Awhile back, in a reply to an asthma question, someone mentioned using an air filter/purifier. Does anybody have any info on these? Brand names? Any not to get? Any definitely work? Websites with info?Thanks.

-- Christina (introibo2000@yahoo.com), October 17, 2001

Answers

Heard about one on Paul Harvey, here's the link.

http://www.allergy-free.com/

Rickstir

-- Rickstir (rpowell@email.ccis.edu), October 17, 2001.

Just make sure they are a true HEPA filtration unit, the box will say so on it or not. Non HEPA units are worthless for allergy use, and are worse than not using them at all! They are a bit pricey though, the cheapest run around $100 and up, but maintained properly, will last for a long time. Frequent cleaning, as directed by the manufacturer, is most important, otherwise, you just are recirculating dirty air throughout the rooms.

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), October 17, 2001.

I'm with Annie. I have really liked my Honeywell HEPA filters, they do a good job.

There are late night infomercials for ionic 'air cleaners' that specifically denegrade the HEPA filters about how hard they are to clean (if you have a REALLY dusty environment, well, yes, it's a dirty job. Do it outside with a facemask on if it's a problem.) They talk about how great their ion generator cleaners are, but from the health care professionals that I have talked to, as well as people involved in high-risk allergy situations, the ionic 'cleaners' remove allergens and dust from the air by making it adhere to surfaces around the home -- furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, and more importantly, surfaces such as the inside of your lungs.

I had one of the ionic type, and I really think that it precipitated a severe case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis that I got and landed in the hospital with. People will say that is non-scientific and anecdotal, and maybe it is -- I sure wouldn't do it again, knowing what I know now.

-- julie f. (rumplefrogskin@excite.com), October 17, 2001.

Rickstir - Is this the Paul Harvey with "The REST of the Story"? Just curious. And I can use this info here as well. My son has asthma and I'm also looking for ways to cut down on the dust in my house. We have all white ceramic tile floors throughout our house and NO carpet for the dirt, dust and debris to get caught up in. That is a GOOD thing I know, but keeping the floors as clean as I like them is an everyday endeavor. I feel like I'm constantly vacuuming and mopping. Was thinking an air purifier would help and be a good thing for us. Blessings,

-- Greenthumbelina (sck8107@aol.com), October 18, 2001.

Christina, I tried out an air cleaner made by Air Source for a week. I have asthma/allergies and constant ear infections. After 4 hours of it in my home I could tell a difference in my breathing! Wow it sure felt good. After 3 days my ears stopped hurting what a relief! Then my daughter got her shoes soaked playing in a mud puddle. I washed them but they really stunk moldy smell! Thought I would have to through them away and the lady I bought the AirSource from told me to set the shoes by the air cleaner after 2 days they didn't smell anymore! This is the best air cleaner we have used and I highly recommend it. If you want some information on this e-mail me and I will give you the lady's name and e-mail address.

-- Trina Abdelkader (atabdelkader@yahoo.com), December 09, 2001.