Air purifiers remove particles and other pollutants from indoor air using cartridge filters to trap contaminants. These High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are capable of removing 99.97 percent of airborne particles, however HEPA filters do not remove the volatile organic compounds or small pathogenic micro-organisms, like influenza.
Widely used humidifiers add moisture to the air to prevent irritation of the skin, nose, throat and lips. However, humidifier reservoirs require frequent maintenance to avoid the formation of bacteria and mold which can contaminate air. Current devices depend on preventive maintenance using chemical cleansers which can damage humidifier material and result in residual odor.