AllerAir - AirMedic Pro 5 Series

Air purifiers do ***not*** remove odors effectively unless they contain a *massive* amount of good quality carbon that is arranged in a way to allow air to have sufficient 'dwell time' for the process of adsorption to occur. They will move volatile organic compounds around, which can diffuse odors, but will not remove them unless they contain a deep bed of carbon to aid to facilitate the process of adsorption (and these carbon canisters periodically need to be replaced.) Most of the purifiers sold to consumers do not have anywhere near this much carbon, and so most products that claim to remove odors are grossly exaggerating their true capability, which is limited in that regard. A quality purifier that is reasonably priced is the Coway Airmega AP-1512, and it covers about 250 square feet of space for optimal performance. It will have a minimal impact on odors, but it is very effective at removing particulate matter from the air (and particulate matter is extremely harmful to human health). A quality purifier that *will* remove odors would be something like the AllerAir AirMedic Pro 5 with a 30lb VoCarb carbon filter. Whatever odors you are dealing with, this will remove it as it's a deep carbon bed and very good quality carbon. However, these units are expensive, noisy, and not very energy efficient. From a cost efficiency perspective, the cheapest way to reduce odors is ventilation with outdoor air if you live somewhere with decent outdoor air quality in combination with source control. But if that is not feasible, units with deep carbon beds will do a great job at removing odors (and VOCs, overall) from the air.

Most common air purifier brands do not have enough nor the right type of sorbent media for gases, vapors, or odors. Sorbent media in air purification = activated carbon, activated alumina, or synthetic zeolites. Heavyweight sorbent media purifiers are very expensive, very loud, and clean the air more slowly than particulates-focused units. This is due to the need for ["dwell time"/"residence time"](https://www.airscience.com/carbon-filters) and the thick media beds. The two major heavyweight brands in the USA & Canada are **Airpura** or **AllerAir**. You want to look for models with 15 lbs.+ carbon canisters. Most standard options for these purifiers are plain/chemically untreated sorbents, which do *not* have high removal capacities for all gaseous "species". This sometimes presents problems where an odor emanates from the sorbent bed (possibly the not-well-adsorbed acetaldehyde) or there's a spike on tVOC monitors despite a reduction in odors. Assuming you don't live near a refinery or have really bad air chemistry otherwise (e.g., from fires), you may want to look into potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) impregnated activated carbon from Airpura or AllerAir. You'd have to contact the respective company first to specify this. KMnO₄ works in part via redox (reduction oxidation) reactions by breaking down certain gases. This can be problematic in unknown and/or highly complex air chemistries where resulting gases may be problematic. It can also off gas as it saturates or loses efficacy.

