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Air Purifier Guide
It is estimated that 54.6% of Americans suffer from one or more allergies. Many more suffer from allergy symptoms yet may only rate as "borderline" or even negative on test results. More still do indeed have allergies yet haven't been able to pinpoint the particular allergens that trigger the negative reactions. Whether you have been officially diagnosed with specific allergies or not, if you don't feel well it's a good bet that your immediate surroundings are a large part of the problem.
Why?
Your home is an ideal environment to harbor allergens because as it protects you from the elements it also becomes an insulated home for pollutants such as dust mites, pet dander, mold and bacteria. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency states that you will often have a higher risk of encountering offending allergy triggers indoors than out.
So what's the solution?
It can be overwhelming to try and find the answers because your home should be a haven not a hazard. Plus there are so many differing opinions on the best treatment and prevention of allergies that it's difficult to know where to begin looking. Thankfully there are two unifying solutions that are the key components to turning an allergy sufferer's house into a home again: Invest in a quality air purifier and implement a new allergen-free regimen in your home.
Granted there is currently nothing on the market (from hypoallergenic bedding to medications) that can keep you completely safe from your own personal triggers. But if you're looking to get your life back it is imperative that you first safeguard the place where you spend the majority of your time, your home.
Why use an air purifying system?
Physicians view air purifiers as one of the best weapons against indoor pollutants and airborne contaminants. Even when you are absolutely diligent, pollutants will still keep coming at you, and they travel into your home in surprising ways such as in your hair, on your shoes, and on that new stuffed animal you bring home. We can't live in a plastic bubble but a quality air purification and filtration system can help clear the air in your home.
Defining your needs.
There are many types of air purifiers on the market, though not all are of the same quality. Before making a purchase first define your needs.
What contaminants and allergens does the system neutralize?
Depending on your condition you may need a unit that specifically tackles triggers such as allergens coming from dust mites and pet dander; a unit utilizing a true HEPA Air Purifier should work well for you.
HEPA filters(high efficiency particulate arrestor) must pass a stringent set of allergen trapping guidelines before being approved, and are said to be able to trap up to 99.97% of many airborne particles which are 0.3 microns in diameter (one micron equals 1/25,000 inch).
If you are highly sensitized to contaminants like Volatile Organic Compounds such as paint fumes, gases and bacteria you would do best to consider an air purifier that contains a Sealed HEPA filter and also contains a V.O.C. filter. In addition to text-book allergy sufferers, people with other autoimmune conditions can also be particularly susceptible to environmental toxins and can be benefited by having their home's air purified in this manner.
Choosing an air purifier.
With air purifiers there are certain benchmarks of quality to be on the lookout for. Some people check each system's ACH rating (the higher number of Air Changes per Hour the better), however, the medical grade units are “super efficient” are not rated in terms of ACH. These Sealed HEPA units are defined by CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. This is a better measurement to determine a units ability to circulate and clean the air.
You will also want to see if the manufacturer offers any sort of warranty.
If you are hoping to save money also look into the system's stats on efficiency and ongoing affordability, and look for units that have washable pre-filters, when at all possible.
Before deciding on a specific air purification system first consider how much of the home you hope to cover. Depending on your needs you can treat individual rooms such as your child's bedroom or possibly even your entire home.
Choosing a size.
Committing to an air purification system is no small investment, but if you or your loved-ones suffer from allergies you'll soon see that it's a wise use of resources. When a body is constantly in "fight" mode it is very easy for immune systems to become run down, making you susceptible to many more ailments than a person without allergies. You need time and a safe space to rest and rejuvenate, and while you have little control over the outside world you do have control over the air quality in your home.
When deciding on a system ask yourself what size will best suit your needs.
Room Purifiers - All free-standing room purifiers should make coverage information available, so make sure that the unit you choose adequately covers the square footage of the space needing treatment (some room purifiers can even cover up to 1,500 feet). Higher quality units contain a three-stage filtration system that includes a carbon washable pre-filter, a carbon VOC filter for odors, a and a SEALED True HEPA filter for capturing allergen particulates as small 0.3 microns. The V.O.C. filter removes hazards from the air such as solvent toxins and formaldehyde and a “sealed” HEPA filter does not allow any dirty air to come into the air purifier without flowing through the HEPA filter. Therefore, ALL of the air coming out of the unit is “purified”.
Please note that most manufacturers are careful to state that the air must actually pass through the filtration system to be successful, so while room purifiers are a good bet for smaller homes or apartments the best bet for true coverage may be a Whole House system.
