Best Air Purifier for Bird Owners: Safely Remove Bird Dander

Are you a bird owner who loves your feathered friends but hates the dander they leave behind? As much as we adore our birds, their dander can cause allergies, respiratory issues, and other health problems for both humans and birds alike.

Thankfully, air purifiers can help remove bird dander and create a safer and healthier environment for you and your pets. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which air purifier is the best for bird owners?

In this article, we’ll review the best air purifiers for bird owners and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed purchase decision. Say goodbye to bird dander and hello to fresh, clean air in your home!

Quick Summary on the Top Air Purifier Models for Bird Owners

For more details, scroll to the end of this article where we review and give you the insights to each of these products.

What is an Air Purifier?

An air purifier is a device that removes contaminants from the air. These contaminants can include dust, pollen, smoke, and also pet dander.

Air purifiers come in different sizes and types, but they all work to improve the air quality. Some use filters to trap particles while others use electrostatic technology to capture pollutants.

However they do it, their purpose is to improve air quality and even help reduce allergy symptoms.

An air purifier is especially important for bird owners because birds produce dander, feathers, and other particles that can lead to allergies and respiratory problems. With an air purifier, you can safely remove these particles from the air and improve your indoor air quality.

How Effective Are Air Purifiers In Cleaning Bird Dander?

Air purifiers are extremely effective in cleaning bird dander. The best air purifiers for bird owners contain powerful pre-filters that help trap large airborne particles like bird feathers, dust mites, and other pet dander. These pre-filters can capture up to 99% of allergens from the air, making them ideal for allergy sufferers and pet owners.

It’s also important to note that air purifiers alone are not enough to completely eliminate bird dander from your home. Air purifiers do an excellent job in eliminating airborne particles. However, regular cleaning and maintenance, such as vacuuming and dusting, are also necessary to reduce the source of dust and dander, keeping your home clean and safe for both you and your feathered friend.

Why Do Bird Owners Need an Air Purifier?

Bird owners need an air purifier because bird dander can be harmful to their health. Dander is made up of tiny particles of dead skin, feathers, and other materials that can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

An air purifier can help remove these particles from the air and create a safer environment for both the birds and their owners. It can also help reduce the amount of dust and other pollutants in the air, making it easier to breathe.

Without an air purifier, bird owners may experience symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes. These symptoms can be especially problematic for people with allergies or asthma.

Let’s take a look in more detail on some of the ways bird dander can affect our daily lives.

Bird Allergies

Bird allergies are a real concern for bird owners, especially those who suffer from allergies themselves. Bird dander, feathers, and droppings can all contribute to allergic reactions.

Symptoms of bird allergies can include itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It’s important to take steps to reduce exposure to bird dander and other allergens in order to prevent these symptoms from occurring.

Bird Diseases Such as Psittacosis from Dander

Bird diseases such as Psittacosis (also known as parrot fever) can be transmitted through bird dander. This can pose a serious health risk to bird owners and their families.

Symptoms of Psittacosis include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a dry cough. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia and even death.

Bird Fancier’s Lung (BFL)

Bird Fancier’s Lung (BFL) is a serious respiratory disease that can affect bird owners. It’s caused by inhaling air-borne antigen found in bird feathers, droppings, and dander.

Symptoms of BFL include coughing, shortness of breath, and fever. But don’t worry, there are ways to prevent BFL and keep your lungs healthy while still enjoying the company of your feathered friends.

Birds with High Amounts of Dander

Some birds produce higher amounts of dander than others. This can be a problem for bird owners who suffer from allergies or have respiratory issues, especially if they are not equipped with the proper air purifiers at home. Here are some popular bird species that are probably less ideal if you are more sensitive to dander:

• African Grey Parrots
• Amazon Parrots
• Cockatoos
• Cockatiels

Birds with Low Amounts of Dander

Some of the best birds for people with allergies include cockatiels, parakeets, and canaries. These birds are known to produce lower amounts of dander and are generally easier to care for:

• Parakeets
• Macaws
• Toucans
• Conures
• Lovebirds
• Parrotlets
• Eclectus Parrots
• Pionus Parrots

Types of Air Purifiers for Bird Owners: Which is the Best? Which to Avoid?

