The Ideal Vacuum Cleaner for Allergy Sufferers

When you hear about a vacuum called the DirtTamer, one of your first instincts might be to respond, “Yeah, right…”

The search for the perfect handheld vacuum is one that can lead you down many dirty paths. Yet the DirtTamer Ultima Vacuum has some interesting differences that may yet convince you that vacuum Nirvana has arrived.

For starters, the DirtTamer Ultima has the right amount of suction power, driven by 14.4 volts of power. If you’re going to do a good job vacuuming, there has to be sufficient juice to generate strong suction.

The next best feature is the wet or dry vacuuming capacity. A mess is a mess whether you dump the brown sugar while baking, or tip over a favorite plant while watering. You want a vacuum that can step in and clean the floor without questioning what the contents of the mess really are.

The bagless DirtTamer is easy to empty which ensures that you’re not cleaning up again after you’ve just cleaned up. Nothing more frustrating than getting the floor clean only to have the unwanted contents inside the vacuum dribble down the side of the trash can. The DirtTamer also offers sufficient volume to do the whole job rather than being forced to empty the canister time after time.

Flexibility is one of the most important features of a handheld vacuum. The combination of cordless operation and ergonomic design makes the DirtTamer an easy choice for performing daily cleanup chores.

Now, we’ve told you all the features you might expect from a really good handheld vacuum. So let’s move from the good stuff to the really excellent features that make this vacuum special.

The DirtTamer doesn’t just suck up dirt, it comes equipped with a dynamic 3-stage filtration system that keeps dust and allergenic material from slipping back out into the atmosphere where they can cause you breathing or allergy problems.

Here how it works. The first filter pulls out the large particles. Stage two separates liquids, if present. The final stage uses HEPA filtration that captures 99.97% of all allergy-causing particles. That means, you not only clean the surfaces of your home, you’re also removing potentially harmful allergens from throughout your home, patio or wherever you choose to use the DirtTamer.

Combined with the power of a vacuum that provides 400% more suction force than other handheld vacuums, the DirtTamer Ultima Vacuum even puts you in the driver’s seat with a headlight for cleaning up dark areas. The DirtTamer is just $69.95 for superior suction power and superb cleaning power.

If you love the style and effectiveness of the DirtTamer in a handheld vacuum, you will also be impressed with the Electrolux Nimble HEPA Bagless Vacuum. It has the same sealed HEPA Filtration System, a swivel head that helps you roll with the flow while vacuuming, a powerful 12 amp cyclonic engine inside, and a large capacity canister that is easy to empty. You’ll love the award winning design of this vacuum and will love even more how clean your entire home can feel. At $299.99 with a Price Protection Guarantee, you won’t find the Electrolux Nimble HEPA Bagless Vacuum for less, or you’ll be refunded the difference from AllergyAsthmatech.com. And that’s a deal that doesn’t suck!

Asthma More Common in Areas with Heavy Traffic

Children with asthma stand at constant risk from triggers that can set off wheezing attacks, and even life-threatening shortness of breath.

Allergy and asthma relationship

The general relationship between allergies and asthma is fairly well known. Sources, such as the Mayo Clinic, have documented that the same substances that trigger allergies can also cause asthma attacks. The condition when diagnosed together is called allergic asthma, or allergy-induced asthma. In conditions where allergies and asthma are related, and the triggers of one may lead to the other, it is important to have strategies for both conditions available in the home. Asthma control devices are key for people whose asthma is a known condition. Nebulizers are considered the front line management technique for treating asthma.

Managing risks

It is also important to manage the risk of allergies triggering asthma attacks. Air purifiers in the home can help cancel out airborne allergens and the impact of traffic fumes in the home environment. The recent anxieties caused by densely polluted air in both China and Alaska caused a spike in the sale of air purifiers to reduce risk of asthma and allergies.

Bad air is now known to cause asthma

Similarly, there are conditions such as smoggy air that can cause both allergy and asthma. But now it has been determined that heavy smog and even the simple fumes from traffic congestion can actually cause the onset of asthma.

Traffic congestion stops bronchial passages

The discovery by a group of researchers in Europe that asthma can be directly caused by fumes from traffic congestion may come as no surprise to citizens in heavy traffic areas such as Southern California, where traffic backups dump pollutant laden air on nearby residents. The gases and particulate matter kicked up by car fumes contribute to the onset of asthma in children whose bodies are susceptible to the persistent presence of bad air.

In areas where traffic fumes pose risks for children and adults, air pollution masks may be the best answer to reduce asthma triggers or developments of the disease.

A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal has shown that car fumes can actually produce asthma in an estimated 14% of the population. It turns out that air pollution may be far more than just an asthma trigger. It’s can be the actual cause of the disease.    

Beating Allergies the Natural Way

Allergy season is back. Or perhaps it never really leaves. 

