The bedroom as the private area of the house we know today dates back to the 17th century, a period not so distant considering the world’s oldest bed is approximately 77,000 years old. Bedrooms have widely evolved since then, achieving the high level of comfort we are used to today.
Yet, more often than not, that same coziness makes bedrooms ideal places for dust and other allergens to build up. The bedding, cushions, pillows, the chairdrobe with partially used clothes piling up accumulate dead skin cells, dander and lint while shedding tiny fibers, contributing to further dust buildups — a true feast for dust mites, also known to be common allergy triggers.
Then there’s ambient pollution that can slip in through the window, such as pollen, traffic fumes or the dust of a nearby construction.
As an allergic, compulsive morning sneezer, I can confidently say that sleeping with an air purifier in the bedroom can drastically alleviate congestion and most allergy symptoms.
Needless to say, you’ll need the right air purifier for the job. Whether you have a spacious master bedroom, a cozy small room or live in an ample studio, we’ve handpicked four units to fit all needs. All our recommendations are backed up by multiple performance tests to ensure they meet our short and long-term standards.
- In our home lab of 728 cubic feet, we light an incense stick to generate particle pollution and VOCs.
- We set up our trusted Purpleair Indoor Sensor with the latest Bosch gas sensor to track levels of PM1ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3 and PM10ug/m3 and VOCs in the air.
- We switch the air purifier to its highest speed and measure how long it takes to get our room air quality down to PM1 level to 0.
- We use an energy meter to measure precisely how much electricity is used when running the unit at the lowest and highest fan speed settings.
- We track sound levels emitted by the air purifier at different fan speeds with the help of a commercial sound meter.
We also made sure to check the noise output, power and speed capable of cleaning the air without disrupting your rest.
Staff picks: Top 3 air purifiers for bedrooms
From the over 50 units we have tested, we’ve run down our selection to these three units for improving the air quality in your bedroom:
| 👑 BEST OVERALL | 💰 FOR TIGHT BUDGETS | 🛋️ FOR LARGE SPACES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levoit Core 300S | Winix A230/A231 | Alen BreatheSmart Flex | |
 |  |  | |
| AIR CLEANING SPEED ⚡ | 39 minutes | 36 minutes | 34 minutes |
| CADR 👩🔬 | 141 CFM (240 m³) | – Dust: 149 CFM – Pollen: 154 CFM – Smoke: 147 CFM | 225 CFM (382 m³/h) |
| FILTER TECHNOLOGY 💨 | 3-Stage Filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gasses) | Fine mesh pre-filter, True HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, PlasmaWave technology | H13 HEPA with an option for activated charcoal (Fresh, Odorcell and Heavy Smoke options available) |
| MAX ROOM SIZE 📏 | Up to 219 sq. ft. | Up to 230 sq. ft. | Up to 700 sq. ft. |
| WEIGHT ⚖️ | 5.95 lbs (2.7 kg) | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) |
| OUR REVIEW 🔍 | Core 300S review | Alen Flex review | |
| PRICE 💵 | $149.99 | $77.16 | $269.00 |
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Read on to discover all the details and perks our recommended units could bring to your night’s sleep.
1. Best overall: Levoit Core 300S
One of HouseFresh favorites, the Core 300 is affordable, powerful and smart.
Quality sleep is vital for our overall well-being. And breathing clean air during sleep time is essential to getting proper rest. That’s why our top pick is the Levoit Core 300S, which, for under $150, certainly checks off many boxes.
During our in-house testing, the Core 300S managed to clean our test room (728 cubic ft) in 39 minutes.
Despite being small enough to be placed on the nightstand stand and get fresh air throughout the night, this unit is powerful enough to make five air changes per hour (ACH) in a 219 sq. ft. room. According to the EPA, air quality really improves after 4.5 ACH.
What we really like
What we think could be better
Levoit’s signature three-stage filtration for the Core series features a pre-filter for larger debris (particularly handy if you have pets that like dozing off at your side), a main filter to trap fine particles (such as pollen, dust, mold spores, dust mite particles) and an activated carbon filter to remove any VOCs that may enter your bedroom through the window.
