[dxhdr]

> Do they make a difference? Perhaps a placebo? A must have?

Purchase an air quality monitor, something like the Dylos DC1100. Then run a HEPA filter in a closed room for 30 minutes. It will remove almost all particulates! They work extremely well. Whether it "makes a difference" for your health is less clear.

[criddell]

Are the lower priced options on Amazon junk compared to the DC1100? I’d like to get a monitor, but I know I’ll probably only use it 10 times. The Dylos would end up being about $25 / reading…

[dxhdr]

Good question, I bought a Dylos back in 2015 and can't remember how the other options stacked up when I researched it. I've been happy with the purchase and would recommend it if you're interested in watching air quality. It has a convenient "monitor mode" where it will re-sample the air every hour so it's not constantly running. It's neat to see how the air quality in a room changes based on having the windows open or shut, after cooking, just being in the room, etc.

I'd expect there are smaller / sleeker / more advanced monitors out now though. Generally speaking I think you want a laser detector instead of the cheaper infrared detectors.

[criddell]

I found this link with test results:

https://www.aqmd.gov/aq-spec/evaluations/summary-pm