Question:
I have been using a Friedrich C-90A electronic air cleaner in my
bedroom for the last two nights trying to help my pollen allergy
problem. But I don't get any relief from using it. I am wondering
whether I am expecting too much. The Friedrich C-90A electronic air cleaner got the top rating in the
last two Consumer Reports on air cleaners. Therefore, I have a very
high hope that it can significantly reduce the pollens inside my
bedroom. Then I may have a good night sleep. I have closed the windows
in my bedroom for two days, and run the air cleaner at night from
6:00pm to 6:00am. But I still have stuffy noses and itchy eyes during
the night when I am trying to sleep. Basically, so far I am not better
off (nor worse off) using that air cleaner.
My questions are:
- Has my daytime exposure to pollens sensitized my body that having
cleaned air at night doesn't help much?
- Can someone share his/her experience in using air purifier to
combat pollen allergy? What works and what doesn't?
Answer:
This doesn't seem to be a HEPA filter. Get a HEPA filter - they work
wonders for most folks with allergies. You need something up to that
specification in order to be sure the pollen is really being removed
from the air. We use one on each floor of our small house and it's made
a huge difference for me. Also consider trying Zyrtec or Allegra instead of Claritin. I've been
using Allegra and am very pleased with the results.
Even with an effective air cleaner, you are still exposed to pollen during
the day which may produce nighttime symptoms. And at night, after the air
cleaner has removed particulates from the air (maybe) you lay down in the
bed and propel a cloud of dust from the bedding starting the night's rest
with a good dose of allergen. Air cleaners won't cure allergies by themselves. They are only one tool in
the battle. If you are allergic to house dust, look to other measures, too,
that limit your night time exposure -- remove carpets from the bedroom, put
allergen covers on mattress and pillows, frequent laundering of bedding,
etc.
No, mine is not a HEPA air cleaner. It is an electronic air cleaner.
My impression is that HEPA air cleaner tends to be noisy because they
need to push air through the filter, and I don't like noise either. I
was hoping that the electronic air cleaner would work because it has
the best rating in Consumer Reports for two years. I am under the
impression that pollens are large and heavy (relatively speaking) and
can be easily captured by any kind of filter including electronic air
cleaner and HEPA air cleaner or even an air conditioner. Therefore, I
was betting that it should work for me. I guess I just lose my bet. I don't like to argue. But I am wondering whether you have good result
with your air cleaners has to do with the fact that you have been
taking medicine to take care of your allergy problem.
