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 our sneezing, runny noses, and watery eyes. Yet, 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 surprising fact is serious stuff, particularly if you suffer from allergies. Taking control of the air you breathe is the first step to becoming 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 allergists 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 to a collection plate, or through a combination of these methods.
Many air purifiers can trap both small and large particles, and their HEPA filtering systems can trap up to 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger. These machines come in a variety of styles, designs, and sizes to fit your specific needs. Many are specially designed for people with allergy needs.
The Triggers
Pollen
Pollen is the number one allergen that causes allergic reactions. It is microscopic and can easily enter your home through windows and doors. It can also be tracked by people and pets inside. Air purifiers, particularly those with HEPA filters, help to remove pollen from the air before it can settle on your 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 your allergic reactions. The feces of these parasites can be found on various household surfaces, as well as simply floating 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 dust mites and other particles circulating in your indoor air. A properly sized air purifier with a HEPA filter, like the Coway Mighty AP-1512HH HEPA Air Purifier, can make all the difference in getting a good night's sleep in your bedroom or simply breathing easily throughout your home.
Pet Dander
Air purifiers are very effective in eliminating dander and fur from the air. Having much less pet dander in the air will significantly reduce the chronic sneezing and wheezing associated with cat, dog, and other pet allergies. Other steps to take when dealing with pet allergies include keeping your pets outside as much as possible.
When this is not possible, try to limit them to specific areas of the house, preferably those without carpet or upholstered furniture. In addition, keep your pets out of bedrooms or at least off beds, so that you and your family can sleep more easily and have the best chance of being allergen-free.
A pet-specific air purifier, such as the Winix True HEPA Large Room Smart Wi-Fi Air Purifier, is great at eliminating pet dander and odor at the source.
Smoke
There should be no smoking in the home of someone with allergies. It's important to ask family members and friends to smoke outside. If a smoke-free home is not possible, try to contain the smoking to one room of the house.
Remove carpet and other items that attract smoke from the room. Furthermore, investing in a smoke air purifier, such as the Coway Airmega Pro X Large Space HEPA Air Purifier, is a crucial step in reducing allergy symptoms caused by smoke.
These specialized air cleaners can also eliminate the particles and odors stemming from cooking smoke and fireplace soot.
Mold
Mold grows very easily in moist, dark places, and the tiny spores of mold can easily float through the air and be inhaled. For allergy sufferers, it's essential to live in a mold-free environment.
An air purifier can help to ensure that those parasitic organisms don't cause an allergic reaction. Air purifiers, in conjunction with a dehumidifier (often used in basements or other high-humidity areas), are an ideal defense against mold growth 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). One of our favorites is the Austin Air HealthMate HEPA Air Purifier.
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's challenging to eliminate chemicals in our homes completely, but minimizing their use with 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 ventilating properly and wearing a mask over your mouth and nose.
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 Buyer's Guide. We know that being allergy-free means a better quality of life, and at Sylvane.com, 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 for a detailed consultation. Our goal is to make your indoor environment healthy and comfortable.
