This morning, I went out to lunch with my cousin out in Irvine. Someone was smoking right next to us, and my cousin started coughing. She complained about her asthma, and how it was so hard for her to breathe sometimes. I told her, "Don't you wish we could have an air purifier for the air outside, as well?" She looked confused until she finally asked me what an air purifier was. I was shocked - I thought everyone at least knew what an air purifier did, but apparently I was wrong.

I told her about HEPA filters and how they capture allergens like dust and pollen, and about carbon filters and how they absorb odors and smoke. She was pretty fascinated, so I convinced her to get the small Vornado AQS500 air purifier as a starter. It's small and it's super easy to use, so I thought it would be perfect for her. I haven't talked to her since this morning, but I'm sure that I'll hear some positive results from her by tomorrow!

HEPA Filters

While watching Jersey Shore yesterday, I saw a commercial for a vacuum cleaner that uses HEPA filters, and I thought, Wow, all types of appliances use HEPA filters. But what exactly is a HEPA filter? Most people know the general idea - HEPA air purifiers capture small particles like dust, bacteria, etc. But just how effective is it?

As it turns out, air purifiers with HEPA filters can capture up to 99.97% of particles up to 0.3 microns in size. That's approximately 1/100th of a human hair! As a result, HEPA filters get rid of pollutants in the air like pet dander, pollen, bacteria, dust, and more. And many air purifiers also feature a pre-filter to go in front of the HEPA filter - to make it last longer and to capture even larger particles.

So, in the end, HEPA air purifiers can help you sleep better, have more energy, and stay healthier!

Ugh, Allergies

Growing up, I've pretty much been allergic to almost everything. I'm allergic to seafood (but I love it!); seafood gives me itchy hives, which is rather unfortunate. I can't be anywhere near flowers because pollen brings out the worst in me. My allergies go crazy whenever I'm near any dust. The list goes on and on.

So, as a kind of late Christmas present to myself, I bought an air purifier that specifically takes care of allergies - the Austin Air HealthMate. Well, technically I was going to get the Allergy Machine, but I decided that the HealthMate would be a better choice because it also helps with odors. My room sometimes smells like smoke because, unfortunately, my neighbors hang out next to my window. The HealthMate has a carbon filter, which I found has really gotten rid of the tobacco smoke. And its HEPA filter has really been helpful with my allergies.

Now, if I can just find a way to get rid of my seafood allergy...

Air Purifier FAQs

Here are some common questions that often come up when talking about air purifiers:

What is IAQ and why is it important?
IAQ stands for Indoor Air Quality and refers to the purity of the air you breathe, well, indoors. Most of the time, it refers to the air you breathe inside your home. IAQ is important because, as it turns out, most people spend their time indoors. If the IAQ is bad, then you end up inhaling many fumes or chemicals left from cleaning supplies, or even pollutants such as allergens. As a result of bad IAQ, you may have heightened allergic symptoms and more irritations. Air purifiers help improve your IAQ using various technologies.

What are the different technologies that air purifiers use and how are they different?
There are HEPA air purifiers, which are best for removing smaller, hard-to-see particles like pet dander, pollen, and other tiny allergens up to 0.3 microns in size. Ionic air purifiers change the polarity of the contaminants in the air, causing them to fall from the air you breathe. Carbon air cleaners are great for removing odors, gases, and chemicals. And finally, UV air purifiers use a UV light that stop microbiological contaminants such as mold, fungus, bacteria, and viruses from reproducing.

For more information about air purifiers, take a look at this handy air purifier guide! You'll learn all you need to know about using an air purifier to start living a healthier life with this guide.

Pets and Allergies

Many people don't realize that the reason they may be experiencing symptoms of allergies may be because of their pets. Irritants don't only come from dogs and cats, however. A common misconception is that the only residue your pets leave is pet dander. In fact, symptoms of allergies can also be triggered by odors from a litter box, dust particles from a bird's wings, dried saliva from a cat's skin or fur, and waste particles from, well, every pet. These irritants end up triggering the worst allergy symptoms such as runny noses and eyes, sneezing, rashes, and watery eyes.

The best solution to the problems with pets, of course, is an air purifier. However, not just any air purifier will do. There are a few different technologies that are proven the most effective when it comes to pets. Air purifiers that use HEPA technology are great for trapping smaller, harder-to-see particles. Purifiers with a UV light are also great investments because they stop mold, fungi, and bacteria from reproducing on the hairs and secretions of your pets. The best type of air purifier for removing odors is one that uses activated carbon. Carbon filters absorb all types of odors, so you can start breathing fresher, healthier air. A great recommendation for pet owners is the Surround Air XJ3000E air purifier. This unit actually features all three of the technologies I listed above (and some more)!

Allergies: Controlling Immune System Stressors

Mostly everyone knows that tree, flower and weed pollens are common allergy triggers. A weakened immune system sees these triggers as foreign bodies and launches histamine at them. Histamine in your body causes sneezing, wheezing and coughing. To build up your immune system and reduce the amount and severity of allergy attacks, consider making these lifestyle changes.

Diet: Inflammation in the body triggers the immune system. To reduce inflammation, stay away from pro-inflammatory foods such as dairy, wheat, saturated fats and processed and refined foods. There are also anti-inflammatory foods you can consume such as blueberries and other fruits and vegetables.

Stress: When you are severely stressed, hormones are released into your body. These hormones trigger the immune system and deplete nutrients. To decrease your stress levels you should always make sure you get enough sleep, exercise regularly and consider practicing yoga (or another relaxation technique).

