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

• In search of a perfect night's sleep. Editor's Choice
• How to choose a mattress and bed
• What is natural latex?
• What is Alpaca?
• What every parent should know about crib mattresses
• How to choose a down comforter.
• What is Hypodown?
• Eat Smart for your Heart

Shop Talk

• New Product Round Up
• Are IQAir MPPS HyperHEPA filters better than .03 tested filters?

Buy Allergy Control Products
from our Store!

IN SEARCH OF A PERFECT NIGHT'S SLEEP
by Mercia Tapping

I reached desperation. Was I ever going to get a really good night's sleep and feel refreshed in the morning? Or was my life going to be always feeling "a little bit tired", never waking up in the morning ready to meet the world? And as for all those aching joints? The price of aging?

And to make matters worse, I was beginning to think my husband I and were completely incompatible as bed partners. He would come to bed with feet like frozen ice blocks demanding to be warmed up. I, on the other hand, am at the age where I radiate heat like a pulsating furnace.

I am now in "bedded bliss", getting the best night's sleep in the last month I have had in years, my aches and pains have substantially diminished, and at last, I actually feel energized in the mornings.

So when I find something like a good book or movie that I love, I share it with all my friends. This is one of those events, and the only downside is I am going to become like one of those crabby old ladies who will say on vacation, that they are looking forward to going home and sleeping in their own bed.

A. THE BED

The biggest and most expensive decision was the bed itself. I tried out air beds, memory foam beds, top of the line innerspring and natural latex beds. I was disappointed in the construction of the memory foam beds, which is a polite way of saying that I thought they were way overpriced. I found the mattresses had a rather strange feel to them and I worried that they would lose their flexibility at under 60 degrees (they get hard) and was concerned about potential outgassing.

Much to my surprise I liked the air mattresses, but I could not find one yet that was truly hypoallergenic. I would find somewhere in the layers of construction, something that was a no-no. I came full circle and decided on a 7-zone natural latex bed by Royal-Pedic with a separate 3" pillowtop mattress pad.

I got the California King size (72" x 84" long) because my husband is very tall (6'3") and California Kings are longer but slightly narrower than a regular king. Do not get a California King, unless one of you has their feet sticking off the end of the bed. Sheets and duvet covers become much harder and more expensive than regular king sized linens.

I got the natural latex bed for several reasons. It is naturally resistant (but not proof) to dust mites and mold. The 7-zone system by Royal-Pedic was described as molding to your body and not leaving any air pockets (for my unsupported joints). I had also been waking up with pins and needles, or one of my arms half numbed, so a firm but more flexible bed, I reasoned maybe would do the trick. Most people are not allergic to latex, as it is a fairly rare allergy. If I was allergic to latex, I would have bought an all-cotton mattress which does tend to be REALLY firm and definitely needs some kind of extra quilting or mattress pad.

Royal-Pedic advised me to get a separate pillow top mattress pad instead of one of the pillow top attached models. The reasoning was interesting. If you have an attached pillow top pad then you can only "turn" your mattress on one plane. If you have a separate mattress pad, you can turn the mattress and pad monthly, as suggested by Royal-Pedic to help the bed last longer. Also the pillow top pad is the first part of the bed to noticeably wear out over time. So if the pad is separate, it can be replaced separately and thus prolong the life of the bed. The beds are warranted for 10 years and the mattress pads for 5 years. However, I expect this bed to last me twice as long before it needs replacing. The average life of a bed is 5 years.

I got a 3" mattress pad because I wanted a slightly firmer feel while still feeling the cushioned support.

I did not get an organic bed because my chemical sensitivities are relatively mild. Organic beds are not treated with fire retardant chemicals mandated by law. You need a doctor's letter to get one.

So the great day arrived, our bed came and was delivered and set up. We tipped the guys to move the other bed down 2 floors in to a guest room.

I was immediately in seventh heaven the moment I lay down on the bed, I could not believe that I was feeling so comfortable and I rushed to bed early that night just so I could luxuriate! I could feel the bed gently molding to my body and I felt I was floating on a cloud. I began to see why these beds have been bought by movie stars and US Presidents!

The acid test for me was the quality of my sleep. My husband had written me off as a chronic poor sleeper. One of the first things I have discovered in the last month, is I sleep more soundly. I do not wake up when my husband comes to bed later than myself and I do not wake up if he makes a middle of the night bathroom visit. This is because latex beds hardly move at all on your side, when your bed partner moves around. In one month, I have had two poor nights' sleep. For me it's nothing short of a miracle - I am sleeping through the night till about 6:30 am.