Then, there’s the handy smart features. You can set the fan speed with the VeSync app from the couch while your partner chooses the movie for the night; when you head to bed, the bedroom’s air will be clean. With the user-friendly app, you can also set schedules, check the air quality and keep track of the state of the filters.
However, if you would rather let the air purifier do the job in auto mode, the Core 300S is equipped with air quality sensors that will detect any pollutants in the air and adjust the fan speed accordingly.
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 39 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | 3-Stage Filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gasses) |
| Recommended room size: | 219 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 141 CFM (240 m³) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 8.7L x 8.7W x 14.2H inches (22L x 22W x 36H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 5.95 lbs (2.7 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24 – 48dB |
| Filter life: | 6 – 8 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $52.56 |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
2. Best for large bedrooms: Alen BreatheSmart Flex
A stylish yet powerful option to rely on for the biggest bedroom in your home.
This is a trustworthy air purifier. We chose this unit for larger bedrooms because of its CADR of 225 CFM. The Alen Flex is able to completely renew the air in a 700 sq. ft. room every 30 minutes at top speed.
It would be perfect for ample master bedrooms, studios or bedrooms with a walk-in closet: the Alen Flex can reduce the dust that would otherwise land on your clothes or remove the fiber particles that the clothes release into the air.
I also find this unit reliable because of the medical-grade H13 HEPA filters. The robust filter is ideal for reducing allergy symptoms from pollen in the early morning, dust mite particles and other common allergens that would otherwise hinder your sleep.
What we really like
What we think could be better
Another thing I like about this air purifier is that you can choose the filter that best fits your needs. So, if you are looking for a unit that will also deal with VOCs and odors, you could either choose between the Fresh filter, with 3.6 lbs of activated carbon, or the Odor filter, with OdorCell technology that neutralizes odors.
There’s just one downside worth mentioning. As Alen Breathsmart’s most affordable unit, the Flex has no auto or sleep mode. It does allow you to turn off the control panel lights during nighttime, though. So, you can set the fan speed for the night and press the power button once to make the lights go out and enjoy a peaceful sleep.
As a bonus for a cozy rest, Alen units produce pink noise on all fan speeds — which is said to be more soothing and less irritating than the white noise most units on the market emit.
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 34 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 HEPA with an option for activated charcoal (Fresh, Odorcell and Heavy Smoke options available) |
| Recommended room size: | 700 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 225 CFM (Smoke: 191 / Pollen: 245 / Dust: 209) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 25H x 15W x 8.5D inches (63.5 x 38.1 x 21.59 cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) |
| Noise level (measured from 3 ft. away): | Speed 1: 35.7 dB Speed 2: 45.5 dB Speed 3: 50.7 dB |
| Filter life: | Every 9-12 months |
| Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour): | Standby mode: 0.8 kWh Speed 1: 2.9 kWh Speed 2: 6.3 kWh Speed 3: 14 kWh Speed 4: 24.2 kWh |
| Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements): | $94.23 per year |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | Lifetime (with product registration & active filter subscription) |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
3. Best for less than $100: Winix A230/A231
For those on a tight budget or limited space, the Winix A230/A231 delivers great cleaning performance with low long-term costs.
There are some ups and downs to the Winix A230, but after our hands-on tests, I can say it will do a beyond-fair job in small bedrooms of up to 230 sq. ft for a very reasonable price.
Among the outstanding features of this unit —and its twin black version, the A231— is that for a small, budget-friendly air purifier, it has an impressive CADR (Dust: 149 CFM – Pollen: 154 CFM – Smoke: 147 CFM), which is also AHAM verified.
The True-HEPA filters under the A230/231 hood are also third-party certified and capable of removing 99.97% of airborne allergens as small as 0.3 microns. Plus, thanks to its small size, the unit is versatile enough to be placed on the night table or a shelf close to the bed without taking up too much space.
What we really like
What we think could be better
When it comes to removing VOCs and gasses, the A230 is not as well equipped as other more robust units. Instead of having a pelleted carbon filter, there’s just a carbon-impregnated fabric. However, if you are looking for an air purifier to deal with night (and morning) allergies, the True-HEPA filter on this unit stands its ground.
