Air cleaner and other ???s - please help!

[superstella]

nak
First, anyone have any tips as to what to look for in an air cleaner/purifier? The price range is pretty broad and I'd rather not spend more than I have to. I need something for one room only, in case I get a BAD ATTACK (LIKE NOW) that I have somewhere to hide away. It's about a 10x15 room.

I have no idea what I'm allergicto at the moment, in the process of eliminating. I'm having a hypersensitivity response to something in my house/environment, but no idea what it might be. Any tips for pinning that down? I had pneumonia, which triggered some response in me. I've been hospitalized twice since, and am getting worse again : . Εvery time I come home I get worse after 5 days or so.

So far I've eliminated most chemical;s (most likely suspect since I've always had allergies to fragrances and such). Using only bs and vinegar for cleaning, charlies for laundry. Got a cover for the mattress but it's not here yet. Inspected for mold, clear house. What else do I need to be looking at?

I should be okay with food, as I ate the same in the hospital as home... it has to be something I have here that is NOT in the hospital, right?

[jocelyndale]

For the air cleaner, you want HEPA standard filtration. No ionizers or ozone generators. I have two ancient Honeywell Enviracaire units which do well for me. Both have internal HEPA filters and charcoal pre-filters.

Encase the mattress and pillows.

If you have ducted heating/cooling: replace filters for the furnace/AC. You may want to put filtrete material over the vents themselves in that one room (you can buy it in rolls from National Allergy). Your ductwork may also need cleaning.

I can't have windows open this time of year. Too much pollen.