If you suffer with allergies, or you’re concerned about the air quality where you live or work, you may have considered investing in an air purifier. Anecdotally, these nifty machines have been shown to reduce symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, but given that some can come in at north of £500, it’s not a purchase any of us are taking lightly. 

“While air purifiers can be an expensive addition to the home, they can be highly beneficial for individuals suffering from allergies,” says GP and allergy specialist Dr Helen Evans-Howells. “Allergy UK has some recommended devices if you are considering purchasing. It is likely that those with significant airborne allergies will need medications to fully control their symptoms, but air purifiers can be a non medical addition which many find beneficial.”

A good purifier should work to improve the air quality in your home (or office) by trapping allegens such as pet dander, dust mites and unwanted odours, removing them from your air and preventing you breathing them in. They can also neutralise other pollutants, such as household cleaning products or aerosol sprays. While having good, fresh air flow in your living environment is always the ideal option – opening a window or door works well – air purifiers can be a handy, if potentially expensive, addition to your anti-allergen strategy, along with disinfectant cleaners and effective vacuuming. 

“It is important to ensure the purifier has a HEPA filter which can capture and remove airborne particles and common allergens such as, pollen, house dust mites, pet dander, and mould spores,” says Dr Evans-Howells. “By continuously filtering the air, air purifiers can improve overall air quality which can be particularly beneficial for those with respiratory conditions like asthma, which often accompanies allergies.”

With lots of us spending more time at home than ever before, we’re seriously upgrading our home tech, meaning that alongside the ubiquitous coffee machine and walking desk, air purifiers are having a moment. However, as well as the expense, lots of them are pretty chunky and not the most aesthetically pleasing.

With this in mind, we’ve tasked ourselves with finding the best (read: simple, chic and not eye-wateringly pricey) air purifiers to add to basket right now.  

Images: courtesy of brands