Besides, this air purifier comes with an in-built sensor and auto mode, which, for the price, is quite rare. The sensors also allow for a color-coded air quality light indicator in the control panel, but these can be switched off in sleep mode. Yet, there’s no option for switching all the lights off: on sleep mode, the moon icon would still be lit. All in all, for a budget option, the Winix A230 boasts plenty of virtues.
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 36 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | Fine mesh pre-filter, True HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, PlasmaWave technology |
| Recommended room size: | Up to 230 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | – Dust: 149 CFM – Pollen: 154 CFM – Smoke: 147 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 9.5D x 9.5W x 14.6H inches (24.13D x 24.13W x 37H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) |
| Noise level (measured from 3 ft. away): | Speed 1: 35.2 dB Speed 2: 48.3 dB Speed 3: 57.9 dB |
| Filter life: | 12 months |
| Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour): | Standby mode: 0.06 kWh Speed 1: 35.4 kWh Speed 2: 37.7 kWh Speed 3: 45.6 kWh |
| Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements): | $95.19 per year |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Country of manufacture: | South Korea |
4. Best for less than $200: Levoit Vital 200S
Despite being more expensive than the Core 300S, a few upgrades on the Vital 200S make it worth investing in, especially for mid-sized bedrooms.
We’ve been favorably impressed by this unit’s performance, particularly considering its more than reasonable price. The Vital 200S is powerful and efficient. It can complete five air changes per hour in rooms of up to 375 sq. ft., which is almost double what the Core 300S can manage.
It is fast, too. With a CADR of 245 CFM, it cleaned our test room in 22 minutes, which is only seven minutes slower than the mighty Core 600S and a nine-minute difference compared to the EverestAir —the quickest (and a far more expensive unit) of the 55 units we have reviewed.
There are four fan speeds to choose from, including a turbo mode, which not all Levoit units feature. This is quite convenient for bedrooms, as it can thoroughly clean the air in the room before it’s time for bed.
With better, cleaner air in the room, you can safely set the unit to sleep mode for the night, which means a lower fan speed and lower noise levels (24dB) for a peaceful rest.
What we really like
What we think could be better
Another handy feature Levoit has incorporated into this unit is the light detection mode. It allows the Vital 200S to automatically turn off the display lights when the room gets dark without needing you to manually set them off, which can also be done if you prefer.
Plus, like all other S(mart) Levoit models, the VeSync mobile app allows remote control and voice command through Alexa and Google Home to tweak the settings from bed. It also lets you create custom sleep schedules to match personal routines and keep track of the filter life, displaying the filter’s remaining life percentage.
One last thing to consider about the Vital 200S is its main filter. If you have been doing some research on air purifiers, you’ve probably come across Dyson’s challenge on Levoit’s filters, resulting in the brand removing the word HEPA from many of the units’ filters. Unlike the EverestAir or Cores series, however, the marketing materials on this unit claim it is equipped with a medical-grade HEPA filter. There’s no third-party verification yet, but whether True HEPA or not, this unit has performed exceptionally well in our hands-on tests.
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 21 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 TrueHEPA and activated charcoal filter |
| Recommended room size: | 375 sq. ft. (5 ACH) |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 245 CFM – Smoke: 242 CFM – Dust: 263 CFM – Pollen: 240 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 15.6D x 8.5W x 19.8H inches (39.3D x 21.5W x 50.2H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 13.2 lbs (5.9 kg) |
| Noise level (measured from 3 ft. away): | Speed 1: 38.3 dB Speed 2: 41.9 dB Speed 3: 53.8 dB Speed 4: 57.7 dB |
| Filter life: | 12 months |
| Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour): | Standby mode: 0.97 kWh Speed 1: 5.71 kWh Speed 2: 8.01 kWh Speed 3: 31.96 kWh Speed 4: 44.55 kWh |
| Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements): | $97.83 per year |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Country of manufacture: | China |
Other units we tested but don’t recommend for bedrooms:
- Levoit Core Mini: This is the smallest unit within Levoit’s Core series. Despite boasting an impressive performance for its size and power consumption, it still falls too short for most bedrooms. It’s better suited for even smaller places; as such, it secured the top spot on our best air purifiers for cars list.
