Fashion
The Best Air Purifiers and Humidifiers to Create Clean Indoor Air
Which air purifiers and humidifiers actually work, and are they worth it? We consult the experts….
The pandemic, and all the requisite sheltering in place that has accompanied it, has significantly driven up sales of a motley array of items: beans, puzzles, yeast, face masks, stationary bikes, inflatable pools in the warmer months, and, as it gets colder, outdoor space heaters. But the looming threat of an airborne virus coupled with all the time spent at home has also made many of us acutely aware of what we’re breathing in as we’re doing all that baking and puzzling—and keenly interested in figuring out means of making it better. Not to mention that many of the activities that we do from the comfort of our home like, say, that aforementioned baking with a gas stove, can actually be the source of some of the issues with the air.
“Indoor home air quality will be top of mind for the foreseeable future,” says Justin Seidenfeld, founder of Canopy, an innovative new humidifier brand. “People are spending so much time at home and they’re investing, not only into making it look like an oasis, but also in making it as healthy and safe as possible.” The brand saw their online sales jump 105% in spring 2020, compared to the same period a year earlier.
But is the marketing of purified air for your home just that, marketing? Or can it actually have a positive, and perceptible, impact on your health? Experts say yes and no. Dr. L. James Lo, a professor of architectural engineering at Drexel University who studies the health effects of indoor ventilation, says air purifiers can help in reducing the infectivity of aerosolized viruses. “An air purifier removes particles, and aerosolized viral droplets are very small particles,” says Lo. How much they can help depends on their CADR, or “clean air delivery rate,” meaning, as Lo explains, the equivalent of how much fresh air is being delivered into a space. “The downside here is that air purifiers can only be very effective in small spaces,” he adds. (This downside feels less negative when you consider the size of most New York City apartments.) Allergist Dr. Purvi Parikh adds that while HEPA filters (the high efficiency filters found in most of the fancier devices on the market) add a critical layer of protection, they are not foolproof. “Moreover, unless there’s a large amount of virus in the air and larger droplets, the purifier may not help as some viral particles may be too small for a HEPA filter especially if aerosolized,” explains Parikh. She says that from a COVID standpoint, filtering the air in your home is certainly good, but less of a necessity than limiting visitors, wearing a mask, and frequently hand-washing. Both Lo and Parikh agree that opening windows and doors to circulate air can provide a risk reduction similar to most air purification devices.
The caveat is, unsurprisingly, that not all the devices showing up as sponsored ads in your Instagram feed will do the job well. Lo underscores the importance of looking into any product’s CADR. It’s important also to differentiate between a humidifier and an air purifier. “Both products have the goal of improving air quality, which is a combination of pollution, humidity, and temperature, but a humidifier adds moisture into the environment, whereas a purifier moves air through a filter to remove impurities from the cycled air,” explains Seidenfeld.
Seidenfeld’s Canopy humidifier is unlike the traditional ultrasonic varieties in that it improves air quality by increasing humidity, doesn’t introduce new pollutants into the air, and impacts the air and surfaces in an entire room, versus just air that flows through a filter. As for air purifiers of note, there is Coway’s Airmega 150, which uses a three-stage filtration system (including a Green True HEPA) and covers 214 square feet; Blueair’s new Health Protect which uses new HEPASilent technologist which improves upon its filtration abilities and saves energy; and Molekule’s Air Mini, which is ideal for smaller spaces, adjusts its speed based on the particles found in the air and can be tracked via a handy app and linked to your Apple Home system. And then there is, of course, Dyson, whose ubiquitous air purifying devices have been cropping up in people’s WFH backgrounds all year. Their most recent launch, Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool, straddles categories. “It’s our first multi-functional product that is a purifier, humidifier, and fan all in one,” says Andrea Ricci, a research engineer at Dyson, explaining the advanced (and complicated) mechanisms that eventually projects purified, humidified air out of the machine’s amplifier and into a room. Even their projection system is thoughtfully conceived of. “Air Multiplier technology ensures that the clean air is circulated throughout the room and dirty air is pushed back toward the machines to be filtered, otherwise you risk purifying the pocket of air surrounding your machine, but not the entire room,” explains Ricci.
While it’s not yet clear whether air purifiers will help in protecting you against COVID, the devices do have a number of measurable benefits—which, considering how much time we’re collectively spending at home nowadays, is appealing enough. The best air purification technology can destroy an array of pollutants, mold, bacteria, and harmful chemicals. More specifically, says Seidenfeld, it can help to relieve symptoms of cold, flu, and allergies such as nasal congestion, sinus irritation, and cough. And, when it comes to a device that creates optimal humidity, your skin will benefit too. According to New York dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, optimal humidity (40-60%) allows the skin to retain moisture and maintain its barrier function so it can keep harmful pathogens at bay. “In low humid environments there is an imbalance in moisture and in turn it can start to affect your skin in as little as 30 minutes,” adds Engelman, who has been recommending Canopy to her patients to reduce dryness and cracking, redness, fine lines, and potential breakouts.
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Mike Amiri’s Fashion Empire, Unveiling the 2024 Net Worth of the Trendsetting Designer
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Artist Spotlight
Shreyaa Sumi: A Red Carpet Sensation with a Story of Triumph
In the glitzy world of fashion and entertainment, certain personalities shine bright, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. One such luminary is Shreyaa Sumi, a multi-talented individual who has left an indelible mark on the global fashion scene. Shreyaa has become a symbol of success, juggling roles as an American model, actress, and a devoted wife and mother. Let’s delve into the fascinating journey of this accomplished individual who recently graced the Los Angeles fashion show with her stunning presence.
Red Carpet Glamour at Los Angeles Fashion Show:
Shreyaa Sumi recently stole the spotlight at a Los Angeles fashion show, turning heads with her radiant red look. The Instagram sensation posted a video flaunting her glamorous ensemble – a short and sassy red dress paired with long black shoes and a chic red jacket. The caption, “What time is it? It’s showtime! Thank you for inviting me to your private NY Red Carpet event,” exuded confidence and excitement. The location tag placed her at the heart of the entertainment world – Los Angeles, Hollywood.
Early Life and Modelling Beginnings:
Shreyaa Sumi embarked on her modeling journey in India, where her passion for fashion and media first took root. However, it wasn’t until she moved to the United States with her husband Vijai, that she decided to pursue her dreams on an international scale. From that point forward, there was no looking back for Shreyaa.
Family and Personal Life:
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Shreyaa Sumi is a proud wife to Vijai and a doting mother to her daughter, Sia Vijai. Her ability to balance a thriving career with family life is a testament to her resilience and dedication. In media interviews, Shreyaa has openly shared how her family has been her pillar of support, standing by her throughout her journey to turn dreams into reality.
Awards and Accolades:
Shreyaa Sumi’s success in the fashion industry is underscored by a slew of prestigious awards. In 2022, she clinched the title of Mrs Universe Asia USA, a testament to her excellence on the international stage. Additionally, she has been honored with a doctorate, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the fields of media and fashion. Shreyaa also holds the Asia’s Women of Influence Lifetime Achievement Award, further solidifying her status as an industry trailblazer.
Shreyaa Sumi’s story is one of triumph, resilience, and unwavering determination. From her modest beginnings in Tamilnadu, India, to gracing the red carpet in Hollywood, she has come a long way. As an American model, actress, and a devoted wife and mother, Shreyaa Sumi continues to inspire aspiring individuals in the fashion and entertainment industry. With a string of accolades to her name and a supportive family by her side, Shreyaa is indeed a force to be reckoned with in the world of glamour and fame.
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