Your Home: Everyone's house is a home to many allergens including mold, dust, pet dander, cleaning products and scented candles. All of these allergens lurking in your home can overload sensitive immune systems. To decrease the amount of irritants in your home you should clean your home regularly (preferably with a HEPA vacuum cleaner) and consider investing in a HEPA air purifier such as the Austin Air Allergy Machine Jr.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics are supposed to make you feel better when you have an infection, but they may be doing harm as well. Antibiotics can throw your immune system out of whack by destroying good bacteria along with the bad. To help combat this problem, consider taking probiotics daily to replenish the good bacteria and also reduce grass pollen allergies.

Outdoor Air: The tricking to spending time in the great outdoors is to remove the amount of pollen you come into contact with. Using a nasal rinse to remove irritants is beneficial. Trying to go outside late in the day or after it has rained because the pollen counts are lower.

Alen Air Purifiers: Pure, Fresh, Life

Our tour of air purifier manufacturers continues this week with Alen Corp. The Alen Corp. started off in a different way than other air purifier manufacturers. Peter Mann,, the founder and CEO started the company because of a personal experience he had. His young son suffered from asthma and the medications he was given caused major side effects. After watching his son suffer in vain, he decided to help his son and others breathe easier by providing non-invasive and natural alternatives to medication. He started the company in 2005 to improve indoor air quality. Alen Corp. strives to truly help those afflicted with allergies and asthma and offers products with a superior quality, advanced technology, low prices and lifetime warranties. A new standard of excellence was established after Peter Mann founded by Alen Corp.

Along with the superior quality, advanced technology, low prices and lifetime warranties, Alen's commitment to the environment includes air purifiers that are RoHS certified lead free, Energy Star rated and ozone safe. There are a variety of filtration technologies utilized in Alen air purifiers. They include:

Silver Ion HEPA Filtration: This filtration technology destroys up to 99% of bacteria, up to 50% of viruses that cause influenza and 99% of airborne allergens. The filter is coated with Silver Ion, making it antimicrobial and keeping germs from developing and bacteria from blowing into the air. The presence of fungi and bacteria is reduced within five minutes.

True HEPA Filtration: This filter can eliminate up to 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger. These particles include mold spores, bacteria, viruses, dust, pet dander and pollen.

UV Light: 96% of airborne bacteria are removed by ultraviolet light.

Ionizer: All Alen air purifiers feature negative ionizers because it has been proven that healthy environments have higher levels of negative ions. When used in conjunction with a HEPA filter, ionizers are very effective in removing particles from the air. Alen air purifiers are guaranteed ozone safe because high levels of ozone can cause side effects worse than the benefits.

Photo-Catalytic Oxidation: This technology utilizes a UV-C light and a permanent titanium dioxide grid to turn volatile organic compounds into harmless elements through a series of reactions. To prevent consumers from coming into contact with the rays of UV lights, this technology is located on the inner most section of any Alen air purifiers.

Airpura Air Purifiers: SPEC-A Design Air Purifiers For Your Better Health

So you're still looking for that perfect air purifier. The next stop on our tour of air purifier manufacturers is Airpura Industries.

5 Ways Airpura Air Purifiers Are Different From the Rest:

1. The SPEC-A Design Principle- All Airpura air purifiers feature a SPEC-A design principle. The first component of the SPEC-A design principle is a simplified and unobstructed air flow. An airflow that is simplified and unobstructed allows for a performance that is quieter and more efficient. The second component of the SPEC-A design principle is a powerful, variable speed integrated fan/motor. No particles of gases escape the filters because the filter chamber is pressure sealed. The final component is a true HEPA filter and activated carbon (with UV option) working in conjunction to deliver extremely clean air for home, office and industrial application.

2. The Airpura High Efficiency Filtration System- There are four components that make up the Airpura High Efficiency Filtration System.

• Pre-filter- This first line of defense traps larger dust and particles. It prevents larger particles from clogging the other filters. To keep it working efficiently, the pre-filter can be vacuumed from the exterior of the unit.




• Activated Carbon Bed- The next line of defense is the activated carbon bed. Chemicals, gases and odors are adsorbed. 18-30 pounds of activated carbon are contain in each Airpura carbon filter and can trap 60 percent of its own weight in airborne chemicals, gases and odors. This filter typically lasts for 24 months.



• Micro-Suppress Filter- Both sides of the carbon bed have a micro-suppress filter that kill microbes that may collect on them.



• True HEPA Filter- 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns are captured by the true HEPA filter.

3. The Importance Placed on Activated Carbon- Airpura knows that the only safe and inexpensive way to trap noxious gases and odors is activated carbon. That is why 18-30 pounds of activated carbon is placed in each one of their air purifiers. More activated carbon means more chemicals can be adsorbed for a longer period of time.

4. Superior Construction- The air in Airpura air purifiers flows directly from the filters to the exterior which means lower air turbulence and less noise. The motor and electric parts are also not in the path of airflow. There is more space for filtration because of the compact design and vibration problems are eliminated with the one piece motor/fan assembly. Off gassing from the rubber seals is prevented because the filter chamber is sealed with felt gaskets. The pressure seal system on the filter chamber allows all of the impurities to pass through the filter. It is suitable for any decor, featuring a powdercoat steel mesh housing and a modern, attractive appearance. Finally, the unit can be set an optimum CFM for whatever situation because it includes a variable speed control.

5. Different Air Purifier Models for Specific Contaminants- There are a variety of different Airpura air purifiers that are designed to handle different contaminants. There are specific models that are designed to handle airborne chemicals, gases, particles, VOCs, antigens, pathogens, mold spores and tars and chemicals from tobacco smoke. The Airpura P600 air purifier, for example, is specifically designed to filter VOCs, airborne chemicals, odors, particles and microorganisms.

