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12 Best Air Purifiers in Malaysia 2024 (For Home & Office)

Breathing clean air is a basic human right

Did you know that even indoor air is full of germs, allergens, smoke, and other airborne contaminants? Just because it's invisible to the naked eye doesn't mean it's not a threat.

The air is not as clean as you think

I like to remind my vape-user colleagues about the air they breathe in with our air quality monitor.

Sterra, a trending air purifier brand shared that many Malaysians are not aware that everyday activities, like cooking, can significantly impact indoor air quality. Frying food, for example, releases fine particles and gasses that can be harmful when inhaled. This is why air purifiers are highly recommended in Malaysia.

Air purifiers work if placed correctly

It's nice to consider an air purifier for its looks if you're particular. For example, our room is a mess but, our Dyson air purifier still blends in well.

Moreover, Malaysia's tropical climate can greatly enable indoor air quality issues. With our weather's high humidity, it can easily promote the growth of mould and mildew.

Both release spores and mycotoxins into the air, thus impacting health in the long run. That's why it's important to use air purifiers correctly.

Samsung Malaysia says that it's ideal to have your air purifier at a minimum of 18 inches away from the wall or any furniture. If you can, place it best near the midpoint of your room.

Are air purifiers useful for dust, allergies and odour?

An air purifier works to filter the impurities in the air via a filtration system that traps small and large airborne particles and also helps to eliminate odour in the room. Even if you have no allergies, air purifiers are useful for everyone as they can also trap typical dust in the air which can cause flu-causing allergens.

You might also want to know that a bigger air purifier with a bigger filter is able to capture more dust and also clean in bigger spaces. At least, that's what Coway Malaysia said about their top air purifiers such as the Storm 2.

A cleaning tip we love: Use a crevice nozzle attachment head to quickly vacuum the dust off your air purifier's filter!

Struggle to get a Coway or Cuckoo air purifier? Don't worry, there's also a plethora of options in the market, such as Blueair, Levoit, and Philips. While top air purifier brands can be quite expensive for the average household to clean something invisible, it's still okay to try cheaper or smaller air purifiers. Just know that they might not be as effective in the long run.

We understand that you might be overwhelmed. With that, you may want to consider some air purifier options below, some known as the best air purifiers in Malaysia. 


List of 12 Best Air Purifiers in Malaysia

Best rated air purifier
Best air purifier in Malaysia - Sterra Breeze™ Air Purifier
From
RM1,099.00
Check Sterra Breeze™ Air Purifier price below:
add_circle Utilise various bacteria and virus-killing methods including UV
add_circle Energy-efficient
add_circle Strong airflow to ensure your space is properly covered

Who is this for?

The Sterra Breeze Air Purifier is nearly 100% efficient against particles with a diameter larger than 2.5 μm, which is what hospitals use in their rooms to help decontaminate and clean the air. Not only that, but because it can run as silently as 20dB (a library noise level is 40db), the Sterra Breeze Air Purifier is made to be used in sizeable bedrooms and living rooms as well. 

Get this if

  • You are constantly sick (from viruses)
  • You want a proven method that kills harmful bacteria besides air-filtration

What to know

Designed with a medical-grade True HEPA-13 filter; this air purifier utilises its TotalCleanse Filter System™ to clean up to 99.95% of airborne particles and cover spaces of up to 80m with about a strong 400m3/h airflow so that your space is properly protected. 

Aside from its sterilisation feature, the purifier also releases healthy ions that aid in binding viruses, dust particles, free radicals, and pollen in the air; essentially clearing particles that are harmful to allergy sufferers. Alongside those, the purifier can also clear formaldehyde which is a toxic gas released by gas stoves.

While you can choose to opt it out, we highly recommend getting the purifier with UV Tech which employs a UV-C light to trap and destroy bacteria as well as viruses in the air. 

Those who are big on saving electricity would really appreciate the UV upgrade as it’ll consume about 40% less energy, taking 52.2% less footprint compared to other similar products in the market.

