with Julie Domino

Natural Health Practitioner Mark stopped by to answer our “Top Ten” questions from our “Air Purifier - Allergy Relief Questionaire”:

#10 Which air purifier type is best to relieve allergies?

Mark: It depends on what kind of allergies you have. For example: pollen and pet allergies are best helped by a HEPA air purifier. It is recognized by Doctors as providing the best relief. HEPA removes and holds allergens to .3 microns, or 99.97% of all airborne particles.

#9 What about Mold and Mildew allergies?

Mark: Great question! HEPA, although it removes mold spores, doesn’t kill Mold or Mildew. For that you will want to add UV and Tio2.

#8 How about Cat and Dog allergy relief?

Mark: A HEPA air purifier (for the hair and the dander) and a Pre-filter (a screen-like filter to catch hair, dander, and dust which also saves the life of the HEPA)

#7 How about for an allergy to dust?

Mark: HEPA, to gather dust, and a Pre-filter to capture hair and dust before the HEPA filter to help it last longer.

#6 How about the Oreck Air Purifier?

Mark: The best selling unit does not have HEPA and relies on “electrostatic” or “Truman Cells” as they call it. Same thing. It won’t hold allergens, hair, or dust, or kill mold very well. The static from it might hold a few hairs but to remove pollen you have to catch it. It is not effective in my opinion for allergens.

#5 How often should a person change a HEPA filter in an air purifier?

Mark: It depends on the size of the filter. The average HEPA should last 10-12 months with normal use. The exception is with smoke or alot of dust. (note: Many air purifier companies charge too much for the replacement HEPA after you make the initial purchase of the air purifier itself. So check replacement prices first before buying. A good sized HEPA filter (10×10x2 or larger) shouold be in the $30-50 range.

#4 How long should it take to be effective?

Mark: Assuming that you have the right technology several hours should be enough to notice a difference. This depends on what you are trying to remove of course. Mold or mildew may take 6-7 hours to clear.

#3 How much should a good air purifier cost?

Mark: So many air purifiers are overpriced - making this a good question. To treat a Living room or bedroom I wouldn’t spend more that $3-400 for an air purifier with HEPA, UV and at least 2 more technologies.

#2 Should I run it all the time?

Mark: You can run it all the time - but to save electricity I’d consider air purifiers with allergen and dust sensors. These sensors (Japan) adjust the air purifier to the conditions in the room - saving electricity and guesswork.

#1 Which do you recommend?

Mark: Rather than the typical 2-3 technology air purifier units you find there is a new 9-technology air purifier with HEPA, UV, Tio2, Ion, Carbon, Electrostatic and more. The video below shows it in action:

Mark Richardson is an author, international speaker, and Health Practitioner who researches cutting edge health products.
For healthier, more effective alternatives watch Mark’s Air Purifier VIDEO Reviews at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhfOC5JHE7U Or visit his website at http://www.aliveairpurifier.com