Best Air Purifier for Cigarette Smoke & Fumes

Inhaling cigarette smoke can be detrimental to your health. You also have to be concerned about third-hand smoke when these fumes settle on your sofa, cushions, pillows, and bed. It can be as toxic.

You also have to deal with that strong irritating smell that accompanies cigar smoke. Fumes can get trapped really quickly in your indoor space.  And it can be hard to get rid of that a standard air purifier might not be enough. Thus you need more powerful air purifiers that have enough prowess to cleanse your homes from these toxic fumes. And we have just the list for that. 

Top Picks: Our Favorite  Air Purifiers for Cigar Pollution

You can once again enjoy fresher and cleaner air even in a room that was once tainted with cigar fumes. 

These air purifiers have specific features and are high-powered units that can eliminate one of the most difficult-to-remove and common pollutants in homes. 

IQAir HealthPro Plus 

Dimensions: 28″ x 15″ x 16″

Noise level: 36.9 dB 

CADR: 300 CFM

Area coverage: 1125 sq. ft.

This is one powerful unit that can clean the air and rid it of cigar smell and fumes quite efficiently. If your home has been transformed into quite a smoking chamber, you might think it’s impossible to make it livable again.

This is equipped with features that can remove stubborn particles in the air such as the fumes coming from cigarettes. It has a three-stage filtration system that can get rid of harmful effects and toxins in under 28 minutes.

The process starts with a thicker pre-filter and gets rid of bigger particles and debris. Then comes a HEPA filter that has enough prowess to remove fine and even ultra-fine particles. Then there is a specific filter that helps remove the smell- it is a massive gas filter loaded with activated charcoal and zeolite. These compounds are unforgiving when it comes to ultra-fine compounds, VoCs, and toxic funky odors. 

This is quite a powerhouse and you can instantly notice how powerful it is at drawing the air in. It can clean contaminants with much prowess at a faster rate too. 

This is one of the bulkier and higher-end options. It may have a higher upfront cost,  but this is quite an investment and it can transform your home into a healthy haven once again even on the first use.

Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde BP03

Dimensions: 116.34” x 17.09” x 32.7” 

Noise level: 33 dB 

Area coverage: 1055 sq. ft.

This is one of our favorites when it comes to dual units. The cooling fan operates rather well and can take the place of most fans. It does so at an exceptional level, drawing dirty contaminated air in and pushing clean air out. It is also easy on the eyes, quite a stylish unit that can stand out in any room. 

This specific Dyson air purifier is the brand’s best one when it comes to smoke pollution, especially coming from cigarettes. It has a medical-grade filter, the best of its kind. This can eliminate fine and ultra-fine particles, such as the ones coming from cigarette fumes.

It operates on a three-stage filtration system consisting of a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and a carbon filter which is spec for removing that acrid smell.  These fumes can easily settle on your drapes. And even when the smoker is long gone from the house, the unpleasant scent still lingers on. 

Replacement filters are done every five years, but it can be quite expensive. You should factor that in when purchasing since the unit in itself can rack up quite a cost that may be beyond the budget of most.

Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max

Dimensions: 14.4” x 14.4” x 22.7” 

Noise level: 23 dB 

CADR: 410 CFM

Area coverage: 1524 sq. ft.

This is a big and bulky air purifier that excels in very big rooms and homes with open floor plans. It is powerful enough with a higher CADR rating to clean a space up to 1500 sq. ft in just 12 minutes.  No matter how stubborn a smell or pollutant is, this can freshen up the air in your big space in as little time.

One more thing to note though is that despite its prowess, it is energy efficient. You can have this running most hours of the day but it won’t cause that much of a spike in your utility bills. You can turn off the display and still have the unit running. This is perhaps one of the ways it helps conserve energy without necessarily turning the unit off.  

It operates with a three-stage filtration system. It has a pre-filter, which is washable, so this can also help turn down maintenance costs. The next line of defense is the  HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter. And we love the addition of sensors that automatically detect new contaminants in the air. The unit adjusts itself in the presence of new particulate matter so you can be at the top of keeping your indoor air free from toxins.  