Airgle Air Purifiers:Breathe in Cleaner, Healthier Air

When researching what kind of air purifier to buy it is very important to take into account what specific needs you have. Do you need an air purifier specifically for dust allergies or is there smoke in the air? Or perhaps mold is a problem in your home? After you figure out what your purification needs are, another important step is getting to know the manufacturers that make air purifiers. Anything that makes you more confident when spend your hard-earned money on a product can't hurt, right? This week we're going to get better acquainted with a company called Airgle.

Airgle International Limited was founded in 1999. Airgle is a strange-sounding name but there was a purpose behind its conception. Air-g-l-e stands for Purifying Air with a Great Level of Efficiency. It is Airgle's goal to live up to the lofty promise that its name makes.

5 Ways Airgle is Different from the Rest:

1. Industry Pioneer - Airgle International Limited has been an industry leader since it was founded in 1999. Their main goal is to design air purification systems that improve the health and well being of people all over the world.

2. Advanced Air Purification Technologies - Innovation and technology is combined to help Airgle makes significant advances in air purification technologies.

3. International Presence - Airgle has many partners around the world and has offices in the United States, South Korea and Hong Kong.

4. Eliminates Contaminants and Allergens - Efficient clean air technologies are employed so that allergy and asthma sufferers do not have to worry about dust mites, mold and spores, pet dander, dust or smoke.

5. Tested by AHAM - The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers tested the Airgle 750 Air Purifier and found that the clean air delivery rate (CADR) is the highest out of 159 air purifiers tested. CADR is the best way to measure the effectiveness and performance of an air purifier.

Can an Air Purifier Get Rid of My Cat Odor?

I have cats; Link and Zelda. Well...they were kittens when we adopted them. My boyfriend I went to the shelter over a year ago for some kitty love; Someone special to fill that void in our lives like children would - minus the diaper-changing and college tuition savings. We had to visit the shelter a couple of times, since it had 500 puppy-eyed cats (LOL oxymoron) and we wanted to pick two kittens out. My BF and I decided that we needed two cats because, well, we thought it would be nice to keep them company when we're not around.

My home is about 900 sq. feet and I didn't really think two cats would be problematic. At the time I thought, "Hey, they're young...we'll train them to do whatever we want!" But, I was wrong about that. Despite wanting them to be "well-behaved", they're still cats. They do cat-things like eat Meow Mix and lounge in the sunlight. And the biggest habit that I'm sure all of us would wish away: they use the litter box.

Anyhow...with a 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment...the bathroom has to be shared with the cats and it was a bit obvious to our guests that there was a litter box by the toilet. I began to get really concerned about the smell...so I had this genius idea that we should potty train them.

At first I thought..."Yes! They're using it right!" but you really had to be vigilant. It took a lot of effort to constantly clean up after them but I was determined that the training would take no more than 6 months. Link seemed to respond really well to the training and had no problem doing his business (yes that picture is of him doing #2...hence his "meh" expression), but it was hard to go to the next level with Zelda making so many mistakes. How did we know that she messed up? We caught her urinating on the couch a few times...and cat urine's concentrated...so the smell's very pungent. After two to three months of constantly washing cushions and gallons of Febreze, we converted back to the traditional kitty litter box but it didn't solve the odor problem one bit.

Most would think, "Oh, just get an air freshener," and I had one plugged in for weeks straight. The bathroom isn't roomy and the odor would get into the towels. The plug-ins only covered the underlying smell; The kind of smell that'd cause you to say..."Hey...it smells like ocean breeze, but...something smells funny still...what is it?"

So what next? Now that my couch smells like wonderful cat urine and the bathroom problem hasn't been solved, what other options do I have? I started researching information on air purifiers and found that carbon filters were pretty efficient at trapping odors.

Now, most people would go out to Walmart or something to find an air purifier, but their products usually aren't industrial grade. If you had your whole couch soaked in cat urine and your living space was condensed to a mere 900 ft...what could work? I borrowed my mother's ionized filter for awhile thinking that it'd do the job. It clearly helped with the danger and my cat-allergic friends were able to spend the night with no problems, but it didn't do anything for the smell. After I returned my mother's filter, I found out that ionized products can harm the environment and it doesn't feel all that great doing that.

I stayed in this limbo of washing cushions and spraying Frebreze every day. I was a bit too busy to keep it up and I was also looking for a new job. It started to become pretty frustrating and I wanted a solution, but didn't know much about investing in an air purifier. But thankfully, I was hired to an online company that researches and markets air purifiers. (Pure coincidence.)

At first, I was reluctant to shell out more than $100 for an air purifier. Most air purifiers from home retail stores cost around $100. But the biggest weakness to these cheaper models is that they're usually not dependable. I remember getting a wireless USB adapter from one of those stores and I had problems with the product after a week. My rule of thumb is: buy from the people who know it best...it'll save you the headache of having to replace/repair/exchange a poor product. I figured that it wouldn't be a bad idea to try out and invest in some high-quality products that I actually need at home.

So at the moment...I'm going to select an air purifier for my home, but I'm not sure on which one to get. I obviously want to have a bit of research done before I spend my money. I do know that there are a few specifications, though:

• something small and compact, not something the cats can tackle down
  
• has a washable filter or a cost-efficient filter
  
• under $300, lightweight (under 50 lbs.)
  
• has a design that compliments my home decor
  
• carbon filter (apparently these are the best for odors)
• relatively quiet (I already have computers, the cats' water filter, and machines buzzing around)
  

Indoor Air Can Be Worse Then Outdoor Air For Children who Sufferer From Asthma

For years, the conventional theory has been that if you are inside your should be free from common allergy and asthma triggers like pollen or pollution. Researchers are now discovering that depending on where you live, indoor pollution can be much worse then outdoor air pollution. Right now, they are trying to educate the public on proper pollution prevention techniques and have a large goal of trying to cut children who suffer from asthma down by 50% by 2012.

