Sunday, December 13, 2009

Allergy Control Products: X-Mite Anti-Allergen Carpet Cleaning Treatment

The carpets on our floors are a perfect environment for collecting dust mites and other common household allergens. Dust, pollen, dirt, crumbs, and other debris fall onto the floor and are caught in the fibers of the carpet. Since dust mites feed on shed human skin (a major component of household dust) carpeting provides a banquet table set for a feast for dust mites. As people walk on the carpet, they stir up the settled bits of allergen, causing them to become air-borne. Once air-borne, they are easily inhaled and trigger an allergic reaction.

Most advice for setting up an allergen proof room includes the removal of all carpeting and rugs. The reason for this advice is that it is impossible to clean carpet. You can certainly pay companies to clean your carpets, you can rent a carpet cleaning machine and do it yourself, you can buy one of hundreds of carpet cleaning products, but none of these really cleans the carpet. It is true that any of these methods of carpet cleaning; will remove some of the soil and make the carpets look cleaner. But the carpet will not be clean and the allergens will not be removed or neutralized. You can think of it this way, suppose you took a heavy sweater or shirt (with lots of thick fibers) and threw it down on the floor and walked on it for 6 months. It would get pretty dirty, right? Then suppose you splashed the dirty shirt/sweater with some warm soapy water and then vacuumed the water out with a wet vacuum extraction system. Do you think that sweater would be clean? Of course not, and neither are your carpets after using any of the numerous methods of carpet cleaning. This is why people with allergies or asthma are told to get rid of carpet.

But what if you live in a situation that prohibits the removal of the carpet? If you live in a rental or are not in a financial position to replace the carpet with hard flooring then you need an alternative. That alternative is to focus on the allergens in the carpet and target their destruction.

Allergy is caused by a defect in the human immune system whereby harmless bits of benign proteins are mis-identified and the immune system is called into action when it is not necessary. Stopping the allergic reaction depends on stopping the exposure to the allergy causing protein. In the case of dust mites and carpets, the dust mites and their feces contain a protein (Der f1 in the US and Der p1 in Europe) that collects in the carpets. Since we have already established that you can't clean the carpet to remove this protein another approach must be taken.

Luckily, proteins can be denatured (or deactivated) by the use of extreme heat, acids, or alkalis. Once the protein has been denatured, it will not cause the allergic reaction. The protein remains, but its structure has changed. This is exactly what happens when you cook an egg white. The white starts out as a liquid made up of about 40 different proteins, when you apply heat the amino acids that make up the proteins change structures and make new bonds. To our eyes, the eggs looks cooked but what has really happened is that the protein has been denatured.

It is not practical to apply such extreme temperatures directly to carpet. The temperature required to denature the proteins would destroy the carpet. So that leaves acids and alkalis in our tool box.

X-Mite Anti-Allergen Carpet Cleaning Treatment Powder made by Alkaline Laboratories harnesses the power of the acids in tannins to denature the allergy causing proteins. Tannic acid is found in woods like oak, mahogany, and redwood. It is also found in tea. Alkaline Labs uses a patented process to convert this into a 3% tanacetane formulation which is highly effective in denaturing proteins from animals, molds, pollens and dust mites. They combine this denaturing agent with a water-based solution of surfactants that also absorbs some soil. The result with X-Mite anti-allergen powder is that the proteins are denatured and thereby made harmless and some soil is removed making the carpets appear cleaner.

To use X-Mite anti-allergen carpet cleaning treatment powder, you sprinkle the moist powder on the carpet. Because it is not a fine, dry powder it comes out in clumps which need to be swept into the carpet with a broom. This also causes the active agents to be worked further into the fibers, allowing for more effective denaturing action. After about 3 hours, the carpets are vacuumed to remove the powder and absorbed soil. It is not necessary to move furniture and treat under furniture.