Seasonal allergies arrive when pollen from trees, weeds and flowers floats through the air to become lodged in your sinuses and cause allergic reactions.

But seasonal allergies are not the only type of allergy you need to consider when trying to protect your health, and your sanity, when allergies strike.

Indoor allergies that are brought on by dust mites, molds and other forms of indoor irritants can be just as bad if not worse for your general health than outdoor allergies that arrive in spring, summer and fall.

To combat allergies, in general, requires an overall allergy awareness and strategy to help you identify and cope with the source of your allergies. Then you can take practical measures to help you prevent or treat your symptoms in an effective way.

It’s pretty hard to control the impacts of the outside world on your allergies. But there are some recommended steps to enhance your body’s ability to adapt to certain kinds of allergens.

Seasonal, and regional

First it pays to understand that many allergies found outdoors are not only seasonal, they are also regional. People with allergies brought on by pollens released in humid climates have been known to find relief in the desert southwest. Getting an allergy test for the type of pollens to which you react can help you understand and respond to your seasonal and regional allergies.

It also seems to improve your chances of dealing with seasonal and regional allergies when you ingest locally produced products that have close associations with pollen producing plants. That is the case with locally produced honey, for example. But you need to hit the local farmer’s market if possible to find honey or bee pollen produced right in your region so that the pollens match up with those you encounter in the open air.

It also matters what you eat, of course. Food allergies are another subject altogether, but some products that seem harmless and even appear healthy for you can lead to increased allergy problems. Strangely, you need to avoid certain melons and bananas for example. Stay away from sunflower seeds, chamomile and Echinacea. All those seemingly organic substances can make things worse. 

Give your sinuses a fighting chance

Those are some natural defenses against allergies. There are also techniques to clean and rinse the sinuses such as the NeilMed Sinus Rinse designed to soothe and protect your sinuses against the effects of allergens. This sinus rinse is the most prescribed system for sinus rinse in the US. It alleviates sinus irritation from allergies, dust, dander, grass, fumes, pollen, smoke and smog. It’s even great for clearing out your head from colds, congestion and dryness.

Knock out allergens indoors

You might also consider taking steps to protect yourself from allergens lurking inside your house. Want to neutralize allergens in your home? Allersearch ADS Anti-Allergen Spray stops allergens from provoking an allergic response. It works on dust mites, pollens, molds, animal dander and insects.

Even the inside of your car can be a source of allergies and chemical sensitivities. DriveFree Anti-Allergen Spray, which alters the molecular structure of the proteins that cause allergies, rendering them unrecognizable by the body's immune system.

Cleaning the inside of your house and protecting against allergens at the same time is possible if you use the right cleaning products. There are carpet and fabric cleaners that are allergy safe. And all it takes to combat high humidity allergens such as mold is Allertech Mold and Mildew Stain Remover and AllerTech Mold and Mildew Stain Preventer.

We all love fresh air, but if the air outside is making you crazy with allergies, despite your best efforts; it never hurts to have an indoor strategy that really works to reduce your risk of allergies. Air purifiers are the solution and can make your life a lot happier, and naturally so.

Combatting allergies with natural treatments and neutralizing steps such as chemically safe and effective household cleaners and air purifiers is a great overall strategy to help you control your allergies, whether they flare up indoors or out.

As Good As It Gets With Allergies

The 1997 film As Good As It Gets starring Helen Hunt, Jack Nicholson and Greg Kinnear addressed some very real health issues. These included the character known as Melvin Udall—Nicholson--dealing with an obsessive compulsive disorder while the single mother--played by Helen Hunt--likewise struggled to manage her son’s asthma, which may have been triggered by allergies.

The compelling comedy drama sees the Nicholson character (both a literal and figurative term) actually stepping up to pay for a doctor that can deal with the boy’s asthma and allergies.

The result is dramatic. When the boy finally gets tested for allergies he is able to function more normally, even playing soccer and running around like young kids should.

Rare glimpse at a common world

The scenario of dealing with allergies and asthma, and especially the relationship between the two vexing conditions, is rare in film and in society in general. Yet millions of children do experience illness and even life-threatening conditions every day. The reality of allergy and asthma is that it costs children previous time away from school as well as keeping parents away from work to care for their children.

This reality is compounded in some ways by the environment in which many children live. A recent study reported on NPR Health documents a program at Children’s Hospital in Boston that has been tracking down the source of allergies and asthma in children. It turns out the condition of a child’s home can be a major factor in how often allergies and asthma occur, as well as the severity.

Where threats are greatest

It makes sense that allergies occur most where allergy threats are greatest. Taking simple, direct steps to allergy-proof the home is, therefore, vital to helping families combat threats from allergens in the home. Allergy attacks can be triggered by dust mites, mold, and pests, like bed bugs, as well as family pets. The list is never-ending when it comes to the source of allergens, but taking steps to control dust and airborne threats can have encouraging results in preventing frequent or severe allergy attacks.

