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Air Purifiers at AllergyBuyersClub.com

Eco-Friendly Air Purifiers at GreenandMore.com

 
Allergy Consumer Review Issue #64
June, 2004
Editor: Mercia Tapping, President, Allergy Buyers Club
Email: merciamail@allergyconsumerreview.com

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.

Dear Everyone,

First of all thanks to all those subscribers who sent me tips on how to discourage my cat, Honeybear, from sitting on my Blueair Air Purifier. These ranged from putting sticky strips or sandpaper on the top of the machine to carpet discs underneath to prevent her from pushing it around. The sticky strips worked like a charm!

Periodically a manufacturer comes to call on us and tries to persuade us to up the star rating on their product or edit out negative comments about their products. While I am flattered that we are now perceived as having such a powerful influence on consumer buying behavior, each time it happens, I have to assert our right to independent evaluations.
As you can imagine, those conversations at best can get a little tedious.

I went to a conference in Boston last week where some of the brightest researchers in our community outlined the breakthroughs in health and medicine that lie just around the corner. It was exciting to gain a glimpse of the future and I felt humbled in their presence. All the more important for us at AllergyBuyersClub.com to stick to our guns and tell it like it is to our customers. Some people ask me why I do not publish some of the results for the testing of products we have rejected. The answer my friends is I abhor legal battles and want to live a quiet life. But call us if you want to find out why we favor some products so strongly over others. We can give you chapter and verse.

The pollen in Boston is horrendous this year and we hear it is bad everywhere. My car is covered in yellow dust. I have just ordered all new replacement filters for every air purifier in my house. You too should probably check on your filters now as I think they will get plenty of use this Summer.

 

 

Mercia



In This Issue

Shop Talk

Buy Allergy Relief and Control Products
from AllergyBuyersClub.com

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Allergy Consumer Review subscribers can now receive 10% off your allergy or other prescription medications by utilizing our partner's Canadian Pharmacy site. Just visit our site to start saving on your prescriptions.

New Products Round-Up

The New Blueair 601 Air Purifier is now available and has the same great features as our popular Blueair 501 but covers up to 679 sq. ft. for a larger room. Priced at $599.95, this powerful but quiet Hepa air purifier has a higher cleaning capacity than the Blueair 501 and can also be ordered with an optional Smokestop filter kit.

New 100% Silk "White Cloud" Duvet Cover and Sham Set is naturally hypoallergenic and a luxurious touch to any bedroom. Starting at $229.95 for the Queen size, this Jacquard silk set includes one duvet cover and two standard matching shams and features an exquisite design of clouds. Completely reversible.

Our top ranked air purifier, IQAir, gets a justly deserved award!

June 07, 2004 05:09 PM US Eastern Timezone

IQAir Wins Reviewboard Magazine's 2004 Editor's Choice Award for Best Air Filtration System
SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 7, 2004--IQAir North America announced today they have been awarded Reviewboard Magazine's 2004 Editor's Choice Award for Best Air Filtration System.

"We are honored by this award," said Frank Hammes, President of IQAir. "Reviewboard's staff told us we did a better job of filtering the air than any other air cleaner they've seen in the eight years they have been reviewing products."

Amazon.com's Alexa ranking tool lists Reviewboard Magazine as the third largest consumer publication in the world. Their product reviews are read each year by more than 110 million readers in 54 countries worldwide. Alexa also lists Reviewboard as the #1 user ranked consumer publication in the world.

"People like Reviewboard because we really help them make informed decisions," said Philip Ferreira, Editor-in-Chief of Reviewboard Magazine. "We don't give readers six pages of confusing data. We give them plain English information they can actually use. We help our readers pick the very best products."

IQAir air cleaning systems are used in hospitals around the world. Recently IQAir systems were chosen by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority as the only room air cleaners powerful enough to be used in the fight against SARS. IQAir makes these same medical grade air cleaners available to consumers for home use.

"We make the world's most efficient room air cleaners," says Hammes. "Our air cleaners can filter down below the size of a virus with a minimum of 99% guaranteed efficiency."

"We were especially pleased that IQAir air cleaners produce zero ozone," said Reviewboard's Ferreira. "At Reviewboard we share the American Lung Association's belief an air purifier should not produce even the tiniest amount of ozone. IQAir doesn't make any ozone. They just make clean air, lots of it."

For more information on Reviewboard Magazine visit them at www.reviewboard.com. IQAir North America, Inc.


