Danny as been writing about air purifiers for 10+ years. He is a major fan of home technology, which makes him the perfect person to test and evaluate products for HouseFresh
Our verdict:
Dust mites are microscopic, bug-like creatures that can be found in nearly every home and can cause a range of allergic reactions.
The right air purifier can help remove dust mites from the air, minimizing the risk of triggering allergies:
- Our testing shows that the best air purifer for dust mites is the Alen Breethsmart Flex
- If you’re on a tight budget or need to clean the air in a small room, you should go for the Levoit Core 300
- In cases where you need to remove dust mites from large rooms, the best option is the Levoit EverestAir
In the ongoing battle to keep our homes spick-and-span, it can often feel like dust is enemy number one. No matter how well you wield your feather duster, a new blanket of dust will appear weekly. And with dust come dust mites.
Dust mites are microscopic, bug-like creatures that occur naturally and can be found in practically every home worldwide. Thriving on a diet of dead skin cells (the primary component of dust) and absorbing moisture from the air, they love to make their homes with soft furnishings such as bedsheets, carpets and curtains.
While they are generally harmless to most, these tiny critters (and their fecal matter) can cause allergic reactions for millions of people, including:
❌ Irritation of the nose, throat, eyes and skin
❌ Sinus pressure and congestion
❌ Coughing and sneezing
❌ Trouble sleeping
❌ Respiratory issues amongst people living with asthma
❌ Increased likelihood of severe asthma attack
While the proper medication can help alleviate symptoms, the most effective defense is to attack the source directly and remove dust mites from your home. Although dust mites are so small the human eye cannot see them, they are certainly large enough to be trapped by a quality air purifier.
| Why You Can Trust Our Recommendations We are 100% independent and buy all the air purifiers we review to test their performance in our own homes. Our three main tests are: 1️⃣ Air cleaning performance: Using incense, we create smoke and then track the levels of PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10.0 using a high-end laser air quality sensor. 2️⃣ Energy consumption: We use an energy meter to see how much electricity is required at the highest and lowest fan speeds. 3️⃣ Noise Level: Using a sound meter, we record how loud and quiet air purifiers run at different speeds. |
Using this data, we can compare air purifiers and choose the best ones for various issues.
Here are the criteria we used for selecting the products on this list:
✅ HEPA filtration – With mites ranging in size between 0.5 and 250 Microns, our recommendations utilize HEPA filters, which offer a certified way of removing particles as small as 0.3 microns but can remove even smaller particles.
✅ High CADR score – The CADR (clean air delivery rate) indicates how quickly the purifier will remove contaminants. With dust, you want to remove it quickly, so a solid CADR score is essential.
✅ Low volume – Allergens don’t take the night off once you go to bed, so looking for a unit to operate while sleeping is essential
✅ High power – For fast-acting relief from allergies, you’ll want a purifier that can clean the air quickly.
| 💡 Pro Tip: If you want more guidance and advice, this presentation from the CDC has a ton of helpful information. |
The 3 Best Air Purifiers For Dust Mites
Don’t want to read the full article, here are the three best air purifiers for dust mites in 2023:
| 👑 BEST OVERALL | 💰 FOR TIGHT BUDGETS | 🛋️ FOR LARGE SPACES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alen BreatheSmart Flex | Levoit Core 300 | Levoit EverestAir | |
 |  |  | |
| AIR CLEANING SPEED ⚡ | 34 minutes | 40 minutes | 13 minutes |
| CADR 👩🔬 | 225 CFM | 145 CFM | 360 CFM |
| FILTER TECHNOLOGY 💨 | HEPA and activated charcoal filter | Pre-filter, H13 HEPA and activated carbon pellets | Pre-filter, HEPA H13 with activated charcoal pellets |
| MAX ROOM SIZE 📏 | Up to 700 sq. ft. | Up to 219 sq. ft. | up to 558 sq. ft. |
| WEIGHT ⚖️ | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) | 7.48 lbs (3.4 kg) | 20.7 lbs (9.38 kg) |
| OUR REVIEW 🔍 | Alen Flex review | Core 300 review | EverestAir review |
| PRICE 💵 | $349.00 | $99.99 | $499.99 |
Last update on 2023-09-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
That’s our top three, but keep reading for more info on each one to find out which other air purifiers we recommend for dust mite allergies.
1. Best Overall: Alen BreatheSmart Flex
The Alen Flex is a simplified version of their flagship air purifier model, the Alen 45i. It has the same filter options and fan but loses smart features like auto-mode and app support. It also has no ionizer function.
Dust mites are relatively large and easily removed by HEPA-grade filters. You will want to keep it running continuously to keep your room clear — meaning the auto-mode won’t be so helpful for dust mite allergies.
What We Really Like:
👍 Reduced features mean the same level of cleaning power for less money
👍 Lifetime warranty if you pick up the filter subscription
👍 Ability to choose your initial filters — for dust mites, we recommend choosing “Pure Filter”
👍 Not too big for use in smaller spaces but still powerful enough to clean the room quickly
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Still higher priced than less well-known brands
👎 Would be great to get the lifetime warranty without signing up for the filter subscription.
