Is anyone else bothered by the air quality index?

@lvnl Thanks for the information. I ordered a box. The ozone has been bad here in Phoenix, so I figure these are probably better than nothing. It's been a challenge to breathe with a mask on, so I was glad to read this one is comfortable. This site is so helpful. Thank you. Roz

@lvnl Good to know! I'll check them out.

@sueinmn can you recommend a brand for air purifiers?
Thanks!
Kate

@winterfelllvoyager75 Sorry, I do not as a rule recommend items by brand name.
Here is what I looked for in choosing mine:
- 2 stage filtration - a prefilter & HEPA filter separate. Protects the HEPA from clogging up too fast. And no "gimmicks" like a water tray as prefilter, where I have to keep filling it and cleaning the reservoir (my daughter had one - a real pain.)
- Multi-speeds, preferably an automatic setting.
- Quiet operation
- Signal light when filter(s) need to be changed
- Good ratings from an independent organization like Consumer Reports (not the same as internet reviews of the "10 Best [air purifiers] of 2026" which are often thinly veiled ads not backed by actual testing of the devices.
- An actual "bricks and mortar" company that carries the replacement filters so that I don't have to search and potentially throw away a working device because filters are no longer available (happened to my other daughter.)
I ended up with several models of a national brand, each sized to the respective space, but all using the same HEPA filter and a you-cut-to-size prefilter. I order a year's worth at a time.

The oldest unit is five years old and still performing flawlessly.

@sueinmn It all depends on what you are masking for. N95 and KN95 masks don't protect one from ozone, because it's a gas. So, if the ozone AQI is high (like maybe 100 at the time you check), then maybe one should stay indoors.

And, if you are dealing with PM2.5 particle pollution, it matters whether it's wildfire smoke or not. If it's wildfire smoke, then the same AQI number for PM2.5 is much more dangerous than for other particles. So, you have to adjust whether you should stay inside based on what kind of PM2.5 pollution it is.

I realized that riding the train on a high ozone day isn't a great option, since the commuter trains, buses and subways all bring outside air into their ventilation systems (in addition to it coming inside everytime the doors open).

@rozie83 Mask do not protect one from ozone, since it is a gas.

@esgred Thank you. I didn't know that.

@sheila9 Sacramento....I remember that well.
Many sunrises, sunsets, and moons ago I made it to my first State Fair, ever, there in Sacramento while traveling the country in my 'youth.' While at the fair I looked up in the distance and what did I see......a horrible large fire.
I so enjoyed my first introduction to pigeons of all kinds, colors that were prize winning pigeons or not....just remarkable.
A memory from sixty one years ago and still vivid.
Glad you were able to make a move to the central coastal area....not an easy thing to do..to .pick up and move.
Barbara

@esgred..they do…N95 masks

@visions63 No, sorry N95 masks do not filter gases. Oxygen we breathe is O2 and ozone is O3-just 1 more oxygen atom attached. It is a gas. Now, some masks do filter gases but not N95's.