Portable air filter systems

[lizziegrace]

Anyone use one? Are the filterless ones better? (like Oreck or others) or do you like the HEPA ones?

My nasal allergies are out of control and I want one for my bedroom. I'm tired of the stuffed sinuses and nosebleeds. :(

At work, they're remodelling most of the floor. The dust is awful, so I get slammed all day.

[Hugin]

1. I've heard reports both ways...

Consumer Reports is really down on the 'filter less type' air cleaners.

But...

I have anecdotal reports from friends who have them and say they work.

Personally, Oreck's HEPA filters seem to make more sense. They're similar to the type
used on submarines to filter and recirculate air. (Wouldn't it be great to get
your hands on one of those! Maybe, like they use on the Space Shuttle!)

Also, replace the furnace filter with a 'laboratory quality' filter. I
did this after a dusty remodel and it cleared the air quite a bit.

All of these options are kind of expensive.

[lizziegrace]

2. The alternative

is a visit to the ER or a stay at the hospital. Next to kick in is asthma and that can be life-threatening.

Thanks for the input. :)

[Hugin]

5. I was miserable for months...

Until I realized my sweetie had put a potpourri candle on the headboard directly
over my pillow.

*looks about suspiciously*

I think it's a 'hit' to cover gambling debts.

Really, a forced air HEPA filter and regular changing of your furnace/AC filters
will make a difference in your QOL.

[GirlinContempt]

3. My dad very recently developed asthma

he uses the HEPA filters and they seem to be working quite well for him

[Blue Diadem]

4. Lizzie, I've got both kinds,

they seem to pick up different particles from what I've observed. We got the filterless type because we didn't want to keep spending money on the hepa filters..they can be pricey. I have one hepa unit that the replacement filter runs about $80, the other hepa unit runs about $30 but doesn't do as big an area. The pre-filters are much less expensive but still cost bucks to change them monthly. I've gone to vac'ing them to get a longer life out of them. The prefilter is the one that visably picks up the dog/cat dander/hair and the dust.

The ionic ones get a lot of crud on them..but I don't notice dust or maybe it's a different form after it hits those grid things. The ionic ones are also quiet. Our hepa units are loud.

[malta blue]

6. I have a Sharper Image Ionic Breeze

Yes, I know, I am a sucker, but I swear by it!

I suffer from allergies and asthma. I smoke and am allergic to my two pets. I can't survive without it.

[lizziegrace]

8. Same here

with the exception of smoking. Never tried a cigarette, ever. But I have two cats and I'm allergic to everything with four feet and fur.

:)

[lizziegrace]

7. I picked up a unit at Target

It has a HEPA-type filter (I couldn't afford the true HEPA) The nice thing is that the filter has a dirty indicator light and can be vacuumed and even washed, cutting way back on the cost of replacement. I'll give it a shot. If it doesn't do very well, I'll put it downstairs and find another for my room.

I also have a very old oil furnace with odd-sized filters. I'm sure they need changed (I'm pretty good about changing them monthly) and will require buying a bigger size, cutting them down and using duct tape...

Oy!

[Blue Diadem]

9. That sounds interesting..

Let me know how you like it. I'd still like to replace my hepa units and the idea of having a washable filter would be wonderful.