How to Choose an Air Filter to Reduce Hay Fever Suffering

People who suffer from allergies due to hay fever can be plagued by runny noses, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Although spring is the worst season because trees are in bloom, any day with a high-pollen count can be especially bothersome. Although allergy pills are a common solution for hay-fever sufferers, air filters can be a better solution because they provide clean air. Filters address the source of the problem and not the symptom. Some filters work better than others because of their ability to filter out even the smallest of air particles. Knowing what to look for in an air filter will provide you many hours of symptom-free breathing.

Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the air filter's clean-air delivery rate (CADR), and match the CADR to the square footage of the room you need to filter. For instance, smaller table-top air filters will only filter enough air for a small room. Larger filters are capable of filtering several rooms.

• 2

  Determine if the filter is High-Efficiency-Particulate-Arresting (HEPA) certified. HEPA filters are guaranteed to filter some of the tiniest particles from the air.

• 3

  Determine the noise level of the filter. For instance, some units are whisper quiet while others might sound more like static from a radio.

• 4

  Determine the maintenance costs. Some filters simply have filters that must be replaced. Others have different types of filters or liners that must also be replaced. Additionally, some filters accommodate generic filters, which might be just as effective as name-brand filters but less expensive.

• 5

  Determine what types of pollutants you want to filter. For instance, some filters only work on dust or dander. Other filters are effective against pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and mold. Others might even work on cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke can create hay fever symptoms but because smoke particles are so small, not all filters can filter them from the air.

• 6

  Determine if you need directional protection or all-area protection. For instance, some models blow clean air in one direction only. Other models blow air in 360 degrees.

• 7

  Determine the speed control. For instance, some air filters have multiple speeds. Some only have one setting.