- AROEVE MK01: The price of this unit can be tempting, as it can easily be the cheapest unit in the market. However, how good is that if the air purifier won’t be able to clean your air? Just like with all the units we reviewed, we tested the Aroeve MK01 to find out it could not remove all the pollutants in the room, not even after five hours of running it.
- Rainbow RainMate: If the Aroeve was bad, the Rainbow RainMate is worse. This cheap, toy-looking device showed a poorer performance when we put it to the test, as the PM2.5 levels wouldn’t go lower than 270 microns after two consecutive hours of running the Rainbow RainMate — 201 to 300 ug/m3 is considered to be very unhealthy air by AirNow.
- PuroAir HEPA 14: We were intrigued by the hype this unit was gaining. However, when we put it to the test, it was a complete disappointment. Advertised as a unit suitable for up to 1,115 sq ft. and priced as such, its CADR and cleaning power were more suited for a 160 sq. It’s not just overpriced; PuroAir marketing materials are opaque and misleading.
What to look for when buying an air purifier for a bedroom
When shopping for a bedroom air purifier that will actually improve the air quality in your space but will also guarantee an unbothered night’s sleep, I’d suggest you take a look at the following:
1. Does the unit have a robust main filter?
By this, I’m referring to high-quality particle filters capable of removing common pollutants and allergens such as dust, pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mold spores.
High-efficiency particulate air (or HEPA) filters are made of pleated sheets, usually fiberglass, cotton, or foam, that trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes all common allergens, on their woven fibers. Looking out for certified HEPA filters ensures the air purifier you get will remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles.
However, don’t rule out the Levoit Core 300S for the lack of a HEPA filter. We stand by this unit, not just because we fancy it, but because of its outstanding performance in our tests. Besides, just having a True HEPA filter isn’t always enough to ensure effective air filtration. Otherwise, look at the Aroeve MK01’s poor performance.
2. Does it have an activated carbon filter?
HEPA filters are excellent at removing microscopic particles. But they can’t filter VOCs or odors. That’s what the activated carbon filter is for. The activated carbon adsorbs gasses and smells, trapping them on the material’s surface and removing them from your space.
Activated carbon filters are convenient for bedrooms with poor ventilation or with windows facing busy streets that let car exhaust and other toxic fumes seep in.
Filters with pelleted or granular activated carbon are significantly more efficient than impregnated fabrics, which contain inferior amounts of activated carbon.
3. How loud (and quiet) is the unit?
All purifiers produce a certain amount of noise as the fan and motor draw in and release the air. Most units emit white noise, which can actually be soothing for some, particularly in buzzy areas or bustling big metropolises.
However, the dB levels vary from one unit to another. While I’m sure it’s crucial for light sleepers, the noise levels should always be factored in — even more so when shopping for the bedroom. It will avoid unpleasant surprises the first night you put the air purifier to work.
At HouseFresh, we always measure how loud units are using a commercial sound meter. We do this both at the lowest and fastest fan speed. If you’re wondering how the four units would perform on this topic, here’s a chat comparing noise levels:
4. Does it have a no-lights mode?
The option to switch off the control panel lights may not be the first requirement to choose a “BuyItForLife” air purifier. But, from experience, it’s definitely something to consider.
A bright light projecting into the bedroom walls and ceilings all night can disrupt rest. And having to tape or cover the lights every night can be an obnoxious step to add to the night routine. That’s why the units we’ve selected have a no-lights mode.
Then, having Sleep Mode or being able to create customized settings specifically for the night, like the Vesync app on the Levoit units, are also worthy features to consider.
5. What’s the square footage of your bedroom?
The size of the room you are choosing the air purifier for matters. Smaller air purifiers are better suited for smaller rooms, while bigger bedrooms will require more powerful units.
Most manufacturers include an ideal room size and a maximum sq. footage their units can cover. But these can sometimes be deceiving. As a general guideline, you’ll be best off checking the units’ CADR, or clean air delivery rate, and the air changes per hour the purifier can achieve in a specific area.