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: | Up to 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 (low – high): | 25dB – 50dB |
| Filter life: | Every 6 months |
| Warranty: | Lifetime (with product registration & active filter subscription) |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $25.23 per year (24.2 watts) |
2. Best for Large Spaces: Levoit EverestAir
The EverestAir is a standout air purifier, effective and robust in swiftly eradicating dust mites and a plethora of airborne allergens from large spaces. It achieves remarkable speed, cycling the air of a 558 sq. ft. room five times every hour and refreshing areas up to 2790 sq. ft. once per hour. It took a mere 13 minutes to completely clean the air in our test room.
With an extra-large fan driven by Levoit’s Vortex Air technology and featuring a True H13 HEPA filter, this air purifier can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns, including those pesky 250-micron-sized dust mites. Despite its potent performance, EverestAir maintains an impressively low annual operating cost compared to other units with similar air filtration capabilities.
Something else worth mentioning is that its operation is notably quiet, particularly in sleep mode, where noise levels can drop as low as 24dB. Adding to its sleep-friendly features, the built-in light sensor automatically turns off display lights during sleeping hours, ensuring an uninterrupted slumber.
What We Really Like:
👍 Displays PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10 readings on the control panel
👍 Compatible with Levoit’s comprehensive VeSync app that allows remote control
👍 Three-channel laser dust sensor ensures optimal Auto Mode by adjusting fan speed based on air pollution levels
👍 High CADR score of 360 CFM
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 For a high-end air purifier, the 2-year warranty is quite limited
👎 Replacement filters are not cheap — $99.99 each, but they do last longer than others
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 13 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | 3-Stage Filtration (Pre-filter, H13 HEPA and activated carbon) |
| Recommended room size: | 558 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 360 CFM (612 m3/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 18.9L x 8.5W x 23.2H inches (48L x 21.6W x 58.9H cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 20.7 lbs (9.38 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24 – 56dB |
| Filter life: | 12-15 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $87.25 per year |
3. Best Budget Option for Small Spaces: Levoit Core 300
The Levoit Core 300 is still the king for bringing good H13 HEPA performance with an integrated pellet carbon filter. Featuring a pre-filter completing Levoit’s comprehensive 3-stage filtration system, this purifier is an excellent option for eliminating dust mites from your room for less than $100.
Designed cylindrically, the Core 300 offers a 360º air intake capability while maintaining a compact footprint. This makes it easy to place it in crowded rooms without moving furniture around.
For a long time, budget air purifiers were ineffective, but for people with dust mite issues who want to keep a small room like a bedroom free of dust mite allergens, the Levoit Core 300 is the right air purifier for the job. Despite its small size and price tag, the Core 300 boasts significant power, completely purifying the air in our test room within just 40 minutes.
What We Really Like:
👍 Great $ to-performance ratio
👍 Max sound level of 50dB
👍 Costs only $47.30 per year if you run it 24/7 every day of the year
👍 Great choice of generic filters are available that are much cheaper
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Lacks any smart features with just the ability to have a timer
👎 Energy consumption could be improved
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 40 Minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 (Medical) Grade HEPA and Activated Charcoal |
| Recommended room size: | 219 ft² |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 145 CFM (246 m3/h) |
| 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): | 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24dB – 50dB |
| Filter life: | 6 – 8 months |
| Manufacturer’s warranty | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $47.30 |
4. Best for Budget Option for Large Spaces: Levoit Core 600S
If you have a large space with a dust mite issue and want the most air-cleaning power possible, then the moderately priced Levoit Core 600S is worth a look.
It included a HEPA H13 with pelleted carbon and was the fastest in our home lab at removing particles sized 0.1 microns, completing the job in a rapid 15 minutes. For those with a large room of up to 635 sq. ft., it will clean the air five times per hour.
It doesn’t have an ionizer, so it is certified ozone free and still only pulls 49 watts at full power — so it won’t break the bank in electricity costs.
What We Really Like:
👍 Great performance ratio $ spent
👍 App support, auto-mode and the ability to see current air quality
👍 Costs only $51.51 per year if you run it 24/7 every day of the year
👍 Lots of generic filters available that cost as low as $40 for one filter.
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 A larger air purifier that will be too big for smaller rooms – look at 400S or 300 if you like Levoit
👎 Design is pretty standard compared to other brands in the space
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 15 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | H13 True HEPA filter with Activated Carbon |
| Recommended room size: | 635 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 410 CFM (697 m³/h) |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 26 – 55 dB |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Warranty: | 2 years |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $51.51 per year |
5. Best With Ionizer Function: Blueair Blue Pure 211+
The Blue Pure range from Blueair uses an electrostatic process called HEPASilent™, enabling their HEPA filters to remove more particles from the air with the same amount of electricity at a whisper-quite noise level.
