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If you suffer from allergies and asthma, vacuuming does more than make your home look better. It can be as important as taking medications to control your condition. Vacuuming is an essential part of limiting exposure to asthma and allergy triggers, such as pet dander, dust mites, pollen and other allergens.
The first battle in the war to control asthma and allergy symptoms is to identify what triggers them. The second is to limit your exposure to those triggers, as well as to potential ones. Keep in mind that for many who suffer from asthma and allergies, triggers can vary with time and with the change of seasons. What causes your symptoms today could change next month.
What Should Asthma and Allergy Sufferers Look for in a Vacuum?
A high-quality filtration system largely prevents asthma and allergy triggers being returned to the air via the vacuum's exhaust. The vacuum should also be "tight" to prevent dust from escaping from other places on the vacuum such as body seams. Lastly, according to Consumer Reports, some micro filtered vacuums capture dust as well as HEPA filtered units since overall machine design is just as important as the type of high-efficiency filter media used.
It is important to point out that filters in vacuums typically require cleaning or replacement. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and replacement frequency.
For asthmatics with symptoms triggered by exercise or exertion, there are several self-propelled upright vacuums available, such as the Hoover Self-Propelled WindTunnel Ultra Upright model U6439900, the Dirt Devil Vision Self-Propelled HEPA Vacuum Cleaner #M087900 and more. A self-propelled vacuum can take a bit of getting used to, but it greatly reduces the amount of effort that is required to vacuum your home.
Vacuuming Carpet
Carpet is what most people think of when you mention vacuuming. You will want a vacuum that is powerful enough to get deep into the fibers and remove asthma and allergy triggers. Also, be sure your vacuum has a fresh bag or has been emptied recently, so that you are getting all the suction power from it you can. It is important for asthmatics and allergy sufferers to vacuum not only visible carpet areas, but under and behind furniture as well. Asthma and allergy triggers tend to build up in areas that are not frequently seen.
When vacuuming carpet and other surfaces, go slowly. Many people vacuum too fast to remove dirt and allergens that are embedded deep in carpet fibers. Several vacuums available have indicators that help you determine when your carpet is clean. These indicators encourage you to work slowly and take the guess work out of knowing when dirt has been removed.
Vacuuming Hard Floors
Most asthmatics and allergy sufferers believe that hard floors are better for their conditions, but many forget that triggers still accumulate on hard flooring and have to be removed.
Doing so is easy with the right equipment. If you vacuum hard floors often you will want a vacuum that has not only a hard floor setting, but a roller brush that can be turned off. The high speed rotation of the brush on many vacuums can throw asthma and allergy triggers, dirt and debris around the room rather than actually removing them. Using a beater brush on a hard floor may also damage the surface. Alternatively, suction-only hard floor attachments work well and can effectively remove asthma and allergy triggers.
Vacuuming Upholstered Furniture
A commonly overlooked repository for asthma and allergy triggers is upholstered furniture, which can hold dust mites and other asthma triggers. Many vacuum cleaners have brushes and attachments specifically designed for cleaning upholstered furniture.
Some fragile fabrics can easily be damaged by vacuuming. Many of the currently available canister vacuums, such as the Miele Red Velvet and the Bosch Formula Electro Duo, feature controllable suction power that allows cleaning of fragile items.
When vacuuming furniture, go slowly and be thorough. Be sure to clean all sides of pillows and cushions, and don't neglect the back and sides of the piece.
Vacuuming Drapes & Curtains
Drapes and curtains are more of the most neglected hiding places for allergy and asthma triggers. The typically light nature of drapes and curtains makes them difficult to clean.
Often full suction will draw the fabric into your vacuum attachment, making for a tedious cleaning experience. The best way to speed this process is to use a vacuum with adjustable suction.
It is better for most asthmatics to simply remove the drapes and use hard window coverings, such as blinds and shutters that are easier to clean.
Vacuuming Mattresses
We spend a lot of time in our beds, as do many peoples' pets. Mattresses need to be frequently vacuumed. One major mattress manufacturer claims the weight of our mattresses doubles every ten years solely from dust mites and their droppings. Dust mites are a common cause of allergy and asthma symptoms.
Vacuuming alone will not remove all of the dust mites from your mattress, but it will help. Vacuuming will also aid in removing pet dander from your bed as well as other allergens. When you vacuum your mattress, don't forget the sides and the back.
Taking Control of your Asthma & Allergies
It is up to individuals to take control of their health. Many asthmatics find that by cleaning thoroughly they can actually reduce their dependence on rescue medications. By vacuuming you can help control asthma and allergies, rather than let them control you.
Shane McGlaun has been a practicing Respiratory Therapist for 11 years. His diverse experience — including acute care, home care and rehab — enables a multifaceted approach to respiratory problems.
