What Does An Air Purifier Actually Do?

By Owen Jones

There are various kinds of air purifier units, so it can be difficult to know what someone means when they talking about air purifying. For instance, all air conditioning units and most central heating systems have some form of air purification built in. In fact, the air purification filters in most split air conditioning units are very sophisticated. A similar add-on unit can be purchased for most central heating and central conditioning systems.

However, you may not need heating or cooling units, but you may want a dedicated air purifier. Air purification units can hugely increase your quality of life, particularly if you suffer from an allergy or live with a smoker or animals.

Air purifiers or air cleaners, as they are also identified, clean the air of pollutants and foreign bodies. However, some air purifiers are more advanced than others, so it is a good idea to identify what you want to remove from your air before you buy one.

This is because not all machines will accept all kinds of filter and not all filters will eliminate all pollutants. Some will, but not all. So if you want to clean pollen out of the air because you suffer from hay fever, check with the dealer that the unit that you like, can perform the job.

Air purifiers will greatly help allergy sufferers and some people do not know that they have an allergy. Some people are allergic to pet hairs, or dog and or cat skin particles or smoke or traffic pollutants like tyre rubber to speak nothing of the exhaust fumes that none of us want. So, if you live close to a road or a factory, or keep a cat or a dog, you live with a smoker or you suffer from hay fever, an air purifier would most likely be good for you.

How you do this is clearly up to you. If you have a central air conditioning unit already, it is probably better for you to install an air purification system near your blower. This technique is relatively inexpensive ($300 - $1,000), but it will purify the air in the whole house.

If you live in a bedsit, a trailer or a caravan and it gets hot where you live, a split air con system is perhaps better for you, but if you just want to purify the air close around you, then a portable air purifier will meet your requirements.

One word of warning though, many of the cheaper portable air purifying units are worse than useless because they are burning your electricity without giving you any benefit. These cheap units do not have the power to clean large volumes of air and they do not have filters that are capable of blocking the allergens that trouble us. - 31822

About the Author:

Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with split air conditioning systems. If you are interested in Home Air Conditioning Systems, please click through to our site.

Lo Technology Nasal Saline Spray

By Stanley Lang

Everybody loves to shop, right? Well not all of us, but when there is a need we sure do like to have a store to go into. When you go into a store for problems with your poor nose you will unfortunately be faced with a lot of confusing choices. A lot of these treatments are designed to somehow get a nasal saline solution into your nose. Most commonly this is delivered to the nose as a nasal saline spray.

Clearly you need an effective nasal saline solution to be able to use it as a nasal spray. It's not complicated. The most common products simply put salt and water together although the concentrations may vary. Oh, but lest I forget, they tend to have preservatives in them too. Yes, sad to say, preservatives are there to keep the germs out. Most of the nasal sprays on the market have preservatives so it's a good chance that yours does too.

You might say "so what"? What's wrong with preservatives? Think about it. If a chemical is strong enough to kill or disable germs do you think it just might do something not so good to the cells in your nasal lining? In fact the research shows that preservatives do have a negative effect. Yes and don't bank on it killing the bad germs already in your nose-- it doesn't!

Not only do we see this intrusion of chemicals sprayed into the nose with some treatments offered in the stores, it is often delivered in a way that requires devices or strategies that need some additional equipment. These strategies are used because of the belief that it does not help to sniff a nasal saline solution from the hand into the nose. Somehow the belief that this strategy doesn't "work" is floating around out there in the land of the nasal treatment.

Actually, sniffing a nasal saline solution from the hand is a very good way to get the equivalent of a saline nasal spray up the nose. I think it's the best way. In over 30 years of medical practice I see this as a very effective strategy--- when it's done right and with the right kind of home made nasal saline solution. I call this my "Lo tech, No tech" approach. If you're interested in this you can get the information on my blog.

In summary, if you combine the right ingredients in making a good nasal saline solution (that can also be used as a saline nasal spray if you wish) and use that Lo tech but wonderful tool, the hand (that is, Lo tech in that it is not made by people), you will have amazing results in dealing with all chronic nasal symptoms. Oh and don't forget-- you get to lose the preservatives. - 31822

About the Author:

Want to find out more about saline nasal spray, then visit Dr Stanley Lang's site on how to choose the best saline nasal solution for your needs.

The Benefits Of A Crawl Space Dehumidifier

By Gary Hatcher

If your home has a crawl space, there is a high chance that it could accumulate a significant amount of moisture. This may cause a number of problems, including the build up of mold and mildew. As a result, your entire family may begin to experience some health issues. This is where a dehumidifier can help.

Eliminating mold can be very difficult. Regular dehumidifiers will not work because normally they are too large for a crawl space. Crawl space dehumidifiers are ideal for removing the excess moisture because of its size and design. Moisture can cause a build up of fungi, bacteria, and harmful microorganisms. When this happens, you run the risk of wood rot and horrible odors permeating throughout your home.

The most effective way of dealing with mold is to remove the excess moisture. Mold has a difficult time thriving in a dry environment. The crawl space dehumidifier works by drying the air. As a result, the environment will not be efficient for mold to grow. By removing the moisture you lessen the chance for wood rot and eliminate bad odors.

A dehumidifier can help you in a couple of ways:

Improved Health of Your Family- When the environment in the house is dry, mold will not grow. Mold is known as a factor for asthma and other allergic reactions. Young children, elderly and those with weakened immune systems are especially at risk

Maintaining your Home Properly - Moisture is never good for your home and can cause a lot of damage. If the wood rots, it has to be replaced and that is not cheap.

Investing in a crawl space dehumidifier can save you a lot of money in the future. There are so many different models of crawl space dehumidifiers to choose from. Being proactive can prevent a lot of headaches later. - 31822

About the Author:

Want to find out more about the crawl space dehumidifier, then visit Gary Hatcher's site on how to choose the best crawl space dehumidifier for your needs.

Whole House Air Purifiers

By Owen Jones

We have all heard of central heating and most of us have heard of central air conditioning, but how about central air purifying? Indeed, is there such a thing? When you go to the mall or general department stores, you tend to see local air purifiers, that is air purifiers that clear the air in one room only. They are portable systems, so that you can watch TV with it on and then take it into your bedroom at night.

This is all right as far as it goes, but rooms are interconnected and the 'dirty' air soon comes in and mingles with your nice clean air. What you really need to do is clean all the air in the whole house, in every room simultaneously. This would be on the same principal as central air conditioning. In fact most central air conditioning systems incorporate an air purifying system. Admittedly, they are usually pretty basic on older conditioners, but they can be very sophisticated too, if you are willing to get a more expensive new conditioner.

The middle ground if you do not want to upgrade your central air conditioner or even if you do not want to air conditioning, is to fit a central or 'whole house' air purification system. This is most easily and most economically carried out if you already have ducting in your house for central heating or air conditioning. The central air purification unit is then simply put in line with your existing ducting.

The central air purifying apparatus is installed into a home's central HVAC (heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system, just upstream from the air handler (the furnace or the air conditioner), similar to a central humidifier. This type of central installation enables CAP (Central Air Purification) systems to continuously remove allergens, pollutants and other irritants from the air being supplied to the entire occupied living space of the home, rather than just one room. installing the CAP unit like also keeps it completely out of sight and out of the way.

CAP systems can be fitted into virtually any type and configuration of forced air HVAC system, regardless of age, and are a common sense add-on or upgrade. Many of these systems incorporate a powerful ultraviolet light for added purification. This is called photo catalytic oxidation.

Photo catalytic oxidation has been proved to be highly effective at clearing airborne biological and chemical contamination (206% more powerful than chlorine and 157% more powerful than hydrogen peroxide. The energy field in the photo-catalytic chamber is roughly 10,000 times more powerful than natural sunlight).

These modern whole house or central air purifiers are extremely efficient and can give a new lease of life to sufferers of airborne allergies such as pollen. The system is relatively inexpensive, if you already have ducting in place, otherwise that could cost you an extra $3,000 - 4,000. The actual air purification units themselves are a lot cheaper, costing between $300 and $1,000 and the installer can fit them in minutes with common tools. - 31822

About the Author:

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with central air conditioner prices. If you are interested in Home Air Conditioning Systems, please click through to our site.

Air Conditioning Filters Replacement

By Owen Jones

Air conditioners have always been popular, but they used to be pricey to buy and expensive to run. These days they are cheaper to buy. It is not so bad if you live somewhere where you need heating for three months and cooling for three months, but if you live somewhere where you have one unit or other running twenty-for hours a day, seven days a week, it is still expensive.