Key info

  • Rate Power: n/a
  • CADR: 400 m³/h
  • Noise level: 20db
  • Filter: True HEPA-13 Filter, medical grade
  • Coverage: 80m²
  • Filter recommended usage duration: n/a

About our top pick

While most air purifiers already do a good job of filtering out the bad, the Sterra Breeze's UV tech and sterilisation capabilities make it a unique winner in our books. For your information, this air purifier uses the natural way of killing viruses and bacteria rather than just using a medical-grade HEPA filter, which extends its efficiency. Essentially, if you are wary of viruses, Sterra Breeze would be a good option.

More: Keep The Air Fresh for Your Baby with These Best Air Purifiers


Did you know the smoke that comes from cooking is called Formaldehyde? It is a highly toxic and flammable gas emission, hence why condominiums or smaller houses should install kitchen hoods. But not everyone needs to buy a kitchen hood for that matter. Therefore, if you want to be able to control the amount of this emission, try an air purifier that can help you with it. 

Dyson TP09 Purifier Cool™ Formaldehyde - best-hepa-air-purifier-malaysia
From
RM3,599.00
Check Dyson TP09 Purifier Cool™ Formaldehyde price below:
add_circle Sensor to detect formaldehyde molecules
add_circle 20% quieter than its predecessor
add_circle Analyses air quality
add_circle Easy filter care
add_circle Sensor to detect formaldehyde e molecules

Who is this for?

Like sleek-looking air purifiers? Equipped with a fan, Dyson’s TP09 air purifier is a great addition to households whose biggest concern is fumes and toxins released from daily cooking. Although the cooling power is not as big as regular fans, it is still a useful feature given how hot Malaysia is. Of course, most existing users have purchased it for its ability to destroy formaldehyde.

Get this if

  • Your main concern is the kitchen smell from cooking
  • You have a kitchen connected to the living room (which is normal in condominiums)
  • Besides cleaning the kitchen in the air, you want the extra ventilation power

What to know

The Dyson TP09 works to detect and eliminate formaldehyde which is usually present not just in gas stoves but also in paint, mattresses, air fresheners, furniture, and plywood.

Behind its filtration power lies its HEPA H13 filter which can remove 99.95% of particles as tiny as 0.1 microns. Not only that, but the air purifier is able to double as a bladeless fan thanks to its powerful stream of purified airflow. Best of all, it’s 20% quieter than the previous model thanks to acoustic engineering that reduces turbulence.

Key info

  • Rate Power: n/a
  • CADR: n/a
  • Noise level: up to 60db
  • Filter: HEPA H13 filter
  • Coverage: 81m²
  • Filter recommended usage duration: n/a

If you're one of those people (like me) who does not necessarily suffer from most allergies except for the occasional flu, you can still benefit from a decent air purifier to lessen the stress when you're sick. Lucky you, there are many generic air purifiers to try.

Best portable air purifier - for room
One Home Air Purifier
From
RM75.38
Check One Home K2 Air Purifier price below:
add_circle Has a remote control to adjust settings
add_circle Designed with a portable carrying handle for portability
add_circle Reasonable price
add_circle Can be operated from a remote control
add_circle Work in rooms up to 409 square feet; great for middle sized rooms
add_circle Small and portable
add_circle Uses a negative ion generator

Who is this for?

ONE HOME’s K2 Air Purifier is perfect for anyone looking for a more affordable option that still promises clean air in your home. 

Equipped with a powerful filtration system, it ensures clean and fresh air for you and your loved ones, all without emitting too much sound. The remote control feature has made this air purifier vastly popular, with users praising its effectiveness and size.

Get this if

  • You aren't sure whether air purifiers work for you
  • You want to clean the air in your office cubicle
  • Your place is really tiny

What to know 

ONE HOME's K2 Air Purifier is small in size, making it a perfect addition to small spaces, rooms or even regular-sized households since it features a handle for portability. All functions can also be controlled from an included remote, so you can adjust settings with just the touch of a button from a distance.

Despite its size, the air purifier is designed to capture chemicals like formaldehyde fumes that can trigger chemical sensitivities, effectively removing particles as small as 2.5 microns or less and sterilising the air, eliminating germs, bacteria, dust, allergens and other pollutants. It also helps remove pet odours and other unpleasant smells. 

