The use of a portable air purifier is a method many people consider to improve home air quality, particularly during times of illness. These devices function by drawing in ambient room air and passing it through a series of filters before releasing the cleaned air back into the space. Their primary goal is to reduce the concentration of various microscopic airborne particles indoors. Implementing this filtration offers a cleaner breathing environment, which is often welcome when the body is under stress from sickness. The decision to use one during an illness centers on the device’s ability to handle contaminants associated with a sick person or sickroom environment.
Targeting Airborne Pathogens and Irritants
Respiratory illnesses often spread through particles released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These expelled materials range from larger droplets that fall quickly to smaller aerosolized particles that remain suspended in the air. An air purifier mitigates the concentration of these virus-carrying aerosols, and filtration can significantly reduce airborne virus particles in a room.
Many common viruses, such as influenza or COVID-19, measure approximately 0.1 microns in diameter. Air purifiers with specialized filters are effective at capturing these small particles. The movement of these ultra-fine particles causes them to collide randomly with gas molecules, increasing their likelihood of adhering to the filter fibers. This process, known as diffusion, allows filters to capture particles much smaller than their stated efficiency rating.
Air purification also helps remove secondary irritants that can worsen symptoms. Exposure to common indoor pollutants can make congestion and coughing more severe during respiratory distress. Particulate matter like dust, pet dander, and mold spores can exacerbate a sensitive respiratory system.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gaseous irritants often present in a sickroom, released by household items or cleaning products. These gases can irritate the lungs and sinuses. Continually cycling and cleaning the air reduces the overall burden of these contaminants on the body.
Essential Filtration Methods for Sickrooms
The effectiveness of an air purifier depends primarily on the quality of its filtration system. The High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is the standard for capturing microscopic airborne material. True HEPA filters are certified to remove at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size, which represents the most difficult particle size to capture.
The complex mesh of fibers in a HEPA filter uses several mechanisms—including interception, impaction, and diffusion—to trap particles of varying sizes. This physical capture method makes the technology reliable for removing airborne bacteria and virus-carrying aerosolized particles. Using a certified HEPA filter is the most effective approach for reducing infectious agents in the air.
Activated carbon filters provide a complementary function, focusing on removing gaseous rather than particulate contaminants. These filters use adsorption to chemically bond gas molecules to the porous carbon surface. Odors associated with illness, cooking, or cleaning chemicals, along with VOCs, are neutralized by the activated carbon.
A complete system for a sickroom should incorporate both HEPA and activated carbon filtration to address solid particles and gaseous irritants. Some devices include supplemental technologies, such as UV-C light or ionization, intended to inactivate pathogens or clump particles. While these offer an additional layer of defense, the mechanical filtration provided by the HEPA component remains the primary mechanism for air cleaning when dealing with infectious agents.
Strategies for Unit Placement and Operation
To maximize the benefit of an air purifier during illness, strategic placement and continuous operation are necessary. The unit should be positioned in the room where the sick person spends the majority of their time, typically the bedroom. Positioning the device near the patient, ideally within three feet, helps maximize the capture of aerosols immediately after they are expelled.
Ensure the air intake and exhaust vents are not obstructed by furniture, curtains, or walls, as this impedes airflow and reduces efficiency. The air purifier should be run continuously (24/7) when someone is ill to maintain the lowest possible concentration of airborne particles.
Running the unit consistently allows it to achieve a high Air Change Per Hour (ACH) rate, which is the number of times the total volume of air in the room is filtered each hour. The fan speed should be set to a higher level to filter a greater volume of air, especially when the room is actively being used.
While higher speeds increase noise, they are directly correlated with greater filtration effectiveness. For a sickroom, choose the highest fan setting that is tolerable for the patient.
Regular maintenance is necessary for optimal performance and preventing the re-release of contaminants. The pre-filter, if present, should be cleaned regularly. The HEPA and carbon filters must be replaced according to the manufacturer’s schedule, ensuring the air purifier continues to operate at its certified efficiency.