HEPA Filter Air Purifiers (Best Kind for Bird Owners)

HEPA air purifiers are hands down the most effective at removing bird dander from the air. They use a filter that captures particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes bird dander, dust and other tiny particles from the air. However, it’s important to choose an air purifier with a high enough CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) to effectively clean the air in your home.

HEPA filter air purifiers come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. Some models are designed for large rooms, while others are more compact and portable.

Overall, a HEPA filter air purifier is a great investment for bird owners who want to keep their homes safe and clean. With regular use, these filters can help to reduce the amount of bird dander in the air and improve the air quality in your home.

Activated Carbon Filter Air Purifiers

Activated carbon filter air purifiers are a must-have for bird owners. They are designed to capture and remove bird dander, which can cause serious respiratory problems for both birds and their owners.

These air purifiers work by using activated carbon to trap and neutralize airborne particles, including bird dander, smoke, and odors. This means that not only will your home be cleaner and safer for your bird, but it will also smell fresher and be more comfortable for you to breathe in.

Not only do activated carbon filter air purifiers remove bird dander, they also eliminate odors. Bird cages can produce a lot of unpleasant smells, but with an activated carbon filter air purifier, you won’t have to worry about any lingering odors.

It is, however, even better to have HEPA filters in addition to activated carbon filters in your air purifier system, as they both work hand in hand to remove smaller air-borne particles in the air and eliminate odor.

UV-C Light Air Purifiers

UV-C light air purifiers are a great option for bird owners who want to safely remove airborne pathogens from their home. These purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other airborne pollutants.

However, they are not the most effective when it comes to removing bird dander, as the particles are too large for the UV-C light to penetrate. So, if you’re looking for an air purifier specifically designed to remove bird dander, then a HEPA or activated carbon filter air purifier may be a better option.

Ozone Generators (Not Safe)

Ozone generators are not recommended for use around birds. While they can effectively remove odors and other airborne pollutants, they can also produce high levels of ozone which can be harmful to birds.

Birds have sensitive respiratory systems and can be especially susceptible to the negative effects of ozone. It’s important to choose an air purifier that uses safe and effective methods for removing bird dander and other pollutants from the air.

Prolonged exposure to ozone could also be harmful for us humans. So if possible, avoid using ozone generators at all cost.

Ionic Air Purifiers (Not Safe)

Ionic air purifiers may seem like a great option for bird owners, but they’re actually not safe. These purifiers actually emit ozone as well, albeit in a lesser quantity than dedicated ozone generators, which can be harmful to birds and their sensitive respiratory systems.

While they may effectively remove bird dander from the air, the potential harm to your feathered friend is not worth it. It’s important to choose an air purifier that is safe for both you and your bird.

Features to Look Out For in a Bird Owner’s Air Purifier

When it comes to choosing the best air purifier for removing bird dander, there are a few key features to look for. Let’s take a look at those that truly matter.

1. Large Enough Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) to Match Your Room Size

The most important feature to look out for is a large enough Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) to match your room size.

The CADR rating measures the amount of clean air that an air purifier can deliver in a certain amount of time, so it’s important to choose a purifier with a high enough CADR rating to effectively remove bird dander from your room.

At the very minimum, the CADR of the air purifier should be at least two-thirds of your room size. This may vary slightly depending on the height of your ceiling (resulting in a different total air volume in your room).

2. Noise Level

One important feature to consider when choosing an air purifier as a bird owner is the noise level. Birds can be sensitive to loud noises, so you’ll want to choose a purifier that operates quietly.

Look for models with low decibel ratings and consider purchasing a unit with a “night mode” or “silent” setting, so your feathered friend won’t be disturbed while they sleep.

3. Fan Speed Settings

Fan speed settings are an important feature to consider. This is because bird dander and feathers can accumulate quickly, and a higher fan speed can effectively remove them from the air.

Look for an air purifier with multiple fan speed settings, so you can adjust the speed based on the level of bird activity in your home or the size of the room you’re in. This will ensure that you’re getting the most efficient air cleaning possible.

3. Filter Replacement Indicator

A filter replacement indicator will let you know when it’s time to replace the filter, ensuring that your air purifier is always working at its best.

This is especially important for bird owners, as bird dander can quickly clog up filters and reduce the effectiveness of the air purifier. With a filter replacement indicator, you won’t have to worry about remembering when to replace the filter or risk breathing in dirty air.

