Air purifier sales up 30 per cent as allergy season gets underway
It’s the same story every spring. Pollen travels distances some people would need a plane ticket for, leaving a trail of itchy eyes and stuffy noses in its wake. Reflecting the demand for allergy relief, online retailer Galaxus has recorded a 30-per-cent year-on-year increase in air purifier sales. Evidently, clear air and restful sleep are highly sought-after during the pollen season from March to June.
Pollen can be carried by the wind for a distance of up to 400 kilometres (article in German). That’s enough to get from Munich to Basel or from Frankfurt to Zurich. And enough to tickle our noses, irritate our eyes or even cause breathing problems. Reaching its peak between March and June, pollen consists of male germ cells produced by seed plants like grass, poplar, beech or oak trees. Year after year, it puts 15–20 per cent of the population through the ringer.
But the more you know about your allergies, the more you can do to remedy them. When you look at online retail, it becomes apparent which methods people are using to deal with hay fever. For instance, sales of air purifiers on Galaxus increased by 30 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year. In January and February 2025, Swiss customers actually bought 42 per cent more air purifiers (ch/de) than in the same period last year.
«The coronavirus pandemic and the accompanying fear of viruses in the air have made people more aware of poor air quality,» says Daniela Sanzoni, Junior Category Business Manager at Galaxus. «What’s more, our customers are placing an increasing amount of emphasis on healthy living.» Daniela goes on to say that air purifiers are definitely useful for allergy sufferers. «These devices can remove suspended particles such as viruses and pollen from the air. When buying one, allergy sufferers should make sure that their purifier has a HEPA filter – that’s a high-efficiency particle filter.»
From window screens to nasal irrigation: how to combat pollen
Austria’s Federal Ministry of Health has published some advice (in German) on how to battle pollen effectively:
- Check the pollen count in your area
- Wear sunglasses or headgear
- Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose
- Take off your outdoor clothes when you get home, and keep them away from where you sleep
- Get an air purifier with a HEPA filter
- Get a pollen screen
- Wash and shower frequently, and dry your laundry indoors
If you’re looking for more tips, the Swiss Allergy Centre publishes advice in English and other languages.
In addition to air purifiers, Galaxus stocks pollen screens, vacuum cleaners with built-in HEPA filters, nasal irrigators and allergy-friendly bed linen and mattresses. It also sells easily washable outdoor clothing that attracts less pollen than other garments. Allergy tests are available in the Galaxus range too. However, it’s advisable to consult a medical professional if you’re looking for more comprehensive information on the subject.
How do you deal with pollen? Are you spared the woes of hay fever? Or do you struggle with it every year? Which remedies do you find most helpful?
Header image: Jomkwan / iStockphoto
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Daniel Borchers
Senior Communications Manager
Daniel.Borchers@galaxus.deA soft spot for good series, loud music, science fiction and (second division) football. As PR Manager, I am available to answer journalists' questions about Galaxus and honest e-commerce.
