Editor: Mercia Tapping, President, Allergy Buyers Club

PLEASE NOTE that references to prices or specials within this archive reflect prices
and market conditions at the time of newsletter publication.
Prices may have changed since publication.

In This Issue

• Nose hose: Relief for sinus sufferers
• FAQ on filtration of gaseous pollutants and odors
• Dust Mite Diagnosis
• Hives: Causes and Treatments
• Care2 Ask Annie?
• A Quick Guide to which Vacuum cleaner to Buy and When

Shop Talk

• For your Office, Desk or Car
• Cotton Fresh: Dust Mite Pillow case covers

Buy Allergy Control Products
from our Store!

Nose hose: Relief for sinus sufferers 10/11/2000

By Lori Price / The Dallas Morning News

Trudi Herstein thought she would breathe easy after having surgery to open sinus cavities that were 90 percent blocked.But soon after the 1997 surgery, her sinuses were clogged again. It was one incident in a string of many in her sinus crisis.

"I'd had five years worth of sinus infections, having them six or eight times a year," the Carrollton resident says. "Antibiotics were a part of my daily meal."

Then, her doctor recommended that she wash her nose two or three times a day with a nasal irrigator. The infections and attacks slowed, and now she rarely has them, she says. "It's completely changed my life," Ms. Herstein says. "My nose doesn't feel dry, and I can breath all the time."

Dr. Murray Grossan, a Los Angeles otolaryngologist who designed the irrigator that Ms.  Herstein used, presented the device at the American Academy of Family Practitioners conference held in Dallas recently. The product is made by HydroMed and can be ordered upon request by most pharmacists.

Called a nasal douche by some patients, the Grossan Nasal Irrigator is a tip that attaches to a  Water Pik and uses warm salt water to clean the inside of the nasal passages. The solution and the Water Pik's pulsating pressure help clear sinuses, post-nasal drip and phlegm, Dr. Grossan says. "Most upper-respiratory problems, including sinus infections and allergies, are related to poor function of nasal cilia, tiny hairs in the mucous membranes that act to remove pollutants and contagions," Dr. Grossan says. "By removing bacteria and reducing the bacterial load by way  of [pulsating] nasal irrigation, the body has a better chance to handle the infection nature's  way." Nasal irrigation is not all that new, Dr. Grossan says.

The idea of the product he developed was patterned after a common yoga practice used more than 3,000 years ago, he adds. "It has been used since ancient times in Indian traditional medicine," he says. Nasal irrigation is essential to the treatment of sinus disease, says Dr. Jennifer Jordan, a  Dallas ear, nose and throat physician. After her patients have sinus surgery, she recommends that they use some type of irrigator because it helps clean the nose better, she adds.  Keeping the nose moist also can help fight nosebleeds, Dr. Jordan says. But nasal irrigators such as Dr. Grossan's probably shouldn't be a substitute for other  treatment, such as antihistamines, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory products, Dr. Jordan says.  "Other products decrease swelling, and this helps clean your nose," Dr. Jordan says. "It's not that one is better than the other, but they work well together."

Murray Grossan, M.D.

Dr Grossan's Hydro-Pulse Nasal Irrigator for sinus sufferers is available at AllergyBuyersClub.com.

FAQ on filtration of gaseous pollutants and odors

By Frank Hammes, President IQAir North America
and R & D Director at Incen AG (Switzerland)

Editor's note. We posed these questions to the President of IQAir since our members often ask the same questions and the answers are complex.

Question:  How about just a quick basic education? What does one need in an air purifier filter for odor control? Are there different grades of carbon filter?

Answer:  The air we breathe contains apart from oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, a few precious gases and a percentage of humidity, a range of pollutants. These pollutants take three physical states: solid (e.g. dust, allergens, bacteria, viruses), liquid (e.g. mist, fog, aerosol-sprays) and gaseous (e.g. VOCs, formaldehyde). The technology needed in an air cleaner to remove gaseous pollutants and odors is entirely different to that need to filter dust particles and aerosols.

While solid and liquid particles can be effectively removed by media filters, such as a good HEPA filter, gaseous pollutants and odors, due to their physical state and extremely small size (< 0.001 microns) cannot. In fact HEPA filters have 0% efficiency for gaseous chemical compounds. These compounds simply pass through the HEPA filter.

In order to filter gaseous pollutants and odors effectively a number of filter technologies exist. The most common one found in air cleaners is activated carbon.

Activated carbon consists of a carbon structure, which has been cleaned with hot steam to create an extremely porous structure. Like a miniscule sponge, activated carbon contains thousands of little cracks and pores. These are responsible for a very large internal surface area. This surface area exerts a physical force, which attracts many gas molecules and binds them to the surface of the carbon. This process is called adsorption. In order for an activated carbon filter to work effectively, there needs to be a sufficient amount of carbon, so that the air, which is passing through the filter is able to deposit its pollutant molecules with the activated carbon.

Coconut shell carbon. Activated carbon can be used in many different forms in an air cleaner. Most air cleaners only contain a fiber pad, which is impregnated with a few ounces of carbon dust. This is the least effective way to use activated carbon, because of the small amount of carbon.  Some air cleaners contain more substantial granular activated carbon filters. Most of these air cleaners use activated carbon made from coconut shell. While this carbon is inexpensive and widely available some allergy sufferers have reported to be allergic to dust from coconut shell carbon. Coconut carbon is also very soft and tends to generate dust during transport and sometimes even during usage. Most systems for professional gas and odor removal utilize activated carbon in the shape of small pellets made from coal or peat. This carbon is significantly harder and gives off virtually no dust.

Another aspect which affects the effectiveness of activated carbon for indoor air quality issues is its degree of activation. Most activated carbon available today is manufactured for industrial applications, such as solvent recovery. For this application, the carbon is activated for the maximum amount of pores. While this increases the capacity of the activated carbon at very high pollution concentrations, it actually decreases its effectiveness to remove odors and chemicals at the typical concentrations in home and office environments. This is explained by the fact, that the higher the carbon is activated the larger the pores become. It is, however, only the very smallest pores in the activated carbon, called micropores, which are capable for removing odors and chemicals under home and office conditions. IQAir uses activated carbon in its IQAir HealthPro Plus and its IQAir GC Series air cleaners which is activated in a way to preserve a maximum amount of micropores for best possible gas and odor control in homes and offices.

When one looks at controlling gaseous pollutants and odors in indoor environments, it is important to realize that the right activated carbon filters is able to deal with many gaseous pollutants and odors, it is not suitable for all. While activated carbon is particularly suitable for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, toluene, styrene, it is not effective for less volatile compounds, such as formaldehyde or many inorganic gases such as hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. These compounds require a chemical reaction to break them down. The best results, for removing these compounds, are granular chemically active sorbant materials, called chemisorbers. Chemisorbers consist of aluminoxyde impregnated with potassium permanganate. When the potassium permanganate gets in contact with humidity and a suitable gas molecule it breaks it down to harmless CO2. This is particularly effective for controlling formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfur dioxide.

Question:  How about carbon filters mixed with Zeolite?  Are they better or worse?

Answer:  A number of manufacturers use a granular material called zeolite in combination with activated carbon and claim that this is a more effective gas filtration mix. We have found no independent scientific evidence for this claim. In fact, zeolite is not used in industrial or commercial air filtration, because  chemisorbants and impregnated carbons have been found to work best. The best explanation as to why zeolite is used in residential air cleaners is that it is even cheaper than coconut shell activated carbon and the use of another gas phase media sounds good to unsuspecting residential consumers.

As important as the gas and odor filtration media chosen, is the way in which it is used in an air cleaner to ensure best possible gas and odor removal. It is particularly important that gas filtration media is incorporated in a way in the air cleaner that insures maximum contact with air being cleansed, while ensuring that the air is restricted as little as possible. The best way this can be done is with a V-shaped granular media element, such as is featured in IQAir HealthPro Plus (shipping from December 1, 2000) or by using cylindrical shaped cartridges as in the IQAir GC Series.

