Whether you’re a new parent or waiting to welcome a newborn child, being cautious about the devices you use in your home is reasonable. Many appliances such as space heaters and humidifiers aren’t safe for all babies. Before using these appliances, it is always advisable to consult an expert.
But what about purifiers? Are air purifiers good for babies?
This blog post covers everything you need to know about using air purifiers for babies, the type of purifier to buy, and more.
What Is An Air Purifier?
An air purifier is an electronic device designed to improve air quality by removing harmful pollutants, allergens, and toxins. These devices are mainly used in homes, offices, hospitals, and industrial settings.
Many types of air purifiers in the market utilize different technologies to clean the air.
1. HEPA Filter
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) purifier is one of the most popular air purifiers on the market because of its efficiency in trapping particles. HEPA purifiers can trap up to 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter, which includes most allergens, bacteria, and viruses.
2. Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is another popular air purifier that deals with odors, gasses, smoke, chemicals, and fumes. This filter is also often used alongside HEPA filters.
3. Negative Ion
These air purifiers use ions to neutralize harmful particles from the air. However, they can produce ozone as a byproduct.
4. Ozone Generators
These purifiers are popular in large industrial settings for removing strong odors and bacteria. Using this type of air purifier in the house can pose a potential health risk by ozone inhalation.
5. UV lights
If you see an air purifier that has UV light labeled on the box, know that it incorporates UV light. UV light is used to destroy bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens by breaking down their DNA.
How Air Purifiers Work
As you know, the primary function of an air purifier is to filter and circulate clean air in the area. Now let’s dive deeper into the process of how it works.
Step 1 - Air Intake - Air purifiers have one or more fans that pull air to the unit.
Step 2 - Air Filtration - Once the air is inside, it passes through multiple filters.
- Pre-Filters - The first line of defense is the pre-filters. This filter captures large particles such as hair, pet dander, etc.
- Primary Filter- This is the most important filter of any air-purifying unit. Most air purifiers use HEPA filters as a primary filter. This filter helps to trap small particles such as pollen, mold spores, and dust mites.
- Secondary Filters- Not all but some air purifiers, for example, the MSA3S, use an activated carbon filter as a secondary filter to absorb odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some model use UV lights or ionizers instead of activated carbon as secondary filters.
Step 3 - Air Output - After the air has passed through the various filters and technologies, it is recirculated into the room. The process keeps on going unless you turn your air purifier off.
Are Air Purifiers Safe For Babies?
Yes, most air purifiers are safe for babies as long as you take some precautions. First thing first, avoid any air purifiers that emit ozone. To give you an example, avoid purifiers that use ionization processes or UV light.
Though ozone is good for the upper atmosphere, it is bad for the breathing zone. It can irritate the lungs and cause chronic respiratory diseases even in adults.
Air filters with HEPA filters and activated carbon filters are highly recommended for nurseries. One thing to keep in mind is the proper maintenance and placement of your HEPA air purifiers.
Another important yet most ignored factor to consider is noise. Since babies need peaceful environments for optimal sleep and growth, selecting a quiet model is essential. Air purifiers that generate lots of noise can disrupt a baby's sleep patterns and even increase stress levels.
Why Use An Air Purifier In A Baby's Room?
Other than improving air quality, removing allergens, and eliminating odors and harmful chemicals from the air, there are many more reasons why you should use an air purifier in a baby’s room.
Makes Breathing Easy
Babies' tiny and sensitive noses and lungs can easily get irritated by things like pollen and pet fur. Keeping an air purifier in your baby's room prevents these particles from reaching your baby, making breathing easy.
Improve Sleep Quality
Cleaner air helps to improve sleep quality for babies by reducing nasal congestion and respiratory discomfort. Only make sure the air purifier for babies is not too noisy.
Protection from Respiratory Infections
HEPA filters such as the MSA3S are known to capture 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter, thereby reducing the risk of respiratory infection. And let’s not forget the immune-boosting benefits. The lower the chance of respiratory infection, the stronger your baby's immune system will be.
Improve Overall Health and Development
Installing air purifiers helps reduce respiratory problems, improves cardiovascular, immune function, and mental health, and increases life expectancy in adults. Your baby has just come into the world, and it needs more care. An air purifier can help create a safe and supportive environment for your little angel.
How to Choose an Air Purifier for Babies?
Choosing an air purifier for babies is the most important decision you’ll make as a parent. There are tons of purifiers on the market that claim to be safe for babies, and finding the right one can be overwhelming.
But don’t worry, we will help you pick the perfect air purifier for your baby’s room.
Coverage Area
You don’t need a large unit for a room. Larger units often make louder noises when they pull air into the units. Look for a unit that is not too large or small. Compatible table air purifiers are ideal for babies' rooms as they produce less noise and more air.
Filtration Efficiency
The filter is the most important component you should look for when buying an air purifier for your infants. Look for purifiers that has incorporate pre-filter, HEPA, and activated carbon filters.
No Ozone Generation
If you don’t see an ozone-free label on the air purifier, avoid it. Look for a model certified by a reputable organization like the CE, FDA, NSF, and CARB. Ozone-generating purifiers can cause lung irritation and slow down lung development in your babies.
Air Purifiers Unsuitable For Babies
There are a few air purifiers that are not at all suitable for your baby. You should avoid it at all costs.
- Ozone Generators- We already covered this in the above section. Avoid any air purifier that produces ozone.
- Ionizers- These air purifiers use negatively charged ions to attract pollutants. In the process, it also produces a small amount of ozone as a byproduct, making it unfit for babies.
- UVGI (Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation) Purifiers- This type of purifier is typically designed for larger spaces and is not generally recommended for babies’ rooms.
An Air Purifier for Healthier Babies
Since the baby's lungs are still developing, it is important to keep the air as clean as possible. But clean doesn’t have to mean loud. Having an air purifier in the home, especially one with a true HEPA and activated carbon filter like our MSB3 Air Purifier for Baby Room can be a valuable addition for enhancing the respiratory health and overall well-being of your baby.
When choosing an air purifier, it’s essential to ensure it aligns with the specific needs of your baby’s environment, prioritizing safety, filtration effectiveness, and noise levels.
If you are a mom looking for an air purifier for babies, try our True HEPA air purifiers. If you’re unsure about the right air purifier, you can always consult a pediatrician.
