Let's Talk Allergies

We have received several comments and calls about the use of ultraviolet (UV) in air cleaners.

Ultraviolet (UV) has been used for decades as a means to sterilize medical instruments and water. When it was first introduced into the air cleaner market it caused many problems because of the amount of ozone produced by UV-B. About 10 years ago companies started selling UV-C systems designed for air conditioning equipment. It did not produce the harmful ozone that the UV-B did and in fact they did a great job of keeping the air handling units clean.

Then the air cleaner manufacture manufactures got in the game and started installing UV bulbs in their products and making all sorts of exaggerated claims. Yes UV kills bacteria, viruses, germs, etc. True scientific facts. What they don’t tell you is that the air is moving past the UV light at 75 to 700 cfm therefore there is very little actual contact time.

FACT…In order for UV to be effective it has to shine on the organism for a certain amount of time and that varies on the organism itself.

If you look in our air cleaner section you will find 2 products that use UV technology. One is the Fresh-Aire air handler unit and the other one is the Airpura UV600 air cleaner. The Fresh-Aire unit keeps coils, liners, motor housings and other internal part free of harmful microbial growth and the light in UV600 kills whatever gets caught in the filter.

The key is they both use UV as a way to keep a certain area clean and free of harmful microbial growth. Keep the surface clean and the byproduct is cleaner healthier air.

Is Ultraviolet helpful in keeping the air in you home clean? Yes, but only when it is used correctly.

When our customers are looking to buy a dust mite covers for their children’s bed they often start off looking at the Allersoft or Pristine fabrics. Both of these are outstanding microfiber fabrics and are great for adults because they are cool, comfortable and very effective against allergens. However, I don’t recommend them for a child’s bed.

We put the linen (with the membrane) dust mite covers on both of our children’s beds about 10 years ago and they have held up great. Don’t misunderstand me, the Allersoft and Pristine dust mite mattress covers are effective, comfortable and durable but the linen covers are waterproof as well as effective, comfortable and durable.

No matter how many times we told them to not take drinks into their rooms something would mysteriously end up getting spilled on the bed. Coke , tea and cool-aid can make a real mess out of a mattress. The linen covers also held up very well to the jumping and wrestling that goes along with having kids.

Both our children have moved out of the house now and when they moved they took their covers with them. They have held up even at college.

So when you are looking for a dust mite cover for the children I would recommend taking a look at the linen cotton poly fabric. They won’t even know they are there but you will.

Wishing you the best of health
Mike Krause
AllergyStore.com

Let's Talk Allergies

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