Then my next question was, how did my poor old bones feel in the morning? It was not an overnight miracle, but I did notice after about a week, my ankles and knees were feeling a bit better, and now the difference is quite noticeable even my back is feeling improved. I have osteoarthritis, so this is not a cure, nothing is a cure, but I will take anything that keeps the symptoms even a teeny bit at bay, for a few more years. At least, now I am not creeping around in the mornings, waiting for everything to loosen up. I am doing several things to help the osteoarthritis, but the bed was the only new intervention in that time frame.

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/royal-latex-beds-mattresses-pads.html

THE MATTRESS PROTECTOR COVERS

All mattresses need some kind of protection to keep them clean from sweat, spills etc. I had been eyeing lambs wool mattress covers for years. The reason I was interested in them is that wool is naturally inhospitable to dust mites and the properties of wool are such, is that it keeps you cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It is also supposed to be good for arthritis sufferers as it relieves pressure points. I got fabric samples from every manufacturer I could find. I wanted to have the mattress pad as thick and soft as possible.

At Allergy Buyers Club we had settled on two excellent grades of plush wool mattress covers which you put underneath your sheets. I chose Elite 1.5 inch. The result was an unbelievable soft extra layer which smoothes out the indentations from the plush mattress pad below. Incidentally, it is not at all itchy (one of my fears), just smooth and soft.

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/wool-mattress-pads.html

THE DOWN COMFORTER

I had been using an LL Bean top of the line queen-sized goose-down comforter. I did not think it could get any better but it did, much better.

I wanted to get a hypoallergenic down comforter but a down one. I had found that all synthetic down look-alikes, such as Primaloft, do not have nearly the warmth needed for a New England winter. Besides which, down is far more durable. All my synthetic comforters decayed after a couple of years. But my down comforter was 7 years old going strong, just the wrong size. I am allergic to feathers so I needed a hypoallergenic one.

The first thing I discovered is that feather allergies are not so much to the feathers/down themselves, but to the protein and dirt that clings to the quills.

Hypoallergenic down is washed anywhere from 8 to 15 times in a PH neutral solution and rinsed in plain water until it is free of all dust, dirt and proteins. That takes extra time and hence the extra expense. Having located a couple of different hypoallergenic comforters I found there were more decisions waiting for me. I will try to make these as simple as I can.

A. Your most important decision is the quality of the fill. Go as high as you can. Down comforters range from 500-fill in a retail store to 600-800 fill. Think of your down comforter as a like a thermos. The higher the amount of trapped air, the greater the insulating power of the comforter for the same weight. This means ounce for ounce you get more warmth out of an 800-fill comforter and what's more, it is lighter. No-one really likes to sleep feeling like you are weighted down, you just need to feel warm. So do not think if a comforter weighs more it is better. Chances are you are paying for a lot of dirt and dust still clinging to the down. I decided on an 800-fill down comforter

B. Just to complicate things, the part of the world where the down comes from makes a difference. Eiderdown is very rare, and comes from a protected species of Eider duck with the down harvested from the nests. An eiderdown comforter can cost up to $20,000! Siberian goose down is the highest grade goose down as it gently plucked from live mature birds (think of this as the equivalent of sheep shearing, before the animal lovers like myself wince too much). I have not located a good source of hypoallergenic Eiderdown or Siberian Down and when I do the price tag will be astronomical. The next best grade of goose down is Hungarian, often known as Polish down and our Hypodown comforters use down imported from Hungary. Then you get unclassified goose down which is taken from the birds after they are dead. What does the difference in the quality of the down make? Bottom line it has more insulating properties and is warmer and more resilient. See link below for illustration of the differences. The higher quality goose down comforters can literally last a lifetime. I suspect Eiderdowns would be an heirloom!

I decided on a Hungarian down comforter and did not need to take out a home equity loan to purchase it!

C. The labeling of down in this country is problematic. Any thing that is 75% down and 25% feathers can be labeled 100% down. So buyer beware, know what you are paying for. Find out, what is the ratio of pure down to feathers?