However, the comfort that they give to your life is amazing. But, the thing to bear in mind is that air conditioners, like all pieces of equipment, do need servicing. That is, the actual moving parts, lubricants and other fluids need to be checked professionally every two years (or whatever it says in your instruction manual). There are other parts though that have to be checked far more frequently than that - maybe even monthly.

The good news is that you can carry out this maintenance yourself. I am talking about the filter. All good, modern air conditioning units come with an in-built filter. It depends on the sophistication of your air conditioner, what its filter can block, but most will filter tiny particles such as pollen and traffic pollution out of the air it is circulating in the room.

These filters have to be cleaned or replaced fairly frequently and you will need to check your air conditioner's handbook to find out what you can do. Frequently, it will say that they can be scrubbed two or three times with either soapy water and a tooth brush or vacuumed clean. After that they have to be replaced, in order for the unit to be completely effective.

If you need to replace your air filter, you may find the following hints useful.

The best place to start is either the main dealer for your brand of air conditioner, the people you bought it from or the people that installed it for you. At least, you know you can trust them, even if it is only a case of 'better the devil you know'. Many of the stores that sell other makes of air conditioner may sell filters for your model as a sideline too.

You are already making use of the Internet, so that is another good place to check for current prices and bargains, before you go traipsing around town. 'Fore-warned is fore-armed', as they say. You can utilize the price knowledge you acquire from your Internet surfing as a bargaining tool to get the best price locally.

If that does not work or you just cannot be bothered, order on line and your air conditioner filter will be with you in a couple of day anyway. By the way, like with vacuum cleaner bags, it is normally better to purchase several at a time. For example, if you know that they will survive three washes, then each filter will last four months. Why not buy three and be done with it for a year? - 31822

About the Author:

Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with central air conditioning systems. If you are interested in Home Air Conditioning Systems, please click through to our site.

Nutrition and Nasal Health

By Stanley Lang

I am writing this article to help you understand some of the different aspects of having a healthy nose. In many cases I suggest using a good nasal saline spray or solution as a key to having a healthy nose. At the same time as you are working on having a healthy nose you will also be creating the environment to have a healthy sinus. It is obvious that the nose is part of the body though we often act like it isn't. We're very much aware that it's there when it doesn't work.

There are many other things that affect the health of the nose. One of these is the general nutrition of the body. Nutrition of course affects every cell in the body. If you have bad nutrition your cells are not going to be as healthy. If you have good nutrition your cells are going to have much improved health. So while it is important to continue to do things like nasal saline spray for the nose, these other issues are important too.

So the nutrition of the body does directly affect the cells of the nose. It should be obvious to us that the body's health affects the health of the nose and so nutrition to the body affects the nutrition of the nose. In spite of this obvious connection it is typical that people with chronic nasal problems or chronic sinus issues pay little attention to how and what they eat. If you eat junky food your sinus problems are going to be worse.

A very important part of nutrition is supplementing the foods we eat. Now "supplement" is a word that means you are adding to something that is already there. Unfortunately many people supplement fairly well but they are supplementing a junky diet. If that is your strategy I am giving you the sad advice that your strategy will not work well. You need to start with a diet rich in good nutrients. If you don't do this, your nasal saline solution will be less effective.

There are many different nutrients--- at least 50---- that are helpful in the health of the body---actually they are crucial to the body. All of these nutrients are very important and one cannot say which is most important. However more research has been done on some nutrients and so those nutrients get more attention. It would seem that these are more important that others, but they really aren't--- they are all important.

So as a summary, there are many different things that affect the health of the nasal passages and the sinuses. Even though one is more likely to think about nasal saline solution when you're having symptoms, I believe the most important of these various aspects of having a healthy nose is nutrition. So get your nutrition right if you want to have a healthy nose. - 31822

About the Author:

Learn more about saline nasal spray. Stop by Dr Stanley Lang's site where you can find out all about saline nasal solution and what it can do for you.

Sleep Easy with Smartsilk Hypoallergenic Bedding

By Pete Malcolm

Because we spend about 1/3 of our lives in bed, it is important that our sleep experience is not only peaceful, but also healthy. Many people suffering from severe allergies and respiratory illnesses do not realize that it may be their bedding that is a contributing factor aggravating their condition. Dust mites, pet dander, and mold and mildew in our bedding can trigger allergic reactions. The results can be inflamed, congested, and irritated respiratory passages, as well as wheezing, watery eyes, constant sneezing, skin irritations such as eczema, and an uncomfortable sleep. Located in Montral, Quebec, Canada, Smartsilk(TM) is a company specializing in hypoallergenic bedding products that eliminates allergens in bedding which can improve your physical and emotional health.

Smartsilk(TM) is the first all natural bedding to be certified asthma and allergy friendly(TM) by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and the Asthma Society of Canada. Their hypoallergenic products are scientifically tested and proven to be an effective barrier against dust mites, pet dander, and are also resistant to mold and mildew growth. Natural silk is an exceptional hypoallergenic material because it does not support dust mites as it has a tighter fabric weave. Their allergy bedding products include the Duvet, Silk-Fill Mattress Protector, and Silk-Fill Pillow Protector.

Allergy bedding uses naturally occurring hypoallergenic silk fiber. The bedding is soft, comfortable, and regulates body temperature so that it alleviates the effects of night sweats and chills that may occur during menopause or when undergoing chemotherapy. It is all natural and breathable which prevents the accumulation of moisture. It also contains a biodegradable water repellant non woven lining that protects from staining. Smartsilk'(TM) products have helped people suffering from fibromyalgia enjoy a more restful and relaxed nights sleep.

Their unique bedding products allow people to sleep worry free of allergens that are triggers for fibromyalgia. Their 100% silk fill is scientifically proven to sooth your extremities and comfort your body. The result is a restful and uninterrupted sleep. To get the Smartsilk(TM) certified asthma & allergy friendly bed set, you can go to their website and follow 3 easy steps where the prices have been adjusted to reflect the 10% discount.

A good night's sleep not only directly affects our physical, mental, and emotional health and well being, but also improves our energy levels, immune system, and memory capacity. Knowing some the causes of allergies and how to reduce the conditions that create an allergy prone environment, will help you better control their effects. Using Hypoallergenic bedding products allows you to sleep longer and more comfortably which will result in an improved quality of life and health. - 31822

About the Author:

Certified asthma & allergy friendly(TM) bedding products from SmartSilk, the leader in allergy and hypoallergenic bedding products. Allergy pillow protectors, allergy duvet covers, dust mite bed covers and more!

Cod Liver Oil And Asthma: Is It Worth A Look?

By Kim Archer

A few interesting studies seem to reveal that cod liver oil might be of some use for treating asthma. Cod liver oil is known to help ease dehydrated skin, ease the ache of arthritis and help top up your body's supplies of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for heart health. Now researchers are wondering if cod liver oil has any benefits for relieving asthma as well.

Asthma is an inflammatory condition in the same way as arthritis, and since we understand that omega-3 fatty acids can curb inflammatory conditions, then it is realistic to assume that cod liver oil could be an effective supplement in treating this condition.

Children tend to be more apt to acquire asthmatic symptoms if they don't get enough of the necessary nutrients such as Vitamins B12, C and E, along with selenium, magnesium, beta-carotene and zinc. Moreover, a lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the overall diet is considered by most specialists to be one of the causes of asthma.

The latest investigation reveals that the threat of experiencing asthmatic symptoms might be lowered through the ingestion of an adequate amount of essential fatty acids every day, chiefly the omega-3 fatty acids contained in cod liver oil. Omega-3 is believed to be the least consumed of the fatty acids because it's challenging to obtain enough omega-3 fatty acids via diet alone. That's why using cod liver oil as a supplement to the food you eat can be a clever thing to do.

The very first thing that needs to be done if you or your little one has asthmatic symptoms is to consult your physician to establish if cod liver oil is the best choice for your circumstances. If you have another health condition or you're taking medication which can interact with the cod liver oil then you shouldn't take it. There may be other situations in which it cannot be used also, and only a medical professional can counsel you in this regard.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that cod liver oil provides a certain amount of relief from asthmatic symptoms, and based on the general agreement among scientists, it could be an effective supplement to standard asthma therapies. - 31822

About the Author:

Asthma is a serious respiratory condition that affects millions of people throughout the world. Not only is an asthma attack a frightening experience, it can be deadly if not treated promptly. Arm yourself with the information you need about topics such as allergy induced asthma at Asthma Treatment Options.

The Link Between Asthma And Eczema

By Kim Archer

There are lots of diseases that have no cure; some of them are life-threatening while some just generally make our lives more complicated. Their symptoms can be managed, but the medical profession has yet to pinpoint a definitive cure for them. The majority of these medical conditions are not associated with one another in any way; developing one will not cause someone to develop another. Yet in a couple of instances, such as when it comes to eczema and asthma, there is reason to think that having one will result in the other one too.

Eczema can be described as a condition that impacts the skin - the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin, gets inflamed and tends to be very uncomfortable. The indicators can range from rather minor to exceedingly severe, and consist of skin blistering, cracking, flaking, crusting, redness, itchiness and skin swelling, as well as bleeding and oozing in more advanced situations. There are certain medications which are helpful to heal eczema, which are called corticosteroids. These kinds of medications are quite effective at managing the patient's eczema; but the disease cannot be entirely eliminated at this point in time.

Asthma, on the other hand, involves long term irritation of the lungs in which the airways end up constricted so that inhalation becomes difficult or practically impossible. Roughly 7% of the US population is afflicted with asthma and 300 million people globally are afflicted with it. Warning signs of asthma include shortness of breath, even when resting; nocturnal coughing; a chronic cough that sounds similar to clearing of the throat; and tightness in the chest. Asthma has assorted degrees of severity also; attacks range from mild to moderate. While as a general rule it can be managed by means of medication, it can't be cured, either.

So how do these conditions, that are apparently so different, have any relationship to one another? The relation isn't completely understood, yet it's been established that half of all young children who acquire eczema will go on to acquire asthma also. Doctors have determined that when eczema occurs, it triggers a substance to be secreted by the body's injured skin. This substance winds up flowing through the bloodstream and through the lungs, and then sets off asthma-like problems that ultimately develop into the full-blown disease. That's why young children who suffer from eczema will regularly go on to experience asthma too.

For the medical society, this is a tremendous step forward. They now think that if they start treating eczema more aggressively and make sure that the body doesn't begin manufacturing that substance to start with, then many of the kids who have eczema won't go on to develop asthma. As long as they are victorious, thousands of youngsters will be able to enjoy their lives without this debilitating affliction. - 31822

About the Author:

Eczema is a medical condition that encompasses a number of different skin ailments, from nummular eczema to atopic dermatitis. Although there isn't actually a cure for it, there are various treatment methods that will give you some relief. Learn more about treatment options including dyshidrotic eczema treatment at the Eczema Treatment site.

Nasal Saline Solution More Effective Than Spray

By Stanley Lang

Recent research has looked at the question of whether it makes any difference in the treatment of chronic sinusitis when nasal saline solution irrigation is done as opposed to just using the solution as a spray. This article is a review of that research.

In this research the condition of interest was chronic sinusitis. This means that there is a low grade infection going on in the sinuses. In some cases this infection has actually been going on for more than a year which is a long time to put up with symptoms.

The reason that saline irrigation is even being studied is that the sinus infection really can't get better if the sinus openings can't be cleared of the stuff that is blocking them. This "stuff" might be secretions and often are very thick and hard for the body to move. The presumption is that these secretions can more easily be moved if the area is irrigated virorously.

The big question the researches were looking at was whether or not it actually made a difference in using a nasal saline solution in the nose, and, if it did make a difference, whether it was important that it be a saline solution that irrigated into the the nose or whether it would work just to spray the solution into the nose.

The research supported two different conclusions. First of all it is helpful to treat the symptoms of a chronic sinus infection with nasal saline solution irrigation. This helped with symptoms and treatment. But they also found that the nasal saline solution when used to irrigate was more effective than when used as a nasal spray.

So to recap. It does make a difference if you use a nasal saline solution to irrigate your nose if you have a chronic sinus infection. It not only helps to use this kind of nasal solution, it actually helps to use the solution as an irrigation tool compared to just using the spray. So if you have this condition, you likely have a real benefit in using the nasal saline solution as an irrigation.N - 31822

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on saline nasal spray, then visit www.saline-nasal-spray.com to find the best advice on saline nasal solution for you.

Basic Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

By Owen Jones

More and more people are discovering the benefits of a home air conditioning system, because prices have dropped in relation to to wages over recent years. However, most people's approach is 'out of sight, out of mind'. That is, until they get home from work on a sweltering hot summer's afternoon and the air con does not work.

The most common reason for this is years of no maintenance. The only way that you will get the most from air conditioning units, as with any mechanism, is to maintain it according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule and get it checked over by a professional every two or three years, whatever the instruction booklet says. You cannot completely eliminate the professional check up, but you can carry out the basic maintenance yourself, which will save you at least two years of fees.

Here then are my most essential basic air conditioning maintenance tips.

If you have a central air conditioner, wash or change the air filter roughly once a month during the hot weather season. This will help prolong the life of your air conditioning apparatus, increase its level of efficiency (thereby reducing running costs) and enhance the quality of the air in your home.

The two typical kinds of air filters are the washable steel mesh variety and the woven fibre glass kind which is disposable. These filters slide into the ductwork or blower compartment. You can further improve the performance of your central air conditioner by clearing all the grass, bushes, flowers and picking up the debris from around the outside compressor unit.

Furthermore, if the outdoor apparatus is ever in full sunlight when it is in use, build a small structure like a simple lean-to over it to keep it in the shade. Then it will not have to work so hard. It will also keep the snow and rain out of it during the winter. Get both the internal and external units looked at by an expert every two years.

Other basic air conditioning maintenance tips are to take the 'top' off your blower unit before the start of the summer and give it some attention. Gently scrape the build-up of dust and grease on the blades of the fan, Then lightly oil the fan's shaft and bearings so that it will rotate more freely. If your fan or blower is belt driven, check the fan belt for wear, tension and alignment. Correct as you would for a vehicle.

The motors on most recent blower units are totally sealed and self-lubricating, but the older ones have an oil reservoir which has to be refilled every year. Check that, clean the sump, if you have one and fill up with fresh oil.

You can also clean the coil, which is a loop of metal tubing. Vacuum it and then lightly clean it with a tooth brush and something like methylated spirits in order to degrease it. Wipe up any spillage. All of these routines can be applied to the outside unit too, because it also has a fan and a coil. Clean any cobwebs from the case's vents too. - 31822

About the Author:

Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with central air conditioning systems. If you are interested in Home Air Conditioning Systems, please click through to our site.

What Are The Benefits Of Allergy Bedding And Hypoallergenic Bedding?

By Pete Malcolm

Every year, millions of people struggle to manage the unpleasant physical affects caused by allergies. If you suffer from allergies, then you know how uncomfortable and stressful it can be to get a good night's sleep. One major cause of allergy afflictions can be found in our bedding. Dust mites found in bedding can cause such health problems as difficulties breathing, wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, chest congestion, coughing, and stuffy nose. Dust mites are tiny organisms that make their home in warm and moist fibrous environments such as bedding, carpets, mattresses, and upholstered furniture. When the dust mites secrete waste, they dry out and can begin to float in the air. Dust mite excretion will trigger allergic reactions when inhaled. If you are allergic, the reaction will be instant. Dust mites are particularly harmful for people who have respiratory conditions such as asthma. If you are continually finding it difficult to sleep, tossing and turning throughout the night, as well as finding yourself waking up with nose and chest congestion, it is likely that you have dust mites in your bedding. Fortunately, allergy sufferers can get relief from allergens by using hypoallergenic bedding.

Hypoallergenic bedding is specially designed to be allergen-resistant. Allergy bedding uses natural occurring hypoallergenic material such as silk. Natural silk is an excellent hypoallergenic material because it does not support dust mites as it has a tighter fabric weave. People who are allergic to dust mites will see their health greatly improve from sleeping in hypoallergenic bedding because it promotes a dust mite free environment. One can purchase various types of allergy bedding that includes: bed sheets, pillow protectors, mattress covers and pads, mattresses, and duvet covers. Not only does allergy bedding like allergy pillow protectors (one of the most important since your face rubs against it all night), eliminate dust mites, but it creates a healthier environment by improving breathing and sleep.

When you use manufactured products for bedding, you are more prone to sleep disruptions, breathing problems, headaches, and skin irritations. Chemical sprays from manufactured bedding can releases toxins in the air and can also be absorbed into the skin. Hypoallergenic bedding is chemical-free and made of natural material. As well, using regular manufactured bedding and linens makes it much easier for dust mite waste, dust, dead skin cells, and pet dander, to become embedded in the loosely woven fibers. By using hypoallergenic bedding, you will sleep soundly and peacefully knowing that you are not only breathing better, but also improving your own health.

Due to the numerous amounts of harmful pollutants and toxins in the products we use on a daily basis, more people are becoming sensitive to such conditions as allergies and toxin related illnesses. Because we can spend 7 - 8 hours a night in bed, it is important to sleep in a healthy environment. Without a peaceful uninterrupted sleep, people can suffer from irritability, fatigue, concentration problems, and even depression. Using hypoallergenic bedding is an important way of improving sleep, reducing allergies, and improving our overall health and well being.

One of the top manufacturers of allergy bedding products is SmartSilk, a Montreal company whose mission really summarizes how dedicated they are to their products (visit their website at www.smartsilk.com) :

"With the rise of asthma and sleep allergies amongst adults and children, with the growing numbers of woman and men suffering with night sweats as well those of us dealing with life's everyday stresses causing sleep issues, Smartsilk(TM) is committed to providing a clean, healthy, natural, comfortable sleep that will protect you while you sleep and allow you wake up fresh, well rested and invigorated."

Due to the unique properties of Smartsilk(TM) and its patent pending technologies Smartsilk(TM) has also been tested and certified by Allergy Standards Ltd to be the only all natural bedding products to receive the coveted asthma & allergy friendly(TM) certification in association with The Asthma Society of Canada (ASC) and The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

At the end of the day, it's important that you find a good allergy bedding solution in order to improve your overall health and well being! Considering sleep is one of the most important functions of the human body, you really shouldn't take it too lightly if you happen to be suffering from any of the symptoms described in this article. - 31822

About the Author:

Certified asthma & allergy friendly(TM) bedding products from SmartSilk, the leader in allergy and hypoallergenic bedding products. Allergy pillow protectors, duvet covers, dust mite bed covers and more!

Prefer Normal Cures For Asthma Attack

By Paul Kramer

Asthma is often a chronic disorder which is characterized by an individual continuously experiencing difficulty in breathing or an individual facing shortness of breath. In case you are also suffering from this ailment then this article may serve you far better. In this article I will explain some of the indicators of this sickness as well as some normal cures that may possibly aid you in this illness.

Asthma isn't only shortness of breath but it further alleviates the condition. The patient might experience dry cough and also the state of anxiety all the time. Severe cough and dryness are also considered as early signs and symptoms of this ailment.

Nevertheless, these are only few signs. There could be a lot more complications just simply because of this illness. Furthermore, it truly is not important that each and every patient experiences same kind of indicators. Signs of this illness may possibly vary from one individual to a further.

It can be incredibly important to treat asthma as soon as feasible until or unless it becomes worst. In case you are genuinely wondering and searching for some suitable pure treatment then go via this piece of writing. It mostly happens that persons think about their doctors first when they pass by means of a severe attack.

Furthermore, they prefer to get several medicines in this regard. This may well be a very good option for you but I will advise you to look for some herbal remedies and resources that could serve you much better. Normal healing is quite essential since it has no side effects.

On the other hand, medicines and antibiotics have various disadvantages or side effects. Numerous herbs are utilised for the treatment of this disorder. These particularly include garlic and ginger. You can also get these herbs on normal basis to avoid or minimize the risk of asthmatic attack.

One more normal remedy that's well known and applied by numerous patients is often a single teaspoon of honey on normal basis. During asthma attack these herbs may possibly offer you relief and comfort to a wonderful extent. - 31822

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Treatments For Asthma .

Activated Carbon in HEPA Air Purifiers

By Harry Pinello

Are you an aquarium hobbyist, or own a water purification system? If not, chances are you have no idea what activated carbon is, or what it could possibly do in HEPA Air Purifiers. Even if the concept itself isn't totally foreign, you probably still don't know exactly what it does.

How Is Active Carbon Used In HEPA Air Purifiers?

Choosing HEPA air purifiers is often the first time most people encounter activated carbon. They begin their search because of allergies or asthma, but they have no real idea how these machines work. As they look deeper, they'll start to learn that odors and chemicals are what's actually causing the vast majority of the issues they're trying to remedy. Most quality HEPA air purifiers are designed to eliminate allergens as well as odors and chemicals in the air. This is where the activated carbon comes in.

Was Active Carbon Used Before HEPA Air Purifiers?

Activated carbon has actually been around for quite a while, and though it sounds quite scientific, our ancestors have made good use of it for at least the last two centuries. Back then, they already knew of activated carbon's extraordinary absorption qualities. In the early 1900's, the stuff was produced and sold commercially in the form of a powder. At the time it was only used to remove color from sugar or taste or smell from water. Although we didn't know it at the time, that was barely the tip of what this stuff is capable of. In World War I, the military discovered that they could use activated carbon in gas masks, filtering chemical agents from the air for the soldiers. The soldiers also used it for water purification, just like their ancestors. By this point, it was also available commercially as a granular form instead of just powder, which was when it began finding uses in even more situations.

What Does "Activated" Mean?

You're probably wondering why we're referring to this carbon as "activated." Is there such a thing as non-activated carbon? Well, the heat used in "activating" the carbon is what drives out the impurities in the carbon itself. This leaves a place for the impurities in whatever it is the carbon is cleaning to reside. So activating carbon is kind of like emptying a sponge, only with head instead of pressure. After activated carbon becomes full, it can actually be reactivated by re-heating it. This is, however, not a good idea, and is considered dangerous and impractical. Non-activated carbon is basically charcoal or soot.

Are There Different Types Of Activated Carbon?

There are a variety of types of activated carbon, and it is described in a variety of ways, but generally activated carbon includes a wide range of amorphous carbon-based materials. These materials have a high degree of porosity (lots of holes) and a relatively large surface area. Basically, this means it has excellent absorbent characteristics. These absorbent characteristics are why activated carbon works so well filtering air and water both. - 31822

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Want to learn more about HEPA Air Purifiers? Check out HEPA Air Purifiers Info.

Considering Hunter HEPA Air Purifiers To See If They Are The Fitting Choice For Your Situation And Your Family

By Arwyn Yelf

There's a bunch of companies that are making things with HEPA labeling on them. There are all sorts of products out there ranging from HEPA vacuum cleaners to HEPA air conditioner filters, and you can generally find many of them in any retail department outlet. With all the different manufacturers that use this term, it's sometimes difficult to know what you need to be looking for when buying a HEPA air purifier. Let's examine Hunter HEPA air purifiers to see if they're your best choice.

A Quick Background Of Hunter

Hunter is certainly not a new name on the marketplace. Nowadays, the products that they manufacture require electricity for operation, but Hunter was innovating even before electricity was commonplace. The first product that they created and distributed, way back in the late 1800s, was a water-driven ceiling fan. How innovative is that? Electric thermostats and electric ceiling fans are their mainstay now. And obviously HEPA air purifiers.

Price

There are three groups Hunter HEPA air purifiers. HEPAtech purifiers are the bargain basement of air purifiers. As of this writing, they are no longer being made, but are still available as new from quite a few retail outlets. If you're looking for a cheap HEPA air purifier with a proven name, then Hunter's HEPAtech is definitely the way to go. As with all HEPA filter air purifiers, you will have to change the HEPA filter occasionally. Many Hunter HEPA air purifiers are actually cheaper than the replacement filters of their competing devices. Hunter's replacement filters are also quite reasonable, and generally come in packs. Their current series, the QuietFlo, are also very aggressively priced.

Almost All Hunter's Are True HEPA Air Purifiers

Excepting the old HEPAtech purifiers, every one of Hunter's machines are a true HEPA air purifier. The fact that they are true indicates that they will filter at least 99.7% of those air particles that have been shown to be the most dangerous. HEPA air purifiers without the "true" label aren't held to specific standards, which means they could, theoretically, not filter air in any way. That doesn't mean every HEPA-type machine is total trash, but you're totally dependent on the quality control of the manufacturer.

What Makes Hunter Different?

Hunter HEPA air purifiers stand out in a couple of ways. First, there's the low price. Like mentioned earlier, if you compare a Hunter HEPA air purifier with a similar device from a competitor, the Hunter will likely be less expensive. The other obvious difference are the features. Although not the most cutting edge, Hunter does include most of the tried and true features, and their models are quite scalable. For instance, in the current QuietFlo series, you have more than a dozen models to choose from, differentiated mostly by the feature sets, meaning you won't have to pay for what you're not going to use. Can we say that Hunter makes the best HEPA air purifier out there? When it comes to value, probably. - 31822

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Still not sure that a Hunter HEPA air purifier is for you? Visit HEPA Air Purifiers Info for answers to all of your questions.

Ionic Pro Compact Air Purifier

By Irene Polaski

If you're looking at ionic air purifiers, then you've certainly seen the Ionic Pro air purifier. Even if you're not looking to buy one, you've probably seen the Ionic Pro Ionic Air Purifier on TV at some point. They seem to have taken the infomercial crown from The Sharper Image, at least when it comes to ionic air purifiers. You've probably also seen all the negative publicity that has assailed the Ionic Breeze air purifiers, and are wondering if the same applies to this newer player.

Who Makes The Ionic Pro Air Purifier?

The Ionic Pro Air Purifier is built and sold by a company named Ionic Pro, LLC. They're not owned, in part or whole, by another company. Actually, until recently, they had sold the Ionic Pro air purifier only on TV. Now, though, you can find these all over the place, Wal-mart included. That this company only makes air purifiers can be seen in a few different ways. Logically, as they only make various sizes of the Ionic Pro Air Purifier, they would easily be able to make a high quality product. Of course, being so small would make it easy for them to vanish as well.

Compared Against The Ionic Breeze Air Purifier

Ionic Pro air purifiers have all the same advantages of the Ionic Breeze Air Purifier. The biggest, and sometimes only difference, is the shape and design of the machines themselves. The Ionic Pro Compact Air Purifier is about the same size as some of the smaller Ionic Breeze machines. The Ionic Pro is generally bit cheaper, though. Since ionic air purifiers aren't terribly complicated devices, it's probably safe to go as cheap as you can find.

Compared Against HEPA Air Purifiers

The comparison between HEPA air purifiers and ionic air purifiers is not as simple as you might think. Ionic air purifiers do roughly the same job as a true HEPA air purifier, just not quite as efficiently. They make up for this by silently running 24 hours a day while using very little power. In addition, there are no filters to change, only a bar to wipe off every week or so. HEPA air purifiers are limited by their filter element. They stop what cannot physically pass through that filter. With a true HEPA air purifier, that's 99.7% of the most dangerous particles. With a HEPA-type air purifier, there's no standard at all. Ionic air purifiers all work the same, and are limited only by how much air they can move. Since they electronically attract particles, they will eventually clean the air of just about everything, while a HEPA-type air purifier will never catch whatever passes through the holes. Keep that in mind when comparing. The ionic air purifier is limited to particles that are 1 micron or bigger, though. True HEPA air purifiers stop particles that are 0.3 microns in size, which are proven to be some of the worst on the human respiratory system.

The Ionic Pro Compact Air Purifier Compared Against The Other Ionic Pro Air Purifiers

The differences between the various ionic air purifiers offered by Ionic Pro, LLC aren't generally feature related. Capacity is the biggest difference between them. In small offices and rooms in your home, the Ionic Pro Compact Air Purifier is a good buy. It does lack the "Medium" speed on its fan, utilizing a Lo and High only, although I have no idea why you wouldn't want it on high. At about half the price of the standard unit, it may even make sense to purchase an Ionic Pro Compact Air Purifier for each side of a regular sized room, instead of one standard unit. - 31822

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Want to learn more about the ionic air purifier? Visit Ionic Air Purifier Info.

Information On HEPA Air Purifiers And What They Can Do For Your Pad And Household

By Angela Frazie

The term HEPA seems to be everywhere nowadays. There are HEPA filter air purifiers, HEPA filter vacuum cleaners, HEPA air conditioner filters, the list goes on and on. But what, exactly, is HEPA, what does it mean, and how does it work? Let's examine the mighty HEPA air purifier, as well as other applications, to get a better understanding of this often used term.

Why is HEPA Capitalized?

Since HEPA is an acronym, it's written in all capital letters. Spelled out, HEPA means "high efficiency particulate absorbing". Some maintain that it really means "high efficiency particulate arrestance", which is probably more accurate. Explained in plain English, HEPA air purifiers absorb, or at least put a stop to particulate matter, which are tiny, fine particles of stuff in the air that the human eye usually can't see.

How Do HEPA Air Purifiers Help People?

Although HEPA air purifiers do clean pollen and dust out of the air, there are many more particles that are not natural to our environment, and that our human respiratory systems do not deal well with. Sometimes we can detect these other particles in the form of allergens and odors, sometimes we can't. Unfortunately, there are many pollutants that our bodies simply don't recognize and don't defend against, which leaves them to damage our lungs and other inner parts. Having a device that can either stop or absorb these dangerous particulates can definitely have a positive impact on one's health.

What Can HEPA Air Purifiers Do That Others Cannot?

Not all air purifiers are equal. Most entities that test any type of air purification device compare the results to "HEPA standards". This is because, for nearly half a century, this type of air filtration has been the absolute king. What makes the HEPA filter air purifiers so great, though, is their ability to stop particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter. This is not a random number or designation. It has been found that, when it comes to the human body, 0.3 micron particles are not only the most dangerous, but also among the hardest to filter.

Is There Really A Difference Between HEPA-Type And HEPA Air Purifiers?

A true HEPA air purifier is held to certain standards. Chief among these standards is the ability to filter at least 99.7% of all 0.3 micron particles that pass through the machine. This is an extremely lofty standard, and you can expect to pay a premium for this ability. Generally speaking, HEPA air purifiers are not cheap. A HEPA-type air purifier, however, is a completely different animal. It's important to realize that there is absolutely no standard whatsoever that a HEPA-type air purifier must pass. A machine with this designation could be anything from a less effective, less expensive alternative to a completely useless piece of junk. Also, be wary of putting too much trust in HEPA air purifier reviews. The best HEPA air purifier will not only produce clean smelling air, but it will also remove particulates that are not detectable with human senses alone. - 31822

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Want more information about HEPA air purifiers? Check out HEPA Air Purifiers Info!

Sick Building Syndrome Look Into UV Furnace Filters

By Shaw U. Allard

As the fast and growing community develop, our mother Earth itself becomes less hospitable, and even more a dangerous to live for ourselves and our families. We are not even totally safe, immune and protected in our homes. 80% of the airs we breathe are unhealthy because it contains numerous air pollutants and contaminants due to cigarettes, germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and chemical gases. People of today may suffer dizziness, irritability, sneezing, depression, and coughing.

Scientists are now developing new ways to prevent illnesses due to air pollution. They found out that filtration itself does not lessen the air pollution and the negative effects and factors. Instead, filters only aid pathogens, like bacteria and molds, to even propagate, grow and even flourish. On the other hand, treatment and disinfectant via Germicidal Ultra-violet air clearly has demonstrated a means of avoiding the spread of infection, like measles, influenza, smallpox, and tuberculosis.

There are a lot of people experiencing what has come to be called "Sick Building syndrome". "SBS" has become termed as an illness mostly found on employees working in highly sealed air-conditioned modern office buildings, towers and skyscrapers. . However, SBS can be cured and even eliminated by the use and practice of UV light systems that are directly installed within in office ventilation systems.

Scientist believed that UVGI killed the bacteria and molds in ventilation systems. The cost of the system is cheap but the results are huge like reduction of sickness rates among employees. In addition, UVGI is not only a device to prevent air borne diseases; they can also help companies with air-conditioned systems to reduced cost in paying sick employees. This micro-organism fighting technology is recommended by several government and private agencies including the Centers of Disease Control, the Air Institute of Respiratory Education and the Air & Waste Management Association. This technology is usually used in many health care facilities to disinfect the air and medical equipment.

Embedding UV lights at home ventilation system is important. It will avoid spores and dust mites that can trigger asthma. Modern homes at Canada are now sealed to maintain heat, as well as electrical cost. Dust mites typically lie in beddings and hot water cleaning is the only way to eliminate them. On the other hand, embedding UV light on your ventilation system can aid in reducing asthma, plus a lesser energy cost used in washing beddings. UV light units have plastic case, UV tube, and light indicator. A durable gasket is included at the back of the base to avoid UV light to escape. UV light also has two light probes with different functionality. The longer probe is use to kill airborne microorganisms, while the other light tube is designed to prevent molds on air conditioner evaporator coils. Molds can affect smell on office or home ventilation system, and it can contribute to frequent occurrence of allergic reaction. UV lights last for three to four years. No matter what the cost, UV light has a huge contribution in family's health. - 31822

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Ask Us About Ultraviolet Light

Was The Ionic Breeze Air Purifier No More Than A Fabrication That Ultimately Killed The Sharper Image?

By Wilma Perkins

I'm sure we all remember the ads for the original Ionic Breeze air purifier. They could be found not only on TV, but also at Radio Shack and, if you could find one, retail stores owned by The Sharper Image. Then, poof, they disappeared, and so did The Sharper Image themselves. If you do some Googling, you'll find that people in general feel that The Sharper Image made lots of false claims about the Ionic Breeze. However, looking at reviews made by people who actually purchased the product, you'll hear all sorts of good stuff. So, let's compare the claims made by the ranting masses and media to what actually happened with the Ionic Breeze air purifier.

Ionic Breeze Air Purifiers Do Not Clean The Air As Well As HEPA Air Purifiers

The Sharper Image never claimed that the Ionic Breeze cleaned the air as well as True HEPA purifiers. Like good business people, they avoided the subject of efficiency altogether, for the most part. The stuff hit the fan when Consumer Reports said the Ionic Breeze silent air purifier cleaned only 30% of pollution out of the air. However, you have to consider that 100% of the polluted air will have to pass in and out of the machine quite a few times. Getting something 30% clean over and over again will, after time, get you almost to 100%. No, it's not as efficient, but one could say that ionic air purifiers, if given plenty of time, will do the job just as well as anything. They're also much cheaper to purchase, operate, and maintain. Also, don't forget that Consumer Reports only compared to True HEPA air purifiers as opposed to the much more common HEPA-type purifiers. HEPA-type air purifiers have no particular efficiency, while True HEPA machines are out of reach for many consumers.

The Ionic Breeze Actually Makes The Air Unhealthy

The idea is that the ionic air purifier produces a lot of ozone to clean the air of other pollutants. However, this isn't true. When people say this about ionic air purifiers, they are confusing them with ozone generators, which actually do clean the air in a similar manner. Even Consumer Reports agrees that the Ionic Breeze air purifier has no problem meeting HEPA guidelines for ozone. It's also worth noting that the Ionic Breeze air purifier actually passed all HEPA guidelines, with the notable exception of efficiency.

Some Say The Ionic Breeze Air Purifier Killed The Sharper Image

Although it wasn't sales figures that caused it directly, The Sharper Image filed for bankruptcy in 2008. As their once great, if finicky reputation had totally been trashed, and they were publicly traded, the prices of their stocks dropped to nothing almost overnight. True, the company had lots of debt, but they still claimed to have better than $50 million equity, without including cash on hand. This didn't convince their investors, though.

How Are Newer Ionic Air Purifiers Different?

Newer ionic air purifiers aren't significantly different from the original as the concept behind was not only simple, but effective, and wouldn't be easy to improve. Simply put, ionic air purifiers effectively, though slowly, clean air pollution just fine, and they do it quite cheaply. The original Ionic Breeze itself might be hard to find, but newer versions of it as well as the Ionic Pro air purifier and various generics are still easily obtainable. - 31822

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Want to learn more about the Ionic Breeze Air Purifier, as well as the alternatives? Visit Ionic Air Purifier Info.

Preventing Asthma Attacks With Nutritional Supplements

By Kim Archer

In the United States alone there are over ten million people who are asthma sufferers, and many medical professionals regard asthma as an epidemic because it so rampant. Contact with noxious chemicals in the air and environmental pollution are usually held responsible for contributing to this disease. There's an increase in the number of people dying from asthma, primarily since the warning signs are being disregarded.

When an asthma attack is taking place, the lung's air passages begin to swell and exude mucus. Quickly they will begin to spasm. As the air passages get constricted, it gets more challenging to breathe. The most common symptoms of an asthma attack are wheezing, breathlessness, coughing, congestion, fever, pain and dry mouth.

Just about anything can trigger an asthma attack. The more usual triggers include allergies, an upper respiratory infection, stress, overexertion, or even a poor diet. Out of all the triggers, allergies tend to be the most frequent. By and large, asthma attacks are the outcome of contact with things such as smoke, pollen, gas odors, and even automotive exhaust. Foods can also trigger attacks, such as peanuts, corn, chocolate, and almost all dairy products. If you take any kind of antibiotics, tranquilizers, or hormones, it might induce an attack.

There are several mineral, vitamin, and herbal supplements that you can take to treat asthma. Among them, vitamin B is among the most effective. Vitamin B maintains a biochemical balance in the body and it can also minimize the severity of the attacks.

If you use vitamins A and E in concert they work together to defend your lungs from pollution. Additionally, big doses of Vitamin C are decidedly successful in combating asthma. Another effective treatment for improving breathing and assisting with bronchial responses is gingko biloba. Odorless garlic is also a great option. The anti-inflammatory characteristics of this supplement lower the threat of suffering an asthma attack.

If you believe you may have asthma, see your doctor right away to get tested. Until then, eat a diet high in protein with plenty of vegetables and fruits and avoid known triggers.

Even though an asthma attack can be quite distressing, there are choices available to help keep it from overtaking your life. If you've been confirmed to have asthma by a doctor, ask plenty of questions and discover what you should be doing to manage your condition.

It is possible to avert an asthma attack, so there is no reason for it to keep you from the activities you enjoy. It can generally be controlled even if it does slow you down for a period of time. - 31822

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Did you know that asthma affects millions of people around the world? If you're one of them, visit Asthma Treatments to learn more about what causes the condition, how to prevent it, and how to treat asthma attacks.

How To Improve Your Winter Home Air Quality

By Rob Airman

With the arrival of winter comes the difficulty of keeping your home clean and fresh air circulating. Your home air quality suffers during the wintertime. Each person and pet living in your house is affected by the diminished air quality and asthma sufferers experience increased symptoms during this time.

However, there are some steps you can take will reduce the amount of dust and dirt in the air of your home. This article will provide some detail about how to make your home air quality better and help you to realize how important it is.

First of all, you can increase the humidity. Heating your home in the winter drives down the moisture in the air, and this does a number of things to the quality. The dry air will dry out dust, pet pander, and every other minute particle on your carpets and floors, and cause these particles to get airborne. This means you can breathe these particles and that is not good for you. Adding a humidifier will help keep those particles out of the air.

Opening your windows periodically during the winter will also help to improve the air quality in your home. Granted you will not want to keep them open, but for a few minutes every few days would allow some fresh air to circulate through the home. Some studies suggest that our homes are much too airtight. The quality of the air suffers for this. By opening your windows for a few minutes periodically, you can let in fresh oxygen and let out radon. Of course, you want to hope that you do not have radon, but that is another subject entirely.

Getting an air purifier is the best way to improve your home air quality. Air purifiers are no longer the loud blowing equipment that seemed only to blow the dust around your home. HEPA filters or High Efficiency Particulate Filters can drastically reduce the amount of airborne particles in your home. If you have pets, then that is even more of a reason to buy a home air cleaner and run it a good portion of the day. These air purifiers are able to remove particles that are 0.3 Microns or larger. This is far smaller than the size of most bacteria and viruses floating around in the air.

Winter can add a lot to the cleaning chores around the home, and home air quality can suffer. Be advised that you can do some things to improve it, though. Open the windows and let fresh air in, humidify the the dry air, and use a home air purifier to filter the air. - 31822

About the Author:

Rob Airman writes exclusively about house air quality. You can read more about house air filters at BlueAir Purifiers. Also, find out if house air filters may be the best house appliance for your house.

How to Use Herbal Remedies for Asthma

By Andrew Vargas

All asthma sufferers can commiserate with the feeling of helplessness that can be brought on by an asthma attack. When I continued to struggle with my asthma even after the doctors has tried multiple medications and therapies on me, it was obvious that I needed to start doing my own research and find a method of treatment that would work for me. This is when I discovered asthma herbal remedies.

Anyone who has dealt with asthma for any length of time is familiar with the different medications that are supposed to help. Now, these medications are helpful for some, but others do not get relief or if they get relief, it can come at a great cost. For example, I've had times in my life when my asthma was being treated with three different medications at the same time, a steroid, an inhaler and allergy medication. I can tell you this really messed with my brain. I finally called a stop to the madness when I realized that my memory was failing me. And I mean really failing me. I would be driving down the road and not remember how I got to where I was. That was pretty scary!

Using asthma herbal remedies has been my own little miracle. I feel like the treatments are so gentle and the herbs work with my body, not against it. It has been my experience and the experience of countless others that asthma herbal remedies, if used consistently, can vastly improve your quality of life because asthma will no longer be an uncontrollable factor in your life.

One of the first things I discovered in my research is that there is actually a way to clean your blood with herbs. Now, I'm into cleaning so this really peaked my interest. Many things can be helped and alleviated with cleaning your blood which is like detoxing. Asthma can often be controlled by getting on an herbal regimen that will cleanse your blood. If you think about it, this really makes sense because if your body is busy trying to work with "dirty" blood, it won't be able to fight effectively against the things that trigger your asthma.

There are two types of asthma herbal remedies to try; herbal combinations and single herbs. Herbal combinations, or herb combos as I like to call them, are simply two or more herbs used together. When you make an herb combo simply mix them together and run the herbs through a coffee grinder. This breaks down the herbs enough to fit into a gel capsule. Gel capsules are nice because you won't have to taste the herb or try to mix them in a juice or some type of drink.

Using single herbs has the obvious benefit of being less expensive because you only need to purchase one herb. If you are new to asthma herbal remedies, I suggest you start with one herb such as alfalfa. Alfalfa is great for allergies and because asthma can often be triggered by allergies, this herb goes a long way in relieving asthma. To use alfalfa simply run it through a coffee grinder and put it in gel capsules for easy swallowing. You can also add the alfalfa powder to green smoothies, tea, or any drink you would like.

It really was a relief to use asthma herbal remedies and get off some of the prescription medications I was taking. Obtaining gentle and effective asthma relief truly is a blessing and I can guarantee you won't regret looking into alternative methods of treating your asthma. - 31822

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If you are suffering from asthma, try a herbal remedy herbal remedies, and asthma herbal cures

True HEPA Air Purifers Are Actually Much Better

By Heath Plunger

Items advertised as "True" HEPA air purifiers are often available when one is shopping about for a HEPA air purifier. Considering something is being labeled as true must mean there as some out there that are false, correct? You will not find any labeled "sub-standard", "false" or any other such derogatory adjective. True HEPA air purifiers are simply comparing themselves to other systems and then leaving it up to the consumer to know what they need and how it will affect them. This article looks at what comparisons the "True" HEPA air purifiers are making.

Differences! True HEPA Air Purifiers Have Them

A True HEPA air purifier, also known as an absolute HEPA air purifier, is different even from other HEPA air purifiers. When companies reference the effectiveness of HEPA air purifiers as stated by government entities such as the EPA and OSHA, they are generally referring to the True type, even if they do not blatantly say so. Although there are other types of air purifiers out there, True HEPA air purifiers are the only ones that are used in sensitive areas such as hospitals and laboratories.

Particles! True HEPA Air Purifiers Stop Them

70 to 100 microns of thickness is the typical human hair. Consider how small 0.3 micron particles must be, then consider that although they must be tiny the true HEPA air purifier must be able to filter out at least 97 percent of particles that size to qualify. Although this may sound very technical, keep in mind it is actually a very important consideration. Particles of this size are the hardest to filter, even the smaller ones are easier to filter out. 0.3 microns are small enough in size to bypass the human body's defenses to get into the respiratory system and cause many illnesses. Thus, it is important that the true HEPA air purifiers be able to filter these tiny particles.

True HEPA Air Purifiers Actually Work Better When Dirty

This part of our discussion is where you will see both the main difference between true HEPA air purifiers and others and also where the terms "Absolute" and "True" become one and the same. Designed to be more effective dirty than when clean, the absolute filtration system's trapped particles will actually increase the power of the true HEPA air purifier's filtration. Very simple in reality, the explanation is that the spaces for the the air to pass becomes smaller as the dirt builds up.

How Do I Know If It's A True HEPA Air Purifier?

Look for products that actually advertise that they are True HEPA air purifiers. The alternative is the HEPA-type air purifier, which is really just an imitation, and is not held to any particular standard. If you find a purifier that doesn't say either HEPA-type or True HEPA, you can also reference other specifications on the box. Look for one that filters 97% or more of the 0.3 micron particles if you want a True HEPA air purifier. - 31822

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Still not sure that a HEPA air purifier is for you? Visit HEPA Air Purifiers Info for answers to all of your questions.

Can You Still Purchase An Ionic Air Purifier From Anywhere?

By Irene Polaski

Some folks will remember The Sharper Image, along with their infomercials and retail stores in some of the more populous areas. Since those stores closed, though, a lot of people believe ionic air purifiers are things of the past. This is just not true, even if ionic air purifiers with the name "The Sharper Image" on them are no longer obtainable as new. However, if you do want an ionic air purifier, there are a few different options for you to explore.

Consider The Ionic Pro

The apparent usurper of the ionic throne, the Ionic Pro is very similar to the old Ionic Breeze, although it's much, much less expensive. There's no increased maintenance from the Ionic Breeze. All you have to do is yoink the magnetic filter bar thingy, wipe it off, and put it back in. That's it; no filters or anything. Also, since it doesn't use a fan, it's both quiet and cheap to run, especially in comparison to a HEPA air purifier, though most say it is less effective. If your main goal is a cheap, silent way to purify the air in a 500 foot or less room, you might want to check out the Ionic Pro.

Generic Ionic Air Purifiers

Then there's the ionic air purifiers that have no branding at all. You can generally find them on various websites, as well as brick and mortar bargain stores for about a hundred or so dollars. The fact that they are not branded does not mean they don't work, but you will probably have to depend on the store you bought it from if you want to claim on a warranty. Still, considering the technology that drives ionic air purifiers is fairly simple, the off brands are probably at least mostly safe.

Noisy Ionic Air Purifiers

In general, an ionic air purifier won't use a fan. It uses the constant motion of air particles being magnetically attracted to move the air and generate a light breeze. However, the only ionic air purifier to receive approval from Consumer Reports did come equipped with a fan. Although this may defeat the purpose for some, those who don't care too much about the sound might prefer these more effective ionic air purifiers. After all, there's still the advantage of decreased, filter free maintenance.

Buying A HEPA Air Purifier Instead

There's also the ever present HEPA air purifiers. HEPA and Ionic air purifiers promise much of the same results, but work very differently. If you own a HEPA air purifier, you will occasionally have to purchase filters. There's no worries about filter replacement with ionic air purifiers, though, since all you have to do is wipe all the offending pollutants straight off the static bar. HEPA air purifiers, however, have been consistently shown to be more effective than ionic air purifiers. - 31822

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Check out Ionic Air Purifier Info for all the information you need to choose your ionic air purifier.

How Do Air Purifying Machines Function?

By Manuel Vintagoli

There are more and more people that are developing allergies and asthma thanks to the high amount of allergens that float around in the air. One of the ways that you can protect your family from illness is by purchasing air purifiers to remove pollutants.

Things that float around in the air such as germs, bacteria, viruses, molds, hair, skin particles, pollen, dust and pet hair can all trigger asthma attacks and allergy outbreaks. The air born germs can also make even the healthiest person sick. An air purifier can remove many of the potential dangers from the air making it cleaner to breathe.

The way that air purifiers can remove allergens from the air is through use of filters, ozone or electrical attraction. Purifiers that work with filters pass the air through sieve like things that catch the germs and trap them there. High quality filters can clean the air up to six times in an hour, which ensures the healthiness of the room.

Purifiers using attraction to pull air into the purifier catching the allergenic contaminants and remove them from the air. Three different types of attraction purifiers called: electrostatic precipitating cleaners, electret filters, and negative ion generators. Some of these can be considered better than others as well as having designs that might suit some people better than others.

An electrostatic cleaner attracts particles and then charges them with high powered wires, this changes the electrical charge of the air particles and eradicates contaminants. While these purifiers can be very effective replacement parts may be costly. A electret filter works by using static charge to draw in the pollutants using synthetic fibers. The pollutants are then collected and stored in metal trays, which need to be washed and allowed to air dry from tie to time. These types of purifiers are very effective, but can require more maintenance than electrostatic cleaners.

Ionic air purifiers send negatively charged ions into the air in a room. These ions attract irritants and pollutants and they are gathered together into larger groups of mass which cannot float in the air and sink to the floor. They can then be vacuumed or dusted up. The third type of machine that uses ozone is actually not recommended by the American Environmental Protection Agency. Ozone can actually irritate the lungs and have negative health effects even though it is present in nature sometimes in small amounts. It is best to avoid these products as they could end up making your allergies or asthma worse.

Buying a purifier that has HEPA filters is a great idea since these are required to meet regulations and standards. This means that an air purifier that meets standards is likely to be more effective than one that has not been put through the same rigorous testing methods.

An air purifier can be an effective method at making the air your breathe safer and reduce the effect of allergens that can cause health problems and illness. If you or your family suffer from allergen related illness, then you should probably consider getting an air purifier to cleanse your home environment and make it safer for everyone. - 31822

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Types, Causes and Prevention of Asthma

By Henry Lewis

Asthma is a disorder impacting on the airways of the lungs. Replying to certain triggers the mucous surfaces of the lungs of a patient swell up causing the bronchial tubes to go into spasm. This makes breathing complicated. The muscles may tighten up and inappropriate mucus might be produced leading to trouble breathing and panting. Unlike any other respiration conditions like protracted bronchitis and obstructive pulmonary illness, the redness due to asthma is reversible and often replies well to medicine.

There are basically two types of asthma:

1. Intrinsic - occurring as a consequence of an infection or later in life.

2. Extrinsic - due to allergies.

Common allergens include several food types which can result in an immediate asthmatic response. These include seafood, nuts and eggs. While other foods such as wheat, chocolate and certain food coloring and additives may result in a delayed response. Asthma may also be triggered by allergy to dust mites, pollen, dust, insect sprays or other pollutants.

The degree of seriousness of asthma varies widely, with some patients suffering only occasional symptoms while others can have a continued underlying level of soreness and consequent impairment of respiring.