Another issue important issue to consider in how an air cleaner uses gas phase and odor filtration media, is how well it is protected against clogging. Since both activated carbon and chemisorbant media relies on its fine pore structure for the removal of gas molecules it is essential for these pores not to be clogged by dust particles. Yet most manufacturers use carbon filters as dust pre-filters or use low efficiency pre-filters. This means that that gas and odor removal effectiveness decreases rapidly with use. Some manufacturers try to work around this by placing the activated carbon filter after the HEPA filter. While this indeed protects the activated carbon filter it, creates a problem for users, since any carbon dust released by the carbon filter is not retained. IQAir has solved this issue the same way large-scale commercial air cleaning systems have solved it. We place  a high-efficiency particulate pre-filter ahead of the activated carbon filter and places a HEPA filter after the activated carbon filter.

The last item to look out for in an air cleaner with gas and odor filters is that these can be replaced independently of HEPA and pre- filters. HEPA filters generally last several times longer than activated carbon filters and pre-filters have a shorter life. If they are combined in one filter element both need to be replaced even if only one is used up. The IQAir HealthPro Plus contains the pre-filter, the gas phase filter and the HEPA filter in three separately replaceable filters. Only filters which are used up need to be replaced.

Question:  We get a number of people who are looking for a filter for their basement. It appears that although basements are inherently unhealthy living spaces, people want a filter to eliminate mold, odors, and other unhealthy aspects of basement air. Your comments?

Answer:  The reason that basement air is considered "bad" has a number of reasons. Basements are many times cooler and more humid that other parts of the house. This can lead to condensation of humidity on walls and windows, which may lead to mold growth.These molds are not only responsible for producing mold spores, but also a range of complex chemicals, called mycotoxins, some of which are toxic.

Another reason that the air in basement is "bad" is that there tends to be less ventilation in basements as in other parts of a house.

The above issues of humidity and lack of ventilation should be address by inhabitants as a first part of a strategy to improve air quality. This can be done with dehumidification, insulation and ventilation. An air cleaner should be used only after the underlying sources of the problem have been addressed.

Question:  What about odors from building materials and furnishings?

Answer:  While all of the above odors are emitted by specific sources, e.g. a burning cigarette, it needs to be realized that over time secondary sources for odors may develop. These secondary sources are caused by the deposition of odor causing substances on furnishings or room surfaces. These act as sinks, which accumulate odor-causing substances. An example of how this works, is when you come home from spending an hour in a smoky bar, your clothes will start emitting cigarette odor. While you were in the bar particles and gas molecules will have deposited on your cloth. Back in a clean environment odor molecules which have attached to the cloth and the particles on your cloth will come off.

Question:  Which filters do best in a damp environment?

Answer:  Activated carbon filters do badly in damp environments because the miniscule pores in the carbon get filled with humidity molecules which don't allow gaseous pollutant molecules to be taken up. Filters with chemisorbant do very well in damp environments because their chemical breakdown process of air pollutants accelerates with increasing humidity.

Question:  I am hearing more about people who live in smog or polluted areas, even just car and highway fumes wafting into their apartments.

Answer:  In order to help prevent smog and highway fumes penetrating indoor environments; the most effective solution is based on a two-stage strategy. The best solution is to prevent smog and fumes from entering in the first place. This can be done by creating a slight overpressure (using the IQAir MultiGas GC and Inflow W125) in the apartment by installing an air cleaning system which is optimized for smog and traffic fumes which draws in air from outside and filters it before releasing it into the indoor environment. It is only the second best strategy, to have an air cleaner that filters the air within the room by recirculation.

Question:  What about those people who get forest fires in their area?

Answer:  The same as for smog and highway fumes goes for forest fires. It is essential to make sure that only cleaned air enters the apartment or home, to ensure the best possible improvement in indoor air quality. Due to the high concentrations of sulfur dioxide and other combustion gases, we recommend the IQAir MultiGas GC, which contains a wide spectrum gas phase control filter.