D. To make things even more complicated for the allergy sufferer there exists an option called Hypodown. We have a more technical explanation of Hypodown below but here is the bottom line on it. Hypodown comforters contain 20% Syriaca, otherwise known as milkweed, a natural plant grown only in Nebraska. Syriaca is in itself, a light-weight insulator similar to down. Syriaca is literally fused with the down, so that it would need a chemical process to separate the two. In the combining of the two, the Syriaca seems to neutralize the remaining allergenic properties of the down (already cleaned) and moreover, the fusion of the two produces a far more resilient down.

So I got a Hypodown Comforter. Remember that dust mites will still collect in a hypoallergenic down comforter. If you want a comforter that resists dust-mites, an alpaca comforter, while not so light, is a good alternative.

E. Construction. The thing to avoid here is a SEWN-THRU box as opposed to a BAFFLED box. A sewn-thru box comforter is cheaper, (such as in our Primaloft comforters) as the machine stitching goes right from top to bottom of the fabric. Problem here is that this gives the down very little room to puff up or "loft". This means there is less trapped air and then the comforter will not insulate as well. In addition, an open construction design such as "Karo-Step", the down can shift around too much to one part of the comforter to the other, so you can have cold spots with no down in them. Baffled box stitching is more costly, as it is literally a box with sides, so the down can loft and puff up more easily and insulate better. While box designs can be different shapes, this is aesthetic only, and one shape box is as warm as another.

So I bought a baffled box constructed comforter.

F. What type of fabric covering? I knew I wanted the covering to be light and not stiff, but it occurred to me that since I was either going to put a decorative cover or dust-mite cover on it, then the actual thread count was of lesser significance. The important thing was that the fabric used should be down proof so there would be no leakage of down as the years went on. I also do not have chemical sensitivities to any great degree, if I did I would have bought the unbleached cotton covering from the Harvester line. But I saved a bit of money and bought from the new Monarch Hypodown line. The fabric is perfectly soft enough for my taste. I wanted to spend my money on what is INSIDE the comforter not outside.

E. Last decision. The weight. That was easy. Winter weight for anybody who has a cooler bedroom (under 70 degrees) and who likes to be toasty warm. I chose winter weight. If I lived in a southern clime, I would have chosen a light weight or even an Alpaca (softer than cashmere) comforter, which I intend to add for summer sleeping.

So there we have it, this is what I got for our bed. Hypodown 800-fill, Monarch, baffled box, Winter-weight, California King comforter.

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/oharv800acomforter.html

F. Next decision. Does it need an encasing? Absolutely yes, and it has not arrived yet. I will report when it arrives. An encasing of one kind or another will prolong the life of the comforter as it helps it not get so dirty. A down comforter can go as long as five years without needing cleaning.

G. When does it need cleaning and how to clean it? Here is the bottom line on this for me. Down comforters can be washed EXCEPT that most people's washing machines are not big enough, for the larger sizes, so the down will lump up and you will damage the stitching. I would not chance it. I would give it to a professional who does environmentally friendly WET cleaning. We have two stores in our town or there are places to send it away to. When to clean? When it is visibly dirty or the loft is collapsing. I intend to encase mine and periodically vapor steam clean it to kill off dust mites.

H. THE RESULTS?
Hard to describe. I now sleep under this floating cloud that I can barely feel but is as warm as can be. My husband has now turned the heat down at night which he prefers, no more iceberg feet and he is a happy man.

THE BLANKET

I could not bear to part with my hand-loomed all cotton "Peter blanket". It was now 7 years old, survived several washings with aplomb and looked as new as they day we bought it. I wanted a Peter blanket to use chiefly in summer when I do not need a winter weight down comforter. The blanket is so thick it can double as a bedspread. I got the basket weave pattern because I could turn the blanket sideways which was better for a California King-size bed. These blankets are naturally resistant to dust mites and literally last a lifetime. They are heirloom quality. Peter feels free to tell me that he sells his blankets better in Europe as the Europeans understand quality. In America, we are a throwaway society.

I bought a blanket ahead of time for summer use. There is no comparable quality blanket in the marketplace and I knew I wanted one for my new king-sized bed. Peter wove an extra long one for our bed.

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

IN SUMMARY

I am just in bed heaven! If I sound a bit too exuberant, forgive me but to be sleeping so well and feel so good getting up in the mornings is a real treat. I waited a long time for this bed.

And for those of you who could not make sense of my ramblings Gary has written some more organized bedding information for you.