The Blueair 211 removed all particles sized as small as 0.1 microns in 18 minutes; in comparison, dust mites measure 250- 350 microns, so they will be easily removed by this air purifier. With a CADR of 350 CFM, the 211+ can enable many air changes in larger rooms.
Beyond its impressive performance, the 211+ boasts a simple and contemporary design. It features an interchangeable fabric mesh pre-filter for the unit’s exterior that captures larger pollutants, extending the lifespan of the HEPASilent filter and adding a unique touch of customizable color to the usual white looks.
What We Really Like:
👍 2-year warranty if you sign up for an account with Blueair.com
👍 Can run as low as 31dB
👍 Costs only $64.12 per year if you run it 24/7 every day of the year
👍 Design stands out and has the option to choose the pre-filter color
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Ionizer is enabled by default and can’t be switched off
👎 New models uses different filters which seems unfair to previous customers
SPECS & FEATURES
| HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
| Time to clean our test room: | 18 minutes |
| Air purifier technology: | HEPASilent™ Technology (electrostatic filtration with HEPA) and Activated Charcoal Filter |
| Recommended room size: | 540 sq. ft. |
| Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 350 CFM |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 20H x 13W x 13D inches (51H x 33W x 33D cm) |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 12.5 lbs (5.67 kg) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 31 – 56 dB |
| Filter life: | 6 – 8 months |
| Warranty: | 1 year (can be extended to 2 years by creating a Blueair account and registering the unit within 60 days of purchase) |
| Estimated energy consumption: | $64.12 per year |
What to Look for When Buying an Air Purifier for Dust Mite Allergies
Dust particles vary between 1 and 100 microns in size and can stay suspended in the air for hours at a time. An air purifier uses powerful fans to draw in air from the room and any airborne particles, including dust. The air enters the unit and passes through the air purifier’s HEPA filter, which can capture at least 99.7% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
But knowing all those facts is not enough to be able to pick the best unit for your specific situation. The truth is that buying any new technology is complicated. That’s why we’ve simplified it for you and listed the main issues to consider below.
As yourself the following:
1. Does it have HEPA filtration?
Dust mites range in size between 0.5 and 250 Microns. HEPA filters offer a certified way of removing particles as small as 0.3 microns but can remove even smaller particles. Perfect for beating dust.
2. Does it have a high CADR score?
The CADR (clean air delivery rate) shows how quickly the purifier will remove contaminants. You want to remove dust quickly, so a solid CADR score is essential.
3. Is it quiet?
Dust mites don’t take the night off once you go to bed, so looking for a unit to operate while you sleep is essential.
Common Questions About Air Purifiers for Dust Mite Allergies
| 🤔 Why should you deal with dust mites sooner rather than later? As well as being unsightly, dust exposure can negatively affect your health, especially if you are allergic. Studies have shown that breathing in dust particles regularly can cause: – Respiratory problems – Asthma flare-ups – Allergic reactions – Coughing – Sneezing – Irritation to your eyes The longer you breathe these particles in, the more at risk you are. So, getting the right air purifier should be your first line of defense. |
🤔 What are dust mites?
Dust mites are microscopic, common indoor insect-like pests. They generate the typical allergens that trigger allergic reactions or even asthma in people. There can be thousands of dust mites living in a home. They live inside carpets and curtains, in upholstered furniture, bedding and mattresses.
However, they aren’t parasites and don’t bite, sting, or burrow inside us. Instead, dust mites feed off the dead human skin cells that collect inside the dust. They do create harmful allergens, and this comes from their body fragments and fecal pellets. These are well-known irritants, as detectable traces are found in at least a single bed in four out of five homes in the United States alone.
🤔 What issues can dust mites cause?
Allergy-based reactions from dust mites range from mild to severe. In mild cases, people can react with a runny nose, sneezing often, or watery eyes. These are similar reactions to other allergens like pollen.
It can get severe, unfortunately. In these cases, people can experience exasperated, more chronic symptoms. This includes a persistent cough or sneezing, congestion and facial pressure. Severe reactions can also include an asthma attack for those with respiratory issues.
🤔 Does an air purifier help with dust mite allergies?
Getting rid of the dust mites themselves isn’t typically done by hand due to their microscopic size. With mites ranging between 0.5 and 340 Microns, an air purifier with a HEPA filter will capture these minute pests as they remove particles as small as 0.3 microns and many other particles that are much smaller.
Regularly clean your room with a HEPA vacuum cleaner, as many dust mite particles will be in the fabric and carpeting.
Wrapping Up
Dust mites are common pollutants throughout most homes and because of that, many people constantly suffer from allergy-related symptoms such as coughing and sneezing. Getting rid of these microscopic pests isn’t always straightforward since you can’t see them, but you can handle the allergens released from their body fragments through a quality air purifier.
But what is the best air purifier for dust mite allergies? Always look for the likes of HEPA filtration since that can capture such small pollutants with many handling issues as tiny as 0.3 microns. From there, you should determine what extra features you want and the power size (CADR) best suits your home and needs.
Last update on 2023-09-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API