Additionally, the air purifier features a negative ion generator that binds to airborne particles making them heavier and causing them to fall to the ground.

Key info

  • Rate Power: 35W
  • CADR: -
  • Noise level: 28dB
  • Filter: -
  • Coverage: 40m2
  • Filter recommended usage duration: 12months 

More: Protect Your Home from The Coronavirus with These HEPA Air Purifiers

Another best home air purifier (large spaces)
Philips Air Purifier 2000i AC2936 33
From
RM1,739.00
Check Philips Air Purifier 2000i AC2936/33 price below:
add_circle Covers a large area
add_circle High performance with 380m3/h CADR
add_circle Smart brightness adjustment
add_circle Filter lifetime displayed for easy maintenance work
add_circle Remote control is possible via the app
remove_circle Large in size (274cm (L) x 274cm (W) x 585cm (H))

Who is this for?

360° air purifiers are good for those who want the air purifier to be versatile in odd living spaces. Such as this air purifier which has been said to provide remarkable improvement in air quality. Many users were "sceptical at first" but were soon "taken by surprise at how great it works". They especially like its Smart Filter indicator, which displays the filter lifetime that you can track and replace accordingly.

Get this if

  • You are paranoid about air purifiers cleaning your space efficiently
  • Your furniture placement and Feng Shui are off
  • Your space is limited

What to know

Is it possible to purify the air in your entire house in just 8 minutes? With the Air Purifier 2000i from Philips, that’s a “Yes”.

This device is capable of purifying the air in a space as large as 1054 sq ft, which is equivalent to the size of a 2-bedroom apartment. Its filtration system consists of a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and a carbon filter that removes dust, pollen, and bacteria from the air.

What’s even more amazing about this device is that the brightness of its display automatically adjusts according to the ambience so you won’t need to fiddle with the settings. To control it remotely, users can pair it with Philips’s Clean Home+ app.

Key info

  • Rate Power: n/a (High)
  • CADR: 330 m³/h
  • Noise level: 30db
  • Filter: 3-layer filter including a NanoProtect HEPA filter
  • Coverage: 1054 sq ft
  • Filter recommended usage duration: 36 months

Best air purifier for health (general use)
PerySmith
PerySmith Air Purifier AURORA Series H13
From
RM359.00
Check PerySmith Air Purifier AURORA Series H13 price below:
add_circle Low noise level
add_circle Good control panel interface
add_circle Equipped with ionizer and UV light
add_circle It has Aurora UV light with super short wavelength for killing bacteria and viruses
add_circle Removes most types airborne contaminates for clean air
remove_circle Short filter replacement duration

Who is this for?

For general use, try the PerySmith Air Purifier AURORA Series H13 as it works to effectively remove odour and smoke. It can also get rid of dust and control the spread of pet hair, reducing sneezing if that’s an issue for you. This air purifier operates silently too so it shouldn't be much of a bother in your living room.

Get this if

  • You want to try out air purifiers and have some cash to spare

What to know

The PerySmith's AURORA Series H13 air purifier has a 4-layer anti-H12 high-efficiency particulate air filter that removes up to 99.5% of particles while the Aurora UV light kills 99.9% of pathogens. It features a responsive LCD control panel that displays the air quality via the PM2.5 indicator. Besides, there’s a negative ion generator that clears airborne allergens.

Key info

  • Rate Power: 45W
  • CADR: n/a
  • Noise level: 25 dB
  • Filter: 4-layer anti-H12 HEPA filter
  • Coverage: 40m2 (430.6ft2)
  • Filter recommended usage duration: 3 - 6 months

Best budget air purifier
Xiaomi
Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 3C
From
RM289.00
Check Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 3C price below:
add_circle Quiet operation in Auto and Sleep mode
add_circle Filter is easy to replace
add_circle Convenient App and AI Voice Smart Control
add_circle Good filtration system for filtering dust and other common pollutants
remove_circle Basic but limited settings

Who is this for?