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HOW TO CHOOSE A MATTRESS AND BED
by Gary McEldowney

Since we spend about 1/3 of our life sleeping, choosing the right bed and mattress should be a carefully thought-out decision. Your health and welfare could weigh in the balance. Here are some important things to consider:

WHAT ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SELECTING A MATTRESS?
The four most important factors are comfort, support, space and matching sets. First of all, if the mattress doesn't feel comfortable when you lie down on it, find one that does. A mattress should provide ample support for all parts of your body. A firm mattress that supports your body is better for your health in the long run compared to a very soft one. Also, make sure there is enough space for free, easy movement. A couple needs to have a king or queen size mattress. Finally, a mattress and foundation (box spring) are designed to work together. Buy them as a set to ensure optimal support and comfort.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE COIL COUNT?
Coil construction and quality vary from manufacturer, but coils should at a minimum be 300 for a full size mattress, 375 for a queen and 450 for a king. Also, ask about the diameter or gauge of the coils: the lower the gauge, the thicker the wire. As the number of coils increases, wire size decreases so that the mattress still has some "give".

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL SIZES FOR A MATTRESS/BED?
Beds come in six different sizes:

WHAT ABOUT MATTRESS DEPTHS?
Mattress depths vary from 8"-17" (6" for cribs). You will need to find out the depth of your mattress before you purchase sheets, mattress pads and comforters for your bed.

WHAT IS THE IDEAL SIZE BED AND MATTRESS FOR A CHILD OR AN AVERAGE SIZED ADULT?
A twin-sized bed is best for one child or adult. You want the child to be able to grow into his or her bed over the years. An extra long twin is 5" longer than a standard twin size and are typically found in dorms and camps.

SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE MATERIAL THE MATTRESS IS MADE OUT OF?
Yes. Many mass-produced mattresses (and cribs) are made from polyvinyl chloride covered with cotton and/or polyester layers. Chemical emissions or "outgassing" from these synthetic materials have been linked to toxic carcinogens. Natural mattresses are made from organic wool, organic cotton, and pure latex. Organic wool is an excellent choice because it is naturally fire, dust mite and mold-resistant. Organic cotton mattresses need to be treated with a flame retardant or require a doctor's note for not treating them . Natural latex is a relatively new product in the bedding industry and is also resistant to mold, mildew, bacteria, and dust mites. Latex covered in wool is fire resistant. Latex mattresses contain no metal and moving parts to wear out, so they are exceptionally quiet. Most latex allergies that people suffer from (gloves, catheters, etc.) are typically not a problem with latex mattresses.

WHAT ABOUT BED MATERIALS?
Solid hardwoods are best that contain a non-toxic finish. Beds that contain plywood or particleboard made with glues can release formaldehyde fumes. Make sure to inspect the construction of the bed.

WHAT ABOUT DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION?
This is an important question to ask so you find out the additional costs up front if it's not included in the regular price. Some companies also offer old bedding removal and disposal for a fee as well.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL WARRANTY FOR A MATTRESS?
Most premium mattresses come with at least a 10-year warranty. Note that many warranties can be voided if the mattress has been burned, stained or soiled in any way.

HOW CAN I TELL IF I NEED A NEW MATTRESS?
The average life span of a quality mattress is approximately eight to ten years. Mattresses older than this can suffer from deteriorating comfort features and support capabilities. The most obvious sign is that you don't wake up refreshed and rejuvenated in the morning. If this is the case, you probably need to begin looking for a new mattress.

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WHAT IS NATURAL LATEX?

Latex foam is a relatively new material used for mattresses that is becoming quite popular. Latex mattresses provide for "motionless" comfort and independent support unlike conventional spring mattresses. Manufacturers like Royal Pedic use only natural latex in their mattresses that are hypoallergenic, hygienic and antibacterial. During the production process, the milky white latex is converted into a mattress core that undergoes four rinsing processes to eliminate rubber odors. The ecologically friendly process passes strict European standards that certify the natural latex has no chemical properties that would cause a reaction to humans or have a detrimental impact to the environment during manufacturing.

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/royal-latex-beds-mattresses-pads.html

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WHAT IS ALPACA WOOL?

Alpacas are members of the llama family whose ancestral home is traced to South America. Their fleece has been cherished for its natural warmth and softness as far back to the Incan civilization. Alpaca wool is ideal for bed duvets & comforters because it is lightweight, absorbs moisture, and breathes naturally to keep you dry and comfortable. Alpaca organically grown wool is naturally hypoallergenic and does not harbor dust mites and their allergens that can cause asthma and allergies. Alpaca is softer than cashmere.

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/cm-co-alpaca-duvets.html

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WHAT EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CRIB MATTRESSES
By Gary McEldowney

The bedding materials used for children have come under scrutiny lately because of studies that are linking synthetic foam mattresses to the incidence of cancer and asthma. The typical new crib mattress, stuffed with polyurethane foam and covered with a fire-resistant and waterproofed synthetic material, can emit a host of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). This is especially disturbing when a child is breathing this material every day during a critical development period in his or her life.

For this reason, a crib mattresses should be covered and filled with un-dyed cotton or wool, and untreated with pesticides, disinfectants and any other finishes besides the flame retardants required by law. A pure natural latex mattress is another option if you are sure your baby isn't allergic to latex (most children are not). Latex bedding is resistant to mold, bacteria, and dust mites and when covered with wool is fire-resistant.

Finally, only a fitted sheet, zippered dust mite mattress encasing, mattress pad, and/or waterproof pad should be used under your baby that is under 12 months. In addition, choose a firm mattress that fits snugly in the crib

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/ba-mattresses.html

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HOW TO CHOOSE A COMFORTER.
By Gary MCEldowney

There really is nothing as soft and warm as a down comforter for a good night's sleep. However, choosing the right down comforter for your needs can sometimes be a nightmare. Here's the lowdown on what you need to know:

WHAT IS NATURAL DOWN AND WHY DOES IT INSULATE SO WELL?
Natural down consists of clusters of filaments from the underbelly of a waterfowl bird such as a duck or goose. Because of its three dimensional structure and ability to "loft", each down cluster traps more air for its weight than any synthetic. The filaments interlock and overlap naturally to form a protective layer of still air that keeps warmth in and cold out. Natural down comforters consist of a mix of down material and feathers. As long as the comforter contains 75% down, it can be labeled in America as being "All Down" by manufacturers (Europe has higher standards). Because of this, it's important to be aware of the down to feather content ratio. How do synthetic down comforters compare to the natural ones?

Synthetic down comforters provide a cost savings over natural goose or duck down comforters, but there are noticeable differences. A natural down comforter breathes more effectively than synthetics, provides more thermal warmth, and is usually more durable. Nevertheless, some of the new synthetic comforters like our Primaloft Hypoallergenic Comforters rated quite well with our reviewers.

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

WHICH BIRDS PROVIDE THE BEST DOWN?
The best downs come from mature birds. Down from an immature bird tends to have poor filling power and collapses in a relatively short time. However, when age and maturity are equal, goose down is considered better than duck down. Eider down is considered the finest quality down material and thus the most expensive.

WHY IS FILL POWER INFORMATION IMPORTANT?
Fill power can tell you a lot about your comforter. The fill power (or how fluffy the comforter is) is the number of cubic inches one ounce of down will fill under laboratory conditions. A higher number on the fill power (typically a range of 600-800) means the comforter will be fluffier, warmer and last longer. Even though higher fill power costs more, in the long run it is worth having.

WHAT DOES A CLEANLINESS RATING TELL YOU?
The cleanliness of a down comforter is measured by an Oxygen test that indicates the amount of organic matter left after washing and a Turbidity test that is a measure of suspended solids in the material. The government standard for Oxygen is 10 but superior comforters have numbers lower than this. The scale for Turbidity goes from about 60 being unwashed to 550 being the best. Try to purchase a comforter that has a lower Oxygen number than 10 and a rather high scale Turbidity level.

WHAT IF I'M ALLERGIC TO NATURAL DOWN MATERIAL?
Many people mistakenly believe that they are allergic to feathers and down. However, studies have shown that they are actually experiencing a reaction to dust, dirt and other contaminants found in unwashed down and feathers. As an allergy sufferer, this is why selecting a comforter with acceptable cleanliness numbers on the above two tests might be your best bet. Look at our helpful Comforter Product Guide to compare these features.

http://www.allergybuyersclub.com/compare-comforters.html
also,
http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/comforters2.html

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THREAD COUNT?
Thread count is another useful feature to look for in your quest for the ideal down comforter. The higher the number of threads that are contained in one square inch of fabric, the lighter and smoother the comforter tends to feel. But keep in mind the highest number thread count of 360 for premium comforters may not be as durable as a 220-260 count comforter that is fine for most people.

WHAT ABOUT THE SEWING CONSTRUCTION OF THE COMFORTER?
Comforters are generally sewn through or baffled. Baffling is an internal fabric wall that allows the fill to loft (puff up) more and adds strength to the comforter. Comforters that are sewn through are better for lightweight comforters only. Finally, the tightness of the weave on a comforter also prevents leakage of the fill to the outside world - commonly referred to as downproofing. Downproofness is measured in millimeters with the industry standard being 10 for air porosity.

In summary, while all of these factors are important for choosing the best comforter for you and your family, the enforcement of certain comforter manufacturer's claims may be less stringent in some states. For this reason, it is always smart to go with a well-known brand whose claims you can trust. As is often the case with most healthy home products, you get what you pay for in comforter quality. Clearly the aim is to get the maximum warmth at the lightest weight. Be sure to purchase a duvet cover with your comforter to protect your investment and make it last for many restful nights.

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WHAT IS HYPODOWN?

Hypodown is a combination of traditional goose down and natural syriaca clusters from a milkweed plant grown in Nebraska. The syriaca clusters suppress the dust and dander from natural goose down which some people have allergic reactions to. These clusters can actually enhance the natural warmth and breathing features of down. Hypodown is four times warmer than most synthetics and up to eleven times as durable.

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NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP

A. Crib Mattresses. A whole line up of crib mattresses for babies. My choice would be a latex mattress unless latex allergies run in the family.
http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/ba-mattresses.html

B. Puddle Pad for babies. I hope this is self explanatory.
http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/cc-mp-puddle-pad.html

C. Miele Solaris Yellow vacuum cleaner. This is the best vacuum cleaner for those of you who have only bare floors and an occasional scatter rug.
http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/solaris.html

D. IQAir CleanRoom Series. Many of you have asked for this. This IQAir machine has a larger capacity and the filter lasts longer. We think it should be used mainly for hospitals and for those with very serious allergies.
http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/iq-ap-cleanroom.html

E. Sneak Preview of this season's new dehumidifiers. We are offering several sizes, one by ComfortAire and the other by Millennium which features both a low temperature and industrial strength model.
http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/dehumidifiers-home-industrial.html

F. Full Spectrum Lighting. I am a great believer in full spectrum lighting and have it all over my house in various forms. We now offer a greater range of natural lightbulbs, SAD lights and table and floor lamps.
http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/lighting.html

G. New Hypodown comforters. We have some different models both less and more expensive than what we were previously offering. The chief difference is in the covering of the comforter.
http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/comforters2.html

H. Alpaca Mattress Pads, Pillows and Comforters. Alpaca is a form of wool that is softer and lighter than cashmere. It is naturally hypoallergenic and dustmite resistant.
http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/cm-mp-alpaca-mattress-pads.html

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ARE IQAIR MMPS HYPERHEPA FILTERS BETTER THAN .O3 MICRON TESTED FILTERS?
By Frank Hames, President, IQAir

Why are MPPS Tested HyperHEPA filters better than at 0.3 tested filters?

The current 0.3 micron DOP test for particulate filters was developed in the 1950s. While it gives some performance guidelines for the efficiency of particulate filters, it does not tell us anything about which particles the filter is least efficiency at filtering. While an HEPA filter may filter out 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns, it may filter significantly less at smaller particle sizes.

The EN (European Norm) 1822 is a two part test, which identifies the particle size, which penetrates the HEPA filter most easily, hence the name MPPS (Most Penetrating Particle Size). EN 1822, which was released in the year 2000 is world's most advanced and stringent air filter standard for particulate filters. Many high-tech manufacturers such as Intel already require their filter suppliers to supply them with proof of efficiency at MPPS.

The first part of the test determines which particles penetrate most easily through the HEPA media. Since the efficiency is strongly correlated to the speed with which the air passes through the media, this is done exactly at the speed, which is present under actual conditions of use. When the most penetrating particle size has been determined (e.g. 0.16 microns), this information is used in the second part of the test.

Part 2 of the EN 1822 test uses a test rig in which the HEPA filter is challenged only particles of the most penetrating particle size (e.g. 0.16 microns). This creates an absolutely worst case scenario for the filter.

