None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study is testing whether using HEPA filter air purifiers at home overnight can improve the quality of life for adults with asthma, particularly during high pollution days. Adults with asthma will be randomly assigned to receive either a real HEPA air purifier or a look-alike placebo purifier that does not filter the air. The study will measure changes in asthma symptoms, sleep quality, nasal health, and lung function before and after intervention.
Interventions
Arm 1: HEPA filter air purifier
Participants allocated to the intervention group will receive a portable High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter air purifier placed in their bedroom for 12 months. We will use Hefil HEPA filter manufactured from Shanghai Heyi Purification Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd. The device is designed to remove airborne particles and allergens and is suitable for cleaning the air in a standard-sized room. Participants will be instructed to operate the filter daily
Arm 1: HEPA filter air purifier Participants allocated to the intervention group will receive a portable High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter air purifier placed in their bedroom for 12 months. We will use Hefil HEPA filter manufactured from Shanghai Heyi Purification Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd. The device is designed to remove airborne particles and allergens and is suitable for cleaning the air in a standard-sized room. Participants will be instructed to operate the filter daily and continuously throughout the study period. The intervention will be delivered in participants’ homes by trained research staff during a scheduled home visit, which will include installation, demonstration of device use, and provision of written instructions. Participants will also be given contact details for technical support if required. To monitor adherence, participants will complete adherence check questionnaires at Day 7 and Day 14 after installation, and subsequently at monthly intervals throughout the 12-month study period. In addition, each HEPA unit contains an internal meter that records operational time and usage. Temporary non-use or discontinuation of the intervention is discouraged, but if required, participants will be instructed to notify study staff immediately. All interruptions and reasons for non-use will be documented in the Incident Report Form. The intervention will be discontinued if a participant withdraws from the study, if continued use poses a safety risk, or if protocol violations occur that may compromise participant safety.
Sponsors
University of Melbourne
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Primary purpose
Prevention
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1. Adults from the general population with a diagnosis of asthma 2. Individual living in Melbourne 3. Willing to have three home visits over 12months 4. Willing to use the HEPA filter continuously throughout the study period 5. Prefer people with moderate-severe asthma defined as use of corticosteroid tablets, visit to ED or urgent care, or admission to hospital in past 12 months
Exclusion criteria
1. Individuals with other significant respiratory conditions (e.g., pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer) 2. Enrolled in another interventional respiratory trial
Outcome results
None listed