Asthma / Air Purifiers

[Luke]

I'm going to ask the mods to delete this thread in about week, but for now here's the sitch:

I'm moving into a bigger office next week, which is kind of cool but there are two caveats:
1) My current office is already bigger than it needs to be, and I like it.
2) The new office is filthy, and makes my asthma act up.

Of course there is always the option of just telling my boss I won't move, but with this new office I'll have a digital projector that will act as my computer monitor. I love the fact I could hold all my presentations in my office, plus playing games during lunch would be nothing short of awesome. It would be like the office of the future I've always wanted (it reminds me of Arnold's kitchen in Total Recall).

But, yeah, the filth. I can't stay in the office for 3 minutes before I start to wheeze. I'm thinking an air purifier would do the trick, but I'm not so sure the CEO will be pleased with me dropping $300+ on a decent purifier just to move. That, and I'm also buying new office furniture, so the company expenses for my move are starting to pile up.


All that in mind, can anyone recommend a decent air purifier, and what should I look for in one? My understanding is that a CADR rating of 100 is the bare minimum, and that I should look for one with an optional fan.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

[fvgazi]

Are you on an inhaler besides a rescue inhaler (like advair or serevent)? The problem might be mold, especially if there are no windows.

I don't know how bad your asthma is, but mine can get pretty bad if I don't clean consistently (...4 cats...).

[elmagicochrisg]

[Hobie-wan]

The problem might be mold, especially if there are no windows.

Good point. I had somehow gotten a nasty colony of mold in the AC duct in my bedroom. I'm not particularly allergic to stuff, but I was feeling like crap a lot and had a sore throat most mornings since it was blowing directly on me all night. Assuming it's the same building, maybe the office needs a really really good clean?

[RareCollector5]

I got a Honeywell HEPAClean 3 in 1 purifier for I think around $280.00. It sounds like its higher than the price range you wanted but it comes with a carbon filter (removes smells) and if you run out it also comes with a reusable filter. So you don't have replace the HEPA filters as often. Oh and by the way it has an ionizer built in and a UV light to kill all the nasties in the air.

[Luke]

Are you on an inhaler besides a rescue inhaler (like advair or serevent)? The problem might be mold, especially if there are no windows.

I don't know how bad your asthma is, but mine can get pretty bad if I don't clean consistently (...4 cats...).

Like Hobie said, good point on the mold.

I'm only on a rescue inhaler, which thank God I rarely have to use.

My asthma has been progressively getting better with age, as I've been hospitalized twice for acute and severe asthma attacks. My allergies have really changed too. I got shots at least twice a week until I was around 18, and now I own a dog, something doctors said I would never be able to do.

[Luke]

Oh, and clean that damned office. How hard can it be? Seriously... -_-

I know it. I even told my boss that it would be better if I cleaned it and his response was "We pay a maintenance staff for a reason, they'll clean it for you". So far their cleaning stinks.

[Luke]

I got a Honeywell HEPAClean 3 in 1 purifier for I think around $280.00. It sounds like its higher than the price range you wanted but it comes with a carbon filter (removes smells) and if you run out it also comes with a reusable filter. So you don't have replace the HEPA filters as often. Oh and by the way it has an ionizer built in and a UV light to kill all the nasties in the air.

Thanks a ton. I might go this route.

My office will be in close proximity to the break room, and I'm trying to avoid smelling like coffee and popcorn all day.

[Incognito D]

Seems a bit obvious, but why don't you just clean the office?

[elmagicochrisg]