As indoor public spaces like schools, offices and restaurants open across the country, many are adding air purifiers to rooms, especially as concerns over Covid variants spark changing CDC masking guidelines and vaccination requirements. Companies like Dyson are even selling air purifier models specifically designed for businesses. And if you already experience irritation from dust or allergens or have asthma, allergies or other respiratory conditions — or live in an area with frequent wildfires — it may be smart to invest in an air purifier, said Josh Davidson, MD, an allergy and immunology specialist in California.
We consulted experts to learn more about air purifiers and how they differ from air cleaners and filters. We also dug into how air purifiers may help decrease the spread of Covid indoors. Here’s what you need to know about air purifiers and some tips for figuring out which air purifier is best for you.