Easy cures

Allergy-free bedding is an important place to start. Allergy-free comforters, pillows, duvets and mattress pads all seal off dust mites and bed bugs. Allergy-free blankets and sheets both avoid materials that allow dust mites to penetrate the fabric, and seal in down so that you can enjoy the feel of a down comforter without risk of allergens seeping through the fabric to get in your nose and cause allergic reactions.

The Boston study at Children’s Hospital went directly to the community to examine how many factors were affecting the allergies of children involved in the study. Workers from Children’s Hospital visited homes to consult with families, provide advice on cutting down allergy risks, and providing an “allergy score” to help families rate their efforts in cleaning up their homes from allergy threats.

Economic factors

Part of the trigger for the study was to ascertain whether children living in lower income homes were at greater risk for allergies. It turns out they were. But even children in high income homes can be at risk for the same problems as low-income children. The same can be true for chemical sensitivities. Americans are hyper-diligent about cleaning with products containing bleach and other chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions and chemical sensitivities. Eliminating those products and replacing them with allergy-free products with equal and sometimes superior cleaning power is vital for families with people who have allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivities.

Sometimes the simplest change can produce beneficial results. Using a HEPA filtered vacuum, or one that comes equipped with a UV-C light--like the CleanWave UV-C--to kill germs, viruses, dust mites and bed bugs can eliminate significant risks in the home.

It is up to each person to ask themselves if their allergy strategy in the home is “as good as it gets.” Learning a little about how you can eliminate or prevent allergens from affecting your family members or yourself can be just as effective, if not more effective, than going to the doctor or showing up at the emergency room when things get out of hand. Dealing with allergies is best done in a proactive, rather than reactive, fashion.

Cars Designed For Those With Allergies

Just a short time ago in America, automakers were complaining that it was too difficult for the industry to raise gas mileage in vehicles. Some carmakers claimed the timetable was too quick to meet government standards. It would be too expensive. The technology was too difficult.

A number of factors have combined to change that thinking. International automakers including Honda, Toyota and Mazda were making huge strides in offering cars and trucks with higher gas mileage. So market demand was one of the principle drivers.

American automakers respond to the challenge

But America also loves a challenge, and Chevy, Ford and Chrysler have all finally responded with vehicles that average from 25-45 miles per gallon, far higher than the typical MPG offered in their vehicles just a decade ago.

Domestic sales have increased as a result. American-made cars and trucks now compete on a pretty level playing field with foreign-made vehicles.

One of the leading innovators on this front has been the Ford Motor Company, whose vehicle fleet includes hybrids and other fuel-efficient cars and trucks are simultaneously leading the industry in terms of quality. The Ford F-150 remains one of the leading brands of trucks in terms of all-time sales.

Ford pursues the allergy-free vehicle

It turns out that while Ford keeps innovating in terms of fuel efficiency and environmental protection with reduced fuel consumption and emission, the company has also been pursuing interesting new product differentiators that may have deep appeal to millions of Americans, especially those who suffer from allergies.

Ford has now designed a Ford Fusion and other models whose interior materials at all the important touch-points are composed of hypoallergenic materials. The Mother Nature Network reports that the allergy-friendly Ford Fusion and other 2013 vehicles have fewer common allergens in high-touch areas like the steering wheel.

Taking nothing for granted

It is likely many customers take for granted the materials with which their vehicles are made. All it takes to change that opinion is a skin reaction to the plastic on a steering wheel and those problems come home full force. Ford engineers cut down use of latex, chrome, nickel, hexavalent chromium and other allergens from seats, steering wheel, armrests, seatbelts and other car cabin amenities where people sensitive to chemicals may have reactions. The list of tested materials was more than 100 components long. Of course, if you do buy a hypoallergenic car, it pays to use allergy free auto cleaners that are similarly chemical and allergy free.

Cars catching up with the allergy-free world

It makes sense that in a world where allergy sufferers can now buy many other types of “touch-sensitive” hypoallergenic products such as allergy free bedding, pillow covers and comforters that a vehicle should soon follow the lead.

Ford keeps going the distance with its new line of vehicles however. Even the new cabin filters (like home filters) are designed to reduce breathable pollens, mold and particulate matters than normally circulate and even recirculate throughout a vehicle. Allergy sufferers will appreciate the reduced dust and pollen, molds, smoke and other airborne allergens. Yet even with the technology now being employed in new vehicles, it can be prudent for allergy sufferers to take matters into their own hands. One wise investment is an auto air purifier with four-stage HEPA air cleaner.

 

Ford is paying attention to the needs of millions of Americans who suffer from chemical and airborne allergens. The measures taken by Ford will certainly not harm the sales to people who do not suffer from allergies, yet the commitment to reduce allergies in cars and trucks is an interesting and valuable contribution to a world where allergies and asthma affect between 40 to 50% of the population in many parts of the world.