Review: Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact

Ever noticed how some people start sneezing the moment a cat walks into the room? Allergies are way more common than we realize. After a recent getaway, I realised the effect our cat has had on my six-month-old.

Fortunately, he hasn’t reacted with a major allergy, but mild symptoms of irritability whenever our furry family member shares the same space with him.

Pets, especially cats and dogs, are a common source of indoor allergens. According to the Allergy Society of South Africa, “Cat allergy is the most common pet allergy and up to 40% of asthma sufferers are sensitive to cats.”

Some pediatricians advocate for early exposure to animals because of the potential protective effect against allergies, while others advise caution, especially if there is a family history of asthma and allergies.

Here are some tips for managing Pet Dander Allergies that I’ve instituted in our home:

• Keep the cat / dog out of the bedroom, and create a pet-free zone in the home
• Brush or groom regularly to reduce shedding
• Clean and vacuum surfaces, carpets and linen daily
• Use HEPA filters in vacuums and air purifiers to capture *dander effectively
• Lastly, consider medical evaluation if allergy symptoms can’t be managed easily

Getting an air purifier for our main bedroom was a no-brainer. Let me break down why I currently love our Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact and what it’s done for everyone’s health and well-being.

The Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact retails for R2 200 and as its name suggests, it is a compact purifier suitable for small spaces such as a bedroom or workspace approximately up to 27m(squared).

Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier Set Up

Setting up is simple and straightforward. Download the Xiaomi Mi Home App before you start. Unbox the purifier, plug and connect / add the device to the Mi Home App. Follow the prompts together with real-time air monitoring and you’re good to go. Instantly drawn to the child lock function which disables all physical buttons on the OLED display to prevent any changes to the settings made by curious little hands (looking at my 4year old).

Does it really help with allergies?

Tried and tested – the air is fresher. And yes, it does help with allergies in our home, which are mild. We’ve been testing it for a month so far. Though the high-efficiency filtration system works great, I recommend looking at other options with certified HEPA filters to reduce dander and allergens in a household with allergies that go beyond mild irritability.

With the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 compact placed in our main bedroom,  the air feels cleaner, free of fur and dust. As someone with no allergies, I wake up feeling clearer – especially as a mum with a fragmented sleep pattern. And my little one isn’t rubbing his nose anymore.

I like being able to control the settings using the Mi Home App on my phone. But a feature I really appreciate is the real-time air monitoring – where the mode changes as soon as it detects the air quality drop – specifically when I am cooking or whenever any home fragrance is burned – so it works harder to purify the air.

This is a personal account and positive review of the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 compact. While an air purifier may have a positive effect on your household, this is not a guaranteed solution for everyone with pre-existing allergies. If you / your child has any allergies, please consult a medical professional.