Whole House Purifiers - Any purifier is better than none but a Whole House purifier is the best way to insure that you and your family are receiving adequate protection against allergens and toxins. One advantage to this type of purifier is that it can work as a free-standing unit or be connected to your furnace or AC. These systems offer the added convenience of treating all rooms in your home simultaneously so that you can go from one room to another without fear of suffering from asthma or a similar allergy attack. Like with the room purifier, please note that a quality three-stage filtration system should promise to tackle mold spores, pet dander, viral bacteria, pollen, smoke, radon and more.
Portable Purifiers - One of the most exciting advancements in air purifying technology is the ability to receive quality coverage while traveling. Sometimes weighing 5 pounds or less, these portable units can plug into your car's cigarette lighter and offer you protection against pollen, mold, pet dander, toxic fumes, diesel smoke, and more. These units are also excellent choices for use in hotel rooms and during overnight stays with family or friends.
Wearable Air Purifiers - So you've taken your house back from the terrible triggers that make your life miserable, but there's the rest of your life to get through out in a world of allergens; thankfully you can safeguard your health by wearing your own personal air purifier. Normally weighing no more than 1.5 ounces, these unobtrusive purifiers are worn around your neck to deliver pure air free of viruses, pollen, smoke fumes, toxic gases, and more. Lauded as a "must have" by business people on flights, wearable air filters are a clever and effective way to keep yourself healthy.
So we've covered Step One in safeguarding yourself against allergens in the home but in addition to getting an air purifier you must also implement a new allergen-deterring regimen in your home. Here's information about the specific irritants that may be lurking in your home, and how eliminate or nullify the effects of these allergens.
Dust mites House Dust Mites (also known as HDM) are one of the key causes of asthma. An average dust mite is barely visible to the naked eye, with a size that is normally 0.4 millimeters long by 0.25-0.32 millimeters wide. These creatures thrive in home environments, particularly in the bedrooms, and anywhere where there is carpet, upholstery and fabric. Dust mites thrive on the shed flakes of human skin making the home a particularly desirable location for these creatures.
Allergies are usually triggered by both the dust mites' feces and exoskeleton. Typical symptoms for allergy sufferers include wheezing, sneezing, itching, watering and reddening eyes, and even eczema. Vacuuming with a regular vacuum cleaner is not enough and may even make the mites more active, so the best course is to do the following...
Pet Dander
Pet allergies are another common concern in the home. Surprisingly it's rarely the animal's fur that causes allergies (though fur can trap pollen) so much as their dander. Think of dander as similar to the dried skin or dandruff that humans get.
Pet saliva and urine can also be irritants to allergy sufferers.
Symptoms of pet allergies most often include swelling and watering eyes that itch, and also a stuffy nose. More severe reactions include respiratory problems such as shortness of breath and wheezing and even skin rashes. Some have even reported flu-like symptoms coming on, when in fact it's an allergic reaction to dander.
Since pets are often regarded as close members of the family the prospect of removing them from the home is unthinkable; thankfully there are other precautions that should help alleviate pet allergy symptoms...
Also note that pet dander can float in the air for hours just waiting for you to inhale it as you walk by, so don't forget the importance of an air purifier, as well.
Pollen
As much as you try it is very difficult to keep the outdoor allergens outdoors. Triggers such as pollen are continually brought into the home on your shoes, clothes, and in your hair.
Typical symptoms of pollen allergies include extensive amounts of sneezing, swelling and itchy eyes, an itchy and stuffy or watery nose, and even a sore throat.
In addition to using some sort of air purification system it is important to follow these guidelines whenever possible...
Smoke
Smoke is not actually an allergen but an irritant and one of the key contributors to asthma attacks, It is also a particularly tricky trigger because symptoms often vary but include coughing, runny eyes, wheezing, throat tightening, headache and even feelings of nausea.
Exposure to smoke also seems to enhance the negative affects of other allergens as well. To help avoid such an irritant
Mold
Mold is ever-present, both indoors and out, making it incredibly difficult for those with allergies to mold. Mold thrives in damp, dark places and can spread by releasing spores that travel by air. Those with mold allergies need to pay careful attention not only to their surroundings but also to the foods they eat because items such as mushrooms, cheese and dried fruits can trigger negative reactions.
Symptoms of a mold allergy have similarities to pet and pollen allergies, with wheezing, watery and itchy eyes and a stuffy nose as the key tell-tale signs. Mold allergies can also result in a rash and hives. Older homes in humid climates are particularly susceptible to higher levels of mold, so much so that you may need professional assistance to keep it at bay.