If you have high levels of particulates *and* gases/vapors/odors/VOCs, you really need two types of purifier. Most common purifier brands have very little sorbent media for gases, vapors, or odors (includes VOCs). Sorbent media are activated carbon, activated alumina, or synthetic zeolites. On the other hand, heavyweight sorbent media purifiers clean the air more slowly than particulates-focused units. This is due to "dwell time"/"residence time" and the thick sorbent media beds. As a result, "delivered" airflows are lower and particulates aren't removed as efficiently or quickly. Unfortunately you budget is probably too low for conventional HEPA purifiers + sorbent media purifiers in each room. # Particulates units You'd have to oversize conventional HEPA purifiers for quieter operation and high CADRs due to asthma & allergies. This would be very expensive. For example, the open concept Living/Dining/Kitchen space needs a minimum of 305 CFM CADRs. You'd have to go with something like the [Coway Airmega ProX](https://cowaymega.com/products/airmega-prox) for sufficient CADRs and quieter operation. (I don't recommend buying the Airmega ProX at full price.) The Bedroom needs bare minimum CADRs of 102 CFM. I'd recommend the [Coway Airmega 240](https://cowaymega.com/products/airmega-240) \[currently out of stock; should be back somewhat soon\]. **Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes & Similar** If you want to save money, you could try building large Corsi-Rosenthal boxes with [MERV](https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-merv-rating) 13/14 furnace filters and PC fans. PC fans are much quieter than a box fan. CADRs will depend on airflow speed, # of PC fans, # of filters, and filter size. You may want to add a fine mesh pre-filter overtop the MERV filters to catch coarse particulates like dog hair and visible dust. Cheap [3M Filtrete MPR 2500 MERV 14 filters in a 4-pack can be found at Costco](https://www.costco.com/p/-/filtrete-air-filter-1-mpr-2500-merv-14-high-performance-premium-allergen-ultrafine-particles-bacteria-and-virus-filter-4-pack/4000181409). A guide: [https://itsairborne.com/pc-fan-corsi-rosenthal-guide-a611dabf7e0c](https://itsairborne.com/pc-fan-corsi-rosenthal-guide-a611dabf7e0c) Alternatively, have a look at the [AirFanta 3Pro](https://air-fanta.com/products/airfanta-3pro) for each room. It uses Efficient Particulate Air (EPA) E11 filters, which is two filter classes below HEPA H13. Top composite CADR is 413 CFM, but this may be quite loud for you. # Vacuum Choose a bagged vacuum with a HEPA exhaust filter. This is superior to many (if not all) bagless or cordless vacuums. I have the [Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction HomeCare PowerLine - SBCN0](https://www.mieleusa.com/product/11262170/canister-vacuum-cleaners-classic-c1-pure-suction-homecare-powerline-sbcn0-autumn-red). It cut down on my runny nose while vacuuming. **Caveat**: the supplied AllTeQ SBD 365-3 floorhead will *not* work with long hair, whether human or animal. My floorhead's axles have hair wrapped around them; now the wheels won't turn. I had to buy the [TurboTeQ floorbrush (STB 305-3)](https://www.mieleusa.com/product/10455360/turboteq-floorbrush-stb-305-3) for this purpose. # Gases/vapors/odors/VOCs units For gas range or gas stoves, a ducted exhaust range hood would be ideal for cooking-related pollution. But I'm guessing you're in a rented space, so upgrading the range hood is likely not feasible. **To figure out which VOC "species" are in your air, you'd have to do testing with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.** Many sorbent media purifiers use plain or chemically untreated activated carbon. The problem is that plain or chemically untreated carbon (or other sorbents) do *not* have high removal efficiencies for all gaseous "species". Sometimes you need to modify sorbents (via chemical impregnation) to improve these removal efficiencies. If you were to use plain sorbents only, you could run into some unwanted problems. E.g., "sweet" odors emanating from the activated carbon filter which may be the not-well-adsorbed acetaldehyde or spikes on tVOC monitors despite a reduction in odors. Even impregnated sorbents have their issues, especially those that break down certain gases. Depending on the exact air chemistry, these oxidizing sorbents may produce problematic byproducts. (Typically this is an issue in totally unknown or highly complex air chemistries, e.g., wildfires or fires in the built environment.) An example of an oxidizing agent is potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) used to impregnate activated carbon or alumina. KMnO₄ can off gas as it saturates or loses efficacy. **Heavyweight sorbent media purifiers are very expensive, VERY loud, and clean the air more slowly than particulates-focused units.** An example entry-level unit is the [AllerAir AirMedic Pro 5 which has a 14 lbs. VOCARB carbon canister for $594.98](https://allerair.com/products/airmedic-pro-5?variant=11868544892972). AllerAir's standard option carbons are plain/chemically untreated. You'd have to contact them first for customized carbon blends based on your air chemistry.