IQAir's HyperHEPA filter elements are currently the first filters in an air cleaner to have been type-tested inside the IQAir housing by an independent filter testing laboratory (Filtech Laboratories Switzerland).

IQAir's HyperHEPA filter was rated at a worst case efficiency of > 99.95% for airflow rates up to 190 m3/h (112 cfm) and > 99.5% for up to 475 m3/h (280 cfm).

IQAir is the world's only air cleaner manufacturer that certifies and guarantees each and every HealthPro series air cleaner to provide a total certified system efficiency of over 99.97% at 0.3 microns. Each air cleaner is individually tested at the factory and issued a Certificate of Performance to guarantee this minimum efficiency.

While the efficiency at 0.3 micron gives some indication of filter efficiency for particles it doesn't give you a worst case performance scenario. IQAir is at the current edge in determining this for its air cleaners. Independent testing has determined that the absolute worst case efficiency at any particles size is better than 99.5% for speeds 4, 5 and 6 and 99.95% for speeds 1, 2 and 3.

http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/airpurifiers.html
http://www.allergybuyersclubshopping.com/iqair.html

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EAT SMART FOR YOUR HEART
By Lisa Drayer, MA, RD

February is American Heart Month - and with coronary heart disease still ranking as the #1 killer among Americans, it's time that we stop and take a look at how we can prevent this deadly disease. Although having a family history of heart disease does increase our risk, it's important to banish the blame and take a look at the other risk factors that are in our control:

1. Eat Smaller Meals

A recent study from the American Heart Association found that eating large meals raises your risk of heart attack by about four times, up to two hours after the meal! Portion control is key, because eating too much in one sitting puts extra stress on the heart, especially because the blood flow is directed away from the heart and towards the stomach for digestion, and so the heart has to work that much harder to maintain a constant flow of blood to the rest of the body. In addition to decreasing stress on the heart, controlling portion sizes will help you keep your weight in check, which is another important factor for decreasing risk of heart disease.

Research has also suggested that eating smaller meals, more frequently throughout the day, can positively affect cholesterol levels, thereby reducing heart disease risk. A recent study published in The British Medical Journal found that people who ate 6 or more small meals had lower cholesterol levels than people who ate one or two large meals each day. This supports earlier research published in The New England Journal of Medicine, which found that "nibbling" (i.e. consuming 17 snacks per day) showed metabolic advantages as compared to "gorging" (consuming only 3 meals/day), including lowered total and LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels. Both "nibbling" and "gorging" diets were equal in total calories.

Portion control is simple. Keep your fish and chicken to 3 ounces-which is about the size of the palm of your hand, or a deck of cards, and your pasta and rice to one cup-or about the size of your fist. Also, invest in some measuring spoons and cups-this will enable you to get familiar with the portion sizes of different foods, and you will eventually be able to eyeball servings. And remember--avoid seconds, unless they're vegetables!

2. Include More Fruits, Vegetables, and Low-fat Dairy Foods, and Limit the Sodium in Your Diet

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine known as DASH-Sodium (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) showed that following a heart-healthy diet with limited amounts of sodium can greatly reduce blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease.

The study followed two groups. One was asked to consume a DASH diet-a diet incorporating lots of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods, and limiting red meat, sweets, and saturated fats. In previous research, this diet was shown to lower blood pressure levels substantially. Another was given a "typical" American diet. Different sodium levels, including 3,300, 2,400, and 1,500 mg were given to the individuals every four weeks. The study found that the individuals following the DASH diet and limiting sodium to 1500 mg/day experienced the greatest reduction in blood pressure-in fact, as compared to the "typical" diet with 3,300 mg of sodium, the DASH diet with 1500mg of sodium led to a decrease of 11.5 points (systolic) among individuals with high blood pressure, and a 7.1 point decrease among individuals without high blood pressure. For both diets, however, the greater the reduction in sodium, the lower the blood pressure.

While it's a fact that not everyone is sodium sensitive-that is, they experience an increase in blood pressure with high sodium intakes and a decrease in blood pressure with low sodium intakes-it still won't hurt to cut back on salt. Keep in mind that most of the sodium in our diet comes from processed food-such as canned soups and sauces, cured meats, and fast foods.

3. Avoid Foods High in Saturated Fats and Trans Fats, and Consume More Monounsaturated Fats and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Saturated fats in the diet increase cholesterol levels even moreso than dietary cholesterol! Specifically, saturated fats increase LDL, or the "bad" cholesterol, and decrease HDL levels, also known as the "good" cholesterol. Sources of saturated fats include: butter, lard, cream, full-fat dairy products, red meat, palm oil, and coconut oil. It's best to limit these foods much as possible.

By increasing LDL cholesterol to the same extent as saturated fats, trans fats (formed when vegetable oils undergo a process known as "hydrogenation") also increase risk of heart disease. Trans fats are found in margarine, French fries, and commercially prepared foods such as cookies and cakes. Right now, trans fats are not required to be written on food labels. (That will hopefully change soon). So in the meantime, look for the words "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" on food labels-if this listed as one of the first ingredients on a food label, and if the food is high in total fat, then you can count on the food being high in trans fats.

On the other hand, monounsaturated fats lower LDL levels and keep HDL levels the same (in fact, some studies show that they increase HDL levels), and sources of these fats include almonds, walnuts, peanuts, avocados, peanut butter, olive oil and canola oil. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are a type of polyunsaturated fat, also have a protective effect on the heart by preventing blood clotting. Sources of omega-3s include fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, as well as vegetable oils and flax seeds.

(Note: Although shrimp is high in cholesterol, it's low in saturated fat, and is free of trans fats. Thus, it can be enjoyed even among those with high risk of heart disease!)

4. Experiment with Soy Protein

Studies have shown that soy protein, which is found in tofu, tempeh, and soy-based meat alternatives, can reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Specifically, research has shown that 25 grams of soy protein per day can lower high "LDL" or "bad" cholesterol levels by about 10%. This research is the basis of a current food claim approved by the Food and Drug Administration--the claim states that diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein each day may reduce the risk of heart disease. (According to the FDA, foods must contain at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving to qualify for the claim).

Researchers believe that the isoflavones in soy (which are estrogen-like compounds) play a role in soy's cholesterol-lowering effects. Since the isoflavones in soy may indeed act like estrogen, however, they have the potential to promote the growth of breast tumors. The research isn't clear, so if you have breast cancer or are at high risk for the disease, then it's best to avoid large quantities of soy.
A good way to get soy protein with its isoflavones is to try some of the soy products in the supermarkets-such as the vegetarian burgers and hot dogs, or a soymilk such as Silk. You can also try a protein powder, which can be stirred into various beverages. Although soy bars are also a good source of soy protein, many contain excess calories. Still sound unappetizing? Head over to the local bookstore, pick up a soy cookbook, and try some recipes!

5. Enjoy Chocolate in Moderation

Yes, Valentine's Day is around the corner, and if you can't get excited about a loved one, get excited about chocolate. Why? Because in addition to the fact that it tastes great, research has shown that chocolate offers us health benefits. Chocolate contains antioxidants known as catechins, and these substances may help to reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing the harmful effects of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. Preliminary research (funded by Mars, Inc.) suggested that the antioxidants in chocolate do help to inhibit the oxidation of LDL particles, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Another recent study found that the catechin content of chocolate is four times greater than tea! According to the study, Dark chocolate had the highest total catechin content (53.5 mg per 100 g), milk chocolate contained 15.9 mg per 100 g, and black tea contained only 13.9 mg per 100 mL. In addition, a new study from Pennsylvania State University further supported the fact that flavonoid-rich chocolate, in moderation, is beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Research also suggests that unlike other saturated fats, the stearic acid in chocolate (a saturated fat) may not increase LDL cholesterol.

But don't forget, when it comes to the bottom line, fruits and vegetables are more nutritious sources of antioxidants, and chocolate offers us lots of calories...so be careful if you're watching your waistline!

And an Extra Note: Be sure to exercise! Research shows that cardiovascular exercise increases HDL cholesterol levels, which lowers the ratio of Total cholesterol/HDL, of which high levels is an indicator of heart disease risk. Aerobic exercise also helps us burn extra calories and can increase our metabolism for up to 8 hours after we stop exercising.

Check out DietWatch's candy counter to see how much exercise you'll need to do to burn off the calories in your favorite Valentine's candies!

Lisa Drayer is the eCounseling Program Director for DietWatch.com, Inc. A member of the American Dietetic Association, Ms. Drayer has appeared frequently on television and radio as an expert in nutrition. She also moderates chat discussions and answers questions on diet, nutrition, and weight management for DietWatch.com and Cyberdiet.com.

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