As the back-to-school season approaches, families everywhere are checking off supply lists and prepping for a return to routines. But there’s one powerful school success tool you might not be thinking about—clean air.
Whether your child is starting preschool or heading off to college, the air they breathe directly impacts how they learn, sleep, and feel. And for kids with asthma, allergies, or immune sensitivities, a healthy breathing environment is essential to keeping them in the classroom and out of the ER.
At Austin Air, we hear stories every day from parents, students, teachers, and health professionals whose lives have changed because of our purifiers. Here’s how clean air can make this school year the healthiest—and most successful—yet.
Clean Air Keeps Kids in Class
School absenteeism is a major challenge for children with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies. But when the air at home is clean and safe, kids don’t just feel better—they stay better. That was the key finding in a landmark clinical trial led by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
The study placed Austin Air Purifiers in both the bedrooms and living areas of children with asthma. Over 12 months, emergency room visits dropped significantly. And fewer trips to the ER means fewer missed days of school—something we hear about from parents time and time again.
Phyllis R., a long-time Austin Air customer, shared a similarly encouraging experience:
“My son is now 33 years old. When he was in kindergarten he developed a cough so severe that he would vomit from it. He was diagnosed with a dust allergy and given a nasal spray medication to control the coughing. This medication proved very irritating to his nasal passages. That was when I purchased my first HealthMate Junior for his bedroom. He was able to go off the medication. Over the years, as long as he kept the air filter plugged in, he did not cough.”
Megan Z. shared how her high school-aged daughter suffered for years with chronic illness, only to discover mold in their home’s ductwork.
“She was getting monthly colds that would take her down for 10 days, including laryngitis, which is not ideal for a musical theater kid. We returned to the house and plugged her Austin Air purifier into her bedroom. I can very happily state that she has been cold free and free of flu and all the viruses. Nothing has touched her for the last few months, and she’s never been happier.”
Unsurprisingly, a study from Finland looked at the impact of air purification in daycare settings and found that air purifiers significantly reduced the number of sick days among children, leading to fewer respiratory infections and healthier learning environments overall.
Going to school isn’t just about showing up—it’s where children learn, connect with peers, build confidence, and grow. But for kids who are frequently sick, these opportunities slip through their fingers. Each missed day adds up: falling behind on lessons, missing social milestones, and losing momentum. Clean air can make all the difference for these kids.
Send Them Off to College With Clean Air Confidence
College dorms might offer independence—but not always the best air quality. College dorms often have challenges with indoor air quality due to their age, dense occupancy, and limited ventilation systems.
Materials used in older buildings can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), while moisture buildup can lead to mold growth—both of which can aggravate respiratory conditions and allergies. Shared living spaces also increase exposure to germs and airborne irritants, making clean air essential for restful sleep, focus, and overall well-being.
Austin Air Junior units are compact, powerful, and perfectly sized for dorm rooms. Many families consider them an essential part of move-in day.
As Phyllis R. shared:
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And Susan H. told us:
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But your child doesn’t need a health problem or a mold issue to justify bringing an air purifier away with them to the dorm or their first apartment.
Breathing Easier = Learning Better
Research shows that exposure to air pollution in early childhood can significantly impair brain development. Several studies highlighted in a previous edition of our Austin Air blog show that even short-term exposure to polluted air affects children’s ability to focus and retain information. Over time, these effects can disrupt cognitive function, delay development, and negatively impact school performance.
Poor air quality has been linked to changes in brain structure and reduced white matter, which plays a key role in learning and memory. The brain is especially vulnerable during the early years when critical developmental processes are taking place—and even brief exposures to pollutants can have lasting consequences.
Another large-scale study from the Annenberg Institute at Brown University found that installing air filtration systems in schools led to significant improvements in test scores, particularly in areas with higher levels of outdoor air pollution like those near highways and industrial zones.1
And Alex W., a middle school biology teacher in Los Angeles, knows firsthand how clean air affects the body:
“Having the Austin Air filter has drastically changed how I sleep, how my teeth feel in the morning, and most likely every cell in my body…
As a middle school science teacher (Biology and Health), I make a point to discuss air quality (South Coast AQMD!) with my students. I also have a pretty good grasp on how what we breathe affects us. This is why my partner and I plan on getting an Austin Air filter for our future child’s room as soon as that happens! We understand the importance of fresh air for new lungs as well as the movement of air within the room.”
Clean air protects growing minds—and gives every child a better chance at reaching their full potential.
A Gift That Keeps the Whole Class Breathing Easy
When we think of gifts for teachers, we don’t usually consider appliances. But what if an entire class chipped in to give something truly impactful—clean air? Clean air helps reduce illness, supports immune health, and keeps more kids where they belong: in class, learning.
Children with asthma, allergies, or chronic illness are especially vulnerable to frequent absences—even otherwise healthy children can fall ill simply by being in close contact with others. An Austin Air Purifier in a classroom doesn’t just clean the air—it helps protect every student’s chance to thrive.
Whether you’re buying backpacks or decorating a dorm, don’t overlook what you can’t see: the air.
Austin Air Purifiers have helped thousands of families breathe easier, sleep deeper, and stay healthier—from kindergarten through college and beyond. We’re proud to be a trusted part of your home and your school year. Let’s bring clean air back to school—because every breath counts.
Want to bring clean, healthy air into a classroom near you? Explore the Parent Teacher Toolkit from Austin Air—a powerful collection of resources designed to help parents, teachers, and advocates take action. Whether you’re looking to raise awareness, start a fundraiser, or bring medical-grade air purifiers into your local school, our Toolkit offers simple steps, helpful talking points, and creative ideas to get you started. Every child deserves to breathe clean air while they learn and educators deserve the best working conditions possible. YOU can help make it happen.
REFERENCE
1 Gilraine, Michael. Air Filters, Pollution and Student Achievement. EdWorkingPaper: 20-188. Retrieved from Annenberg Institute at Brown University: http://www.edworkingpapers.com/ai20-188.
