I have a few Shark brand HEPA air purifiers I got at Costco. They're a little pricey, but they work great, they're quiet, and they have a built-in air quality monitor for PM 2.5, 5, and 10. If you don't have that kind of money, you can make those DIY air filters with a box fan and a MERV-13 air filter made for furnaces.
If you don't use something like this, yeah its likely your indoor air quality isn't much better than the outside.
I think people greatly take for granted the influence of air quality on their health. [Cardiovascular disease](https://today.uconn.edu/2025/08/air-purifiers-may-reduce-heart-risks-for-people-exposed-to-traffic-pollution/#), [cancer](https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/progress-against-cancer/air-pollution-associated-cancer/#:~:text=After%20adjusting%20for%20smoking%20status,G.), and [pulmonary disease](https://www.epa.gov/pmcourse/particle-pollution-and-respiratory-effects#:~:text=Studies%20have%20reported%20respiratory%20effects,including%20COPD%20and%20respiratory%20infections.) are all associated with breathing even moderate concentrations of PM 2.5 for extended periods of time. I can't believe I see people jogging on the side of busy roads on days where the AQI exceeds 200, but I see it all the time.
I got a shark one from costco. It worked so well that I went back the next week and got another for the upstairs. the first is in my office with my rat cage.. the smell is virtually gone from them. The other is in my wife's library with the litter box for the cats. Smell is also gone.. Can't believe I didn't do this sooner.
I got shark neverchange last year on sale after doing a ton of research on if they actually help. I had been suffering with a stuffy nose at home for a few years after moving into an apartment that had poorly sealed windows and having a wildfire season that made the air really bad. After getting one, my stuffy nose has cleared up, and it's easier to breathe at home now. I dont think super cheap ones will work well, and you dont need to buy a really expensive one. But they are worth it and, in my opinion, really do help.
The version i have is the Neverchange Max. It does come with a scent packet with a dial to turn it up or down. I have that turned to medium most of the time as well and have not noticed any effect on my cat. It may be different for other cats with the scent. Good luck with the new fan!
I'm currently debating keeping it or returning to Costco.
CONS: the scent pods are horrendous! I don't like anything scented, so don't plug them in. It's an option. Not sure about the 100% clean air being actually 100%. As someone else said: you can run it on low 24/7
PROS: it does kick in on auto setting when cooking, so the sensor works! Cooking odors seem to be neutralized after a while. The multi-stage filtration seems like a good idea, we will see how long the filter **really** lasts? The fan is strong on max (also loud)
I'm having mixed feelings, not sure it's worth the $230 (with coupon) but worst case could keep it as a fan (albeit overpriced)
Joining for comments.
I'm trying to decide whether to keep it or return it to Costco. It seems to be working to some degree, but don't have pro tools to measure the actual particles. Worst case I'll keep it as a (expensive) fan? At $230 it's not a terrible price for "never" changing a filter.
Sitting in the kitchen on auto it kicks is immediately when cooking, so it's doing something.
You and I are literally the same person. I just bought 2 purifiers, a Shark NeverChange Max for my living room and a Levoit 300s for my bedroom. I’m hoping that keeps the dust off my fan! I’ll keep you updated.
Optimoprimo