The manufacturer recommends that you always test their product on a small hidden area of the carpet before you use it. The concern is that any prior chemicals or cleaners that you have used might interact with the tanacetane and cause a reaction that might stain or discolor the carpet.

I am fortunate that I have been able to remove all the carpeting from my home. It certainly has made a difference in the control of my allergies. However, until I was able to remove the carpets, X-Mite anti-allergen dust mite carpet powder was an important part of my allergy control regimen in my home.

Cheryl Krause - CEO and President of Cee DeeKay, Inc.

Cheryl has owned and operated the Allergy Store in Plantation Florida for the past 10 years. In addition, she has owned and operated water purification and indoor environmental companies.

http://allergystore.com/

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Nine Ways To Control Your Symptoms of Allergies

An allergy is a hypersensitive response by the body's immune system normally attributed to environmental, substances, foods, or drugs. The typical allergic response can include some or all of the following: runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, dark circles under the eyes (especially in children), congestion, asthma, rashes, stomach aches, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, headaches, fatigue, fever, or anaphylactic shock, a serious allergic reaction which can result in death. An adverse reaction to any substance, especially wheezing or difficulty breathing, should be reported to a healthcare practitioner; if it's accompanied by hives, call the doctor immediately.

While difficult cases may take time, proper diagnosis and tracking of allergic responses can often lead to control prevention of undesirable symptoms. Some allergies are simple, such as dog and cat dander, while others occur only if a combination of allergens is present. Confounding the effort to identify allergens are the multiple points of entry to the body; allergens may enter via the eyes, nose, mouth, or skin.

Here are the four general categories of allergens that affect people most:

Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products: Drug allergies and drug reactions are fairly commonplace today with the advent of so many new types of drugs. While most drug reactions are not life threatening, some individuals experience an anaphylactic reaction (generalized swelling, breathing difficulties, and a drop in blood pressure), which can be fatal. Most individuals and parents of children older than seven generally know if they have allergies to medications. The obvious solution is avoiding drugs and the family of similar drugs when medical attention is required. It's especially important that a drug or sensitivity is recorded in your permanent medical chart.

Chemicals: Environmental chemicals and foods additives, including pesticide residues, are two major sources of chemical allergies. Some chemicals may actually weaken the immune system's ability to function optimally, further complicating allergic symptoms.

Environmental allergens: Pollen, mold spores, fungus, grass, poison ivy, dust mites, animal dander and hair or the protein residue from salivary licking of hair, and insect bites are hard to pin down and eliminate. Most of these triggers produce reactions that affect the respiratory system and are quite bothersome.

Lifestyle suggestions:

  1. Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Avoid airborne triggers including pollution and chemicals, and stay away from smoking areas.
  2. Consume a healthy diet that supports the immune system. Don't eat highly refined foods, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, reduce saturated and hydrogenated fats and replace with olive oil, high-oleic safflower oil, and omega-3 oils
  3. Drink plenty of purified water: one-half your body weight in ounces per day. If you weight 100 lbs., then drink 50 oz. Or more every day to help flush allergens out of your system.
  4. Remove any blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, drapes, or rugs that can be dust catchers or harbor dust mites. Replace with good-quality hypoallergenic products. If removal or replacement isn't possible, wash frequently I hot water, or occasionally put the stuffed animal the freezer overnight to kill dust mites.
  5. Change air filters regularly and have heating and air conditioning ducts professionally cleaned.
  6. Use chemical cleaners carefully and cautiously. It may be prudent to use gloves and a respiratory mask when using cleaners; if latex gloves irritate your skin, use vinyl.
  7. If the dog or cat is a problem, get rid of the animal. If that's not possible, do what you can - stay away from the animal, or at least keep it out of the rooms you spend the most time in.
  8. During allergy seasons, stay indoors, especially on windy days, and away from any areas with a dense plant growth.
  9. Invest in an air-purifier system for your office, home, and especially your bedroom.

