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)!

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.

Petite Can Mean Powerful

Just because something is small doesn't mean it lacks power. Technology today takes great strides to make useful items smaller, lighter and at the same time more powerful. The ever popular light I-Pod reduced sizes a couple of times and then came out with a Mini and a Nano, each one adding more features and abilities then the version before it. This goes with plenty of other items as well, whether cell phones, computers or cars consumer have spoken and the verdict is smaller is better.

Surround Air, a company known for making high quality air purifiers, realizes this as well. They understand that, consumers don't always need larger purifiers that take up space in a room. Sometimes they require something smaller that could fit on a desk or nightstand and still give effective air purification. That's why they have created the Surround Air NL5000, an incredibly lightweight and powerful air purification unit that will always get the job done. But the big question is how well does it work? Luckily, the products staff at Air Purifier Home is extremely well versed in air purifiers and has provided an in-depth product review.

The Surround Air NL5000

Air Purification Process

The Surround Air NL5000 offers plenty of filtration power for such a small machine. It utilizes five different filtration techniques to give you're air a thorough cleaning. It begins with a HEPA filter that filters 99.97% of dust, dander and debris all the way down to the 0.3 micron level. Following up the HEPA filter comes the Activated Carbon filter that adsorbs noxious chemicals, odors and VOC's (volatile organic compounds), to leave your air smelling fresh. The TiO2 filter helps destroy additional chemicals, bacteria and odors. Second to last, comes the UV rays that eliminate airborne bacteria and create air-sanitizing super-oxide. Finally, the Surround Air NL5000 has an ionizer that completes that provides safe and effective pollutant neutralization.

Lightweight and Powerful

Weighing a mere 4 lbs, this air filter is perfect for a desk, nightstand and table. It uses a mere 25 watts on its highest fan setting and can cover up to 300 square feet making it perfect for a office or bedroom. The night light function makes for easy operation in the dark and it operates near silently, so that you will never know it's on. Plus maintenance is easy with its sliding tray giving you immediate access for easy filter replacement.

For price and size you cannot a get more reliable and powerful filter then the Surround Air NL5000. Its powerful, offers plenty of filtration techniques and is extremely efficient making it to good to pass up.