The higher the CADR, the more powerful the unit will be. But usually, this also means a more elevated energy consumption and higher noise output.
To make things easier, we’ve created a CADR calculator where you can input your bedroom dimensions and the system will do the math for you.
Common questions about air purifiers in the bedroom
They do. They can, in fact, improve your sleep. You just need to find the right unit for your room size. Also, as mentioned in the buying guide, a robust main filter is key for the unit to remove the air pollutants found in most bedrooms.
Definitely yes.
High-quality sleep is vital for our health. As well as reducing our exposure to toxic pollutants. We spend around a third of our lives sleeping, so the quality of the substantial amount of air that we breathe during this time has an impact on our overall well-being.
An air purifier with HEPA filters and activated carbon filters will remove hazardous ultrafine particles and toxic fumes from the bedroom, allowing you to breathe better, fresher air. It can reduce snoring, morning allergies and nighttime allergy symptoms, boosting your rest.
Placement is as important as choosing the right air purifier. When choosing the perfect spot for the unit, consider the following:
- Keep it in your breathing zone to get as much clean, filtered air as possible. However, it’s best to have the air intake face towards the bed instead of the outlet. The air in the sleeping area will be filtered first, and you’ll avoid having air blowing directly at you, which can disrupt your rest.
- Put the unit at least three feet off the ground to take advantage of airflow in the room. This is especially important for smaller units that could otherwise struggle to clean the air with the night temperature changes.
- Keep the unit away from corners or obstructions. If the air purifier cannot draw in air properly, it won’t be able to do its job correctly. Check where the vents are on your unit and be sure the air can flow freely around them.
- Don’t obstruct pathways: Make sure the unit is safely placed out of foot traffic and that you won’t accidentally trip on the cord if you wake up half-asleep in the middle of the night.
It depends on what you are looking to achieve. Purifiers remove hazardous airborne pollutants, while humidifiers add moisture or humidity to the air —but don’t clean it.
The optimal humidity levels for sleep are around 30 and 50%. Humidity levels over 60% can alter the sleep cycle, increase allergy symptoms and create a favorable environment for mold and dust mites to thrive. It’s worth mentioning that excessive dryness can also trigger allergies.
If you are considering investing in a humidifier, I’d suggest checking the humidity levels in your bedroom first.
There’s no one-size-fits-all perfect air purifier. For some, a larger unit will be best suited to fit their needs. On the other hand, small air purifiers are usually more affordable, easier to place and less power-hungry. They are definitely worth it if they have the cleaning power and proper filters to clean your space.
Wrapping up
Regularly changing your bedding, ventilating, vacuuming and keeping that chairdrobe as light as possible is key for creating a healthy and comfortable sleep environment. However, getting an air purifier for the bedroom is a game changer.
As the air purifier market expands and new models and brands flourish, finding a unit you can trust can be complicated.
That’s what we’re here for. Remember to look for high-quality particle and activated carbon filters. Plus, check the noise output and make sure there’s a sleep mode that enables all lights to be off while you sleep. Lastly, be sure to choose a unit with the right CADR for your room size.
Why trust HouseFresh?
I became interested in air quality back in 2010 when it wasn’t as hyped as it is today. The air purifier industry evolved a lot since then. As consumers started taking an interest in these devices, many new models and brands appeared, not all with the same credentials, certifications or proof of their performances.
Unfortunately, there are many opaque marketing materials that mislead those seeking air purifiers that can actually help improve their air quality.
I also know that probing through the internet in search of a good air purifier is a daunting task. Tons of articles talk about their lab tests but don’t any of their process or results. Many big media companies publish commissioned reviews. And why should we all know all there is to know about everything?
That’s why in 2020, I decided to set up our in-home testing lab. At HouseFresh, we buy all the units we review with our own money. We run performance tests and are not afraid of speaking our minds, either if a unit impresses or disappoints us.
We believe transparent, straightforward information is the key to making a good decision. And that’s what we work every day for.
My inbox is always open to feedback. So if you have doubts about something that I haven’t covered in this guide, or would like to know more about our testing process, don’t hesitate to reach me at danny@housefresh.com
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
