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Air purifiers often use a specific kind of filter, called either a carbon filter or a charcoal filter, to deal with smells. They contain something called activated carbon, which is a form of carbon derived from charcoal and chemically treated so that it has a large surface area and tends to absorb odors.
The short version is that if you're buying an air purifier that has this, it will get rid of most odors, such as cigarette smoke or pet smells. However, you need to pay attention to more than just this filter - a carbon filter does NOTHING about dirt, dust, or anything other than smells. The only thing a carbon filter can get rid of is gas. If the only kind of filter the air cleaner has is a carbon filter, then it's really just a de-odorizer. It will not help you with your allergies or any breathing problems. You ideally want it to have something else, too - they're great filters for smells, but most people buy an air cleaner for other reasons, too.
One other thing to watch is the cost of replacing the filter. It's a good idea to check out how much a replacement carbon filter as well as any other filters will cost you before buying. Sometimes you'll get sticker shock - the filters are usually the most expensive part of any air cleaner.
Sources and Useful Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activated_charcoal
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_filtering
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