Air Purifiers

Start with the room. A compact desktop or USB purifier suits a desk, bedside table or car. A 4 stage HEPA purifier suits a bedroom, office or small living area. For open plan rooms, choose a model with a high CADR figure, such as the Ionmax+ Aire X.

HEPA filters are good at trapping fine particles like dust, pollen and pet hair, which is why most room purifiers use them. Carbon filters are better at smells. Many purifiers here combine HEPA with carbon or an ioniser to cover both.

Yes, and the bedroom is where many people use one most. Look for a quiet model with a sleep mode and timer, such as the air purifier and cleaner with HEPA filter, sleep mode and timer. Smaller desktop units suit bedside tables.

It depends on the model, how many hours it runs and how dusty the room is. Check the product description for the recommended interval. Some models here come as a set with a replacement filter so you have a spare ready.

Most air purifiers do not remove moisture. If damp or mould is the issue, a dehumidifier is the better tool. Some units here pair a purifier with a humidifier, which adds moisture rather than taking it out, so check which one you need.

Purifiers with an activated carbon stage or an odour eliminator function are the ones to look at for smells. HEPA filters help with pet hair and dander in the air. For strong odours, place the unit near where pets sleep.