# Do air cleaners help with allergies, and if so, do you need to spend a lot? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 6, 2011, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-cleaners-help-with-allergies-and-if-so-do-you-need-to-spend-a-lot/591684 "2011-08-06T02:19:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-cleaners-help-with-allergies-and-if-so-do-you-need-to-spend-a-lot/591684/1 "2011-08-06T02:19:10Z")
I’m not sure how I could expand on the thread title. I have hay fever which comes and goes and these last few days it’s been DRIVING ME CRAZY. I live in a condo apartment and apparently the air conditioner isn’t helping. Do store-bought air filters actually have an effect worth paying for - either for allergies or anything else beneficial? ---
**Author:** ![dangermom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e274bd/32.png) [@dangermom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dangermom)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-cleaners-help-with-allergies-and-if-so-do-you-need-to-spend-a-lot/591684/2 "2011-08-06T02:32:45Z")
We have a sort of filter machine with a HEPA filter in. It has often given me a great night after an awful, allergy-filled day. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-cleaners-help-with-allergies-and-if-so-do-you-need-to-spend-a-lot/591684/3 "2011-08-06T02:36:28Z")
Two things: 1. Air conditioning always helped me. The reduced humidity resulted in less _pollen-clumping_, and therefore better conditions. 2. I haven’t sneezed or been bothered yet this entire summer by seasonal allergies! Did I ‘grow’ out of my life-long affliction or is this hot summer responsible? Either way I’m loving it. 3. OK, more than two things: HEPA filters are supposed to filter this stuff, but again, just reduced humidity through air conditioning (and a cold drink) have always helped me. A strong antihistamine too. This year, no sneezing. How come? ETA: Is ragweed lagging due to hot temps and little rain? ---
**Author:** ![Picard\_Kills\_Kirk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/dec6dc/32.png) [@Picard\_Kills\_Kirk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Picard_Kills_Kirk)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2011, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-cleaners-help-with-allergies-and-if-so-do-you-need-to-spend-a-lot/591684/4 "2011-08-06T05:26:51Z")
I was getting terrible allergies this spring, and I just couldn’t seem to beat it with any OTC medicine. I decided to try changing the air filter in the house and the relief was almost instant. Within a day my allergies were gone. I bought the most expensive one they had at wal-mart. I can’t remember for sure how much it cost, but I know it was less than $30. I read online that the filters should be changed every month, but I don’t think most people do that. Maybe you could ask the apartment manager to change your air filter, or give you a new one to do it yourself? ---
**Author:** ![EvilTOJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee59a6/32.png) [@EvilTOJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EvilTOJ)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-cleaners-help-with-allergies-and-if-so-do-you-need-to-spend-a-lot/591684/5 "2011-08-07T02:11:17Z")
Yes, I have a portable air filter and it’s wonderful to help me sleep during the spring whilst all the plants are fornicating. I have a Hamilton Beach model, I think it was $99 and I’m happy with it. ---
**Author:** ![lazybratsche](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ba8739/32.png) [@lazybratsche](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lazybratsche)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-cleaners-help-with-allergies-and-if-so-do-you-need-to-spend-a-lot/591684/6 "2011-08-07T02:24:12Z")
Apparently a $15 HEPA filter taped to a $10 box fan [does the job quite nicely](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH5APw_SLUU). It’s not elegant, but it’s cheap.