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As someone who struggles with allergies and shares a home with two furry friends, I was on the hunt for a solution to improve the air quality in my space.
Enter the Dyson air purifier – a sleek device promising to filter out allergens, odours, and airborne pollutants.
After years of use, I can confidently say it’s been a game-changer for my breathing and my home’s environment. But is it worth the price tag? Here's my take.
Dyson Pure Cool Activated Carbon Fan and Purifier
The Dyson air purifier uses a carbon filter to remove harmful particles in the air
How does the Dyson air purifier work?
The Dyson air purifier uses a 360-degree air intake system, drawing air from all directions(Image credit: Future)
Its filtration system supposedly captures 99.95% of microscopic particles, including common allergens like pollen, dust, and mould spores, which is important for me as I have allergies to dust and pets. This I have found to be hugely beneficial and I've definitely had fewer allergic reactions with the Dyson air purifier running, even though my dogs continue to roam the house.
I also have family members with cystic fibrosis so ensuring as little dangerous air impurities as possible is a must, and with an additional activated carbon layer of protection this further reduces airborne irritants that could exacerbate respiratory issues. I can't say whether this has helped them though.
The purifier includes 10 speed settings, allowing me to adjust the airflow intensity with '10' being almost like a hairdryer and '1' being nearly an unnoticeable breeze.
I choose to leave the purifier on overnight next to my bed as my allergies tend to hit me most in the morning and since I have got the Dyson air purifier I have noticed less allergy symptoms, such as a blocked nose or watery eyes.
They haven't completely stopped but it is a notable difference. Leaving it on overnight also doesn't disrupt my sleep either with its quiet operation whilst in its 'nighttime' mode.
The purifier will instantly blow fresh clean air in any direction you wish but it can also swivel in 45° or a 90° motion. This will normally cool down my bedroom (10ftx12ft) in 10-15 minutes.
As it's in my bedroom I only leave it running at night so it doesn't increase my electricity bill too much but it could be left on all day for those that find they need it.
Changing the filter is incredibly easy
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The HEPA filter can be replaced in around 15 seconds(Image credit: Future)
The buttons on either side can be pressed to easily take the filter cage out(Image credit: Future)
I didn't want a product that requires constant maintenance, which is why Dyson's easy-to-replace air filter made this purifier ideal for me.
The HEPA air purifier filter cost £17.99 on Amazon and Dyson recommends you replace this annually, although I found the purifier worked fine 18 months after getting it and never once replacing the filter.
But when I did replace it it couldn't have been more straightforward. Simply pressing the two buttons on either side lifts the fan, take the filter cage out and swap the new filter in for the old, and voilà, done.
Remote control for switching settings
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The Dyson air purifier includes a remote function(Image credit: Future)
This lets you control the speed and nighttime feature from around the room(Image credit: Future)
The Dyson air purifier also comes with a remote control for handling the purifier from around the room.
With this you can alter the speed, turn on night-time mode for when you're about to sleep, set a timer for how long you want the purifier on for, control whether you want the purifier to swivel or set it to 'auto' for a low speed, comfort setting.
One slight drawback is these settings can only be done using the controller, which I have to say has got lost on a few occasions, so I could only manually turn it on and had to go without the other features. Although this feature has been fixed with newer models, such as the Dyson Formaldehyde Air Purifier's remote, which can magnetically be stuck onto the purifier so it isn't lost.
Other Dyson air purifiers on the market include other features such as the Dyson Purifier Hot and Cool Purifier Fan that can blow hot air as well as cold and can be controlled by an app but for the additional cost (£540.55) and the same air purifying performance, I didn't feel this was worth it for me personally.
This Dyson air purifier is currently on sale on Amazon down from a RRP of £499.99 to £355.32, which is significantly lower than the Dyson Formaldehyde Tower Fan, which costs £499, and only has slightly more power in its fan.
Overall, I have found the Dyson to be extremely helpful with my allergies and it remains a permanent feature of my bedroom which I doubt I'll be replacing anytime soon.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