But you can also work to keep your home clear by
Chemical sensitivities.
In addition to the standard list of common allergens it is important to touch on the topic of chemical sensitivities as well. Many people have sensitivities to certain odors or chemicals and don't even know it; they only know they don't feel right and are never really able to pinpoint the cause.
This is another case where a multi-spectrum air purifier can only enhance a person's quality of life. As with certain allergies you can have sensitivities to certain chemicals and feel any number of symptoms from migraines to nausea to watering eyes and sneezing.
Another lesser known symptom is simply feeling lifeless and lethargic and experiencing fuzzy thinking.
The tricky part about creating a home environment that deters allergens is that it might be easy to go overboard with the cleaning products; the result may be in removing one trigger but greatly increasing another.
Whenever you clean it would be wise to use non-noxious or "green" products, especially formulated for people with allergies. It's also a good idea to wear a mask when cleaning and also latex-free gloves.
Once finished, remove your cleaning clothes and put in a hamper or wash immediately because the chemical smells may linger long after the cleaning session is completed.
If you suspect that you or your loved ones suffer from sensitivities to certain chemicals it would also be sensible to seek out an air purification system that specifically addresses the issues of Volatile Organic Compounds (V.O.C.s).
In the beginning stages of turning your allergy-ridden home into a safe-zone it may seem overwhelming. But the advantages to having a healthy place where your immune system can take a break will far outweigh the initial effort of the home-care changes listed above. The prescription is both simple and highly effective: make the effort and investment to create a truly healthy place for you and your family to enjoy; invest in a quality air purifier and also make your home an unwelcoming environment to the triggers that make you feel beaten down and exhausted. With these steps your house will soon be a home again.
Why?
Your home is an ideal environment to harbor allergens because as it protects you from the elements it also becomes an insulated home for pollutants such as dust mites, pet dander, mold and bacteria. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency states that you will often have a higher risk of encountering offending allergy triggers indoors than out.
So what's the solution?
It can be overwhelming to try and find the answers because your home should be a haven not a hazard. Plus there are so many differing opinions on the best treatment and prevention of allergies that it's difficult to know where to begin looking. Thankfully there are two unifying solutions that are the key components to turning an allergy sufferer's house into a home again: Invest in a quality air purifier and implement a new allergen-free regimen in your home.
Granted there is currently nothing on the market (from hypoallergenic bedding to medications) that can keep you completely safe from your own personal triggers. But if you're looking to get your life back it is imperative that you first safeguard the place where you spend the majority of your time, your home.
Why use an air purifying system?
Physicians view air purifiers as one of the best weapons against indoor pollutants and airborne contaminants. Even when you are absolutely diligent, pollutants will still keep coming at you, and they travel into your home in surprising ways such as in your hair, on your shoes, and on that new stuffed animal you bring home. We can't live in a plastic bubble but a quality air purification and filtration system can help clear the air in your home.
Defining your needs.
There are many types of air purifiers on the market, though not all are of the same quality. Before making a purchase first define your needs.
What contaminants and allergens does the system neutralize?
Depending on your condition you may need a unit that specifically tackles triggers such as allergens coming from dust mites and pet dander; a unit utilizing a true HEPA Air Purifier should work well for you.
HEPA filters(high efficiency particulate arrestor) must pass a stringent set of allergen trapping guidelines before being approved, and are said to be able to trap up to 99.97% of many airborne particles which are 0.3 microns in diameter (one micron equals 1/25,000 inch).
If you are highly sensitized to contaminants like Volatile Organic Compounds such as paint fumes, gases and bacteria you would do best to consider an air purifier that contains a Sealed HEPA filter and also contains a V.O.C. filter. In addition to text-book allergy sufferers, people with other autoimmune conditions can also be particularly susceptible to environmental toxins and can be benefited by having their home's air purified in this manner.
Choosing an air purifier.
With air purifiers there are certain benchmarks of quality to be on the lookout for. Some people check each system's ACH rating (the higher number of Air Changes per Hour the better), however, the medical grade units are “super efficient” are not rated in terms of ACH. These Sealed HEPA units are defined by CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. This is a better measurement to determine a units ability to circulate and clean the air.
You will also want to see if the manufacturer offers any sort of warranty.
If you are hoping to save money also look into the system's stats on efficiency and ongoing affordability, and look for units that have washable pre-filters, when at all possible.
