Air purifiers can cost $100-$800 or more, but if you have asthma, allergies, or another respiratory condition, you may be able to pay with pre-tax HSA or FSA dollars and potentially save 20-40% on your purchase.
Let’s walk who qualifies for HSA or FSA coverage for air purifiers, how to use your HSA or FSA for an air purifier, and how to find the air purifier that’s right for your needs.
What are HSAs and FSAs?
A Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) lets you use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses. This includes things like prescriptions, therapy, and in some cases, medical equipment.
| Feature | HSA | FSA |
| Eligibility | High-deductible health plan required | Employer-offered |
| Rollover | Funds roll over annually | Use-it-or-lose-it (some grace periods) |
| Ownership | You own it (portable) | Employer owns it |
| Contribution Limits (2025) | $4,300 individual / $8,550 family | Set by employer (typically $3,200) |
Because purchases are tax-free, using one for eligible items can stretch your money further, sometimes saving you 20-40% compared to paying with after-tax dollars.
Are air purifiers eligible medical expenses in 2025?
Not by default. Air purifiers are not automatically listed as “medical devices” by the IRS. To qualify, your device needs to serve a medical purpose, for example, treating a diagnosed condition like asthma, chronic allergies, or COPD.
“HEPA Filter” by BruceBlaus is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
If your doctor recommends a purifier as part of your treatment plan, you may be able to use your HSA or FSA funds. But you’ll need documentation that proves it’s not just for comfort or general wellness.
Who qualifies for HSA or FSA coverage of air purifiers?
Anyone with a diagnosed medical condition that benefits from cleaner air can usually make the case for an eligible purchase. This includes people managing respiratory or immune-related health issues where air quality can impact symptoms or recovery.
Here are some examples of qualifying conditions:
- Asthma
- Allergies (including seasonal and environmental)
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Emphysema
- Heart disease
- Immune system disorders
- Lung cancer
- Mold exposure
- Multiple chemical sensitivity
- Pregnancy (air quality is often part of prenatal recommendations)
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Post-surgery recovery
- Respiratory infections
- Sinusitis
- Sleep apnea
- Smoking or secondhand smoke exposure
How to know if you qualify
If your doctor has diagnosed you with any condition that affects breathing, immune function, or recovery from respiratory illness, an air purifier may qualify as medical equipment. The key question: Does cleaner air reduce your symptoms or support your treatment plan? If yes, you likely have a strong case for HSA/FSA eligibility.
Why? Well, air purifiers help reduce airborne irritants that aggravate the lungs, throat, and sinuses. For someone with asthma, fewer airborne triggers can mean fewer attacks. For someone recovering from surgery or illness, cleaner air can lower inflammation and help the body heal.
In short, an air purifier can be a legitimate medical device when used to treat a specific, diagnosed issue.
How to use your HSA or FSA for an air purifier
Here’s the full process from start to finish, so you can buy confidently and get reimbursed without the headache.
1. Confirm eligibility with your plan
Every HSA and FSA provider has its own list of approved expenses. Start by logging into your account or calling your plan’s support line. Common HSA/FSA administrators include Optum Bank, HealthEquity, WageWorks (now part of HealthEquity), Fidelity, HSA Bank, and Lively. Check your insurance card or benefits portal to find your specific administrator, then contact them directly about air purifier eligibility.
Ask them directly:
“Does my plan consider air purifiers eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity?”
If they say yes, write down any details, like whether you need pre-approval or if filters are covered too.
Some brands even label certain models as “HSA/FSA eligible.” It’s not a guarantee, but it can make things easier when filing your claim.
2. Get a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your doctor
Once your plan confirms that air purifiers can qualify, your next step is getting a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your doctor. This letter tells your HSA or FSA provider that your purchase is medically required for your condition.
You don’t need to write the letter yourself. Your doctor will provide it, but you can make their job easier by sharing a sample. You can either email your doctor with a short note and example letter attached, or print one out to bring to your next appointment.
If you prefer to email, here’s an example message you can send:
Hi Dr. [Name],
I’m planning to buy a HEPA air purifier to help manage my [condition], and my HSA/FSA provider requires a Letter of Medical Necessity for reimbursement. Would you be willing to fill out or sign the attached example for my records?
Thank you so much for your help,
[Your Name]
If you’d rather bring it to your appointment, just print the sample letter below. Most doctors appreciate having a clear template to work from instead of writing one from scratch.
Sample Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)
[Address]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am the treating healthcare provider for [Patient Name], who has been diagnosed with [Condition, e.g., asthma or chronic respiratory illness].
I am recommending the use of an air purifier equipped with a True HEPA filter to reduce airborne allergens, particulate matter, and pollutants that may worsen symptoms associated with this condition.
This device is medically necessary to support the patient’s treatment plan and overall respiratory health. Please consider this letter documentation for HSA or FSA eligibility.
Provider Name: _______________________
Title/License: ________________________
Practice Name: _______________________
Signature: ___________________________
Date: _______________________________
Once your doctor completes it, they’ll sign it or print it on their letterhead and give you a copy to include with your HSA or FSA claim.
3. Choose and buy your purifier carefully
Now that you have your documentation, choose a purifier that fits both your space and your medical needs. Look for one with a True HEPA filter to capture allergens and fine particles, and avoid models with ionizers that produce ozone. Learn how HEPA filters work to trap airborne contaminants.