If you can't decide which air purifier to use or what you want it for specifically, you can go with the Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 3C. It's a versatile option that holds a lot under its belt, covering a range of concerns from clearing cigarette smoke to mould and bacteria. Most importantly, it's budget-friendly!

Get this if

  • You really want an air purifier, but do not want to compromise on size and quality

What to know

The Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 3C is capable of tackling the likes of cigarette smoke, airborne dust, mould and spores, as well as germs and viruses. It utilises a True HEPA filter to eliminate 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Although it has quite a low price value of under RM300, it has a good area coverage of up to 106m2/h (1140 square feet) and airflow of 320 m³/h, so rest assured that performance will be on par in terms of delivering numbers. You'll also be glad to know that the purifier is pretty silent as it can go as low as 30.5 dB.

Key info

  • Rate Power: 29W
  • CADR: 320 m³/h
  • Noise level: 30.5 - 61db
  • Filter: True HEPA Filter
  • Coverage: 106m2/h
  • Filter recommended usage duration: 6 - 12 months

More: Put Your Asthma At Ease with These 8 Best Air Purifiers

Unlike adults, babies will benefit highly from air purifiers as their immune system is not as strong as ours. While most babies would do okay without an air purifier, it's good to consider one as you'll lessen their chances of developing respiratory problems such as common flu (which occasionally causes a blocked nose).

Best air purifier for baby (silent)
Sharp
Sharp Air Purifier FPJ60LW
From
RM1,339.00
Check Sharp Air Purifier FPJ60LW price below:
add_circle Plasmacluster ions collect haze particles and keep air humidity level stable
add_circle 12-hour timer
add_circle Built-in sleep mode for the device to operate even more quietly

Who is this for?

If there's a baby in your home whose health you are concerned about, the FPJ60LW from Sharp is recommended for its extended features to sterilize the air, designed with advanced Plasmacluster technology to leave the air contaminant and microbe-free as quietly as possible.

Get this if

  • Your baby is born with weak lungs and needs an air purifier all night long
  • You are born with weak lungs

What to know

With its amazing features and positive performance, users claim that the FPJ60LW is “a great machine to add to the house”, especially for light sleepers.

Get this; its noise level ranges from 15 dBa to 43 dBa. When Sleep mode is on, it will operate at the minimum noise level and its display light will be off. Users can set the timer on the device for up to 12 hours and get uninterrupted sleep as there is no need to wake up in the middle of the night just to turn it off.

Other than that highlight, the purifier utilises HEPA and mesh filters to purify the air, capturing germs, pollen, mould, dust, and more. When the Haze mode of the device is turned on, both negative and positive ions will be released into the air to remove any existing smoke particles.

Key info

  • Rate Power: n/a
  • CADR: up to 396 m³/h
  • Noise level: 15 db - 43 db
  • Filter: 3-step filter including a pre, deodorizing and HEPA filter
  • Coverage: 516 sq ft
  • Filter recommended usage duration: up to 24 months
Another best air purifier for babies (and kids)
Levoit
Levoit Core 300S
From
RM644.00
Check Levoit Core 300S price below:
add_circle Has built-in programmable timer; can customise schedules
add_circle ‘Undisturbed Operation’ mode lets you turn off the display light automatically

Who is this for?

For its size, the Levoit Core 300S is great for small spaces, and also great for those with general sensitivity to allergens. It operates silently even at the highest speed without affecting its efficiency. Some have shared that their sinus and hay fever symptoms reduced significantly within a week of using this air purifier.

Get this if

  • Your family needs an active air purifier constantly

What to know

The Levoit Core 300S is an award-winning product that's great for most home scenarios. 

Don’t underestimate it due to its compact size as its VortexAir Technology provides an airflow rating of 240m³/h to efficiently refresh a 538 sq. ft space twice within an hour. Filter changes are customisable to meet your specific needs and are recommended every 6-8 months for optimum performance.

Don’t worry about soaring electricity bills as its operation utilises less electricity than three lightbulbs combined. You’ll also find that the settings can be easily controlled via the Vesync App on your phone. Plus, there are 4 timer options so you can set it to turn off at an interval of your choosing.