Before deciding on a specific air purification system first consider how much of the home you hope to cover. Depending on your needs you can treat individual rooms such as your child's bedroom or possibly even your entire home.
Choosing a size.
Committing to an air purification system is no small investment, but if you or your loved-ones suffer from allergies you'll soon see that it's a wise use of resources. When a body is constantly in "fight" mode it is very easy for immune systems to become run down, making you susceptible to many more ailments than a person without allergies. You need time and a safe space to rest and rejuvenate, and while you have little control over the outside world you do have control over the air quality in your home.
When deciding on a system ask yourself what size will best suit your needs.
Room Purifiers - All free-standing room purifiers should make coverage information available, so make sure that the unit you choose adequately covers the square footage of the space needing treatment (some room purifiers can even cover up to 1,500 feet). Higher quality units contain a three-stage filtration system that includes a carbon washable pre-filter, a carbon VOC filter for odors, a and a SEALED True HEPA filter for capturing allergen particulates as small 0.3 microns. The V.O.C. filter removes hazards from the air such as solvent toxins and formaldehyde and a “sealed” HEPA filter does not allow any dirty air to come into the air purifier without flowing through the HEPA filter. Therefore, ALL of the air coming out of the unit is “purified”.
Please note that most manufacturers are careful to state that the air must actually pass through the filtration system to be successful, so while room purifiers are a good bet for smaller homes or apartments the best bet for true coverage may be a Whole House system.
Whole House Purifiers - Any purifier is better than none but a Whole House purifier is the best way to insure that you and your family are receiving adequate protection against allergens and toxins. One advantage to this type of purifier is that it can work as a free-standing unit or be connected to your furnace or AC. These systems offer the added convenience of treating all rooms in your home simultaneously so that you can go from one room to another without fear of suffering from asthma or a similar allergy attack. Like with the room purifier, please note that a quality three-stage filtration system should promise to tackle mold spores, pet dander, viral bacteria, pollen, smoke, radon and more.
Portable Purifiers - One of the most exciting advancements in air purifying technology is the ability to receive quality coverage while traveling. Sometimes weighing 5 pounds or less, these portable units can plug into your car's cigarette lighter and offer you protection against pollen, mold, pet dander, toxic fumes, diesel smoke, and more. These units are also excellent choices for use in hotel rooms and during overnight stays with family or friends.
Wearable Air Purifiers - So you've taken your house back from the terrible triggers that make your life miserable, but there's the rest of your life to get through out in a world of allergens; thankfully you can safeguard your health by wearing your own personal air purifier. Normally weighing no more than 1.5 ounces, these unobtrusive purifiers are worn around your neck to deliver pure air free of viruses, pollen, smoke fumes, toxic gases, and more. Lauded as a "must have" by business people on flights, wearable air filters are a clever and effective way to keep yourself healthy.
So we've covered Step One in safeguarding yourself against allergens in the home but in addition to getting an air purifier you must also implement a new allergen-deterring regimen in your home. Here's information about the specific irritants that may be lurking in your home, and how eliminate or nullify the effects of these allergens.
Dust mites House Dust Mites (also known as HDM) are one of the key causes of asthma. An average dust mite is barely visible to the naked eye, with a size that is normally 0.4 millimeters long by 0.25-0.32 millimeters wide. These creatures thrive in home environments, particularly in the bedrooms, and anywhere where there is carpet, upholstery and fabric. Dust mites thrive on the shed flakes of human skin making the home a particularly desirable location for these creatures.
Allergies are usually triggered by both the dust mites' feces and exoskeleton. Typical symptoms for allergy sufferers include wheezing, sneezing, itching, watering and reddening eyes, and even eczema. Vacuuming with a regular vacuum cleaner is not enough and may even make the mites more active, so the best course is to do the following...
- Remove carpeting; carpet and bedding are the two favorite homes for dust mites.
- Vacuum with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner.
- Use mite-proof pillow casings and bed covers.
- Keep home tidy and clutter free.
- Dust using a wet towel so that dust isn't agitated and thrown into the air.
- Wash bedding in hot water.
Pet Dander
Pet allergies are another common concern in the home. Surprisingly it's rarely the animal's fur that causes allergies (though fur can trap pollen) so much as their dander. Think of dander as similar to the dried skin or dandruff that humans get.
Pet saliva and urine can also be irritants to allergy sufferers.