Alen BreatheSmartFLEX 

Dimensions: 25”x 15”x 8.5”

Noise level: 23 dB 

CADR: up to 215 CFM

Area coverage: 800-1600 sq. ft.

This is an aesthetic air purifier you’d love  to have in a your living room or big shared spaces. If you do not have much need for smart features and your airspace does not warrant the need for bursts of cool air,  then we highly recommend this one.

This may be more of a basic air purifier, lacking smart features and the bells and whistles of some of the units we have on this list. But when it comes to air purification and prowess in expelling smoke and cigarette fumes, this can prove itself very worthy.

This has three-stage filtration systems comprising a pre-filter, a high-quality HEPA filter, and a carbon filter that is made with 2 lbs. of carbon pellets. These are key features in removing exhaust and bad smell caused by cigars. 

Just a key reminder, while the upfront cost is cheaper, it is a higher price for the filter replacements. 

Austin Air HealthMate Jr. 

Dimensions: 11” x 16.5” x 11” 

Noise level: 23 dB 

CADR: 187 CFM

Area coverage: 185 sq. ft.

This is a great choice if you’re considering an air purifier that warrants less filter replacement. Best for smaller spaces, and can clean a room size of up to 185 sq. feet, which is still  four times more efficient than an air purifier of the same size.

It consists of a four-stage filtration system. What sets it apart from the sea of other air purifiers is that it can get rid of a host of viruses and bacteria.  So despite the smaller size and lower CADR rating, this can be a force to reckon with. This air purifier goes heavy when dealing with smoke and cigars. The combination of carbon and zeolite makes it very commendable when dealing with this type of contaminant. 

The caveats apart from the lack of smart features are that it might not have enough power to deal with other airborne particles.  

Dupray Bloom Air Purifier

Dimensions: 13” x 19” x 13” 

Noise level: 10-50 dB 

Area coverage: 1517 sq. ft.

This is a pretty little thing that may lack customizable settings. It offers, though, 10 fan speeds that can satisfy those who have much use for a fan. It can take the place of your stand fans and blow out a steady stream of fresh cool air. 

It can masterfully get rid of cigar smell with its two-stage filtration system. While it may seem lacking in ability compared to the other air purifiers with three-stage and four-stage filtration systems, this makes use of a medical-grade HEPA filter that can make up for these imitations. This high-quality filter can easily get rid of hard-to-remove cigarette smoke and smell. It can also help keep the presence of viruses and bacteria at bay.  

We just wished it had more features considering the higher price points. 

Smart Air Blast Mini with Carbon Filter 1.56 lbs. carbon

Dimensions: 13″ x 22.6″ x 24.8″

CADR: 435 CFM

Noise level: 56 dB 

Area coverage: 600 sq. ft.

The boasts the use of a medical grade HEPA filter has enough power to clean an indoor space even if it has accumulated cigarette smoke for days or even months. Even the tiniest spec that has settled on the furniture and clung to the drapes can be removed. This air purifier is has also one of the bigger HEPA filters we have tried, thus explaining its impressive ability in eliminating hard to rid of air particles.

It also has a rather powerful fan that can give off a blow of fresh air that is clean and purified. It can easily draw in new air contaminants at higher speeds. 

The fan capacity and the larger medical-grade HEPA filter make it an obvious wise choice when dealing with spaces that have been laden and heavily tainted with cigarette smoke. 

Honeywell PowerPlus

Dimensions: 10.79” x 19.13” x 22.3”

CADR: 342 CFM

Noise level: 64 dB 

Area coverage: 530 sq. ft.

This is an energy-efficient air purifier that can remove a myriad of toxic VOCs, including the ones coming from cigarette smoke. The higher CADR rating makes it suitable for larger rooms and spaces that warrant continuous air purification.