5. Air Quality Indicator

An air quality indicator typically uses sensors to detect pollutants in the air, such as bird dander, dust, and other allergens. It then displays the air quality level on the purifier itself or on a remote control or app.

With this information, you can adjust the settings on your air purifier to ensure that your home remains a safe and healthy environment for your birds. For example, you may want to increase the fan speed or run the purifier for longer periods of time if the air quality indicator shows that the air is particularly polluted.

6. Auto Mode Feature

It will be a huge bonus if your air purifier has an auto mode feature. This feature allows the air purifier to adjust its settings based on the air quality in the room, ensuring that your bird is always breathing in clean air.

With the auto mode feature, you don’t have to worry about constantly adjusting the settings yourself or keeping track of when to turn the air purifier on and off. It takes care of everything for you, making it a convenient and efficient choice for busy bird owners. 

7. Remote Control Options

This remarkably useful, added convenience is often overlooked by bird owners, but it’s an important feature to consider. Especially if you have several air purifier units in your home.

With remote control options, you can change the fan speed, turn on and off the purifier, and adjust the filter settings without having to get up from your cozy spot on the couch. This convenience is especially helpful for those who have larger or multiple rooms where their birds reside.

Best Air Purifier for Bird Owners: Tested & Reviewed

Finding the best air purifier for bird owners can be a daunting task, but it’s crucial for the health and well-being of both you and your feathered friend. To make the process easier, we’ve tested and reviewed some of the top air purifiers on the market specifically designed for bird owners.

1. LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home

Features:

• HEPA filter captures 99.97% of air pollutants
• Three-stage filtration system
• Has a timer and sleep mode
• CADR Rated 141 CFM (purifying 1,095 sq ft of space in an hour)

Pros:

• Large maximum coverage area of up to 219 sq ft.
• Three-stage filtration system provides thorough and effective air cleaning
• Quiet operation, even at the highest setting
• Comes with a filter replacement indicator
• Multiple settings for customized air cleaning

Cons:

• Replacement filters can be slightly expensive, although worth it
• When we used the product, the instructions for packaging removal were not clear, almost having us operate the machine while the air filters were still wrapped up

Our take:

Overall, the LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies and Pets is a solid choice for bird owners. The HEPA filter captures 99.97% of air pollutants, which is especially important for bird owners since birds are sensitive to air quality. The large coverage area of up to 219 sq. ft. makes it suitable for most indoor spaces.

The three-stage filtration system provides thorough and effective air cleaning, and the unit operates quietly even at the highest setting. We were incredibly amazed at how fresh the room was after barely 1 hour of use in a small-medium sized room that housed 5 of our parakeets.

While replacement filters can be expensive, the filter replacement indicator ensures that owners know when the filter needs replacement. We find this really important, as most people never really keep track, and fail to change up their filters for effective performance.

Customized air cleaning settings and a timer and sleep mode make it convenient to use. The app also was really handy, showing us an air quality chart that helped us track the improvement in air quality over time.

The LEVOIT Air Purifier is well-priced, and suitable for a small to medium sized room, making it a top seller on Amazon. It’s intuitive, easy to operate and maintenance-friendly. This is our top pick of the list especially when you compare the features and performance over value.

2. Coway Airmega

Features:

• Four-stage filtration system
• HEPA filter captures 99.97% of air particles
• Covers up to 361 sq. ft.
• Dust CADR rating of around 145 CFM
• Eco mode automatically adjusts the fan speed based on the air quality
• Filter replacement indicator

Pros:

• Effective air cleaning with four-stage filtration system
• HEPA filter captures 99.97% of air particles and works to remove pet dander, dust mites, and other common air pollutants
• Large coverage area of up to 361 sq. ft.
• Eco mode saves energy by adjusting fan speed based on air quality
• Filter replacement indicator ensures optimal performance

Cons:

• Loud operation at the highest setting
• Relatively expensive compared to other air purifiers on the market

Our take:

Overall, The Coway Airmega Air Purifier is a great choice for bird owners who want an effective air purifier that can cover a large area. Its four-stage filtration system and HEPA filter capture 99.97% of air particles, making it effective at removing pet dander, dust mites, and other airborne pollutants.