While parents have always known that polluted air can bring on asthma attacks, they didn't know how severe the damage that can occur within their homes can be. This is especially true with children who suffer from breathing problems and live within the inner city. Even in their house they are subjected to cigarette smoke, dust mites, mold and even smells that come from cooking with a variety of herbs and spices all of which can trigger an attack.

There is a direct correlation between the air that children breathe at home and the hundreds of thousands of emergency room visits in the U.S. every year. After this study, done by John Hopkins researchers, was released many health care professionals made it their point to educate the public about the dangers of indoor air pollution as an attempt to greatly reduce the amount of child asthma sufferers.

Right now, as many as one in five Baltimore children suffer from asthma, and is the most common disease among kids. The number is disproportionate as a large majority of these kids are inner-city youth. This number has increased greatly over the last twenty years. Unfortunately there is no set specific reason for this increase yet doctors are continuously looking for an answer.

While doctors have known for years that there are always hidden dangers in the air we breathe, this is the first study to directly connect indoor air with asthma. For years, many believed that the simple act of keeping your kids inside during bad pollution days, sweeping the floor and using plug in air fresheners was a good way to keep your family safe and asthma risks down. But unfortunately these misconceptions often do more harm then good. When you sweep you are only kicking up stagnant dust making it easier for inhalation. Air fresheners have been shown to have side effects on young children who have trouble breathing, and the simple act of keeping them inside could be very harmful if your house or apartment does not have proper ventilation.

When trying to keep your house clean, there is a good chance you are making things worse. Air borne insecticides used to prevent mice and cockroaches have a high history of inducing asthma attacks. Also chemicals found in older homes that come from old plaster and wood are beginning to surface as other sources for asthma attacks.

The problem researchers are finding in their Baltimore movement for better asthma prevention is that you begin to encroach on individual rights when trying to educate and change indoor air quality health. This is especially problematic when you discover that for every 10 microgram-per-cubic-meter increase in indoor coarse air particle pollution there was a 6 percent increase in the number of days of coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. This results in a 7 percent increase in limited speech and a 4 percent increase in the number of days rescue medication was needed. Perhaps, the biggest problem is that there is no set standard for levels of indoor air pollution set by the EPA like there is for the outdoors. This, results in more kids staying inside on "bad days" even if inside is worse.

The one thing all researchers recommend is an item with a HEPA filter. This could be on an air purifier or a vacuum cleaner. Either way, it is a very effectual way to eliminate airborne impurities.

What we recommend:



On that note, we recommend the Electrolux EL491A oxygen PlasmawWave HEPA air purifier, in white sleep mode features multiple levels of air filtration. It begins with a pre-filter that catches all the large pieces of debris so that the air purifier can do its job better. The carbon filter eliminates smells without using any harsh chemicals. The true HEPA filter is a great way to eliminate allergens and asthma triggers as it filters, 99.97% of dust, debris, dander and dirt all the way down to 0.3 microns.

The EL491a operates silently and is energy star certified to keep your energy bill low. There is a sleep mode to keep it running smoothly even when you wish to sleep. There are also odor sensors to automatically adjust performance to the level needed. It features five fan speeds and PlasmaWave technology for added power.

Allergy Tips and Tricks

Allergy Tips and Tricks

Let's face it, allergies can make life difficult. They affect your health making anything from work to day-to-day living extremely difficult to deal with. But thankfully there are ways to help curb the effects and severity of your allergies to make your life more manageable. Here are a couple of tips to help you make it through allergy season with little trouble:

Check the Pollen Count

If your allergies are acting up or you are worried about how bad they can be that day, check out the daily pollen count at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. If its really bad try exercising indoors or going out later in the day as allergies tend to have higher counts in the early to mid morning. Also expect pollen counts to be higher on warm, dry or windy days. Pollen counts are lower on wet and cloudy days as well.

Spend Time Next to the Ocean

Try timing vacations to be congruent with allergy season. Then vacation next to water like a lake or ocean. Allergens and pollen counts tend to be significantly lower next to areas near open water. That way you can enjoy your vacation and bypass a good part of your local allergy season.

Eat Healthy

Believe it or not, your diet does impact your susceptibility to allergies. Research has shown that food high in antioxidants and omega 3s, like fish help individuals with asthma breathe easier.

Stay Clean

Shower and wash your hair every night before going to bed. Change your pillow case and sheets often. Remember to frequently wash your clothes and pajamas. Try to stay clean as possible as allergens and molds have a tendency to build up significantly. Just because you can't see them doesn't mean you are not breathing them.

Keep Your Eyes Clear

Keep your eyes as clean as possible, and try to avoid rubbing them to prevent pushing allergens in further. Try rinsing your eyes in the shower with a baby tear-free baby shampoo to remove any other allergies that might have built up over time. If you have vision problems contact your doctor to see what sort of solution can work best for you


Avoid Cross-Reactions
Eating certain foods, especially produce can cause additional allergic reactions especially if you have seasonal tree allergies. This is because of an adverse reaction between proteins found with fruits and pollens. You can tell if this is occurring because you may have tingly mouth or itchy throat. Foods like melons or tomatoes have a tendency to cross react with grass pollens so be aware of what you are eating.

Breathe 'Fresh' Air

Whether you are in the car or your house, remember to keep your windows closed and to set the air conditioner to re-circulate to help remove pollen. Also remember to clean the filters regularly, especially allergy or pollen season. Also look into purchasing an air purification unit for better allergy prevention and protection.



