Best Vacuum for Allergies | HEPA

If you suffer from any form of an allergic reaction to dust, pollen, and pet dander, then the first consideration should be to the type of filter your vacuum has. But what are the differences?

The most effective filters are true HEPA, which catch 99.97 percent of contaminants up to a scale of 0.3 microns. This pretty much covers all airborne particles and those nasty allergens that hide in carpet and rugs.

Some vacuums are equipped with HEPA type filters that catch 99 percent of particulates up to a size of 0.2 microns, and while they are very effective and will probably work in the battle against allergens, they don’t quite match the power of a true HEPA filter.

The next consideration is air flow, which is the number one priority when determining the cleaning ability of a vacuum cleaner. It is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and the higher the CFM the more powerful the suction; so, when choosing a vacuum for allergies, shop for a cleaner that has a CFM between 70 and 100.

When you combine these two elements, you have a vacuum cleaner that will impact on your quality of life and the quality of the air you breathe.

It comes down to personal choice when deciding which vacuum is right for you. Both models have their merits:

Bagged – Many allergy sufferers insist that bagged vacuums are the key to controlling their flare-ups because there is zero contact with the debris trapped inside the bag. Bagged vacuums are often equipped with HEPA style, or true HEPA filters, but as an additional fail-safe, many vacuum bags have an additional filter as part of the design.

The only downside with bagged vacuums is the ongoing costs of replacing the bags, which can often be expensive, especially if you add up the cost over the lifetime of the cleaner. And then there’s the environmental impact of tossing all those bags in the waste; remember, allergy sufferers can be eco-conscious too!

Bagless – Commonly, the airflow and suction power of some of the leading bagless vacuum cleaners means that they are more effective at getting to the engrained pollutants that hide at the bottom of your carpet, and they don’t lose suction, unlike bagged cleaners do when the bag is nearly full. Also, with true HEPA filters, it makes them ideal at tackling the issues of pet dander and pollen.

The only downside to bagless cleaners is the fact the dust canisters are often messy affairs to empty; however, some leading manufacturers have developed hygienic canisters that are easier to empty.

PROS:

• Greater suction power – Getting out all those embedded hairs and debris from your carpet is going to improve your families health.
• Better filtration – There is no denying that these vacuum cleaners have some of the most efficient filters, able to trap 99.99 percent of pollutants.
• Greater flexibility – High-quality vacuums have more versatility when it comes to different flooring types, and they don’t lose suction as they switch between them.

CONS:

• Cost – These machines cost a lot of money, with the most expensive models costing upwards of $500.
• Filter replacement costs – Filters aren’t cheap, and most manufacturers recommend changing the filter every 3 months or so.
• Added weight – With all this added technology comes increased weight, with many models weighing upwards of 17 to 20 lbs.

• Does a Brushroll Make a Difference When It Comes to Allergies?

• If you have different floor covering in your home, you will want the vacuum to be versatile so that you can switch between varying floor types with ease. While you can vacuum hardwood floors with a brush roll vacuum, often this damages the surface of your floor, leaving it scuffed and scratched.Having the option to turn off the brush roll means that you won’t suffer any damage.The brush roll comes into its own because it is designed to move the fibers of your carpet or rug, dislodging stubborn debris like pet hair and ingrained dirt, which is important if you want to get to the heart of why people suffer with allergies.Often, footsteps on your flooring will release the dust that causes reactions, so getting deep down with the vacuum is crucial to avoid any pollutants escaping into the atmosphere..

• How Often Should I Clean the Filters to Help with My Allergies?

• This depends on several factors; what pets you have, how much hair they shed, what flooring you have, and how often you vacuum? But obviously, if you have allergies then you will likely vacuum more – and therefore should clean your filters more often.The more you use the vacuum, the more the filter needs cleaning. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning them every 3 months, but it’s important to check them regularly because if they become clogged, it reduces the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner.