Do you know that the air inside your home can be up to five times dirtier than the air outside? And if you or someone in your family has asthma, this can make attacks much worse.
But do not worry: a HEPA filter is a simple way to keep asthma attacks from happening and improve the air quality in your home.
If you own a vacuum cleaner or are thinking about buying one, keep reading to learn how a HEPA filter can make a big difference in your home’s air quality and the health of your family.
Understanding Suction Power in Vacuum Cleaners
Asthma Prevention: The Role of Vacuum Cleaners
Managing the environment to cut down on asthma triggers like indoor air pollution and humidity can help reduce asthma symptoms.
Pollutants in the air can come from vacuum cleaners, which can make asthma symptoms worse.
So, it is important to choose a vacuum cleaner with good suction power and other features that can help reduce asthma triggers.
Suction Power and Vacuum Cleaners
One of the most important things to think about when buying a vacuum cleaner is how well it suctions.
It means a vacuum cleaner’s ability to create negative pressure (lift) when the motor is running.
The vacuum cleaner’s suction capacity shows how strong it is, and the air volume shows how much air it can move.
The suction power is the sum of the vacuum cleaner’s ability to pull in air and how much air it can pull in.
It shows how powerful the vacuum cleaner is.
When figuring out how much suction power something has, there are several ways to measure it.
Some of these are cubic feet per minute (CFM), air watts (AW), inches of water lift, amps, and horsepower.
Amps are a way to measure how much electricity is flowing through your machine.
Watts are found by multiplying the voltage of the power drawn by the number of amps.
Even though horsepower is often used in ads, it is not a good way to measure the suction power of your vacuum cleaner.
Instead, numbers like CFM, AW, and water lift show what your machine can do better.
The suction power of a vacuum cleaner is measured by the sealed suction or water lift test.
In this test, a tube with water in it is put in a sealed container.
In this test, the vacuum’s suction power is directly related to how many inches of water it can lift.
With HEPA filters, more air wattage is needed because it takes more power to pull air through tiny holes.
Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner with Good Suction Power
When choosing a vacuum with good suction power, it is important to think about other features, like whether it has an extra filter bag or if there are gaps between its attachments that could cause leaks and lower its suction power.
Each kind of vacuum cleaner has a different amount of suction power.
Power between 180 and 200 AW is enough for a stand-up vacuum cleaner.
A canister vacuum cleaner with 200 to 300 or more AW is great.
A handheld or stick model needs at least 100 AW.
Using Natural Fragrances in Vacuum Cleaners
When cleaning, using harsh chemicals can be worse for the lungs and airways than dust and dirt.
Because they do not use harsh chemicals, water vacuum cleaners with natural scents like eucalyptus may be good for people with asthma because they may help break up congestion in the airways.
Healers have used eucalyptus for hundreds of years, and it has many uses in ointments, medicines, and oral remedies.
Even though there is no direct link between suction power and preventing asthma, managing the environment to reduce asthma triggers like indoor air pollutants and humidity can help reduce asthma symptoms.
People with asthma may also benefit from using water vacuums with natural scents, such as eucalyptus.
When choosing a vacuum cleaner, it is important to think about how well it suctions and what other features can help reduce asthma triggers.
Choosing the Right Vacuum Cleaner for Asthma Prevention
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner
When choosing a vacuum cleaner, suction power is an important thing to think about.
There are a few ways to figure out how strong a vacuum cleaner’s suction is.
These include airflow (CFM), air watts (AW), water lift (inches of H20), amps, and horsepower.
The most important thing about a vacuum cleaner that affects how well it cleans is how much air it moves.
It is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
Water lift or sealed suction is another way to test a vacuum cleaner’s suction power.
It uses a tube filled with water and a sealed container to measure the inches of H2O.
Even though wattage is the most common way for manufacturers to describe the power of an electric motor in a vacuum cleaner, it does not always mean that the vacuum has a stronger suction.
Amps measure how much electricity flows through your machine.
When you multiply the voltage by the number of amps, you get watts.
Horsepower is often used in ads, but it is not a good way to measure how well your vacuum cleaner can pull in air.
When comparing two machines that are rated in different units, it is best to compare the input power of the motor in watts or get the amperage rating of the motor alone instead of comparing the whole vacuum cleaners that are rated in amps or watts.
The gaps between attachments and hoses and the type of dust reservoir are two other things that can affect suction power.
Best Vacuum Cleaner Brands for Asthma Prevention
People with asthma and allergies should use vacuums with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters.
Allergens and dust can not get back into the air because these filters catch them.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV Upright Vacuum is a top pick for allergy sufferers.
It has a washable HEPA filter and a carbon filter that might help keep pet smells in once the vacuum is full of dander and other allergens.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is another highly rated vacuum cleaner for allergies.
It has a system that filters the whole machine to get rid of allergens and put out cleaner air.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says that carpets should be vacuumed once or twice a week to get rid of allergens.
They also say to use CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® vacuums, which have been shown to get rid of surface allergens and keep the air filtration system working well.
The Kenmore 81614 is a good choice for people who have hardwood floors and pets.
It does not make a lot of noise but has clean emissions.
The Miele Complete C3 Marin is another highly rated allergy vacuum cleaner, but it costs more than other options.
It has a sealed system that gets 99.9% of all dust particles.
This makes it a good tool for people with allergies.
Using a Combination of Methods for Asthma Prevention
But it is important to keep in mind that using an air purifier or vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter alone may not help asthma in most cases.
When trying to improve asthma, it may be better to use more than one method.
The American Asthma Foundation suggests using air purifiers with certified filters that are good for people with asthma and allergies and that get rid of almost 98% of allergens.
It is also important to choose a vacuum cleaner or air purifier that is the right size for the room it will be used in.
They should also make sure that the device can deliver enough clean air for the room.
Also, it is best not to buy “air purifiers” that make ozone, because ozone is a respiratory irritant that can make allergy or asthma symptoms worse.
HEPA Technology: A Game-Changer in Asthma Prevention with Vacuum Cleaners
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) technology is a crucial factor in asthma prevention when it comes to vacuum cleaners.
HEPA filters are designed to trap tiny particles, including allergens, dust mites, and pet dander, that can trigger asthma symptoms.
These filters are capable of capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them highly effective in reducing indoor air pollution.
By using a vacuum cleaner with HEPA technology, you can ensure that the air in your home is cleaner and healthier, reducing the risk of asthma attacks.
It is important to note that not all vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters are created equal, so it’s essential to choose a high-quality vacuum cleaner that meets your needs and budget.
Investing in a vacuum cleaner with HEPA technology is a game-changer in asthma prevention, providing a cleaner and safer environment for you and your family.
For more information:
HEPA Tech: Clean Air, Strong Suction
Maintaining Your Vacuum Cleaner for Optimal Suction Power
Asthma Prevention: Vacuum Cleaners and Other Cleaning Methods
Asthma can be prevented in part by getting rid of allergens in the home, which vacuum cleaners do very well.
But not every vacuum cleaner works the same.
Here are some things to think about when picking a vacuum cleaner to prevent asthma:
HEPA Filter
- A vacuum with a HEPA filter can trap small particles such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander that can trigger asthma symptoms.
Anti-Allergy Seal or Smart Seal Allergen System
- This feature prevents allergens from escaping back into the air.
Tangle-Free Brush Roll
- A brush roll that doesn’t tangle can help prevent pet hair and dander from getting tangled in the brush post-cleanup.
Lighted Crevice Tool
- This tool can help clean hard-to-reach areas.
Powerful Suction and Effective Surface Allergen Removal
- The vacuum should be easy to use and maintain, with low emissions during use. Some vacuums may release particles back into the air during use, so it’s important to choose one with an air filtration system that maintains integrity throughout use.
Regular Maintenance
- To maintain optimal suction power of a vacuum cleaner, there are several things that can be done. Firstly, the dust collection bag or container should be emptied regularly to ensure enough space for airflow. The bag should be replaced when it is about 2/3 full, not when it is completely packed with dirt. Bagless models should also be emptied often. Secondly, the brush roll should be cleaned to remove any debris that may have accumulated on it. Thirdly, the filter(s) should be removed and cleaned at least once per month or more frequently if they are clogged up. Some filters are replaceable while others can be washed and reinstalled.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
- There are several alternative cleaning methods that can complement vacuuming for asthma prevention. One method is to use homemade cleaning recipes using baking soda, vinegar, borax, hydrogen peroxide, or dish soap as they may be less likely to cause asthma symptoms. Another method is to use a damp cloth to remove dust or use certified asthma & allergy friendly® dusting cloths that trap dust particles. It is also recommended to clean all non-carpeted floors at least once a week with a damp mop and use a damp cloth to wipe flat surfaces, louver blinds, window ledges, and other surfaces.
Additional Tips
- It is important to vacuum weekly with a certified vacuum with HEPA filtration or use washable throw rugs and wash them in hot water (130 F or hotter) weekly. It is also recommended to clean carpeting weekly with a vacuum cleaner that has a small-particle or HEPA filter and wash area rugs and floor mats, and mop hard surface flooring weekly. To reduce exposure to dust mite allergen-containing particles, it is recommended to regularly vacuum using cleaners that have high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration or with a central vacuum with adequate filtration or that vents to the outside.
- Other tips include washing bedding in hot water weekly, reducing clutter that tends to collect dust, running an exhaust fan in your bathroom for 15-20 minutes after showering to reduce mold growth, removing mold at first sight with soap, warm water, and a brush. It is also important not to sweep with a broom in the bedroom as this will stir up dust.
By using these tips and a vacuum with the right features, you can help stop asthma symptoms and make the air in your home better.
Conclusion
If you or someone else in your family has asthma.
Buying a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can help prevent asthma attacks and make the air inside your home better.
But it is important to remember that a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter is only one part of preventing asthma.
Asthma attacks can be prevented by regularly cleaning and dusting, limiting exposure to allergens, and making sure the air quality inside is good.
So, if you need a new vacuum cleaner, you might want to look for one with a HEPA filter.
But do not forget to look at asthma prevention as a whole and do everything you can to keep your indoor environment clean and healthy.
In the end, preventing asthma is not just about buying the right products; it is also about making changes to your lifestyle that are good for your health and well-being.
By being proactive about preventing asthma, you can help yourself or someone you care about breathe better and live a healthier, happier life.
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Choosing a gadget can be very difficult if you know nothing about the technology.
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The best robot vacuum for you.
Links and references
National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF) position statement on environmental management of pediatric asthma
NEETF guidelines for health care providers on managing pediatric asthma
Study published in the Journal of Asthma on portable HEPA air cleaners and asthma symptoms
Eastern Carolina Asthma Prevention Program (ECAPP) environmental intervention program for managing asthma
My article on the topic:
