Hypoallergenic vacuum cleaner
Encyclopedia
An hypoallergenic vacuum cleaner removes particles from flooring, carpet, and furniture, as well as the air surrounding the cleaner by suction, creating a non-allergic state.
s use a system consisting of three components: the engine, filter, and bag or cup. Modern hypoallergenic vacuum cleaners generally use HEPA
or HEPA type filters to trap a large amount of very small particles that other vacuum cleaners would simply re-circulated back into the air of the home. Some existing hypoallergenic vacuum systems use a HEPA filter along with a cup or container in a bag less system, but with the need to empty the cup/container, contemporary thought is that a bag will contain dirt and contaminants. Hypoallergenic vacuum bags differ a great deal from non-hypoallergenic bags. While regular vacuum bags are designed to simply contain dirt and debris, hypoallergenic vacuum bags will trap large amounts of the small particles that typically get re-circulated back into the air. Hypoallergenic bags usually come in two pieces, an inner and outer bag. The inner bag (which captures the dirt) will be disposable and completely contained. Outer bags will sometimes take the place of a filter all together filtering out dust and allergens out of the air. The most modern hypoallergenic vacuum cleaners will use the two bag system with the outer bag made up of high-performance HEPA type material treated with germicidal chemicals to reduce the growth of mold, bacteria and viruses. Bagged systems are designed, not just to contain 99.7% of containments, but to clean the air while cleaning the floors.
HEPA filters alone are not enough for even the best vacuum cleaner to work effectively. Whether it’s bagged or bagless, a truly hypoallergenic vacuum requires that it have a completely sealed system. All intake air must pass through the dirt capture and filtration systems before it exits the vacuum, any leaks will allow dust and allergens to be ejected back into the air you breathe before the HEPA filter has a chance to do its job. Miele
has been an industry leader with sealed vacuum systems for years.
(HEPA) filters attached, which, when combined with the special bags, are effective in trapping almost 100% of allergens, including ragweed, dust mites
, and grass pollen.
Bag-less vacuum cleaners also work well to contain allergens; many have HEPA filter cartridges. These, however, require the dust cup to be emptied when full, which may spread dust particles in the process.
Existing technology
Popular hypoallergenic vacuum cleanerVacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner, commonly referred to as a "vacuum," is a device that uses an air pump to create a partial vacuum to suck up dust and dirt, usually from floors, and optionally from other surfaces as well. The dirt is collected by either a dustbag or a cyclone for later disposal...
s use a system consisting of three components: the engine, filter, and bag or cup. Modern hypoallergenic vacuum cleaners generally use HEPA
HEPA
High-Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA is a type of air filter. Filters that are awarded the HEPA accolade are used in various locations, whether in medical facilities, automotive vehicles, airplanes, home filters, or wherever very pure air is sought. The filter must satisfy certain standards of...
or HEPA type filters to trap a large amount of very small particles that other vacuum cleaners would simply re-circulated back into the air of the home. Some existing hypoallergenic vacuum systems use a HEPA filter along with a cup or container in a bag less system, but with the need to empty the cup/container, contemporary thought is that a bag will contain dirt and contaminants. Hypoallergenic vacuum bags differ a great deal from non-hypoallergenic bags. While regular vacuum bags are designed to simply contain dirt and debris, hypoallergenic vacuum bags will trap large amounts of the small particles that typically get re-circulated back into the air. Hypoallergenic bags usually come in two pieces, an inner and outer bag. The inner bag (which captures the dirt) will be disposable and completely contained. Outer bags will sometimes take the place of a filter all together filtering out dust and allergens out of the air. The most modern hypoallergenic vacuum cleaners will use the two bag system with the outer bag made up of high-performance HEPA type material treated with germicidal chemicals to reduce the growth of mold, bacteria and viruses. Bagged systems are designed, not just to contain 99.7% of containments, but to clean the air while cleaning the floors.
HEPA filters alone are not enough for even the best vacuum cleaner to work effectively. Whether it’s bagged or bagless, a truly hypoallergenic vacuum requires that it have a completely sealed system. All intake air must pass through the dirt capture and filtration systems before it exits the vacuum, any leaks will allow dust and allergens to be ejected back into the air you breathe before the HEPA filter has a chance to do its job. Miele
Miele
Miele is a manufacturer of high-end domestic appliances, commercial equipment and fitted kitchens, based in Gütersloh, Germany. Miele has always been a family-owned and -run company, founded in 1899 by Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann.-History:...
has been an industry leader with sealed vacuum systems for years.
Trends
A vacuum cleaner with bags is probably best because special allergen filtration bags are now available at hardware and home-improvement stores. They may cost more than non-HEPA bags but they are more adequate for use by those with allergies. Some newer vacuum cleaners have high-efficiency particulate air filtrationAir filter
A particulate air filter is a device composed of fibrous materials which removes solid particulates such as dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria from the air. A chemical air filter consists of an absorbent or catalyst for the removal of airborne molecular contaminants such as volatile organic compounds...
(HEPA) filters attached, which, when combined with the special bags, are effective in trapping almost 100% of allergens, including ragweed, dust mites
House dust mite
The house dust mite is a cosmopolitan guest in human habitation. Dust mites feed on organic detritus such as flakes of shed human skin and flourish in the stable environment of dwellings. House dust mites are a common cause of asthma and allergic symptoms worldwide...
, and grass pollen.
Bag-less vacuum cleaners also work well to contain allergens; many have HEPA filter cartridges. These, however, require the dust cup to be emptied when full, which may spread dust particles in the process.