minefield trying to decide which might be the best for my needs. GP didn't seem that enthusiastic but I still think I will try one.

CornishBrian profile image
CornishBrian

I've found the opposite works best for me. I need the humidity in the air, for a start it keeps the dust down. No expensive machines, just a pot plant, non flowering of course, scattered about the home helps. I used to retire to the bathroom when my breathing was bad, fill it with steam and make myself as comfortable as possible.

Ravenswing profile image
Ravenswing in reply toCornishBrian

Hadn't thought that pot plants could help in this way. Obvious of course when you think about it. Thanks for the advice.

Maximonkey profile image
Maximonkey in reply toRavenswing

Pot plants that give off oxygen rather than take oxygen out of the air are fantastic. I have spider plants, Boston fern and Spathiphyllum (a lily plant) in both my living room and bedroom. I started with two - 1 in each room. I felt the difference and so did my husband (who is not ill). So we went out and bought some more. They are not expensive and they brighten up the house too. A win win situation. Oh by the way I have tried an ioniser. I could not tell the difference in air quality so I bought the plants. Good luck Maximonkey

Ravenswing profile image
Ravenswing in reply toMaximonkey

Thank you for the advice. I bought some plants over the weekend so hoping they will help.

Maximonkey profile image
Maximonkey in reply toRavenswing

Good luck Ravenswing, I am sure you will notice the air quality is better and at the worst you will enjoy seeing the plants. Good luck Maximonkey

Ravenswing profile image
Ravenswing in reply toMaximonkey

Oddly the air quality does seem to improve in the evening. Have you noticed this too?

Bealings48 profile image
Bealings48

Yes I have one which I use regularly and use during the day to clear the bedroom - turn it off at night because it is noisy I got it cheap at Homebase years ago and it is a little dream. Make sure you get one right for the size of room you want to use it in and keep it clean.

confusing area ... air purifier, or humidifier or dehumidifier ... which to have ? important I read to avoid those that add ozone to the air.

CornishBrian profile image
CornishBrian

It is a very grey area. I've tried to understand it in the past. Dehumidifiers are great if your home suffers from damp....damp causes fungus and fungus spores create havoc with your breathing. I eventually found that a very simple, travel nebuliser revolutionised my life. I borrowed one, used it without any medication in it, just sterile or saline water and found it more effective than my inhalers. Also no risk of ventolin dependancy or anything else. I do use my medication as directed but supplement it with five or six minutes on the neb. I have never, ever been able to provide sputum samples when I have had an infection but the neb has sorted that out. What makes you think that you need an air purifier?

Ravenswing profile image
Ravenswing in reply toCornishBrian

Because of the cat fur dander. I've read that they help with pet allergies.

CornishBrian profile image
CornishBrian

Have you actually got an allergy to the cat hairs or do they just aggrivate your breathing? I have problems with my breathing in homes with cats and dogs but it is the small air born hairs that cause the problems. Its not an allergy, just an irritant. Birds present the same situation. Caged birds or chickens with their small, almost invissable feathers PLUS the dust they accumulate. When any bird or animal preen or groom themselves, they always have a good shake to finish the job...which also finishes me.

Ravenswing profile image
Ravenswing in reply toCornishBrian

It's an allergy I think. I have done an online test which was positive for pet fur but am now having one done by my GP to be certain. I've had continuous cold and bug like symptoms for over twenty years. Have twice been tested by a GP for all kinds of things but the tests were normal. Only one GP picked up on the fact it might be an allergy by asking if I had a parrot or if I had been in a field with cows! What he didn't ask was did I have cats. I took a stray cat in a few months ago and had back- to -back symptoms also dizziness and nausea. He is an anxious cat and washes himself and one of the other cats a lot so I guess that's why my symptoms are worse. I spent a week in a cat-free home last week and my symptoms went and my coughing lessened.

Maximonkey profile image
Maximonkey in reply toRavenswing

Hi Ravenswing, I have had allergies all my life. I am allergice to almost everything, my doctor laughingly told me I was allergic to 21st century living. I take all my meds as directed and now I am older and have no pets my allergies do not bother me as much. I have allergy tests every year now as my immunity is low and they have definitely improved. Maybe you should thing about getting rid of the cats. Sorry to sound harsh but if they are affecting your breathing, and from what you say they have, say bye bye. I know it will be difficult but I am sure it will be worth it. Good luck and take care Maximonkey

CornishBrian profile image
CornishBrian

The hairs could still be an irritant rather than an allergy. Allergies are normally accompanied by severe rashes, lumps and bumps and red, blood shot eyes. If it is an allergy, the only answer will be to find a new home for the cats as you will keep getting worse.

Ravenswing profile image
Ravenswing in reply toCornishBrian

I'm really hoping they are not the cause as tough decision to make as two are elderly.

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