Key info

  • Rate Power: 23w
  • CADR: 240m³/h
  • Noise level: 24db 
  • Filter: True HEPA Filter
  • Coverage: 538 sq ft
  • Filter recommended usage duration: n/a

If you're constantly going to be travelling on the road with your car, having a clean space to drive with is just as important. Plus, the fact that your car is exposed to more traffic air pollution, the air purifier comes in handy for those sensitive to allergens, or for those that want to get rid of smoke.

Best air purifier for car
Panasonic
Panasonic Portable Air Purifier NANOE X Generator-review-malaysia
From
RM329.00
Check Panasonic Portable Air Purifier NANOE X Generator price below:
add_circle Restores moisture in the air to the skin and hair
add_circle Very portable; can easily fit in car cup holders
add_circle Low power consumption

Who is this for?

Due to its size, this air purifier is best used in an enclosed, small space rather than being all out in the open in order to reap benefits from it. That is why this air purifier is a worthy buy for car owners be it travelling far often or for families with kids who are concerned about their health. Aside from those, it can also clean surrounding moisture from developing harmful microorganisms.

Get this if

  • You (and your passengers) want a car to feel as clean and comfortable as possible

What to know

Panasonic's Portable Air Purifier NANOE X Generator is made to get rid of as many as 99.99% harmful microorganisms as possible. It essentially utilises nanoe™X technology which releases radicals in water molecules to viruses, bacteria, odours and allergens.

Aside from cleaning your air, the air purifier can remove smells too. Take, for example; it's designed to reduce strong cigarette smoke odour within an hour.

Moreover, you can refresh in your car as this purifier generates nanoe™X particles, which have an acidity nature that's similar to the human skin and hair. In short, the particles will attach to sebum and form membranes on the skin all the while improving the hair's keratin texture. Moisture is then restored to your surrounding area, bringing you well-hydrated skin and smoother hair.

Key info

  • Rate Power: 3.5W
  • CADR: 0.07m³/min
  • Noise level: 36 dB
  • Filter: nanoe™X technology
  • Coverage: n/a
  • Filter recommended usage duration: n/a

Alright, if you're here to find out whether air purifiers target killing allergens, be it pet dander or so, in the air because you're sensitive, most air purifiers can do the job well. We think HEPA filters are best since they are usually hospital-grade (a place prone to lots of harmful allergens and viruses in the air). Air purifiers that also have some Auto Mode functionality or more customisation and monitoring features should be a priority for those with respiratory issues.

Best air purifier for allergies, pets and dust
SK magic
SK magic Air Purifier ALL CLEAN ACL-20C - review malaysia
From
RM3,500.00
Check SK magic Air Purifier ALL CLEAN ACL-20C price below:
add_circle Actively cleans air from floor surface
add_circle Anti-odour feature included
add_circle Washable filters for extended longevity
add_circle Very advanced filtration system, inhibits ,most microorganisms including mould
remove_circle Expensive

Who is this for?

If you find yourself constantly struggling with nasal allergies or trying to get rid of pet dander at home, you might appreciate the SK magic Air Purifier ALL CLEAN.

With the advanced filtration system and suction feature, it's a clear winner for those who don't just want an air purifier for pets and children, but also want a house to stay as clean for as long as possible. Might we add that the filtration and suction happen all around the product at 360° direction?

Get this if

  • Your house is constantly in a chaos so you need all the air-cleaning power you can get
  • A set-and-forget air purifier is what you want

What to know

With an astounding 8-stage filtration system, it can eliminate up to 99.999% of ultrafine dust in the size of 0.01 µm. The purifier targets to effectively remove hair, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and even mould. It can even suck up excess dust and pet dander from the floor.

Key info

  • Rate Power: 34w (consumption)
  • CADR: 546m³/h
  • Noise level: 50.3db
  • Filter: 8-stage filter including Copper Fibre HEPA Filter, antivirus, antibacterial and antimould
  • Coverage: 66.0m2 (710sqft)
  • Filter recommended usage duration: n/a

Best air purifier for smoke
Sharp
From
RM374.00
Check Sharp Air Purifier FPJ30LA price below:
add_circle Compact, good for limited space
add_circle Comes with useful features
add_circle Haze mode
add_circle Affordable
remove_circle Fairly simple without any smart or advanced features

Who is this for?

