Collection: Air Purifiers for Viruses and Bacteria

Air purifiers effectively capture and eliminate many common respiratory pathogens including influenza viruses, rhinoviruses (common cold), coronaviruses, streptococcus bacteria, staphylococcus bacteria, and various fungal spores. Airdog's TPA® technology is particularly effective against viruses because it captures particles as small as 0.0146 microns, which includes virtually all respiratory viruses that typically range from 0.02-0.3 microns. Unlike HEPA filters that simply trap pathogens, TPA® technology destroys microorganisms on contact, preventing them from potentially growing or being re-released.

While air purifiers cannot guarantee complete protection against all illnesses, they significantly reduce airborne pathogen concentrations and can substantially lower transmission risk when combined with other preventive measures like hand washing and surface cleaning. Studies have shown that effective air filtration can reduce respiratory infection rates in households and healthcare settings. The key is continuous operation and proper sizing for your space—air purifiers work best as part of a comprehensive approach to infection prevention.

Yes, air purifiers are particularly valuable when household members are ill because they help prevent the spread to other family members by continuously removing infectious particles from the air. Running air purifiers in the sick person's room and common areas can significantly reduce the concentration of airborne pathogens that could infect others. This is especially important for protecting vulnerable family members like elderly relatives, young children, or anyone with compromised immune systems who are at higher risk for severe complications.

Air purifiers that capture bacteria can help reduce exposure to antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA, though the antibiotic resistance itself doesn't affect how well physical filtration works. Airdog's TPA® technology actually destroys bacteria on contact rather than just trapping them, which is particularly beneficial for antibiotic-resistant organisms since it eliminates them entirely rather than potentially allowing them to survive in filter media. However, air purifiers should be viewed as one component of infection control rather than a complete solution for managing resistant organisms.

Absolutely. Continuous operation during high-risk periods provides the best protection because viruses and bacteria are constantly being introduced into your air through breathing, talking, and activities of daily living. Pathogens can remain viable in air for hours, so intermittent operation leaves gaps where infectious particles can accumulate and spread. Many families find that running air purifiers continuously during cold and flu season results in fewer illnesses and faster recovery times when someone does get sick.

No, air purifiers should complement, not replace, other important infection prevention practices like hand washing, surface disinfection, vaccination, and staying home when sick. However, they address the often-overlooked airborne transmission route that other methods cannot tackle. The most effective approach combines clean air with good hygiene practices and appropriate medical care when needed.

Air purifiers begin capturing pathogens immediately upon startup, with noticeable air quality improvements typically occurring within 15-30 minutes in properly sized rooms. However, it can take several air changes (usually 1-3 hours depending on room size and purifier capacity) to significantly reduce overall pathogen concentrations. For maximum effectiveness against illness transmission, it's best to run air purifiers continuously rather than only during obvious exposure events.

High-quality air purifiers like Airdog units that don't produce ozone are very safe for continuous use around family members of all ages. Unlike some purifiers that use UV lights or ionizers that can create harmful byproducts, TPA® technology safely destroys pathogens without releasing any dangerous chemicals into your air. The main consideration is ensuring proper maintenance and cleaning of washable filters to prevent any potential bacterial growth, though this is much less of a concern than with disposable filters that can harbor pathogens if not changed frequently enough.

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