Allergies diagnosis may be further complicated by a viral, bacterial, or yeast infection that can mimic symptoms of allergens. In some cases, both problems may be causing symptoms. Because knowledge of the various immune and non-immune system triggers are still far from complete, it may be necessary to try various treatments in combination before the right treatment for any individual can be identified. Severe allergies that can cause serious health problems should be documented in you medical records.

About 70% of the bodies' weight is water. It is the very thing the body needs most. Water is accountable for many body functions. Drinking enough clean and fresh water not only improves your overall health and well-being, it may also prevent you from many ailments and sicknesses. Give your body the quality water it deserves and in turn, it will serve you with the optimal health and appearance you have always desired.

For the best possible water for your health, right from the faucet, for pennies per gallon, please visit http://drinkingwatersafety.fitnessguide101.com/best-water-for-optimal-health. After all, who wants to fill 70% of their bodies' weight with impurities, toxins and chemical treated water?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=K._Ngo
http://EzineArticles.com/?9-Ways-to-Control-Your-Allergies-Symptoms&id=1856095

Allergy Control Products - Dust Mite Proof Encasings

There are dozens of different fabric materials used to manufacture the mattress and pillow encasings that are sold on the market. Some are made from 100% cotton, some are made from polyester and some are a mix of both fabrics or are made from other materials. Some have membrane coatings bonded to them to make them dust mite and pet dander proof and some do not have any membrane coatings at all because the fabric is so tightly woven together, the dust mite and pet dander allergen cannot penetrate through the fabric at all. The big concern for most people is for their dust mite encasings to be smooth and cool for better sleeping comfort. In the old days some mattress encasings were made from crunchy plastic or stiff vinyl materials that were loud and uncomfortable to sleep on. Some of these materials would also quickly melt or come apart in a hot dryer.

Today's newer materials are smooth, not crunchy and are far more durable and comfortable to sleep on. We recommend that you purchase NON-Membrane mattress encasings that are cool to sleep on and can be safely dried in a cool to warm temperature clothes dryer. REMEMBER it is the hot water in your washing machine that kills the dust mites and flushes away the dust mite and pet dander allergen. NOTE: There is no need to dry your encasings in a hot dryer and your encasings will last longer when dried in a cool to warm dryer! Waterproofing your mattress encasing If you need to totally waterproof your mattress encasing the answer is very easy and inexpensive! Instead of purchasing a more expensive water proof mattress encasings or waterproof mattress cover that will have to be washed anyway if the person has an accident, just cover your mattress encasing with a sturdy but thin sheet of inexpensive waterproof material such as plastic, vinyl or nylon that can easily be wiped off or replaced if an accident occurs.

The Big Problem With Mattress Encasings is Taking Them Off To Clean Them And Then Having To Put Them Back On! Here's The Answer There is a simple solution to this problem and you can save money by not having to search for and purchase the much more expensive mattress encasings that are on the market. All you have to do is purchase a mattress cover to place over a less expensive but still quality dust mite proof mattress encasing. Mattress covers can also add comfort to your bed, they are reasonably priced and easy to find online, at Wal-Mart, Linens And Things and other department stores. Get a mattress cover that has an elastic bottom that will fit under the encased mattress while covering the top and around the sides of the mattress encasing. Comfortable mattress covers are available in regular and waterproof styles. The mattress encasing will protect the mattress from leaching dust, dust mite and pet dander allergen. The mattress cover will protect the mattress encasing from becoming contaminated with fresh dust, dust mite and pet dander allergen. Waterproof mattress covers will also protect your mattress encasing from urine and liquid spills. The mattress cover will put a comfortable barrier between your encased mattress and sheets while extending the time and need to clean the mattress encasing that is being protected under the mattress cover.