Its eco mode saves energy by automatically adjusting the fan speed based on the air quality. However, some users may find it relatively loud, especially at the highest setting. However, we felt that this was fairly manageable, and may only be a serious issue if you’re really sensitive to noise.

The filter replacement indicator ensures optimal performance, and the multi-stage filtration helped us to catch plenty of dander and dust. But replacement filters can be relatively expensive compared to other air purifiers on the market.

Nevertheless, performance-wise, the Coway does a fabulous job and we’d definitely highly recommend this one.

3. Honeywell HPA300 HEPA Air Purifier

Features:

• HEPA filter captures 99.97% of air particles
• Three air cleaning levels
• Covers larger rooms up to 465 square feet
• Turbo Clean setting for extra cleaning power
• Filter replacement indicator

Pros:

• HEPA filter captures 99.97% of air particles and works to remove allergens, pet dander, dust mites, and other common air pollutants
• Coverage area of up to 465 square feet, great for larger rooms
• Turbo Clean setting provides extra cleaning power
• Filter replacement indicator ensures optimal performance
• Three air cleaning levels provide customization for different needs
• Auto shut-off timer

Cons:

• Filter replacement can be slightly expensive
• Does not have air quality indicator
• Some users may find it relatively loud, particularly on the higher settings
• Large size may be problematic for find space to place the machine

Our take:

The Honeywell True HEPA Allergen Remover, HPA300 is a good choice for bird owners looking for an air purifier with a large coverage area. Its HEPA filter captures 99.97% of air particles and works effectively to remove allergens, pet dander, dust mites, and other common air pollutants.

The turbo clean setting provides extra cleaning power, and the filter replacement indicator ensures optimal performance. The three air cleaning levels provide customization for different needs. On the highest setting, our room (small-medium size) was well cleaned out in just 20-30 minutes after a day of having our parakeets play around.

Some users may find it relatively loud, particularly on the higher settings, which could be problematic for smaller spaces. Additionally, the replacement filters can be relatively expensive compared to other air purifiers on the market.

Overall, Honeywell is a very reputable brand in this space, and you can’t go wrong with this popular, tried and true model.

4. Honeywell HPA5300 Insight HEPA Air Purifier (Newer Model)

This newer model, as compared to the Honeywell HPA300, has more features, mainly:

• Touchscreen controls
• PM 2.5 particle sensor / air quality indicator
• Auto mode
• It is significantly heavier at 27 lb (opposed to 17 lb), although it has the ability to cover an additional 35 sq ft of space

Features:

• HEPA filter captures 99.97% of air particles
• UV-C technology kills germs and bacteria
• Real-time air quality feedback with an LED display
• Suitable for rooms up to 450 square feet
• Filter replacement indicator

Pros:

• HEPA filter captures 99.97% of air particles and works to remove pet dander, dust mites, and other common air pollutants
• UV-C technology kills germs and bacteria, which is especially important for bird owners who may be concerned about airborne pathogens
• Real-time air quality feedback with an LED display helps users monitor and improve air quality
• Suitable for extra large-sized rooms up to 500 square feet
• Filter replacement indicator ensures optimal performance

Cons:

• Relatively expensive compared to other air purifiers on the market for its CADR performance
• Some users may find the LED display slightly distracting for nighttime use
• Filter replacement can be expensive

Our take:

Overall, the Honeywell Insight Smart Air Purifier is a suitable option for bird owners who prioritize germ and bacteria elimination as well as efficient cleaning of air pollutants. Its HEPA filter captures 99.97% of air particles, including pet dander and dust mites.

The added UV-C technology for further elimination of bacteria and germs is also highly beneficial for bird owners who want to keep the environment clean for their birds.

The real-time air quality feedback with an LED display is a useful feature, however, some users may find it distracting or too bright for nighttime use.

This air purifier is suitable for medium to large-sized rooms up to 450 square feet. The filter replacement indicator helps users maintain optimal performance, but replacement filters can be relatively expensive. At the same time, the Honeywell Insight Smart Air Purifier is relatively expensive compared to other air purifiers on the market, but it is equipped with high-end features that make it a good choice for bird owners.

If you’re looking for a more modern and upgraded version of the trusty Honeywell HPA300, this is definitely one worth looking at.

