|
|
QUESTION: We heard in the past people with allergies (especially those with
allergies to dust & dust mites) to get a vacuum with a HEPA filter. That
vacuums with other filter systems weren't nearly as good.
After looking at a recent Consumer Reports repair records/problems with
vacuums, it seems:
* of the brands that have good records &
* with which I am familiar &
* are in a "reasonable price range" (under $ 300.00 manufacturer
recommended price & around $ 200.00 at some discount stores) there are
two brands Hoover & Eureka uprights.
We have a Hoover now that is 20+ years & has never failed. Hoover has
one or two top end models for $ 300.00 plus with the HEPA filtration.
The Hoover "WindTunnel" $ 200.00 at discount stores say allergen micro
filtration, 100% dust mites & 99.98% of ragweed pollens and most common
grass pollens.
Also, I understand the HEPA filters have to be replaced periodically &
that they can cost $ 20.00 to $ 60.00. So, how could a HEPA filter
really be that much better than the Hoover "WindTunnel" vacuums, which
say they collect 100% of dust mites? Is there any significant
difference?
ANSWER: Dyson invented this technology, and in the UK they are still by far the
market leader. Hoover recently lost a lawsuit for trying to rip Dyson's
patent off, hence their recent attempts to promote non-HEPA designs (more
profitable for them).
Collecting just dust mites is pointless. They're *huge* compared with
bits of dead mite and particles of powdered mite shit, which are present
in far larger quantities than whole mites and are just as allergenic.
That claim is so dishonestly misleading that I would never buy *anything*
from a company that made it.
HEPA filters on Dysons need to be replaced yearly or thereabouts. I think
they cost 6 pounds (i.e. roughly $10).
I'd be very surprised if you could get an effective anti-allergenic-stuff
vacuum that really worked for $300. For $200 you might as well try to
lick your carpets clean.
A wet/dry vacuum (like a Vax) is another option. About as effective as
a HEPA and costs about the same, but bigger and uses more power.
You might want to check out
I just bought a Hoover U5761-900 Bagless Windtunnel
from them, which claims a HEPA filter,
at a marvelous price. List is $349 (confirmed
by a local store) and their price is currently
$227 plus $9 shipping (U.S.)
|
|
|
|