Question:  We have club members with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). What kind of machine do these people need?

Answer:  Individuals with MCS should select an air cleaner which is capable of effectively filtering a wide range of chemical compounds. A good choice is an air cleaner with substantial amounts of granular activated carbon and chemisorbant granulate. This covers not only volatile organic compounds, but also semi-volatile organic compounds and some inorganic compounds. Ideally, the unit of choice should have at least 5 pounds of granular activated carbon and chemisorbers (IQAir MultiGas GC). Make sure that it also contains an effective particulate filter after the granular gas filtration media, to prevent from carbon or chemisorbant dust being emitted by the air cleaner.

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/iqairgcseries.html

Question:  What about off-gassing of furniture and carpets?

Answer:  Furniture made from compressed particleboard may contain significant levels of formaldehyde, which can off-gas over years. An air cleaner with granular chemisorbant gas phase filter should be chosen. Off- gassing of carpets tends to be a shorter-term problem, since it mostly stems from the glue or foam backing in the carpet. Here the problem is more of a classical VOC issue, where a granular carbon filter will be suitable. If both are an issue, it best to choose an air cleaner that combines both activated carbon and chemisorbant (IQAir MultiGas GC).

Editor's Note: We have added several of the IQAir line of air filtration machines and accessories to our product line and will be adding more commercial items soon.

We think you will particularly interested in the following. Are you like me in allergy season torn between fresh air and removing allergens? IQair have solved this problem with a  window intake duct which is an accessory available for every IQair machine. It brings the fresh air [Oxygen yea!, no stuffy ,stale smell] in through the duct in the window and fresh filtered air comes into your room.

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/iqairgcseries.html

Dust Mite Diagnosis

Dust mite Kits
Excellent

One of the things which has always bothered us, is that while our members may be allergic to dust mites, they may not even have dust mites in their homes. Or do you know all the places in your house that actually need dust mite treatment? Again, how do you know when your dust mite elimination efforts have been successful? How do know when to stop knocking yourself out and your dust mites have been consigned to their graves?

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/dustmitetestkit.html

Quick Tips for getting Rid of Dustmites.

Question:  How do you get rid of dustmites?

Answer:  Fry them, freeze them, starve them or suck 'em up. This means hepa vacuuming, putting small soft objects such a child's soft toys in the freezer inside a plastic bag. It means washing your bedding in very hot water[140°] or using a vapor steam cleaner on carpets, upholstery, your bedding and clothing. Put dust mite covers on your bedding to starve the little critters.

Hives: Causes and Treatments

By Howard Murad, M.D.

Hives or Urticaria as they are known by their medical name, will affect up to 20% of the population at least once in their lifetime. They are one of the most annoying and common skin conditions, usually caused by reactions to environmental influences such as heat, alcohol, foods or even fabrics.  An allergic reaction to medications, emotional upsets and even exercise can also trigger hives. These skin eruptions are commonly identified by itchy, burning or stinging lesions on the skin or mucous membranes.  Generally lasting from one to six hours, hives may be as small as a pencil eraser or as large as a dinner plate; on occasion, hives join together with the surrounding flat skin.  The trunk and the extremities are the usual sites.  Swelling of the palms and soles may occur.  Areas that involve loose tissue, such as the eyes or genitalia may lead to massive swelling and disfigurement.  While this condition is not usually dangerous, the airways could be involved, becoming swollen and closed off.

CAUSES

Urticaria is usually divided into acute, chronic or single episode stages.  Acute urticaria has been present for less than six weeks while chronic conditions last for six weeks or longer.  Single episode urticaria is caused by infections such as chicken pox, viral infections, mononucleosis and serum hepatitis.  Reactions to medications can also cause a single episode.  With many outbreaks of hives, the cause is highly difficult to pinpoint.

