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Our Allergy Information on Home Products and Reviews Page

Dealing with environmental allergies? This allergy information on home products and reviews page contains the most up to date information, stories and news on allergy friendly home products. Learn how to make your own cleaning products, which home products are best for allergy households and more. Visit this page often for updates. Our most recent allergy information on home product related news, reviews and posts are featured below.

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Recent Allergy Information on Home Products – Reviews – Articles and News

• Allergy Certified Washer and Steam Dryer

  

  Our washer and dryer were both over ten years old and had been hobbling along for quite some time. It was inevitable that we purchase a new set.

  I found out that a lot has changed in the last ten years and was pleasantly surprised to see so many new features offered.

  After a lot of research, we decided to purchase an LG Steam Washer and Steam Dryer and couldn’t be happier. Both are certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and are Energy Star approved. So far they are living up to their great reviews.

  Product Information for LG.com
  LG WM3875HWCA Washer
  4.2 cu.ft. Ultra-Large Capacity SteamWasher™ with LCD Display
  A beautiful washer that looks great while getting your clothes extra clean, and keeping your energy bills extra small. Enjoy smart innovations like ColdWash™ that provide warm-water performance with cold-water energy savings, and LG’s revolutionary 6Motion™ technology that’s tough on stains, while gentle on your clothes. Along with the alllergen-fighting Allergiene™ cycle and other great features, this is a washer that truly delivers something better.

  Allergiene™ Cycle
  The Allergiene™ cycle uses the power of steam to gently remove over 95% of common common household allergens, like dust mites and pet dander, from even the most delicate fabrics. Now doing the laundry can save some sniffles.

  Model # DLEX3875V Dryer
  SteamDryer™ Ultra-Capacity Dryer with SteamSanitary™ Technology
  Dryers just dry clothes. The SteamDryer™ has SteamFresh™ to freshen up that shirt you haven’t worn in ages, can clean kids toys with SteamSanitary™, and EasyIron™ could happily replace your actual iron. Calling this a dryer wouldn’t be right. With all that it does, this is something better.

  SteamSanitary Cycle
  Want to lose that musty smell from a pillow? The SteamSanitary™ cycle lets you sanitize non-washables, while being delicate to materials. It can also sanitize your kid’s action figure that‘s been who-knows-where. It does that too.

• Air Purifiers

  

  My allergist says an air purifier may help with my environmental allergies. How do I find the right one?

  An air purifiers can be a great addition to a home or bedroom of someone with environmental allergies. The goal of an air purifier is to suck in air through a filter, trap dust and allergens and then blow the clean air back out into the room.

  They can cost anywhere from a hundred dollars to a thousand. There are several makes, models and sizes of air purifiers available and which one is best for you depends upon your own needs.

  A couple of tips to help you get started:

  Find the right “type” of air purifier.
  There are several different types of air purifiers available.

  Hepa: HEPA filters employ a cloth type filter that can trap 99.9% of particles 0.3 microns or larger in size, and a fan to move air through the machine. These purifiers are deemed the best for trapping allergens but do not work for chemicals and smoke.

  Ozone: Ozone is a highly reactive oxidant that destroys certain bacteria and chemicals, however the substances are broken down into other materials that are also pollutants. These purifiers are extremely effective against odors but not as effective against allergens.

  Carbon: The most absorbent filter on the market today; activated carbon air filters consist of a system of pores that are tiny in size. These highly adsorbent pores chemically react to particles that pass through them causing the particles and odors to bond with the carbon. These purifiers work well with smoke, chemicals and gases but are not effective on allergens.

  Ionic: Ionic air purifiers do not have a cloth filter like the HEPA machines. They work by “ionizing” the air, causing particulates to gain a positive or negative charge. An air ionizer contains collection plates that have an opposite charge from the particles in the air, so the particles are drawn to the collection plates. These purifiers can remove small particles from a room but do not work on odors.

  Always purchase the right size air purifier for your room or home.
  Using one that is too small will not clean the air as efficiently and may even cause your unit to wear out more quickly.

  Wash, vacuum or replace filters regularly.
  Follow the instructions with your unit. Most will tell you whether and how often you need to wash, vacuum or replace your filters. Some filters are more expensive than others. If you can wash yours, you may save money over time.

  Run your air purifier while you are dusting, vacuuming and cleaning.
  Any time you disturb dust in your home you should run your air purifier.

  Close the windows!
  Common sense right? Many of us have forgotten we have a window open and have run our air purifier. Close all doors and windows when running your unit to prevent drawing dirty air inside.