First and foremost, I'm so sorry about your rabbit. That's really awful... I'm not sure I'd keep using the Molekule purifiers. The [brand was subject to a class action suit](https://www.classaction.org/media/sobel-v-molekule-inc.pdf) and ended up settling. There was a [separate suit brought by California Air Resources Board (CARB)](https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/molekule_incorporated_sa.pdf), as Molekule sold its Home One indoor air cleaner before being certified for low ozone emissions. Their purifiers perform poorly for particulates. And depending on the exact catalyst used in PECO, you *could* be creating unintended byproducts. For gases or fumes, you would need sorbent media. I have no idea how well plain/untreated sorbent media (e.g., activated carbon, activated alumina, or synthetic zeolites) adsorb sulfuryl fluoride or chloropicrin. I would strongly recommend seeking out an environmental consultant that performs gas testing and possibly a chemist versed in sorbent materials. Failing that, you may want to post on r/AskChemistry. The issue with plain sorbent media is that some gases aren't adsorbed well, which can cause odors to emanate from the purifier. You may also have issues with competitive adsorption, where weakly adsorbed gaseous molecules may be displaced by more strongly adsorbed ones. This tends to happen as a sorbent medium becomes saturated. There are modified sorbent media like potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) impregnated carbon or alumina to help increase removal efficiencies of certain gases. But KMnO₄ is a strong oxidizer, breaking down certain compounds via redox reactions. In addition to other gases in your airspace, I don't know if breaking down Vikane could result in problematic or toxic compounds being formed. **We would generally recommend ventilation (fresh air and/or exhaust) first, as this is cheapest and easiest solution.** But the best choice of air purifier is likely **AllerAir**, as they offer over 40 customized blends of carbon / sorbent media. I'd stick with the AllerAir [AirMedic Pro 5 series](https://allerair.com/collections/pro-5-series) or [AirMedic Pro 6 series](https://allerair.com/collections/pro-6-series). Different models (HD, Plus, Ultra) have varying amounts of carbon. Be sure to read the specifications for each. Generally you'd need one purifier per walled-off room if possible. Unfortunately most commercially available sorbent media purifiers are loud - very difficult to get around that. **Important**❗: to specify a custom carbon/sorbent media blend, you must contact AllerAir first to place your order. Sorry I can't be more specific on the chemistry side. Good luck!

AllerAir. They come at a variety of sizes and price points but all have the same basic design. Even their smaller model does a good job. They can be pricey and it's an investment. They do not make pretty, electronic units with digital readouts or app connections. This is a metal housing (painted white) with a very large, heavy filter inside, and a motor with a mechanical fully adjustable rotating speed dial. I've had good luck with longevity of the filters and I am still on my original filter after a few years. The large, heavy filters take care of some toxic gases as well as your typical everyday allergens, dust, and pollutants. It's a different breed of filter than you get from Winix and Coway and the others who make units with HEPA filters. Their major competitor is Austin Air. The disadvantage of Austin Air is their motor only has three speeds and the medium and high speeds are loud. I had terrible luck with Austin Air filters not lasting long.

For best VOC removal, such as mycotoxins, you need a lot of absorbent media. Checkout Airpura, Allerair, Austin, IQAir. All are in the $1k range. I'm unsure whether any filter will eliminate mold sensitivities. Did see an improvement when upgraded my Austins with Immunity Machine filters but molds still aren't totally controlled. There are clinics which can treat mycotoxin sensitivities. Can be quite expensive.

Allerair is excellent as well and cheaper than many if not all of the others with as good or equal in build and performance.  

I have a couple allerair I have been happy with. They have some of the largest carbon filters, work great for smoke and pet odors. I have one in a bedroom with a cat box. If the cat uses it at night the smell is gone in minutes. Allerair, airpura, Austin air are similar units. Metal cabinet, a switch, a fan and a filter. Very little to go wrong.

Check out Allerair they have models with large carbon filters specifically for wild fire smoke. I believe they are also made in Canada. Airpura is another similar one not cheap but I’m happy with the ones I have. I’m in Wisconsin and we have gotten a lot of smoke this year and don’t smell anything inside.

AirOasis is really good. It's one of the few purifiers that I have felt a noticeable difference in the air, despite trying almost every brand on the market now. I've been very impressed with their customer service also. If you're in a high VOC environment, you need a purifier with a very thick carbon bed in the filter like some Austin, AllerAir, and Airpura models do. I have an AllerAir in addition to the AirOasis unit for this reason.