Individuals with recurrent episodes of hives should examine their diets for the foods that most commonly cause repeated attacks such as; peanuts, eggs, beans, chocolate, strawberries, tomatoes, spices, citrus fruits, corn, shellfish and pork.  Fresh foods cause hives more frequently than cooked foods.  Certain food additives and preservatives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) readily trigger repeated attacks of hives.

Aspirin, penicillin, sulfa drugs, tetracycline and codeine are the most common hive inducing drugs, though any drug, even those which have been taken over long periods of time without previous problems may be the culprit.  Hives can also develop due to physical stress, sunlight, cold and physical pressure.

Approximately 15% of people in the United States are atopic, meaning they have an inherited predisposition to become allergic to things such as ragweed, grass, pollen, molds, animal hair and dust. These allergies are most commonly manifested in asthma, hay fever, migraine headaches, eczema and hives.  Chronic sufferers who suspect allergic reactions to be their cause of hives can determine the cause by submitting to a scratch test.

Chronic conditions may also be caused by a low-grade infection, such as a fungal infection of the feet, yeast infections, bladder or kidney infections, a tooth abscess or a blocked sinus.  Abnormal thyroid activity is the cause of chronic hives in one out of 400 people; a simple blood test can determine whether thyroid is the culprit.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

If the cause is unknown, the therapy becomes fairly simple - avoid the offending agent.  Almost all patients however, need some form of treatment.  Antihistamines are effective in relieving symptoms.  Taken orally, they begin to relieve an already formed hive in about ten minutes.  In recurring hives, the best method for relief is to take antihistamines on a regular schedule to prevent hives from forming.

Some antihistamines must be taken four times a day, while other long-acting formulas require only two daily doses.  There are nine classes of antihistamines, with several in each class; therefore it may be necessary to try several to determine the best one for you.

Topical corticosteroids may be effective while corticosteroids taken by mouth and injection remain popular treatments for severe hives, though they are only taken for short periods of time.  In certain cases where there is acute severe edema, called angioedema, which may be life threatening, an injection of epinephrine may be necessary.

Anyone who suffers from chronic hives should know the history of his or her case so that the cause can be more easily discovered.  It is important to investigate every possible cause.  With the help of a physician, certain laboratory testes may be helpful.  For the most part, the real detective work is up to the patient to ascertain what conditions precede or surround an outbreak of hives.

For information on Murad products please visit www.murad.com OR call us at 1-888-99MURAD / 1-888-996-8723.

For your Office, Desk or Car

A midget hepa air cleaner for your car or desk top. The Roomaid is a little gem. * * * * very good

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/roomaid.html

Care2 Ask Annie?

Avocado Eye Cream

Question:  I want to save money and learn how to make my own skin creams. I particularly want to make skin care products with pure ingredients. I'd like to start with an eye cream, since I have some crows feet wrinkles that are beginning. Do you have a recipe?  --Rachel

Answer:  Here is a recipe for Avocado eye cream which is designed to be rich and emollient to help reduce wrinkles. The skin right around the eyes doesn't have oil glands and can thus be prone to dehydration, especially as we age. The oils in this recipe are emollient, the aloe vera gel is very hydrating. Experiment to find out which oil-avocado, apricot kernel, grapeseed, or sesame-feels best on your skin! My (forty-something) skin absolutely resonates with avocado oil, especially when used around my eyes. Grapeseed often works wonders for those with younger, oily skin, as it is a less greasy oil.

Ingredients: 

1/4 cup avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed, or sesame oil (or a mixture of these)
1/4 cup aloe vera gel

Combine the ingredients in a glass jar. Shake to blend. Dab a little on your fingers and massage around your eyes, being careful not to get any in your eyes.