For an effective air purifier, look into the Surround Air Intelli-Pro Air Purifier. Seven comprehensive stages of air purification manage to thoroughly clean your air allowing asthma and allergy sufferers to breathe easy. It can cover up to 650 square feet effectively and has advanced sensor technology that is constantly measuring the pollutant level, letting you know how clean the air actually is. Its filtration methods include a pre-filter, HEPA filter, Ti02 filter, UV light ionizer and carbon filter. While it is always a good idea to check out other models, be sure to get an air purifier with a HEPA filter as those have been proven to be a great asset to asthma sufferers.

February is National Care About Your Indoor Air Month

This February marks the second annual "National Care About Your Indoor Air" month. The National Parent Teacher Organization and the Healthy House Institute have partnered together to bring about a better understanding of the importance of indoor air quality. The purpose is to help educate consumers about common misconceptions and the importance of having clean and pure air within schools, offices and homes.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that indoor air pollution can be between two and five times higher in levels of pollution then outside. In fact, some cases have shown that pollution is almost 100 times higher than outside air. This is such a concern that the EPA ranks poor indoor air quality among the top five risks to public health, especially sine one half of the nations schools have problems linked to indoor air quality.

This month is important because it hopes to clear up some prevalent wrong ideas about indoor air quality. Most consumers believe that a clean home creates clean air, but this is simply not true as airborne particulates like dust, smoke and pet dander have a tendency to fester even in the cleanest of homes. This is because these allergens and impurities are invisible to the naked eye, and by sealing the home to conserve energy they destroy any chance of natural circulation making these pollutants a bigger problem.

Other types of purification (water, hand sanitizer) is big among most households, yet many are not doing anything about the air. Purified water and hand sanitizers do nothing to help the air quality that you are breathing. Air purifiers with HEPA technology are the best way to help eliminate up to 99.97% of these impurities. Some air purifiers even eliminate bacteria and viruses from the air itself. Air purifiers also help circulate the air, thereby reducing airborne allergens and stale air.

Consumers should purchase an air purifier for rooms where they spend the most time, to get the best results. While poor air quality tends to effect children, the elderly, the chronically ill and those affected by asthma and allergies get affected the worse, even healthy adults are not immune to the effects of polluted air. Anyone can quickly succumb to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat or develop headaches, dizziness and fatigue from breathing poor or contaminated air.

The Healthy House Institute has plenty of online resources to help you create a better, safer indoor environment that is defiantly worth checking out. Trusted online stores also have plenty of options and information to help you make an informed decision as to what air purifier you should purchase. Celebrate "National Care About Your Indoor Air" month by looking into air purifiers for you and your family.

Neoair's Cruiser Air Purifier Offers on the Go Protection

Air purification is a great way to stay healthy. It helps allergy and asthma sufferers breathe easily and prevents germs and bacteria from being spread. While keeping your home free from allergens contributes to better health for you and your family, you are not protected when you are away. Allergies and airborne impurities still occur when you travel. For example, while traveling in a car you are subject to exhaust, smoke and loads of other toxins that travel through the windows and air conditioner. You are also subject to whatever germ or allergens those other passengers are holding onto. Although some cars might come with some standard level of air filtration they do not provide the amount of protection your friends and family deserve. Neoair, a company that is well known for their quick and thorough air purifiers has developed a device to offer complete and total air purification with the Cruiser car air purifier.

Perfect for trucks, SUVs, RVs and regular autos this light weight yet power purifier plugs right into your cigarette lighter to give you the comprehensive protection you need. Its sleek silver color and compact deign fits in perfectly with any interior.

It uses multi-stage air filtration to give comprehensive filtration power. It begins with the powerful HEPA filter. The HEPA filter works great to help eliminate 99.97% of allergens, dust, debris and dander down to the 0.3 micron level to help allergy and asthma sufferers breathe easy. After that comes the pho-catalytic oxidation to convert toxic compounds and carbon monoxide into non-harmful gasses and liquids like carbon dioxide and water without any losing its effect.

Following this step comes the activated carbon filter. This filter works quickly and effectively to help remove VOCs and odors. This means you will no longer have to smell terrible smoke or exhaust while stuck in traffic. Your cars air will smell better longer. Finally, to top off the air purification process is the UV light. UV light is often used in hospitals to help destroy germs and bacteria. It also helps stop mold and mildew before they start. It works by destroying their DNA that helps them reproduce rendering them useless.

Neoair's Cruiser car air purifier offers purification on the go. This is ideal are constantly stuck in traffic or feel fatigued after driving. Having a continuous source of air will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on all challenges. Don't let air pollution ruin you or your family’s health, give yourself the proper protection with the Neoair Cruiser car air purifier.

Austin Air Pet Machine HEPA Air Purifier - A Cure to Presidential Woes?

With the new president coming into office everyone is asking one thing, what kind of dog will he get? Due to his daughters being allergic to certain breeds his options seem narrowed. But what if there was some way he could pick any breed and curb his daughter's allergies.

You see, its not the pet hair that causes allergies it’s the constant shedding of fluids and dander from old skin cells that triggers symptoms. This dander can cause runny noses and eyes, sneezing, rashes and other undesirable effects that have become associated with allergies. All these droppings are a starting point for mold, fungi and bacteria.

While this may same unbeatable there are easy solutions. Air purifiers for pets combine multiple filtration techniques to let you breathe easier. Activated carbon, HEPA, ionization and UV light are all ideal to help remove these problems. In fact most of these filters can eliminate dander by 99.97 down to the .3 micron level. UV lamps also provide a way to stop mold or bacteria that are left in the air.

