Sylvane - Solutions for a Healthy Indoor Environment

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Air Purifiers and Allergies

Dealing with allergies has come a long way over the years, but still those unbearable symptoms plague many people day and night. Our homes should be a safe haven from the allergen triggers that cause the sneezing, runny noses, and water eyes, but many times they do just the opposite. The EPA has noted that the air inside our homes is often 10 times more polluted than the air outside—this issue is serious, particularly if you suffer from allergies. Taking control of the quality of air you breathe is the first step to becoming more symptom-free. The number one recommended investment in keeping your indoor air quality at its purest is an air purifier. Air purifiers, also known as air cleaners, have long been recommended by allergy doctors and respiratory therapists for their ability to minimize pollutants in your home.

In general, air purifiers clean the air in one of three ways: by collecting particles in filters (either mechanical or electronic), by creating an ionic (static) charge to attract particles onto a collection plate, or through some combination of these methods. Many air purifiers can trap both small and large particles, and HEPA filtering systems can trap up to 99.97% of particles .3 microns and larger. These machines come in a variety of styles, designs, and sizes to fit your specific needs. Many are specially designed for the needs of allergy sufferers.

The Triggers
Air cleaners address the most common pollutants that can trigger an allergy attack.

Pollen - Pollen is the number one allergen that people suffer from. It is microscopic and can easily find its way into your home through windows and doors and can be tracked inside by people and pets. Air purifiers, particularly those with HEPA filters, help to remove pollen from the air before it can settle on furniture or saturate your indoor air.
Dust Mites - Dust mites thrive in most homes, particularly in mattresses and upholstered furniture where they readily find the two things they need to survive: food (dead skin cells) and water (perspiration). It is the waste products of these tiny bugs that trigger the allergic reaction. The feces of these parasites are readily found on surface areas and floating around in the air. Reducing the number of dust mites in your home is the key to reducing this airborne pollutant. An air purifier can target the dust mites and dust mite particles moving around in the air. A properly sized air purifier with a HEPA filter can make all the difference in getting a good night’s sleep in your bedroom or simply breathing easy where ever you are in your home.
Pet Dander - Air purifiers are very effective in eliminating dander and fur from the air. Having much less pet dander floating through your air will significantly reduce the chronic sneezing and wheezing associated with cat and other pet allergies. Other steps that are wise to take when dealing with pet allergies is to keep the pets outside as much as possible. And when or if this is not possible, try to limit them to specific areas of the house – preferably areas without carpet or upholstered furniture. In addition, keeping pets out of the bedroom or at least off the bed will let you sleep more easily and more allergen free.

Smoke - There should be no smoking in the home of someone with allergies. It is important to ask family or friends to smoke outdoors. If a smoke-free home is not possible, try to contain the smoking to one room of the house. Eliminate carpet, drapes and other smoke-catching items in the room. Furthermore, investing in an air purifier designed to properly eliminate tobacco smoke and other gases is an important step to reducing allergy symptoms caused from smoke. These specialized air cleaners can eliminate the smoke and odors caused by tobacco smoke, cooking smoke, or fireplaces, and help to control exposure for the allergy sufferer.

Mold - Mold grows very easily in moist, dark places, and the tiny spores of mold can easily float through the air and be breathed in. For allergy suffers, it is important to live in a mold-free environment. An air purifier can help to ensure that those parasitic organisms don’t cause an allergy attack. Air purifiers in conjunction with a dehumidifier (often times used in basements or other high-humidity areas) are the ideal force against the growth of mold in your home.
Formaldehyde - Formaldehyde is widely used in many household products from air fresheners to paint, and this is a big problem for allergy sufferers. However, there is a whole line of air purifiers that combat Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)--such as formaldehyde and ammonia. Because there are so many household products that can emit irritating odors and fumes, these air purifiers are one way to be sure that you will be protected from irritating odors and gases in your home.

It is difficult to totally get away from chemicals in our homes, but minimizing their numbers by using a dry vapor steam cleaner instead of household chemical cleaners is a wise choice to help keep your allergy symptoms under control. And, if you do have to use chemicals, such as floor polishes or paints, take proper precautions by properly ventilating and wearing a mask over your mouth and nose.

The Right Pick
Choosing the right air purifier can be a bit confusing at first. For more information on getting started on your investment search, read our Air Purifier’s Buying Guide. We know that being allergy-free means a better quality of life, and at Sylvane we strive to create healthy (and happy) indoor environments.

Still Got Questions?
For more information on specific products and ways to improve your indoor environment, review our extensive product listings and other educational materials. Not sure what’s best for you—we can take the guess work out of decision making, contact our product experts toll free at 1 (800) 934-9194. Our goal is to make your indoor environment a healthy one.

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