Makes 1/2 cup
Preparation Time: About 1 minute
Shelf Life: About 4 months refrigerated
Storage: Glass jar with a screw top

Smoke Odor

Question:  Do you know how to get rid of the smoke odor from a fireplace insert?  The smell wafts into the room, even after the ashes are removed.  I've tried placing backing soda in there, but it doesn't seem to help. Thanks. --Sandy

Answer:  Washing soda works wonder on smoke and soot. I use washing soda to clean the glass window on our wood stove; it works like magic. Depending on how sooty the situation, combine 1/4 cup washing soda or more to 1/2 gallon of water. For really bad situations use a thick, wet, washing soda paste. When you use a strong washing soda mixture, it will need a lot of rinsing. You need to wear gloves when using washing soda because the mineral is slightly caustic. It is also strong enough to peel wax off a floor, so spot test if you are using this mixture on any finished surface.

Sweet Soda Toothpaste

Question: I'd like to make my own toothpaste to avoid the detergent sodium lauryl sulfate. Straight baking soda as a toothpaste doesn't appeal to me. --Vincent

Answer: The taste of baking soda can be disguised easily using the sweet herb stevia; buy the white stevia powder available in health food stores. I particularly like to add cinnamon to this recipe because cinnamon is so antibacterial, and nothing takes garlic breath away as well.

2 tablespoons baking soda
1/8 teaspoon white stevia powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
Blend the ingredients in a small glass jar. Scoop on a dampened toothbrush and brush as usual.

Removing Candle Wax

Question:  Help! I spilt candle wax on the carpet! What can I do to remove it? Thanks. --Chris

Answer:  Starting at this time of year and through the holidays, I receive dozens of similar questions. Here are some very useful household hints for such problems: Use a hair dryer to melt the candle wax on carpet (or a hard surface such as a table top or a floor).  Wipe up the wax as it melts with a towel or cloth. Just make very sure not to overheat the carpet or surface! Whereas a hair dryer is great for removing wax on a hard surface, people asked about how to remove wax from table cloths and other fabrics. An iron is the solution for removing wax from fabric. Place newspaper on both sides of the fabric to blot up the wax once it melts from ironing over the newspaper with a medium- hot iron. Replace newspaper as needed. Please note that you definitely do not want to use a hair dryer on anything flammable.

Harvest Skin Toner

Question:  Spas tend to use fruits and vegetables to care for the skin. What would you suggest? --Allison

Answer:  Here is a wonderful fruit-and-vegetable-based formula for a skin toner, one that was decoded from an old Mayan text of beauty formulas by a Mexican archaeologist. The nourishing and skin softening ingredients in this toner are beyond compare. A good time to make this toner is when the harvest is bountiful . If you don't own a juicer, borrow one and make large batches, freeze the mixture in ice cube trays, and pop out a cube as needed. Cucumber juice could be made in a blender. You can also make just a week's worth of this toner at a time.

Zazil Toner
1/4 cup cucumber juice (the same pH as the skin)
1/8 cup carrot juice (rich in vitamin A)
1/2 cup spearmint infusion (considered one of the best cosmetic herbs)
1/4 cup chamomile infusion (avoid if you are sensitive to ragweed)
1/2 cup lemon juice (an alpha hydroxy acid)

Make the cucumber juice and carrot juice. Make strong spearmint and chamomile teas, and let cool.  Combine all the ingredients in a glass jar and shake to blend. If you freeze the mixture in ice cube trays, just pop out a cube and rub it over your face, then put the cube in the refrigerator and use the toner over the next few days.

Removing Musty Odors from Books

Question:  Any tips for removing musty odors in books? I remember reading tips someplace about using a brown paper bag and baking soda, or? I used to use some household product in a paper bag that worked and I can't remember.Thanks! --Crystal

Answer:  Cornstarch is the best because it soaks up all the moisture, and once that is done, the mold dries up and dies. Sprinkle the book's pages with cornstarch, and in a few days carefully wipe it all off. Putting cornstarch in a paper bag (I'd think about 1/4 of a cup?), adding a book, sealing the bag and gently shaking the bag to disperse the cornstarch over the pages sounds like a good trick. Just make sure to leave the cornstarch on the book  for long enough to absorb the moisture.

