How Do I Pet-Proof My Air Purifier?

That air purifier improving your allergies could be a tipping hazard, electrical danger, or anxiety trigger for your pets. Unless you pet-proof it properly.

The good news is that pet-proofing your air purifier is simpler than you might think. 

 

Why Pet-Proofing Your Air Purifier Matters

Living with pets means considering their safety in every aspect of your home environment. While air purifiers significantly benefit pet health by removing dander, allergens, and odors, these devices need proper setup to ensure they're safe for curious cats and playful dogs. 

Pet-proofing your air purifier protects both your investment and your furry family members from potential hazards.

The Coway Airmega 200M was recently featured as being one of the best air purifiers for pets (particularly for heavy-shedders). Read all about it here.

 

How to Pet-Proof Your Purifier

Protecting your pets from air purifier hazards requires a comprehensive approach that addresses multiple safety concerns. 

From electrical safety to physical placement, each strategy plays a crucial role in creating a pet-safe environment while maintaining optimal air purification.

 

1. Secure Your Power Cord 

The most critical safety measure involves securing electrical cords, as pets—especially puppies and kittens—might be prone to chewing on exposed wiring. Coway Airmega models like the 250 and Icon (including S models), as well as the 300 and 400 models, feature braided cloth cords that provide extra protection against pet damage. As one customer noted, her cats can't get into these braided cords, making them an excellent choice for pet owners. 

For additional protection, consider these proven cord management solutions:

• Cord covers and protectors: Install spiral cable wrap or PVC cord covers along the entire cord length
• Bitter apple spray: Apply pet-safe deterrent sprays to discourage chewing behavior
• Strategic furniture placement: Route cords behind heavy furniture where pets cannot access them
• Wall-mounted cord channels: Create permanent cord pathways along baseboards or walls

The Coway Airmega series features rear-positioned power cord exits, making it easier to route cables away from pet access points while maintaining the unit's aesthetic appeal.

 

2. Strategic Placement for Maximum Safety

Position your air purifier in locations that minimize pet interaction while maintaining effectiveness:

• Elevated surfaces: Place smaller units like the Airmega 50 or Airmega 100 on sturdy shelves, dressers, or tables above pet reach
• Corner positioning: Utilize room corners where two walls provide natural barriers against tipping
• Behind furniture barriers: Position units behind sofas or entertainment centers with adequate ventilation space
• Away from pet highways: Avoid high-traffic areas where pets run, play, or frequently pass through

 

3. Choose Pet-Friendly Air Purifier Features

Modern air purifiers designed with pet safety in mind include several protective features that make them ideal for households with cats and dogs.

 

Control Panel Locks

The Airmega 350 and 450 models include control panel lock functions that prevent accidental setting changes when pets jump on or brush against the unit. This feature ensures consistent operation even with curious paws nearby.

 

Rounded, Child-Friendly Edges

Models like the Airmega 50 feature rounded edges that eliminate sharp corners, reducing injury risk when pets navigate around the unit. This design consideration addresses common parent concerns about child-proofing but equally benefits pet safety.

 

Stable Base Design

The cylindrical design of the Airmega 100, with its 360-degree air intake, provides exceptional stability. Its low center of gravity makes it resistant to tipping, even when bumped by larger dogs.

 

Wheel Lock Features

The Airmega ProX includes lockable wheels, allowing you to move the unit when needed while preventing it from sliding when pets interact with it.

 

Model-Specific Safety Considerations

Compact models offer unique advantages for pet households:

• Airmega 50 (covers up to 500 sq ft): Its lightweight design allows for secure shelf placement in bedrooms or home offices, keeping it completely out of pet reach
• Airmega 100 (covers up to 810 sq ft): The cylindrical design with 360-degree intake eliminates protruding parts that might attract pet attention
• Airmega Icon (covers up to 1,298 sq ft): Features soft, water and stain-repellent fabric exterior that's gentle if pets brush against it, with rounded edges and no sharp corners - particularly ideal for homes with curious cats or playful dogs.

Both models operate at whisper-quiet levels (18.4-20 dB in sleep mode), preventing sound-triggered pet anxiety while maintaining effective air purification.

Larger units require different safety approaches:

• Airmega 350 (covers up to 2,640 sq ft): Features HyperVortex™ technology with bottom air intake, keeping the intake away from pet nose level
• Airmega ProX (covers up to 4,253 sq ft): Includes built-in wheels with locks and a dust-resistant grill that prevents pet hair accumulation

These models' substantial weight and size provide inherent stability, while their advanced sensor systems detect air quality changes from pet activities, automatically adjusting purification levels.

FYI: The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty was voted one of the best air purifiers by Wirecutter for keeping pets safe from wildfire smoke.

Creating Pet-Safe Zones Around Your Air Purifier

Establishing clear boundaries around your air purifier helps prevent accidents while maintaining the unit's effectiveness. A well-planned safety zone protects both your pets and your investment in clean air.

 

Establishing Boundaries

Maintain a minimum 12-inch clearance on all sides for proper airflow while creating a natural barrier zone. Consider these boundary-setting techniques:

• Furniture arrangement: Position lightweight furniture pieces to create a protective perimeter
• Pet gates: Use decorative pet gates for persistent pets who investigate the purifier
• Training mats: Place pet training mats around the unit during the adjustment period
• Visual barriers: Use plants or decorative screens to discourage direct pet access

 

Can I Train My Pets to Avoid the Air Purifier? 

Yes! Consistent training helps establish the air purifier as a "no-touch" zone. Here are a few of our training tips:

1. Positive reinforcement: Reward pets for maintaining distance from the unit
2. Redirection techniques: Provide alternative activities when pets show interest in the purifier
3. Consistent commands: Use clear "leave it" or "no" commands when pets approach
4. Gradual introduction: Allow supervised exploration initially, then establish boundaries

 

Welcome to Safe and Effective Air Purification for Pet Families

Successfully pet-proofing your air purifier creates a win-win situation: your pets stay safe while enjoying cleaner, healthier air. The Coway Airmega series offers multiple pet-friendly features, including control locks, stable designs, quiet operation, and powerful filtration specifically effective against pet dander and odors.

Whether you choose the compact Airmega 50 for a bedroom, the cylindrical Airmega 100 for stable operation, or the powerful Airmega 350 and 450 with advanced safety features, Coway's commitment to both performance and safety ensures your entire family—furry members included—can breathe easier.