5. HATHASPACE Smart Air Purifier

Features:

• Five-stage filtration system
• HEPA filter captures 99.9% of air particles down to 0.3 microns
• Covers up to 700 sq ft
• Smart air quality sensor and auto mode
• Filter replacement indicator

Pros:

• Five-stage filtration system provides thorough air cleaning
• HEPA filter captures 99.97% of air particles and works to remove pet dander, dust mites, and other common air pollutants
• Large coverage area of up to an incredible 700 sq ft
• Smart air quality sensor and auto mode adjust the air cleaning level based on real-time air quality
• Filter replacement indicator ensures optimal performance

Cons:

• Slightly expensive compared to other air purifiers on the market
• May produce a low hum at the highest setting

Our take:

Overall, the HATHASPACE Smart True HEPA Air Purifier is a great choice for bird owners who want an air purifier with a large coverage area and a thorough filtration system.

Its five-stage filtration system captures pet dander, dust mites, and other common air pollutants, and its HEPA filter captures 99.97% of air particles.

The smart air quality sensor and auto mode adjust the air cleaning level based on real-time air quality, which makes it easy to use. The filter replacement indicator ensures optimal performance.

However, the HATHASPACE Smart True HEPA Air Purifier is relatively expensive compared to other air purifiers on the market, and it may produce a low hum at the highest setting, which could be bothersome for some users.

Choose the HATHASPACE Smart True HEPA Air Purifier for a powerful and reliable model that caters for larger spaces.

6. Germ Guardian Air Purifier

Features:

• HEPA filter captures 99.97% of air particles
• Three-stage filtration system
• Covers up to 743 sq. ft.
• Optional UV-C light to kill germs and bacteria
• Filter replacement indicator

Pros:

• HEPA filter captures 99.97% of air particles and works to remove pet dander, dust mites, and other common air pollutants
• Three-stage filtration system provides thorough air cleaning
• UV-C light kills germs and bacteria, which is beneficial for bird owners who want to protect their birds from airborne pathogens
• Suitable for medium to large-sized rooms up to 743 sq ft
• Filter replacement indicator ensures optimal performance

Cons:

• Slightly noisy operation, particularly on higher settings
• No air quality indicator
• Large clunky looking tower

Our take:

Overall, the Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier, AC4825 is a good choice for bird owners who want an air purifier with a three-stage filtration system and a UV-C light to eliminate germs and bacteria. Its HEPA filter captures 99.97% of air particles, and its three-stage filtration system provides thorough air cleaning.

The UV-C light is also beneficial for bird owners who want to protect their birds from airborne pathogens. The Germ Guardian Air Purifier is capable of purifying the air of large spaces. However, some users may find it relatively loud, particularly on higher settings, which could be problematic if you or your birds are situated close to it. Furthermore, replacement filters can be expensive, but the filter replacement indicator ensures optimal performance.

The Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier is a highly popular and attractive option for those who wants UV-C light for additional germ elimination, on top of effective dust and dander filtering of the HEPA filters.

Also not to worry, the blue light of the UV-C light can be turned off, which some users may find distracting or too bright for nighttime use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Air Fresheners Help Remove Bird Dander?

Air fresheners may make your home smell nice, but they won’t do much to remove bird dander. In fact, the wrong kinds of air fresheners can actually make the problem worse by releasing chemicals that irritate your bird’s respiratory system.

If you’re looking to pair an air freshener with an HEPA filter air purifier, be sure to choose a bird-safe air freshener.

Can I Use Incense Around Birds?

An HEPA filter air purifier will help to remove some PM 2.5 particulates from the air, caused by the burning of incense. However, since incense is bad for birds, you should not light one up near them at all, as the chemicals in the fumes are toxic towards birds, and can irritate their respiratory system and cause harm.

What Size Air Purifier Do I Need?

The size of the air purifier you need depends on the size of the room where your bird spends the most time. A good rule of thumb is to choose a purifier with a CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) that is at least two-thirds of the square footage of your room.

Final Words

Owning a bird can be a joy, but it also comes with the responsibility of keeping your home clean and safe for both you and your feathered friend.

Choosing the best air purifier for bird owners is essential for both the health of your bird and your own health. By removing harmful bird dander, you can breathe easier and enjoy the company of your feathered friend without worry.

Consider factors such as the size of your room, the type of filter, and special features like UV-C light technology when selecting an air purifier. With the right choice, you and your bird can live in harmony and enjoy a healthier home environment.