Unfortunately, Malaysians are exposed to the annual haze season that is produced from forest burning done by neighbouring countries. For an air purifier to serve the purpose of cleaning air from smoke, this one is both budget-friendly and simple yet sufficient for small rooms. If anything, the purifier is most notable among the online community for its ability to clear off smoke like Haze, so you're in safe hands.

Get this if

  • You are constantly suffering in a foul-smelling environment
  • Someone is a smoker and you need a life-saviour 

What to know

Despite being way cheaper than a lot of other models, the FPJ30LA from Sharp doesn’t compromise on its functionality. You don’t have to break the bank with this option available.

This device is capable of removing mould, dust, viruses, and allergens in the air. Notably, all thanks to its unique Sharp Plasmacluster® Ion Technology which can deodorise surfaces and objects and reduce static electricity. It is also able to eliminate airborne microbes and mould. As such, the function is useful for pet owners.

Users can set a timer on the device for 4 hours or 8 hours. They can also turn on Haze mode to get rid of the haze particles in the air. When the device is set to run at the lowest fan speed, it consumes very little energy at just 13 watts.

Key info

  • Rate Power: 50W
  • CADR: 180m³/h
  • Noise level: 44dB
  • Filter: 2 Stages Purification
  • Coverage: 23m2
  • Filter recommended usage duration: 24 months

Best energy-saving air purifier
Blueair
From
RM1,789.00
Check Blueair Classic 205 Air Purifier with Particle Filter price below:
add_circle Energy-saving with energy consumption as low as 20 watts
add_circle Good for rooms with limited space
add_circle Compatible with the Blueair app and Amazon Alexa
remove_circle No air sensor (auto mode) for the device to adjust its fan power based on the air quality

Who is this for?

The Blueair Classic 205 is a high-quality mid-range air purifier. Many approve of its efficient cleaning power and like how it is small in size and is thus suitable for rooms with limited space. Simply put, Blueair offers users clean, uncontaminated air without causing a fuss or spike in their electricity bills.

Get this if

  • You want an air purifier to do its job all day

What to know

This purifier utilises a HEPASilent™ technology that allows for more quiet and efficient filtration than traditional HEPA filters. It removes harmful airborne particles and allergens with energy consumption as low as 20 watts, which is less than a lightbulb.

Apart from being compatible with the Blueair app, the device also works with Amazon Alexa for smart voice controls. Simply by connecting the device to WiFi, users will be able to control it remotely.

To note, some users do wish this air purifier had an Auto Mode for extended energy efficiency.

Key info

  • Rate Power: 20-80W
  • CADR: up to 340 m³/h
  • Noise level: up to 56db
  • Filter: Electrostatic and mechanical filtration (Blueair HEPASilent Technology)
  • Coverage: 280 sqft
  • Filter recommended usage duration: n/a

Product Picture
Product Name Sterra Breeze Air Purifier Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 3C Sharp Air Purifier FPJ30LA Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 3H Blueair Classic 205 Air Purifier with Particle Filter Philips Air Purifier 2000i AC2936/33 Sharp Air Purifier FPJ60LW Dyson TP09 Purifier Cool™ Formaldehyde Levoit Core 300S PerySmith Air Purifier AURORA Series H13 Panasonic Portable Air Purifier NANOE X Generator SK magic All Clean Air Purifier
Specialty Great for bedroom; also for pet lovers Best budget air purifier Best air purifier for smoke Best smart air purifier Best energy-saving air purifier Best air purifier for large spaces Best silent air purifier (low noise) Best HEPA air purifier Best small air purifier-suitable for babies and kids Best air purifier for health Best car air purifier Best air purifier for allergies, pets and dust
Filtration 3-in-1 HEPA  HEPA HEPA High-efficiency Filter HEPASilent HEPA, Active Carbon, Prefilter HEPA, Deodorization, Fine-meshed HEPA H13 filter True HEPA H13 HEPA, Carbon Filter, Prefilter nanoe™X technology 8-Stage filtration including Copper Fibre HEPA for virus, bacteria and mould
Noise level (dB) 20dB 30.5 - 61db 23dB 33dB 32dB 15dB 15dB Up to 60dB 22dB 25dB 36dB 50.3dB
Max coverage 80m 106m 23m 26m 26m 98m 48m 81m 20m 40m n/a 66m2
Child lock No n/a No No Yes No Yes No No No n/a n/a
Where to Buy