  You can find an air purifier online and in many stores – ranging from department stores like Sears to home improvement stores like The Home Depot or Lowe’s.

  Some brands and models receiving high marks online are:

  IQAir HealthPro Plus es.t $900

  Austin Air HealthMate est. $450

  Honeywell Enviracaire 50250-N est. $185

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• Hypoallergenic Dogs - Hypoallergenic List

  

  Children and individuals with dog allergies often long for a dog, but are told by an allergist or other medical professional to refrain from getting one. They may also be told that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog or dogs list.

  While it’s true that some individuals will never be able to tolerate any dog without allergy symptoms, many can live comfortably with a dog if they take the proper steps and precautions.

  Allergic Symptoms
  It’s important to know what your allergic symptoms are and what triggers them. Positive allergy testing results  without a history of  reaction may mean that you are able to tolerate dogs in some way, shape or form.

  While it’s true that all dogs have some form of dander and protein, which is what many individuals are allergic to, some dogs have more protein and dander than others.

  Keep a symptom journal when visiting friends with dogs and when you have allergic reactions to dogs. Look to see if there is a pattern. Do you react around specific breeds? Do you react immediately upon entering a room? Do you react upon being licked only? (Some individuals are allergic to protein in the dogs saliva.)

  Hypoallergenic Dog List
  The dogs that are considered “hypoallergenic” often cause less serious or no allergic reactions in dog allergic individuals. They are typically the non shedding dogs and are oftentimes single coated dogs. Following is a list of dogs that are considered hypoallergenic. If you have dog allergies and exhibit symptoms, it might make sense to narrow your choice down to a breed on this list. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you may still develop reactions to a breed on this list.

  • American Hairless Terrier
  • Airedale Terrier
  • Basenji
  • Bedlington Terrier
  • Bergamasco
  • Bichon Frisé
  • Bichon/Yorkie
  • Bolognese
  • Border Terrier
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Cavachon
  • Chacy Ranior
  • Chinese Crested (hairless)
  • Chinese Crested (powder puff)
  • Cockapoo
  • Coton De Tulear
  • Doodleman Pinscher
  • Giant Schnauzer
  • Hairless Khala
  • Havanese
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Labradoodle
  • Lagotto Romagnolo
  • Lowchen
  • Maltese
  • Malti-Poo
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Native American Indian Dog
  • Peruvian Inca Orchid
  • Poodle
  • Poos
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Puli
  • Schnoodle
  • Shepadoodle
  • Shichon
  • Shih-Tzu
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
  • Spanish Water Dog
  • Standard Poodle
  • Standard Schnauzer
  • Tibetan Terrier
  • Toy Poodle
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • Wirehaired Fox Terrier
  • Xoloitzcuintle
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  Other Considerations When Choosing a Dog
  It’s important to remember a few things if you decide to get a dog and there is an individual in the home with dog and other allergies.
  Dogs will often carry pollen and dust on their fur
  How often do you plan to clean the dog? How often do you plan to vacuum? Will the dog be allowed in bedrooms or on bedding? Will you get a home air filter?
  
  Many individuals are not allergic to puppies but ARE allergic to adult dogs
  Be sure to visit both puppies and adults of the breed you are interested in. Also be sure that the breed is the only breed and animal in the home. If you visit someone with cats or other dogs, the dander from those animals could be in the home and on the breed you are interested in. Stay with the dog a long time. Rub your face in its fur. Let it lick you.
  Some things in your favor
  Is the allergic individual already on allergy medications for other allergens like pollen, dust etc.? If so, it’s possible that this medication will help with the dog allergy as well. (Be sure to check with an allergist regarding this.)
  Many individuals report allergic symptoms to other dogs but not to their own. Some people build up an immunity to their own dog. Keep in mind though that allergic individuals or those predisposed to dog allergies can suddenly develop symptoms when the pet no longer resides in the home.
  Final Thoughts
  It is possible for many individuals with dog allergies to live comfortably with a dog, but the decision should not be made lightly. Like all potential pet owners, you must ask yourself:
  Why do you want a dog?
  Where will the dog go if it doesn’t work out?
  Who will take care of the dog?
  Is the benefit of a dog worth a potential allergic reaction?
  Pets make a wonderful addition to a family, but it can be difficult on all to have to find your pet a new home. If you are considering a dog and there is a member of your family with a dog allergy; make sure you follow the above tips and consult with your allergist.
  If you are seriously considering a dog and would like more information, you might want to read our own family dog allergy story. Click on the below titles to read more.
  When an Allergic Boy Gets a Dog
  Our Experience With Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

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