Just wash your mattress cover in hot water when you wash and dry your sheets and bedding once a week as recommended by most allergists. Box Spring Encasings It is also very important to dust mite proof your box spring{s} with an encasing just like your pillows and mattress. However there is absolutely no need to use the more expensive fabric types of encasings for your box spring{s}. This is because there is zero heat exchange between your box spring area and your body. Your best choice is to encase your box spring{s} with inexpensive Vinyl encasings that will zip completely around your box spring{s}. Vinyl Box spring encasings make no noise on a box spring and they never have to be cleaned in the washer and dryer. Vinyl box spring encasings are also waterproof! To clean, just wipe them down with a damp cloth when they become dusty or dirty. Bedding And Chemicals There are many chemicals on the market advertising to get rid of Dust Mites and Dust Mite allergen on different types of surfaces! From our over 20 years of experience we feel that it is better to stay away from these chemicals that you may react to. Especially when it comes to bedding! Don't take chemical shortcuts!

The most important and healthiest thing to remember is to wash your sheets, blankets, pillowcases and mattress covers if you have them in hot water a minimum of once a week! Wash your mattress and pillow encasings once every 2 to 3 months and if your mattress encasings are protected with a mattress cover, wash your encasings in hot water once every 4 to 6 months Also keep your home clean as possible! Use quality HEPA air cleaners or HEPA air purifiers with a high air exchange rate per hour in the needed bedrooms and family room. Purchase and vacuum often with a quality HEPA vacuum cleaner that is totally sealed so it does not leak dust and allergens back into the air while vacuuming! Thank you for reading this report. We hope that it was informative and will allow you get what you need while saving you your hard earned money!

For additional information on allergy and dust mite proof mattress encasings, pillow encasings, box spring encasings and mattress covers and other allergy control products including HEPA air cleaners, HEPA air purifiers and sealed HEPA vacuum cleaners see the website at http://www.aircleaners.com This report is 100% free and you are welcome to reprint it on your website to share with your readers as long as you include the resource information links to the website shown above.

Cleaning The Air You Live With For Dust, Allergy And Asthma Control

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Allergy Control Products - Bed Encasings

If you've ever wondered why you regularly wake up sneezing, with watery eyes or feeling congested, you may have dust mite allergies. Over a million dust mites can live in a single bed, and all night, you can be breathing in dust mite allergens while you sleep that cause allergy symptoms. Dust mites are microscopic, and unlike bed bugs, they cannot be seen by the naked eye. Dust mites thrive in warm, dark and humid environments such as your pillow, mattress, blanket, carpet and upholstered furniture. Allergies are not caused by the mite being inhaled.

Instead, you are reacting to allergens created by dust mite waste particles and their dead body fragments. The large number of dust mites in the bed create a high concentration of dust mite allergens, which in turn cause symptoms for allergy sufferers. Allergy encasings act as a barrier to trap allergens within the bed and keep you from inhaling these problematic allergens while you sleep.

Step 1: How are Allergy Bed Encasings Designed to Help You?

If you're an allergy sufferer, you may be one of many people that don't start the morning off right, after having inhaled allergens all night long from your bed. A stuffy nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and congestion are a few of the allergy symptoms that can occur regularly as allergens are inhaled from the bed. Zipping an allergy bed encasing completely around the pillow, mattress, box spring or any other stuffed bedding can protect you from these allergens as the encasing traps allergens within the bedding.

Allergens cannot become airborne, creating a healthier sleeping environment. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) outlines "Guidelines for Allergy & Asthma Prevention," and these guidelines recommend encasing your pillow and mattress as one of the most important steps for allergen avoidance.

Step 2: Understanding the Basics of Allergy Bed Encasings

Encasings are simple to use on your bed, although many people may not understand the basics of how allergy bed encasings work. Today's encasings are no longer the plastic or vinyl encasings that many people may think of. Quality encasings are made from highly effective and comfortable materials that can result in no loss of sleeping comfort.

Membrane or Membrane-Free Encasings: Choices in allergy bed encasings include membrane encasings, which feature a urethane membrane lining and an upper layer of fabric, or membrane-free encasings that are made from special, high-performance fabrics that are tightly woven to block allergen particles.