What We Recommend



The Austin Air Pet Machine HEPA air purifier is the perfect way to protect loved ones from pet induced allergies. Covering over 250 cubic feet of air per minute, Austin Air uses a unique 360 degree intake system. The purifier then uses four different filter to eliminate dog dander, cat allergens, bird feather dust, pet odors and all the germs, bacteria and gasses that go with them. There are three separate speeds with the highest being 400 CFM. It is extremely compact and comes with a choice of four neutral color finishes so that you can place it any room.

The HEPA filter is medical grade allowing for the finest filtration power possible. There is 60 square feel of HEPA filter so that you know you will be getting the best filtration possible. The Pet Machine also uses 15 pound specialty blend of carbons and Zeolite to maximize the absorption of ammonia, sulfuric acid and other odors. The outer pre-filters are designed to be vacuumed from the outside to save you money on constantly having to buy replacement filters. Plus, it comes with a five year manufacturer’s warranty on all parts and labor in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

The Austin Air Pet Machine HEPA air purifier is a comprehensive solution to your pet allergy problems. Powerful, yet compact this purifier has the power to easily get the job done. In fact, rather then spending so much time looking for a hypo-allergenic dog, President Elect Barack Obama should just purchase this powerful purifier. Then, the only vetting for the dog he needs to do, would be for an actual veterinarian.

The Benefits of Central Air Purification

Air Purification is a tricky business. Units and systems come in all shapes and sizes. Their ability greatly varies from unit to unit, as does their effectiveness. An air purifier half the size of another can be twice as effective. How do you know if it is even working or not? Should you be able to tell if it is? And is getting the most powerful always the right decision? There is an awful lot of information and getting an honest answer can be tricky. Luckily our product staff understands air purifiers and the issues surrounding them. We have taken the time to thoroughly research, dissect and test a variety of air purifiers and have written out our findings so you can make a well informed decision.

Central Air Purifiers

When thinking about air purifiers perhaps what first comes to mind first is Sharper Image’s Ionic Breeze and the scandal that followed. There you had one long tower unit meant to cleanse the air. The problem is it didn’t work. It was loud, cumbersome and less then friendly on the eyes, plus its actual radius was incredibly small.

So how do you combat those issues? You could buy many smaller or more effective models and litter your house or business with them. You could buy a rather large one and hope it gets the job done. Or you can purchase a central system. Much like central air, these purifiers run tough your air vents purifying as they go.

Imagine your air being continuously cleaned without ever seeing it being done. That’s what central air purifies can do for you. There are various models for different situations whether it be industrial, commercial, hospitals, labs or even your home, you can get heavy duty air purification that’s out of site and reliable.

Recommendation:

For a standard indoor filtration system the staff at Air-n-Water recommends the Airpura R600-W Central Air Series. Designed with a one piece motor, the powering system is kept completely separate from the airflow, allowing for cleaner air. It uses more CFM then any other available home unit. It is also extremely energy efficient allowing continuous cleaning at minimum watts. It has variable air speeds and works without having to run your AC. It can cover up to 2000 square feet.


In terms of air purification the R600-W is a great standard unit. It offers plenty of variety and gets the job done, but is not as specialized as other models, making it great for home use. It has both carbon and true heap filters available. The 18 pound carbon filter is used to eliminate chemicals, noxious gases and odors from the air. The true HEPA can handle dust, dander and other airborne allergens. It traps 99.97% of all particles as small as .3 microns, making the air safer to breathe, especially for asthma and allergy sufferers. Its felt gaskets eliminate off gassing from rubber seals like other air purifiers. Its built with durable long lasting metal, for continuous use without wear and tear.

Air Purifier Q & A Part II

When it comes to maintaining an allergen-free home, using an air purifier is absolutely essential. Effective at eliminating pollutants such as dust, animal dander, odors, gasses, and chemicals, an air purifier is one of the first steps you should take in ensuring a healthy home. However, consumers often have questions when it comes to what type of air purifier they should purchase, as well as how to operate and maintain one. To address these concerns, here are a few frequently asked air purifier questions:

Question: Where should an air purifier be placed?
Answer: Ideally, an air purifier should be placed either in a room where you spend the most time or in highly-polluted area. Moreover, an air purifier should be located near a vent or fan to help with air circulation. Dens and living rooms are a great place to start, as are bedrooms, seeing as we spend up to 8 hours a day sleeping. Furthermore, if you have pets, placing the air purifier near a kennel, crate, or play area in order to reduce pet dander is a good idea.

In terms of positioning, for smaller rooms, place the unit at least 4 inches away from the wall or corner, but in larger areas, you will get the most benefit out of your air purifier if it is positioned in the middle of the room. Nonetheless, regardless of where you place your air purifier, always remember to ensure its intake or exhaust vents aren't obstructed by household objects and furniture.

Question: How often should HEPA filters be replaced?
Answer: The life of a HEPA filter will depend upon your air purifier manufacturer's instructions and the pollutant levels in your home. For heavily polluted areas, expect to replace the HEPA filter every few months. However, with normal use, a HEPA filter should last about a year, and if frequent HEPA replacement is inconvenient, look for HEPA filter with an extra-large surface area, such as those utilized by Airpura. Many Airpura models such as the R600 have HEPA filters that can last as long as 5 years.

Question: How often should pre-filters be cleaned?
Answer: Again, the length of time in between filter maintenance will greatly depend on manufacturer's directions and the amount of pollutants in your home. If your air purifier utilizes a washable pre-filter, washing the pre-filter once a month will maximize your unit's cleaning efficiency.