Whole-house systems usually don’t qualify because they’re treated as home improvements rather than medical equipment. Stick with portable air purifiers, ideally those labeled as HEPA or medical-grade.
If you’re not sure where to start, Find My Purifier can help. You’ll answer a few quick questions about your home and health, and our personalized quiz will recommend purifiers that fit your exact needs. When it asks, “Does anyone in your home have breathing or immune issues?” make sure to select Yes. That way, you’ll see medical-grade purifiers that are best suited for HSA or FSA eligibility.
When you check out, make sure your receipt clearly lists the product name. Something like “HEPA air purifier” helps your claim go through faster than a vague “home appliance” listing.
4. Submit your claim and documentation
Once you’ve purchased your purifier, submit everything through your HSA or FSA provider’s portal. You can usually do this online by uploading your:
- Letter of Medical Necessity
- Itemized receipt showing model and date
- Proof of payment
If your plan allows direct purchases, you can use your HSA/FSA card at checkout. Otherwise, pay upfront and request reimbursement. If your claim gets denied, don’t worry. It usually means something small is missing, like a signature or extra detail on your letter.
5. Keep track of filter replacements
If your purifier is approved as a medical expense, replacement filters often qualify too. They’re typically considered part of the ongoing maintenance of your medical device. Most HEPA filters need replacing every 6-12 months depending on usage and air quality, so plan to submit claims regularly. Pre-filters may need changing every 3 months.
Keep receipts for each filter purchase and note that it’s for your approved purifier. Some plans require a new Letter of Medical Necessity each year, especially for recurring claims like filter subscriptions, so it’s worth checking in with your administrator.
FAQs
Do I need a new doctor’s note every year?
Most administrators require a new Letter of Medical Necessity each plan year to confirm your condition is still being treated. Some may accept a multi-year note if your condition is chronic and unchanging, but it’s best to ask your plan directly so you don’t run into reimbursement issues later.
Can I use my HSA/FSA for whole-house systems?
No. Whole-house systems are generally classified as home improvements, not medical devices, even if they improve air quality. HSA and FSA funds are only approved for portable medical-grade air purifiers used to treat a specific health condition.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for replacement air filters?
Yes, if your purifier was originally approved as a medical expense. Replacement filters are often viewed as part of the maintenance of that device. Keep your receipts and note which purifier they’re for. Some plans ask for a new Letter of Medical Necessity each year, so it doesn’t hurt to request your doctor to mention “ongoing filter replacements” in your letter.
Do I need a prescription for an air purifier to qualify?
No, a prescription isn’t required but a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) usually is as it explains why you need the purifier for your condition. The letter should come from your healthcare provider and include your diagnosis, how the purifier supports your treatment, and their signature. See above for a draft letter you can provide to your doctor.
What if my claim is denied?
You can appeal. Many denials happen because of missing documentation, not ineligibility. Double-check that your Letter of Medical Necessity is signed, dated, and specific about your diagnosis and treatment need. Resubmit with additional paperwork or a short note from your doctor clarifying your condition. If the claim is still denied, your plan administrator should explain why, and you may be able to refile after updating your documentation.
Can I buy an air purifier now and submit for reimbursement later?
Yes. As long as the purchase was made after your HSA or FSA coverage began, you can submit it retroactively once you have your doctor’s letter. Just remember to keep your original receipt and proof of payment. Most plans give you at least 12 months to file claims.
How can I find purifiers that are more likely to qualify for HSA or FSA use?
Choose models designed for medical or respiratory needs, especially those with True HEPA filters and certifications like AHAM or Energy Star. Find My Purifier helps match you to purifiers that fit your health needs, room size, and budget. When the quiz asks, “Does anyone in your home have breathing or immune issues?” select Yes, and that will surface medical-grade models that best support HSA or FSA eligibility.
Are air purifiers tax deductible without an HSA/FSA?
Air purifiers are generally not tax deductible as a standard medical expense unless you meet specific criteria. To claim an air purifier tax deductible status on your tax return, you must:
- Have a doctor's prescription for a diagnosed medical condition
- Itemize deductions on Schedule A
- Have total medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of your adjusted gross income
Using HSA or FSA funds is typically more beneficial since you avoid taxes upfront rather than deducting expenses later. Consult a tax professional to determine if you qualify for air purifier tax deductible status.
What brands of air purifiers are HSA/FSA eligible?
No specific brands are automatically eligible. Any air purifier can qualify if prescribed for a medical condition, but look for models labeled "medical-grade" or "HEPA certified" as these are easier to justify to your plan administrator.
You can absolutely use your HSA or FSA to buy an air purifier or filters, but only when it’s prescribed for a medical condition and backed by proper documentation.
Check your plan, get your doctor’s letter, and keep your paperwork organized. If you’re not sure which purifier to choose, Find My Purifier can help you narrow it down based on your health needs and home setup.
You’ll breathe easier knowing your air is cleaner, your health is supported, and your dollars are working smarter.
About this guide
This guide was created by the team at Find My Purifier, a resource dedicated to helping people navigate the complex world of indoor air quality solutions. Our content is based on peer-reviewed research, EPA guidelines, and real-world testing data. We regularly update our guides to reflect the latest air quality science and product innovations.
Last Updated: November 5, 2025