Bicycle Chain Lubricants

Question: Do you know of any vegan, eco friendly bicycle chain lubricants? Teflon based wax types would be best.  --Eric

Answer:  Yes, buy pure jojoba, a liquid wax that never goes rancid! It is available in health food stores.

A Quick Guide to which Vacuum cleaner to Buy and When

I am getting a slew of questions around how to pick out the best vacuum cleaner. I understand that sometimes we can confuse you with our choices. Let me simplify things for you. There are various machines, each are best for different situations. So the real  answer is "it all depends". We do not bother with selling the cheap and ineffective vacuum cleaners sold in the big chain stores. We only sell the vacuum cleaners that REALLY work for the allergy sufferer. That being said, people who buy vacuum cleaners tend to fall into several categories. Please go to our store to read the actual reviews.

A. You have only have bare floors. Choose between the basic Nilfisk model # HD1005 at $475 or the new Eureka Oxygen 6994. For college dorm rooms, or limited spaces, the Eureka SC3683 is a bargain at $149.95.

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/canisters.html

B. You have bare floors and a few Persian or scatter rugs. Choose between the Miele White Star  at $599.99 or Eureka Oxygen 6994 Plus Turbo (model 6994+T)special Allergybuyersclub package with a full size turbo brush at $399.99. This is a question of budget. Personally, I love the Miele White Star which is a beautifully made machine. However, the Eureka Oxygen 6994 plusTurbo (model 6994+T)is remarkable value for money. Better value than any other machine at that price point. You will still be getting a good machine at that price- BUT the Miele does have advantages.That is why we gave the Miele it's five stars.

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/canisters.html

C. You prefer uprights and have a few bare floors. Eureka Sanitaire SC4570 Commercial top of the line is just the best upright vacuum cleaner around. I am interested to see a new Eureka Upright coming soon that is a bit cheaper, but it will not have some of the features of the Sanitaire.We rated this a five star vacuum cleaner for good reason.

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/eurcomvac.html.

D. You have a great deal of cat or dog hair.

Eureka Sanitaire, SC1005, Miele Red Star with hepa at $749, Nilfisk HD 1005 with powerhead attachment option , Eureka Oxygen 6997 at $599.99 and  6999 at $699.99. The upright Sanitaire is real workhorse for this situation. If you like canister vacuums the Miele Red Star is a good choice. The Eureka Oxygen is a new serious contender to this category and we were very impressed when we tested it out. The Eureka Oxygen has a great deal of whistles and bells.

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/canisters.html
http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/eurcomvac.html

E. You still have a good number of carpets as well as bare floors. Your choices are the Miele Red Star with hepa at $749. Eureka Oxygen 6997 and 6999 at $599.99 and $699.99. For my money, I really like the top of the line Eureka Oxygen 6999 although I own and adore my Miele Red Star. I think the Eureka Oxygen 6999 is a serious challenger to Miele but don't expect Miele to be sitting idly by and ignoring the Oxygen challenge. They are equally determined to retain their position as the premier manufacturer for allergy relief vacuums.

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/canisters.html

Cotton Fresh: Dust Mite Pillow case covers

It is the season for purchasing dust mite covers and I have been sent several samples recently to evaluate. These covers will never even see the light of day on our web site. I would be embarrassed to sell them. To be it bluntly, they feel and look like a cross between Pampers, an incontinence sheet and a paper napkin from Burger King. Who in their right minds would want to sleep on them? I could not even persuade anyone in our office to use them for free! That is why we have gone to the trouble of importing Cotton Fresh pillow encasings from England. Yes, they are expensive but I will be first in line when there is enough interest from club members to make up an order in American sizes for bed and comforter encasings.

Typical are the unsolicited emails from members: "It has been such a blessing that I found your site! I received my CottonFresh pillow barrier covers and am thrilled with this product. They are so soft and cool. No more "crinkling" noises in my ear as I toss or turn. I would like to see their line of products offered by the Club." Jean Osmond [with permission]

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/cotpil.html

Enjoy the last of the Fall foliage [if you live in New England]

Regards, Mercia Tapping, President

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