Signs of lingering underlying asthma include difficulty breathing during exercise, chronic cough and the repeated urge to clear the throat, tightness of chest and puffing. Exacerbation of asthma may lead to what's generally known as an asthma attack. In this example the patient experiences trouble breathing even during rest, fast heart beat, panting and chest constriction, rhonchus or loud respiring and coughing. Depending on seriousness of the assault air intake be could be so proscribed the patient may turn blue and even lose consciousness.

Information about causes and the development of asthma is far from complete. However, studies seem to suggest that it is closely linked with the body's immune responses. Incidence is known to vary significantly between racial groups, affluent and poorer areas of the world and also based on environmental factors etc. Studies have shown links with the following:

Exposure to tobacco smoke seems to be related to higher prevalence of asthma

Kids born through caesarean section have noticeably higher degrees of asthma than those born by vaginal delivery. It is said this is due to various levels of bacterial exposure during delivery and it's result on development of the immune response.

Raised levels of environmental contaminants have also been associated with higher incidence.

Stress has for a while been suspected of causing asthma. It is supposed that stress may affect the working of the immune mechanism and thus indirectly influence the prevalence of asthma.

Regular exposure to antibiotics especially at an early age as well as growing up in an excessively hygienic environment, in other words not being exposed to the usual childhood respiratory infections etc may actually leave the immune system compromised and lead to greater likelihood of developing asthma. On the other hand evidence suggests that children who grow up in larger families and are exposed to the usual childhood illnesses are more resilient when it comes to keeping asthma at bay.

Treatment and control over asthma may involve one or two approaches including life changes, medicine and diet changes and include :

Getting shot of or reducing exposure to the trigger factors in the the environment or diet.

Giving up smoking and avoiding exposure to second hand smoke.

Reducing or eliminating dairy products from diet as dairy products promote the production of mucus.

Medicine including short term or long-term Bronchodilator might be used to handle bronchospasms associated with asthma.

Vitamin C and Cod liver oil could also be used to reduce seriousness of reactions and redness. - 31822

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There are a lot of articles about asthma in my allergy asthma site. You can get them for free by visiting allergy asthma treatment webpage here.

Methods To Get Rid Of Asthma

By Jamie Sue Tan

The truth is no one can get rid of asthma. It is a chronic disease; meaning it is long-lasting. If there are people who have "outgrown" asthma, chances are that they really never had real asthma, or it is going to recur later in their lives. At the moment, there is no cure for asthma. Advances in science and medical technology have only provided treatments. Various effective medicines have been produced. A lot of methods have been developed to help asthmatics deal with their condition.

While there is on cure for asthma, asthmatics can only turn to control. Fortunately, science not only developed medicines for relieving asthma attacks, but for preventing them as well. This is the essence of asthma control. Having total control allows you to live your life without worrying when the next asthma attack occurs. Of course, this does not mean you can put yourself in the middle of different asthma triggers. Achieving total control can take a long time. This requires perseverance, patience, and resilience as it requires you to understand everything about your asthma and your triggers. You're going to need to stick to your medication long enough until you achieve control.

Along with your regular medication there are therapies and exercises which are safe to try and can work really well in handling your asthma. Practices like Buteyko, Papworth and Pranayama are some of the exercises which have their share of clinical trials just to prove that they indeed work. Aside from these three there are actually a lot of other techniques that you might want to try out. Just remember to do some research first and ask your doctor about it if still in doubt. They will be able to give you valuable bits of information and advice.

There are a lot of alternative medications and home remedies out there claiming to be effective against asthma. Be careful when choosing these as most of them have not been clinically approved. For instance, most herbal medication have not passed FDA standards, and may have adverse side effects. Some, however, are a lot safer. Included are coffee, honey, and ginger. Once again, try to do your homework since not all herbal medication or alternative treatments are dangerous.

Controlling your asthma is not a joke. It can take a lot of time and effort before any improvement can be seen. Live your life as healthy as you can. A lot of people have learned to control their asthma. You can too. - 31822

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Eddy Kong used to be an asthma sufferer for past 20 years. For additional detailed instructions and help on getting rid of asthma, be sure to visit http://www.17minasthmaandallergysecrets.com if you want to get rid of asthma and allergy once by subscribing to his 10-day FREE mini-ecourse right now.

Effective Asthma Herbal Remedies

By Johnny Star

The increasing number of herbal remedies is both good and bad news to the consuming public. The good news is, there are more choices for individuals, and the prices will go down because of the competition. The bad news is, the large number of new products makes it difficult to tell which ones are effective and which one are to be avoided. The slightest miscalculation of the formula in herbal medicines and the confusion with the name (since Chinese give similar sounding names to different products) can result in a poisoned asthmatic.

While the herbal remedies indeed promotes physical well being and strengthens immunity, more and more cases of hospital admissions are being observed due to the side effects. These cases have scarred the image of herbs in the western world. It would be unfair to generalize as some herbal products actually can help you achieve the long term relief and control that you desperately wanted. Here are a few examples of those proven safe and effective asthma herbal remedies:

Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper is more known as a cooking ingredient to chefs and a condiment to eaters. It is actually one of the oldest members of the herb kingdom. Cayenne contains capsaicin which helps break down mucus in the lungs and prevents inflammation. If you have to make just a single choice with alternative treatments for asthma, you can't go wrong with cayenne.

Ginger: Ginger is one of the most common and widely used herbal remedy on the planet. Also considered by a lot of people to be more of an ingredient rather than herbal medication, ginger has in fact been used by people in India and most parts of Asia in treating various illnesses including asthma. Scientists have also found evidence to support the effectiveness of ginger in treating a wide range of medicinal actions. Ginger's active chemical ingredients can act as an expectorant and bronchodilator during attacks bringing relief quicker and safer even if taken together with your conventional rescue/relief medication.

Chamomile: The extracts known as terpenoids found in chamomile have been known to possess anti-inflammatory properties and can help you avoid further prevent bronchial problems due to the massive amounts of anti oxidants that it contains. You've probably already heard about this since the most popular form of chamomile is tea. Taken daily, chamomile will help you avoid attacks by strengthening your body's natural immune system, not to mention it's very affordable and delicious too.

Man is always afraid of something they don't understand. A lot of alternative treatments are shown to work but are not readily explained by science. Still, science doesn't count them as credible. Herbal remedies are not always dangerous, especially if you know what you're doing. Do a little research, and you will find the herbal remedies that are just for you. - 31822

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In search for excellent tips on asthma herbs remedies which could be help you to treat asthma quick? Be sure to visit http://www.17minasthmaandallergysecrets.com and get your free 10-day mini-ecourse right now.

Get the Asthma Information You Need to Manage Your Condition

By Kim Archer

If you suffer from asthma, you'll need to know how to recognize and treat this condition. It's not an uncommon condition by any means. Asthma affects one out of every twenty people; one in ten children are asthmatic. If left untreated, it can be fatal. Your doctor will be able to give you more asthma information and tell you how to prevent an attack, but it's important you learn as much as you can about this potentially deadly condition.

The tightening of airways, or bronchoconstriction, is a key feature of asthma. This happens when the muscles that surround the throat and airways tighten, resulting in air not being able to easily pass through. The chest feels as if it's beginning to tighten and the individual has the sensation of not being able to breathe in and out. Other symptoms include wheezing and coughing. This condition can create a number of troubling problems if the airway becomes completely blocked. Therefore, if left untreated, it becomes a life threatening issue.

In asthmatics, the airways react to environmental issues like smoke or pollen. These environmental stimuli create problems for asthmatics, as they are extremely sensitive to them. It's possible that the spasms and airway narrowing will resolve itself in around 1 or 2 hours. In about half of the asthma sufferers, it may come as a later response, about 3 up to 12 hours later, accompanied by more inflammation and constriction of the airways. Bronchoconstriction will respond to deep breathing in mild cases after about a minute to a minute and a half.

One of the safest and most effective drugs for asthmatic individuals is Propofol. It can also be a good choice for anesthesia induction in individuals who have a history of symptoms but are not currently having active attacks. This drug decreases the resistance in the respiratory system and could even prevent the spasms in the bronchus that be caused by blockage in the airways.

If you are trying to manage your allergy asthma daily, you may need to take leukotriene modifiers, which help to consistently make breathing easier by regulating the size of the airways and reducing mucus. Since allergy and asthma sometimes go together, leukotriene modifiers will help to ease the discomfort of coming in contact with certain allergens, such as dust and mold as well. - 31822

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Allergies and asthma in combination constitutes a serious medical condition that affects countless numbers of people worldwide. Children are particularly vulnerable to this health problem. Arm yourself with the information you need to manage and treat asthma attacks at Asthma Treatments.