Always remember to do your research, as the research confirms anything plastic off-gases, so its no good. Make sure the air purifier has a metal body (safest material), then dont fall for paper-thin carbon sprayed filters. The right air purifier will have pounds of carbon for odor, chemicals and VOCs. And finally it must have a Medical-grade HEPA filter for all the particles and dust. Only then it is a good enough air purifier and you will notice a difference. I have a few of the allerair units, have had them for years and works well for my whole home :)

Yeah, totally get what you mean. A lot of the "smart" purifiers out there do a decent job with particles like dust or smoke, but they kinda drop the ball when it comes to odors—especially the rough ones from litter boxes. VOCs and ammonia just don’t get picked up by most of those sensors. Check out **AllerAir** units. They don’t have fancy detection features, but their carbon filters are legit. Like, super thick, industrial-strength carbon that’s made specifically to handle stuff like VOCs and pet odors. I’ve had good luck with them cutting down litter box smells fast—even without any auto-detect stuff. Not the flashiest purifiers, but if you're really after odor control, they’re hard to beat.

The right air purifier is worth it! I have a few of the Allerair units, it is metal body (not plastic, so it doesn't off gas) it has 28 pounds of carbon filter for odors, VOCs and chemical smells, and a Medical-Grade HEPA filter for particles and dust. I immediately noticed a less dust accumulation in my bedrooms! Smaller and cheaper air purifiers are not worth it because it doesnt have the right filters to catch everything in the home, it might easier to get a walmart plastic one, but trust me those are not true air purifiers.

I have a few of the Allerair models, have had them for years, works well for my home :)

I’m in Canada and unfortunately, wildfires have become part of life every summer. Last year was especially bad — the sky was orange for days, and even staying indoors didn’t help much. The smoke and smell would still find a way in, especially through my swamp cooler. I started waking up with headaches, a sore throat, and just feeling gross all the time. I tried a couple of those cheaper air purifiers from Amazon — the ones that say “HEPA” and “carbon filter” — but they honestly didn’t make a difference. The rooms still smelled like smoke, and I could still see dust floating around in the sunlight. Eventually, I bit the bullet and bought an AllerAir. It wasn’t cheap, but I was desperate. What really convinced me was how thick the carbon filter is... it’s like a solid chunk, not just a thin sheet. I didn't realize how important that was until I actually used it. Within a day or two of running it nonstop, the air in my room felt totally different. No more smoke smell, my throat felt better, and I wasn’t waking up with that weird heaviness in my chest. Now it’s basically my go-to as soon as wildfire season starts creeping in. It’s bulky and kind of industrial-looking compared to the sleek little ones online, but it actually works — which I guess is the point. I just wish I had bought it sooner instead of wasting money on cheaper units that couldn’t handle real smoke. Atmos C is also a decent brand, I have one of their units as well and it has been serving quite nicely over the last few years. Never had an issue with it! I hope this helps!

Allerair air purifiers are fantastic. Would strongly recommend. And they are local, so no tariffs!

Funny coincidence,,, I actually have an allerair unit running at home (we got it for smoke and allergens), and then my wife noticed the exact same brand being used at the salon she goes to. She said the air in there always feels super clean, even with all the hair dye, sprays, and product use going on all day. The salon’s around the same size as yours and also doesn’t have windows that open, and apparently it made a huge difference. What’s great about AllerAir is they’re specifically designed for stuff like chemicals and VOCs. not just dust and particles. They use deep carbon filters, no off-gassing, no plasticky smell, and they’re actually made in North America. If you’re looking for something that can really handle salon air, I’d definitely check them out. Cheers!

+3 for the AllerAir, I have 3 of them in my home (overkill along with hepa+UV in the furnace) but I love having localized air production for specific living areas. There are zero pollution or smoke smells (I live in smelting and forest fire area) and no cooking or other smells.