How to Alleviate Hay Fever Symptoms

Springtime conjures up memories of warmer weather, clear skies, and blooming flowers, but the season can be miserable for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. Pollen is one of the most common and prevalent allergens, and in the spring, the amount of pollen floating in the air can be up to four times greater than in any other season. According to Gillian Shepherd, M.D., an allergy specialist, "On windy days or for days after high winds, pollen counts are high because the pollen has been spread through the air. After it rains, counts drop as the rain washes the pollen away."
Therefore, allergy sufferers are all too familiar with the perils of high pollen count, and high pollen counts can affect numerous types of allergies, from conjunctivitis to skin reactions such as dermatitis. However, the most common spring allergy is allergic rhinitis.

Commonly called hay fever, seasonal allergic rhinitis affects 35 million people in the U.S. and is commonly triggered by allergens such as pollens and molds. When allergic rhinitis sufferers inhale these allergens, they are combined with an allergic antibody called immunoglobulin (IgE), and in those who have allergies, IgE is found at especially high concentrations.

To alleviate hay fever symptoms, your doctor may prescribe oral medication, nasal sprays, or eye drops, but perhaps one of the best ways at combating hay fever is to avoid substances such as pollen altogether. Here are some preventative steps you can take to keep pollen and dust out of your home:

Turn on Your Air Conditioner
Did you know that your air conditioner can actually help control allergens? Air conditioners allow windows and doors to stay closed, which keep some pollen and mold spores outside. Moreover, this keeps indoor humidity levels down, and the less moisture there is in the air, the less chance of mold growth.

Use Furnace Filters
Even though staying indoors is one way to avoid high levels of pollen, this may not be enough. Even if the windows or doors within a room remain closed, pollen can still seep n. Quality allergy furnace filters can solve this problem, and the ones from AllergyZone are great for this purpose. Be sure to change the filter regularly during hay fever season.

Wear Dust Masks
When performing housework, many common dusting and vacuum devices can actually shuffle as much dust and pollen back into the air as they take out. Therefore, a dust mask can prevent you from breathing in debris while cleaning. Also consider purchasing a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter if this is truly a concern.

Purify the Air
Air purifiers are great for those suffering from respiratory disorders such as hay fever. When choosing an air purifier, select a unit with HEPA filters and all-metal construction. True HEPA filters have the ability to remove up to 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, and all-metal or steel gaskets prevent off-gassing of chemicals into the air.

Austin Air has also designed an air purifier specially designed for allergy sufferers. With the ability to clean large areas up to 1500 square and utilizing both medical-grade, True HEPA and HEGA filters, this air purifier is perfect for keeping hay fever symptoms at bay.

Air Purifier Q & A

The fact that our indoor air is oftentimes much more polluted than the air outside is generally accepted, and scientific studies have repeatedly shown us that the content of interior air can affect the health of building inhabitants.

The air in an average home contains billions of tiny pollution particles such as dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, viruses, and other airborne irritants. To eliminate these pollutants, using an air purifier can help create a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment, for those with allergies or asthma, air purifiers can provide instant relief of symptoms.

However, with so many different types of air purifiers on the market, many customers are often confused as to which models are most suitable for their individual purification requirements, and questions often arise. To address these concerns, Air Purifier Home will now regularly pick and answer some consumer questions commonly asked in regards to air purifiers every week. Here are this week's questions:

Question: Do I need to leave my air purifier running continuously, or can I just have it on a few hours a day?
Answer: Many people believe that cleaning the air is much like vacuuming or dusting in that it is a chore that only needs to be performed periodically. Unfortunately, the air within an indoor space is in a state of constant change, with particles, microorganisms, and gases continuously being added back into an area. Therefore, the air quality in a room is anything buy static. With that in mind, if you are looking to breathe cleaner air, leaving the purifier on for at least 12 hours a day will be more beneficial and effective, as air will be constantly filtered. If you are concerned about energy usage, keep in mind that most air purifiers cost just pennies a day to operate.

Question: Does fan speed contribute to an air purifier's effectiveness?
Answer: Generally speaking, the higher the fan speed, the more air is drawn into the air purifier. This results in more clean air being distributed per hour back into a particular space. For those suffering from respiratory disorders such as asthma or allergies, the highest amount of clean air is best.

Question: There's a lot of controversy surrounding ozone air purifiers lately. Are these safe?
Answer: Ozone is only dangerous in especially high concentrations - much higher than what an ozone air purifier is capable of producing. In moderate concentrations, ozone is harmless, useful, and very effective at eliminating airborne contaminants. However, those with sensitive lungs or respiratory problems may not want to utilize ozone in their home, as it has been known to exacerbate symptoms in those people. Instead, HEPA air purifiers are better choices.

Air Purifier Reviews: AllerAir Air Purifiers

Because more people are now realizing the dangers of polluted indoor air, the air purification industry has become big business. This has resulted in larger companies who don't specialize in air purifiers to put out inferior units which do very little to remove pollutants from the air you breathe. Fortunately, AllerAir has made it their mission to innovate, design, and sell safe, high-quality, and well-priced air purifiers which can improve your quality of life.

AllerAir was founded almost 14 years by Sam Teitelbaum because one of his family members developed multiple chemical sensitivity. Because no air purifier could provide sufficient and effective relief, Teitelbaum decided to develop his own product, and AllerAir was born.

Unlike many other air purifiers which tout high-tech purification methods such as ionizers and ozone, AllerAir has decided to simply use a unique activated carbon-HEPA blended filter to purify the air.

AllerAir's Carbon-HEPA Filters Vs. Other Air Purification Technologies

Ozone Air Purifiers
In recent news, ozone air purifiers have received negative reviews because of the health problems associated with ozone gas. In fact, the State of California has even issued a ban on all ozone air cleaners by 2009. Ozone air purifier manufacturers claim that ozone air purifiers clean the air by utilizing the oxidation powers of ozone to cause chemical reactions with harmful particulates. This then renders these particulates harmless, and while this is true, ozone also has an effect on the human body, as exposure to high levels of ozone can lead to respiratory problems, lung damage, and exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms. The carbon-HEPA based AllerAir air purifiers such as the AllerAir Air Tube do not cause chemical reactions and pose no serious health or environmental threats.

