Beat Indoor Allergies

More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies and 20 million suffer from asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. While Americans can't control the allergens lurking in the great outdoors, there are many ways for them to take action inside the home to improve their indoor air quality and help reduce the severity of their symptoms.

"The easiest step people can take to improve their indoor air quality and turn their homes into safe havens is to vacuum regularly," said Erin Sanchez, director of marketing for Eureka. "A recent Eureka survey found that 70 percent of Americans clean under furniture and beds less often than weekly, but this is where the majority of allergens like dust mites and pet dander hide. We recommend tackling these areas with a vacuum that features a sealed HEPA filtration system to remove allergens from the air while eliminating dust and dirt in the home."

Although many vacuums feature HEPA filters, they often allow dust to escape around the filter and through cracks in the machine. Sealed HEPA technology creates a completely sealed unit that captures 99.97 percent of dust, allergens and other small airborne particles, locking them inside the vacuum's filter and helping to provide cleaner indoor air. And there's a unit featuring sealed HEPA technology for every type of user.

Canister lovers need look no further than the Electrolux Oxygen3 Ultra, the only vacuum available with a HEPA system that features patented Microseal™ technology for a more thorough clean. The vacuum also provides convenience and peace of mind with fingertip controls and a unique, lighted communications system that tells consumers when their vacuum is operating at peak performance and when the bag or filter needs changing.

Devout upright users will find a powerful performer in the award-winning Eureka Boss SmartVac. Along with a sealed HEPA system, the vacuum features a turbo nozzle stair and upholstery brush that is perfect for removing pet hair and other unwanted dirt and allergens from upholstery because of its unique ability to clean comfortably both horizontally and vertically.

For consumers who love the power and convenience of central vacuums, the Beam Serenity® Plus Central Vacuum System features a permanent, self-cleaning HEPA filtration system. The system provides as much as 61 percent relief from major allergy symptoms.

To further help control allergens in the home, Sanchez also recommends these tips:

• Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite. Though it's not a pretty picture, research on dust mites shows that they linger predominantly in the bedroom. So make washing the sheets a weekly routine and cover pillows, mattresses and box springs with allergen-impermeable or plastic covers to make the bed less appealing for mites.

• Put Pollen in Its Place. Fresh breezes and open windows aren't always a blessing. Prevent pollen spores from infiltrating the home by turning to air-conditioning, not windows, to keep the indoors cool.

• Make Mold Move Out. It's no secret that mold thrives in dark, damp climates, so keep mold away from the home by eliminating places for growth. Dehumidifiers can decrease the amount of moisture and growth potential inside the home, as can fixing leaky faucets and disposing of old firewood.