Smoke and cigar smell can easily infiltrate your homes even if one family member is a smoker. It can easily accumulate in the air, furniture, and beddings, and can wreak havoc on one’s health. 

This air purifier can lower the amount of VOCs up to zero concentration. It can keep your home clean and smelling fresh all the time. This prowess also makes it suitable for those who have allergies and asthma.

The not-so-good bits? It may not be suitable for the bedroom since it can be a bit noisy.

IQAir Atem X Smart Air Purifier

Dimensions: 10” x 27.1” x 27.1” 

CADR: 422 CFM

Noise level: 26-55 dB 

Area coverage: 1,650 sq. ft.

This sleek and stylish air purifier has some nice features up its sleeves. This is a high-end choice, operates quietly, and can swiftly cleanse the air in a big space. It has impressive power but it amazes us how quietly it runs. Even at the top fan speed, it doesn’t make much noise. Despite being a more powerful unit fit for larger spaces, this takes up little space. It’s an ideal choice as well in the bedroom. 

We love the extra features that can make life more convenient. It has a smart design, runs intuitively, and has easy touch controls. 

Winix 5500-2 

Dimensions: 15” x 23.6” x 8.2” 

CADR: 232 CFM

Noise level: 38.8 dB 

Area coverage: 360 sq. ft.

This has a particle sensor that can help you be on top in maintaining optimum indoor air quality.  It can automatically start up the cleaning process whenever the unit senses a new contaminant is present in the air. Such a type of air purifier is best suited for families with children, older folks, and those who are immunocompromised.  It prevents cigar toxins from building up and gets rid of these right there and then.

This is a budget-friendly choice, proving to be a real value for money for a lot of homeowners.  However, this functions more like a basic unit with a simpler process. It lacks smart controls and a more modern chassis. 

But when it comes to removing cigarette smoke and toxic compounds it leaves behind, you can count on it. The carbon filter with an improved concentration of carbon pellets can significantly eliminate that nasty odor too.

Buying Guide: How We Made the Choice

These are the features that had more weight when we started making this list. Above anything else, these will ensure that the air purifier you are going to use can indeed explicitly remove cigarette smell and the accompanying toxins. 

Special HEPA filters

It’s common knowledge that HEPA filters are the gold standard when it comes to air purification. Generally, that is it.

But when you are dealing with more nasty pollutants and toxic smells and that comes with every stick of cigarette, you need more than this.

You can see our hand-picked air purifiers make use of special and more specific types of HEPA filters, mostly medical-grade ones.  These have more ability to clean the air of smaller particles such as cigar smoke and all the VOCs that come with it. 

Zeolite and carbon filters

Apart from the dangerous fumes that can infiltrate your homes, you also have to be concerned about third-hand smoke. This happens when the toxins coming from the cigarettes start to settle on any object or matter in your home. From the cushion, and sofa to the bed, it can be as dangerous. Its presence is made obvious with that lingering cigar smell. 

Thus the a need to get rid of odor too. One fast and more efficient way is by using carbon and /or zeolite filters. These are king when it comes to removing this type of odor and contaminant. 

 Higher CADR

An air purifier with a higher CADR rating dictates how fast and efficient a unit can purify air in a given room, but of course, you have to measure it against the actual size of the space.  

Air purifiers with higher CADR  often possess a higher price, thus the need to consider your budget. While price may be a big determining factor, we also have air purifiers with lower CADR fit for smaller rooms that can do the job. Just make sure to purchase a unit that fits the size of your space. 

Go for a more specific air purifier that gets the job done

Whether you want to clean a room filled with cigar smoke or you want to routinely clean the air and prevent fumes from accumulating in the air, these air purifiers can help you be on top of your game

These are specific when it comes to getting rid of cigarette smoke and odor. There can be shortcuts and just purchase a generic unit that can clean a myriad of contaminants, but that won’t be enough, you need something more specific. 

Remember cigarette fumes and odor are some of the most stubborn particles in the air,  skimping on an air purifier might just undermine your efforts in keeping your indoor air clean and healthy.