Do you know what happens when you vacuum? If you have the wrong kind of filtering system tons of tiny dust particles are stirred up in the air. These can cause allergic reactions like runny eyes, runny noses, and congestion. But there's a filter system called High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) that can trap microscopic dust so that they don't just swirl around and land again to repeat the process.

It has also long been known that the primary culprit in dust and allergens is the dust mite. Or more specific but disgusting, the dust mites fecal matter. Those with allergic reactions will testify to the discomfort of airborne indoor allergens but (and you cant blame them) do not like to consider the causes.

There are two HEPA's on the market. The absolute or true HEPA must be certified. But but for some odd reason there is a lesser version that's called a HEPA "type". No certification needed.

Let me explain. The absolute or true type is the real thing. Makes sense right? It must meet a rigorous testing procedure in which the standard particle size is .3 microns. That is microscopically tiny of course. And it must trap at least 99.97% of the little buggers.

HEPA Type filters (I know it's confusing but that's bureaucracy for you) only need to capture down to 1 micron about 90 percent of the time. Certification isn't an issue but allergic reactions to dust mite stuff still is.

The problem is those filters look very much alike. So you have got to look closely if you want a True HEPA. First of all look at the price. True ones cost more. Again, common sense. Secondly the real thing has a certification number on it. Finally it tells you right on the filter about those .3 microns and how it gets at least 99.97 percent of them.

If you want the best possible protection against indoor contaminants then consider a certified HEPA filter system.

Posted under Allergies