The efficacy of the Dyson air purifier on asthma control: A single-center, investigator-led, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundAir pollution is associated with poor asthma outcomes. High-efficiency particulate air air purifiers may reduce air pollution and thus improve asthma outcomes. However, the efficacy of such devices for this purpose remains inconclusive. ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of reducing the levels of pollutants on asthma outcomes in adults, using a novel Dyson high-efficiency particulate air air purifier. MethodsIn a single-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, participants (N = 50) were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to active filters (intervention) or to dummy filters (placebo) for a total of 78 weeks. The primary outcomes were the changes in Asthma Control Questionnaire 6 (ACQ6) and Asthma-specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) scores from baseline. The secondary outcomes were changes in indoor air pollution and lung function measurements. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic limited spirometry measurements to 2 time points and assessment of fractional exhaled nitric oxide and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to baseline only. ResultsAir pollutant levels were significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the placebo group (P = .0003). Both groups had a significant improvement in their ACQ6 and AQLQ. However, there were no significant between-group differences in ACQ6, AQLQ, or spirometry, compared with baseline in multivariable repeated measures models. ConclusionThe Dyson air purifier significantly improved air quality. However, there were no significant improvements in asthma control, quality of life, or measures of lung function in the intervention group compared with the control group despite improvements in indoor air quality. Larger, extended studies are required to confirm or refute these findings, especially given that the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic prevented the procurement of detailed objective data. Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04729530; ttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04729530.