Pore Size: The pore size of an allergy encasing is important, as it indicates the size of the space between the tightly woven fabric threads. A higher pore size means that the encasing can only block larger allergen particles, while a smaller pore size provides more effective protection from much smaller allergen particles. Dust mite allergens can be approximately 10 microns in size, and therefore, an encasing should have a pore size lower than 10 microns for effective relief. Pet dander is a much smaller allergen particle, and a pore size below approximately 5-6 microns is essential for effective allergen protection of pet dander and dust mite allergens.

Membrane encasings with a full urethane lining do not have pores as the membrane is "monolithic" or uniform across each surface. Although membrane encasings are highly effective at blocking allergens, they lack the breathability, superior comfort and easy care of membrane-free encasings. High performance, Allergy Control membrane-free encasings are made from very tightly woven fabrics with small pore sizes to keep allergen particles contained within the bed.

Durable Construction: All encasings are not made the same way. Many are mass-produced and are poorly made. Encasings made with superior quality features include high quality zippers for extra durability and the prevention of allergen leakage. Flaps at the zipper trap allergen particles, and bound seams re-enforce edges for long-term durability.

Comfort and Easy Care: Allergen encasings made from special cotton or polyester fabrics offer superior comfort and often have the feel of fine linens. With no loss in sleeping comfort, these allergy bed encasings are simple to include on the bed and offer powerful allergy protection. To add to the convenience, allergy encasings only need to be washed once a year or when soiled and these fabric encasings can easily be machine washed and dried.

Allergy bed encasings offer one of the most effective steps for allergy relief and a healthier night's sleep. Understanding the aspects of allergy encasings can help you make an informed choice as to the encasing selection that is right for you.

For 25 years, Allergy Control Products has been recommended by thousands of physicians as the most trusted allergy company for revolutionary products. Whether you're looking for the highest quality air purifier, air cleaner, air filters, hypoallergenic bedding or more.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Secret-to-Living-With-Allergies-Part-6---Allergy-Relief-Bed-Encasings---Tips-For-a-Healthier-Nig&id=1896583

Allergy Control Products - Air Purifiers To Control Your Allergies

People who suffers allergies that is caused by airborne particles may have been looking for allergy control products for these type of allergy. It is a great way of dealing with their problems as in most cases it has been proven to work. The type of air purifies determines the satisfaction it can give in return to the buyers.

Air purifiers is a device usually small in size that acts as a contaminates remover. Its is a machine that has advance in technology to provide the best result in removing any pollutes in the air thus purifying the it. Most of the air purifiers rely mainly on the filtering system in that particular device. These filter will then traps the unwanted airborne particle and stopping it from reentering again.

The common contaminates are dirt, dust, dust mites, pet danger, secondhand tobacco smoke, mold, and mildew. While the common airborne particles causing allergies are tobacco smoke, pets, dust, and mold and mildew, when eliminated by air purifiers, then the lesser the risk of allergies to occur.

Since most of air purifiers can actually be a great help to prevent contaminates, for those who have air based allergies, you may want to consider buying one. But the hard part is choosing the best type of air purifiers that suits your need. As mentioned, this industry has advance in technology and therefore there are many types of it which gives you a wide selections. So you may want to look for those who in fact can aid with allergies. An online research would be helpful since there are hundreds of retailers for this allergy control products.Of course those of High end air purifier may be costly but the satisfaction that they can give, well it is worth the costs.

To utilize the air purifiers to the max is an important factor in aiding you and your allergies. You may need to workout or figure out what or where is the best place to put your air purifiers inside your house. Rooms which is accessed the most or area that has a high chance of air contaminates maybe a good place to start. Experiment by placing several place until you find the perfect spot. Follow the directions of maintaining the air purifiers to keep its performance in an optimum level.

Jayjay Bagiu is the owner of Allergy-site.com. Visit the website for more info on Allergy.

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