Shopee

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Lazada 

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Lazada 

Shopee

Lazada 

Shopee

Lazada 

Shopee

Lazada 

Shopee

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Lazada 

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Lazada 

Shopee

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Lazada 

Shopee


FAQ:

How To Choose the Right Type of Air Purifier?

Air purifiers are those 'mysterious' products where results aren't visible but can be felt after a while. To easily pick the best for yourself, you can look to pick one based on the filter it uses:

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters

The most popular out of the bunch, HEPA filters, are treated as a "necessary" type of filter as they can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. True to their name, they are highly effective in removing pollutants like dust, pollen, and pet dander from the air. However, they do not do much when it comes to removing gases and odours.

Pros:

  • Great for removing allergens and particles
  • Recommended for improving air quality when it comes to asthma or allergies issues
  • Comes in most air purifiers; easy to find

Cons:

  • Does not remove pollutants such as gases and odours
  • HEPA purifiers can be noisy and may require frequent filter replacements.

Activated carbon filters

Designed to remove odours, these filters aim to clear volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gaseous pollutants from the air. They basically absorb said pollutants and trap them onto the surface of the activated carbon.

Pros:

  • Works to remove odours and gaseous pollutants
  • Recommended for improving air quality if you have chemical sensitivities

Cons:

  • May require frequent filter replacements if exposed to high levels of pollutants

UV-C Light Air Purifiers

By utilising ultraviolet light, air purifiers with this filter can kill bacteria and viruses that may be present in the air. These purifiers typically work in conjunction with HEPA filters or activated carbon filters.

Pros:

  • Effective at killing bacteria and viruses, ultimately lowering chances of one catching a flu or cold
  • Best for those with respiratory illnesses

Cons:

  • UV-C light can be harmful to humans and animals if exposed directly
  • Expensive initial cost

Ionic Air Purifiers

A relatively rare filter type, these purifiers use charged plates to attract and remove particles from the air. They are designed to create negative ions, then attach to particles in the air and then deposit (or trap) them onto a positively charged plate.

Pros:

  • Silent operation
  • No filters to replace
  • Good quality ones can remove some types of pollutants like dust and allergens

Cons:

  • Less effective at removing gaseous pollutants and odours
  • May produce ozone, which can be harmful to human health in high concentrations
  • It might not be effective at removing smaller particles and may even generate additional pollutants if not cleaned regularly

Related: Best Budget-Friendly Air Purifiers


- What are hospital-grade air purifiers?

You might have come across the label "hospital-grade" for air purifiers. While we put our trust into such a term due to the fact that it's automatically regarded as safe by professionals, that doesn't mean you should limit yourselves to these variants only.

It's just that these air purifiers have been tested to meet a certain standard quality and are therefore considered extra precaution and assurance for customers.

Here's what Sterra shared about 'hospital-grade' air purifiers:

  • Hospital-grade air purifiers are those that meet certain stringent standards for air purification. These purifiers must be able to remove a high percentage of particles from the air, including those as small as 0.3 microns, such as bacteria and virus particles.
  • Sterra air purifiers, classified as hospital-grade, are therefore deemed effective at removing these minute harmful particles from the air.

- Differences between HEPA air purifiers & Ionic air purifiers

While both HEPA air purifiers and ionic air purifiers serve the same purpose, they work rather differently.

The science behind air purifier filters

HEPA air purifiers use HEPA filters, which are physical filters that trap airborne particles. The air will be drawn into the device, then go through the filters, and finally, come out clean and contaminant-free.

