Breathe easy on the go with wearable air purifiers: Should you buy one? Find out with this comprehensive guide

What are wearable air purifiers?

As the title suggests, these are portable air purifiers you can wear to enjoy a personal supply of clean air wherever you go. While many options are designed to be worn on the face like a mask, there are also alternatives like necklaces or wristbands that offer the same convenience. You can choose a type that suits your lifestyle and comfort. However, it’s essential to note that these purifiers vary in their mechanisms and efficiency, so understanding how each works is crucial for making the best choice.

Types of wearable air purifiers

These are different types of wearable air purifiers that you can buy right now:

Also read: Are portable air purifiers efficient or a gimmick? Here is what we found in our testing and experience

Check out these best-selling masks with fan

How do different types of wearable air purifiers work?

Masks with fans: These look like regular N95 masks but come with two small filter modules mounted on them. These modules have tiny fans that pull fresh air into the mask, filtering it through built-in filters. This design eliminates the struggle of breathing through traditional masks, especially in hot weather. Plus, they’re rechargeable and can last for a few days on a single charge—pretty handy for regular use!

Masks with HEPA filters: Imagine a regular mask but with a powerful filtration upgrade. Instead of just a fan, these masks come with a HEPA filter module that includes a large fan to move air through the filter. This purified air is then fed into the mask via a connecting pipe. The best part? The HEPA module is rechargeable, and you can still wear the mask without the module if needed.

Air purifier necklaces: Air purifier necklaces are small, lightweight devices you wear around your neck. They use ionisation to clean the air around you by removing pollutants. These are super convenient because they last long enough that you won’t need to charge them daily. Just wear it and forget it’s even there!

Wrist air purifiers: Wrist air purifiers work just like necklace purifiers but are designed to be worn on your wrist, just like a watch. These are even smaller, so they’re easy to wear without any hassle. They purify the air around you, providing a discreet and portable way to stay protected.

Advantages and disadvantages of wearable air purifiers

Wearable air purifiers have their own set of advantages and disadvantages that you need to keep in mind before opting for one.

Masks with fan

Advantages

• These are small and portable, perfect for wearing outdoors.
• Easy to wear and remove whenever needed.
• Can double as regular air filter masks when the battery runs out.
• Affordable, with prices typically ranging between ₹5,000 to ₹6,000.

Disadvantages

• The filters are small and less efficient at cleaning the air than advanced systems.
• It requires frequent charging, so add another device to manage before heading out.

Also read: Do air purifiers actually work? Separating fact from fiction with expert insights and top air purifier recommendations

Masks with HEPA air filters

Advantages

• Offers superior air filtration, capable of capturing ultra-fine particles like PM2.5.
• The HEPA module is rechargeable and can be detached, allowing the mask to be used independently.
• Delivers clean, purified air directly to the mask for enhanced protection.

Disadvantages

• Larger and bulkier due to the HEPA filter module, making it less portable.
• Higher cost compared to regular masks, often upwards of ₹10,000.
• Needs regular replacement of HEPA filters, which adds to maintenance costs.

Check out these air purifier necklaces

Air purifier necklace

Advantages

• Lightweight and easy to wear, offering all-day comfort.
• Uses ionisation to create a clean air zone around you, eliminating pollutants.
• Long-lasting battery, so you don’t need to charge it frequently.
• Silent operation, making it discreet and suitable for any setting.

Disadvantages

• Limited effectiveness in windy or crowded environments.
• Some models may produce ozone, which can be harmful with prolonged exposure.
• Doesn’t provide direct filtration like masks; its range is limited to the immediate vicinity.

Wrist air purifiers

Advantages

• Extremely compact and portable, perfect for people who dislike wearing bulky devices.
• Fashionable and blends seamlessly with everyday wear.
• Similar to necklace purifiers, it creates a personal air purification zone using ionisation.

Disadvantages

• Smaller cleaning range due to the reduced size of the module.
• Fewer models are available in the market, limiting choices.
• Needs regular charging and may not be as effective as HEPA or fan-based purifiers.

Also read: Can houseplants clean your air better than air purifiers? Read to find out

Check out these air purifier masks with HEPA filter

Wearable air purifiers are a promising solution to modern air pollution, offering portability and convenience for those constantly on the move. Whether it’s fan-powered masks, HEPA filter options, or discreet necklace and wrist purifiers, each type has its unique strengths and limitations. By choosing a purifier that suits your lifestyle and needs, you can enjoy cleaner air wherever you go.

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FAQs

Question : What is a wearable air purifier?

Ans : A wearable air purifier is a portable device worn on the body, such as a mask, necklace, or wristband, that purifies the air around you using fans, HEPA filters, or ionisers.

Question : How do masks with fans work?

Ans : Masks with fans use small fans to draw fresh air into the mask, filtering it before it reaches you, reducing breathing resistance, and keeping you comfortable.

Question : Are wearable air purifiers effective in heavily polluted areas?

Ans : Wearable air purifiers are effective in moderate pollution but may not be as efficient in highly polluted environments where larger air purifiers are needed.

Question : How often do I need to charge wearable air purifiers?

Ans : Charging frequency varies; masks with fans and HEPA filters may need charging every few days, while necklace and wrist models last up to a week, depending on usage.

Question : Can I use a wearable air purifier while exercising?

Ans : Yes, wearable air purifiers can be worn during light to moderate exercise, with fan masks offering better airflow for comfort.

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Published: 28 Nov 2024, 04:13 PM IST