Symptoms of pet allergies most often include swelling and watering eyes that itch, and also a stuffy nose. More severe reactions include respiratory problems such as shortness of breath and wheezing and even skin rashes. Some have even reported flu-like symptoms coming on, when in fact it's an allergic reaction to dander.
Since pets are often regarded as close members of the family the prospect of removing them from the home is unthinkable; thankfully there are other precautions that should help alleviate pet allergy symptoms...
- Keep your pet out of the bedroom and off of furniture.
- Wash your pet weekly.
- Clean pet's bedding while wearing a mask and latex-free gloves.
- Once finished cuddling with a pet, remove clothing and place in hamper in laundry room.
- Wash bedding often and use allergen barrier casings for all bedding.
- Relegate strenuous play with pet to the outdoors.
- Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner to capture dander.
Also note that pet dander can float in the air for hours just waiting for you to inhale it as you walk by, so don't forget the importance of an air purifier, as well.
Pollen
As much as you try it is very difficult to keep the outdoor allergens outdoors. Triggers such as pollen are continually brought into the home on your shoes, clothes, and in your hair.
Typical symptoms of pollen allergies include extensive amounts of sneezing, swelling and itchy eyes, an itchy and stuffy or watery nose, and even a sore throat.
In addition to using some sort of air purification system it is important to follow these guidelines whenever possible...
- Keep shoes in a mudroom or the garage instead of bringing into the home.
- Use an outdoor shower after being outside doing yard work.
- Clean house regularly.
- And if you are highly sensitized to pollen you may also want to consider setting up an outdoor shower to use before entering the home.
Smoke
Smoke is not actually an allergen but an irritant and one of the key contributors to asthma attacks, It is also a particularly tricky trigger because symptoms often vary but include coughing, runny eyes, wheezing, throat tightening, headache and even feelings of nausea.
Exposure to smoke also seems to enhance the negative affects of other allergens as well. To help avoid such an irritant
- refrain from smoking in the home and frequenting smoky establishments.
- You should also remove clothing that smells like smoke and wash them immediately.
- Also remember to run your kitchen fan whenever cooking.
Mold
Mold is ever-present, both indoors and out, making it incredibly difficult for those with allergies to mold. Mold thrives in damp, dark places and can spread by releasing spores that travel by air. Those with mold allergies need to pay careful attention not only to their surroundings but also to the foods they eat because items such as mushrooms, cheese and dried fruits can trigger negative reactions.
Symptoms of a mold allergy have similarities to pet and pollen allergies, with wheezing, watery and itchy eyes and a stuffy nose as the key tell-tale signs. Mold allergies can also result in a rash and hives. Older homes in humid climates are particularly susceptible to higher levels of mold, so much so that you may need professional assistance to keep it at bay.
But you can also work to keep your home clear by
- purifying the air
- cleaning your home on a regular basis with allergy cleaning products.
- Also be sure to inspect all foods carefully before consuming.
Chemical sensitivities.
In addition to the standard list of common allergens it is important to touch on the topic of chemical sensitivities as well. Many people have sensitivities to certain odors or chemicals and don't even know it; they only know they don't feel right and are never really able to pinpoint the cause.
This is another case where a multi-spectrum air purifier can only enhance a person's quality of life. As with certain allergies you can have sensitivities to certain chemicals and feel any number of symptoms from migraines to nausea to watering eyes and sneezing.
Another lesser known symptom is simply feeling lifeless and lethargic and experiencing fuzzy thinking.
The tricky part about creating a home environment that deters allergens is that it might be easy to go overboard with the cleaning products; the result may be in removing one trigger but greatly increasing another.
Whenever you clean it would be wise to use non-noxious or "green" products, especially formulated for people with allergies. It's also a good idea to wear a mask when cleaning and also latex-free gloves.
Once finished, remove your cleaning clothes and put in a hamper or wash immediately because the chemical smells may linger long after the cleaning session is completed.
If you suspect that you or your loved ones suffer from sensitivities to certain chemicals it would also be sensible to seek out an air purification system that specifically addresses the issues of Volatile Organic Compounds (V.O.C.s).
In the beginning stages of turning your allergy-ridden home into a safe-zone it may seem overwhelming. But the advantages to having a healthy place where your immune system can take a break will far outweigh the initial effort of the home-care changes listed above. The prescription is both simple and highly effective: make the effort and investment to create a truly healthy place for you and your family to enjoy; invest in a quality air purifier and also make your home an unwelcoming environment to the triggers that make you feel beaten down and exhausted. With these steps your house will soon be a home again.
