Every breath we take delivers the oxygen our bodies need to survive. But along with that oxygen, our airways can also be exposed to unwanted particles, including dust mites, pollen, mould spores, pet dander, smoke, and other airborne irritants.

Indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Since we spend most of our time indoors, the air inside our homes has a direct impact on our health and wellbeing.

For people living with asthma or allergies, this is especially important. Exposure to common indoor triggers can worsen symptoms and affect day-to-day comfort. Choosing products recognised by programs like the National Asthma Council’s Sensitive Choice can help provide added confidence.

Fortunately, there are effective ways to improve indoor air quality by removing airborne particles and maintaining balanced humidity levels. Three common solutions are air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers.

Air purifiers: reducing airborne triggers

Air purifiers are one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality, helping reduce airborne particles that can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.

Using advanced, multi-stage filtration, they draw in air and capture fine particles such as dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, and microscopic pollutants. This helps lower the concentration of irritants circulating throughout the home.

This can make a noticeable difference in spaces where you spend the most time, such as bedrooms and living areas. Running an air purifier regularly helps maintain a cleaner breathing environment.

When selecting an air purifier, consider room size. A model suited to your largest space offers flexibility, while additional units can support high-use areas.

While air purifiers address airborne particles, humidity is another important factor.

Why indoor humidity matters

Humidity affects both comfort and air quality. Ideally, relative humidity should sit between 30 and 50% (or up to 60%), helping limit the growth of allergens.

High humidity creates conditions for mould and dust mites to thrive, both common asthma and allergy triggers.

Unfortunately, mould and dampness are common issues. Around one in 2 homes in Australia experience harmful mould or damp, highlighting the importance of managing indoor humidity.

Dehumidifiers: managing moisture and mould

Dehumidifiers reduce indoor allergens by controlling excess moisture.

By removing moisture from the air, they help create conditions that are less favourable for mould and dust mites. This is particularly useful in damp areas such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundries. Dust mites and mould thrive in warm and humid environments.Maintaining a healthy indoor humidity level between 30 and 55% is ideal.

Dehumidifiers draw in humid air, extract moisture, and release drier air back into the room. Depending on the model, this is done using condensation systems or desiccant technology, designed for different environments.

For best results, choose a unit suited to your space and maintain humidity within the recommended range.

However, while excess moisture is common, some homes may experience the opposite.

Humidifiers: supporting comfort in dry conditions

In some environments, air can become too dry, particularly during cooler months or when using heating or air conditioning.

A humidifier can help add moisture back into the air  however they should be used carefully and only when needed, as excess humidity can encourage mould and dust mites.

Unless you live in specific areas within Australia with an extremely dry climate, or have been medically advised by a health professional, humidifiers aren’t recommended for everyday use.

Taking control of your indoor air

Improving indoor air quality doesn’t require a single solution. By combining air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and thoughtful humidity management, you can reduce exposure to common triggers and create a more comfortable home environment.

Breville’s range of air treatment solutions, including Sensitive Choice approved products and multi-function designs, are developed to support a cleaner, more comfortable home, helping you breathe easier every day.

Because when it comes to your wellbeing, every breath matters.