An ionic air purifier, on the other hand, works by emitting negatively charged ions into the air to bind with the particles, which are positively charged. As they bind together, the particles will become too heavy to stay in the air and thus, fall onto the surfaces around them, producing clean air.

Some ionic air purifiers use electrostatically charged plates instead of ion emission to collect the airborne particles. As the air is drawn into the device, the particles will stick to the plates, which results in clean air.

Effectiveness of air purifiers

HEPA filters are known as the best technology in the air-filtration industry. They are highly effective “collectors” that can remove up to 99.97% of impurities in the air. 

Ionic air purifiers are less effective than HEPA air purifiers as when the electrostatically charged plates become dirty, the harmful particles can pass through the plates and remain in the air — which doesn’t happen to HEPA filters. Also, ionic air purifiers that work by ion emission technically do not remove the airborne particles but rather just “move” the particles to the surrounding surfaces such as the floor, furniture, and even on clothes.

Maintenance of air purifiers and filters

HEPA filters need to be replaced from time to time as dust and mould collected through the filtering process degrade their air-cleaning performance while ionic plates do not. Instead, ionic plates are to be washed regularly.

Which filter-type is the best?

HEPA air purifiers are usually preferred over ionic air purifiers, especially for people who suffer from asthma and allergies.

Additionally, many air purifiers available on the market these days are a hybrid of both mechanisms: they are built with a HEPA filter and an ion generator. This combo delivers even better effectiveness and performance.


- Benefits of an air purifier 

Of all the charms we have heard about an air purifier, we bet that most of you are familiar with its ability to produce cleaner air by filtering and trapping dust, smoke, pet fur, mould, dust mites, and germs from your surroundings. But an air purifier does more than just that. It benefits you in other ways that you may not even be aware of until today. 

Improves sleep quality

Acknowledged by the fact that hazardous air particles are being removed from your home, air purifiers save you peace of mind and calm you down after a long day. The fresh filtered air keeps hay fever (which causes allergic symptoms like runny nose, sneezing or coughing) at bay, granting you a good night’s sleep.

Neutralises unpleasant odours and smoke 

It is commonly known that inhaling secondhand smoke, be it tobacco smoke or cooking oil fume, can potentially lead to chronic respiratory problems as well as heart diseases. This is especially concerning if you have children or elderly people at home. 

That said, air purifiers with High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) and activated carbon filters are effective in capturing chemicals, gases, smoke and also pet odour to circulate fresh air back in the room.

Eliminates hazardous indoor air pollutants 

The tricky part when it comes to eliminating indoor allergens is that they are invisible to the human eye. These tiny airborne particles (dust, pollen, bacteria, etc.) or harmful external pollutants do not go away just by closing the doors and windows. You could constantly be exposed to the chemical toxins from your household cleaning agents, air-fresheners and paint products. 

Leaving these pollutants suspended in the air is likely to cause breathing discomfort and trigger asthma attacks, not to mention the associated health issues in long term. 

More: Enjoy A Fresh, Clean Home with these 10 Best Air Purifiers for Dust Removal


- How do air purifiers work? 

Air purifiers consist of a fan and layers of filters. The built-in fan draws in air and directs it to the filters to get rid of the contaminants. The clean air is then released back into the room to maintain healthy indoor ventilation. 

The marketed air purifiers are commonly equipped with HEPA filters which claim to capture pollutants as small as 0.3 microns – small enough to get past the tiny hairs (cilia) in our airway. However, there are other types of filters such as activated carbon, UV light, negative ion or ozone generators to suit your personal needs. 

An average person takes 1,200 breaths an hour, 28,800 breaths a day and 10,512,000 breaths a year. Bearing in mind that you would not even drink unfiltered and dirty water, so why would you allow yourself and your loved ones to inhale stale and dirty air at home?


Conclusion

With all of that in mind, investing in an air purifier is ideal for a comfortable, refreshing ambience and your family’s health overall. Not only that, but clean air does make your living space much more comfortable to stay at, which keeps the mind and soul healthy too. Especially if you are prone to allergies, best to treat your nose with these nifty devices!


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