Redditor Had Been Using An Air Purifier For Five Years Only To Find Out He Didn’t Set It Up Properly

One Redditor thought they had finally found a fix for a stubborn bedroom problem, and it took five years to learn the setup was wrong the whole time. The story starts with chronic asthma, a few well-meaning attempts to make the room easier to breathe in, and an air purifier that seemed to do almost nothing.

After a friend suggested trying an air purifier, OP kept using it anyway, even without seeing much change. Then, while making the bed, they spotted a button on the machine and realized the real mistake was much bigger than a missed setting.

That tiny discovery turned an ordinary appliance into a very expensive punchline.

This is OP's TIFU post

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OP enumerated the things they did to prevent their condition from being severely triggered in the bedroom.

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It seemed like OP had already tried everything.

They followed their friend’s suggestion and stuck with it in case it worked after a long time.

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OP’s condition had gotten better, and they thanked the stars that they decided to keep using the air purifier.

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Then the air purifier finally gave up its secret.

Then OP noticed the filter change button on the purifier and realized their mistake of not replacing it; however, when they opened the purifier, they made a bigger mistake: not removing the plastic film that it came with.

Apparently, they had been using the filter with that on, so it wasn’t exactly working as it should have for the past five years.

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Here’s a summary...

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...and an update from OP

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Five years is a long time for a mistake to stay hidden.

It is surprising that the air purifier lasted five years and never once broke down.

darctones

A Redditor described what they did instead of relying on air purifiers.

Byte_the_hand

That sparked a few more practical confessions.

Also, this is like the AITA debate over adopting a cat despite a partner’s allergies.

Others seemed interested and asked more about it.

Ratharax

Apparently, it’s a recommended legitimate tip, especially for those who live in the same place as OP.

BurningBright

Under this thread, there was a comment about testing the limits of expensive purifiers.

its_justme

And it started a lengthy conversation about farts.

IAmTheFatman666

Reddit did not waste the opportunity.

This Redditor played the game long before trendy air purifiers.

smearing

While this one proposed to modify the inconsistencies.

Borteams

But then, apparently, your pets can join in too.

The_milks_gone_bad

OP’s asthma did get a lot better, but if you’re still someone who’s suffering from allergies, this might help.

Strong-Release-5062

OP might’ve just saved a lot of people from making the same mistake.

feedthetrashpanda

OP’s hilarious post could be other people’s saving grace from committing the same mistake. Air purifiers have become more of a staple fixture in most people’s homes nowadays, so it’s better to have more information about them.

There are a lot of options on what to buy and what would be good in the long run. As long as you don’t forget to change the filter, you’ll be good to go.

Have you had one of these moments like OP? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments.

May your next appliance be less embarrassing.

Want the allergy-versus-compassion angle too? See what happened after her partner surprised her with a cat.