Electrostatic (Ionic) Air Purifiers
Electrostatic air purifiers use a powerful electric field to charge airborne particles which are then collected onto metal collector plates. Unfortunately, these air purifiers also produce small amounts of ozone, and independent research has shown that ionizers do little to clean the air. In comparison, carbon-HEPA air purifiers such as the AllerAir 5000 Exec are recognized as an effective and safe way to remove airborne particles, odors, gases, and chemicals.

Air Purifiers with Carbon-Treated Filters
Carbon has long been recognized as a powerful adsorption media, and many air purifier manufacturers have taken notice. Unfortunately, these air purifiers frequently use a form of foam media that has been sprayed with carbon that features only a quarter or an inch length of carbon. This translates into an ineffective filter that could stop adsorbing within hours. On the other hand, AllerAir air purifiers such as the AllerAir 4000 Exec UV use several pounds of granular activated carbon which can last for years depending on use.

HEPA Air Purifiers
Many air purifiers only utilize HEPA filtration to purify the air, and while HEPA filters are an extremely effective way to remove airborne particles, they cannot remove odors, gases, chemicals, or smoke from the air. AllerAir's carbon-HEPA combination filter, as seen in models such as the AllerAir 5000 Vocarb, not only removes particles, but they filter out some of the most harmful pollutants - gases and chemicals. For serious indoor pollutant abatement, HEPA, used in conjunction with Activated Carbon, has been found to be the most effective method of ensuring clean air.

Air Purifier News: Are Air Duct Cleanings Necessary?

Many Americans are beginning to realize the effects of poor indoor air quality, and air purification is now a billion dollar industry. Also, to address growing concern over indoor air pollution, there has been an increase in the number of air duct cleaning service providers touting the benefits of duct cleaning.

Essentially, duct cleaning refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing. These types of services can typically range from $450 to $1000 per heating and cooling system, and this greatly depends on the size of the system being cleaned, system accessibility, climate, and level of contamination.

While it may seem logical that over time, air ducts get dirty and should occasionally be cleaned, some argue that it may not be necessary. In fact, the EPA has stated that there is no proof that duct cleaning actually prevents health problems, as there are bigger sources of pollutants in the home in addition to just air ducts. Instead, the EPA recommends you make sure that dirty air ducts are the cause of your indoor air problems.

If you or someone in your household is suffering from allergies or unexplained symptoms and if on physical inspection, you see mold growing in the ducts or other parts of the ventilation system; infestation of vermin in the air ducts; or dust and debris clogging the ducts, causing it to be released it is being released into the home from supply registers, then perhaps a duct cleaning may be a good idea. The above conditions are often indications of a bigger problem rather than just a dirty air duct.

However, if duct cleaning may not be of benefit and if you are still concerned with indoor air quality, consider purchasing a HEPA air purifier or an inexpensive furnace filter. These products utilize an advanced filtration system to remove particulates from the air you breathe, and they will also prevent the recirculation of dirty air inside your home.

The Alen T100 Air Purifier - Effective, Yet Affordable

Purifying your air doesn't have to be expensive. While some of the more advanced air purifiers on the market often tout high-tech features such as PCO technology and UV sterilization, for those who just want to breathe in cleaner air, the Alen T100 Air Purifier is a great choice, as it delivers the technology and performance you'll find in more expensive models at a price that'll help you breathe easier.

Because it only weighs 8 pounds, the T100 is compact enough for you to move it from room to room. Therefore, this air purifier is ideal for small areas up to 125 square feet such as bedrooms, dorm rooms, or office cubicles. Using a combination pre-filter and HEPA filter, the Alen T100 has the ability to remove 99.97% of particulates 0.3 microns or larger - making it the perfect choice for those suffering from asthma and allergies. Digital controls and intuitive touch buttons allow for easy operation, and this air purifier is backed by a lifetime warranty. Also, when we tested the T100 in our office, we found that it was virtually silent at the lowest setting, and hardly noticeable at the highest.

At only $149, the Alen T100 air purifier is definitely a bargain.

Vacuuming Doesn't Remove Dust Mites - What About Air Purifiers?

Dust mites are nuisances found in all homes and often wreck havoc on one's allergies. In fact, they are considered the most common cause of asthma and allergy symptoms worldwide, and their enzymes can produce noxious odors in full vacuum bags. In order to find ways to limit exposure to such allergens, a recent study was conducted by the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in Australia. Because vacuuming is usually the most common way of removing dust mites, the Australian researchers wanted to test the efficacy of this method, but they found that vacuum cleaning was ineffective and inconsistent at removing dust mite allergens from carpets.

In fact, rather than removing dust mites from carpets, vacuuming helped changed the distribution of the mites within the carpets. While vacuums with rotating heads were initially more successful at picking up dander and allergens, the rotating vacuum heads were counterproductive in that they also served to kick up the dust in the air after prolonged use. In response to the study results, Woolcock researcher Jason Sercombe stated: "Allergen avoidance measures that rely solely on vacuum cleaning are likely to be of limited success unless rigorous cleaning than standard home vacuuming is performed."

Instead of vacuuming, the researchers at Woodcock suggested regularly washing bedding, pillows, and stuffed toys with hot water on a weekly basis. In addition, Sercombe also noted the effectiveness of HEPA filters in helping to reduce dust mite allergens, as he stated: "The most important aspect to look for is HEPA (high efficiency particulate air filter) filtration."