Our range of IQAir Air Purifiers includes: IQAir HealthPro and IQAir HealthPro Plus, IQAir Cleanroom H13 Air Purifiers, IQAir GC Multigas Air Purifiers, IQAir systems for Safe Rooms.

A New Ladybug Fan-Customer Experience Letter

Hi Bill,

This email will duplicate the phone conversation we had where I told you how absolutely thrilled I am with my new Ladybug steam cleaner.

When I purchased it, I was seeking a good way to deep clean my carpets which suffer from my two large house dogs and an inability to keep grass growing in the areas they like to wrestle with each other before coming in to sleep on the carpet! We are in the process of remodeling our kitchen and will be installing about 600 square feet of tile which I know will need frequent cleaning also. So, they were my two large concerns and I was trying to find a product that would take care of both jobs.

The more I searched the internet the more I realized the traditional carpet cleaners were not for me; my rugs and carpets would be constantly wet. The steamer popped up as another option for this type of cleaning and it intrigued me to think I could clean the carpets, rugs, floors and so much more. As I mentioned to you, I raise dogs and raw feed so my kitchen becomes a butcher shop every month which greatly increases the chances of Salmonella and Ecoli being introduced to my kitchen. The idea of a machine that would also disinfect my kitchen gained a lot of favor in my mind. When I learned I could also steam weeds and rid the yard of them without very dangerous chemicals, I was convinced I had to have one!

There was a mix up when I ordered because when I called to track it my message was misinterpreted and my order was cancelled. Luckily I was able to connect with one of your customer reps and she straightened it out and put my order back on track. I received the cleaner the night before I was leaving town to help my daughter who had broken her foot. Since I was so excited to try it, I brought it with me and her house became my training ground. We cleaned her carpets, her oven, their Bar-B-Q, her throw pillows and then we were both totally impressed when I read that it would clean leather so we went to work on her very soiled leather sofa. We took years of built-up dirt off that leather sofa and restored its color in the process. Quite an impression and amazing.

I returned home and my Ladybug steam cleaner has been at my side just about every day. I find I can go from one project to the next with total ease; simply change the tool and keep going. I thought the glass cleaning aspect would be unrealistic to use but find I depend upon it to clean my windows and mirrors with ease and perfection. My baseboards and trim work shine and there is no more hidden dust or built-up grime in the corners that are impossible to clean by any other means. It is the most versatile appliance I have ever had and can't stop bragging about it to my family and friends.

Our house is a wonderful 97-year old lady and like so many really old homes, it is not air- tight and has a lot of trim work, beaded board and molding. As a result, it has been a challenge keeping up with all the grooves and niches and crannies that accumulate dust and dirt; my Ladybug blasts that dirt out of those tight places and leaves the woodwork looking like it just had a fresh coat of paint. The entire house smells clean and sparkles. One of the tricks I have learned is to just use the nozzle attachment with no brush and follow up by wiping the surface with the small towel after applying the steam jet. In this way it acts much like a pressure cleaner and gets the dirt out of the tight areas. I love it!

I am so happy I opted for the continuous fill model because once I get to cleaning, I can refill the water container as many as 6-8 times in an afternoon. There is no conceivable way I could do that with a model that would require me to cool it down before refilling and then wait for it to heat the new supply of water. Besides that, the Ladybug is so well made that the attachments go on and off with a simple slide switch and connect with a positive latching sound that lets you know it is ready to go....again! And, those same attachments allow you to switch from cleaning a floor to cleaning the refrigerator in no time. There is no need to keep doing what you are working on and come back later to pick up what you missed.....just do it when you come to it and keep going. It could not be easier or quicker.

I guess you can tell I am completely satisfied with my Ladybug; I rave about it every time I use it and that is almost every day. Even though it is pricey, it is well worth it because it is such a multi-tasker; all you need is a good vacuum and a Lady Bug..... no more chemicals, no more elbow grease. The dirt actually dissolves before your eyes. Talk about dissolving, it is the best method ever for getting rid of bugs from your windshield and leaving the auto glass like it just came out of the factory.

I think that sums it up pretty well, I plan on continuing to find new ways to use my Ladybug steam cleaner and am sure it will continue to amaze and delight me as time goes by. Thank you for carrying such a wonderful product, I will keep spreading the word because I think every household should have one.

Sincerely,
Donna M


Please visit our website to see the LadyBug Steam Cleaner and view our product video for all its uses.

What Is Wrong With Your Dehumidifier?

By Bob Cobe, AllergyBuyersClub.com Staff

Dehumidifiers will work only down to the temperature for which they are designed. If there is no operating temperature stated, then it is a 65 degree model, and it will freeze up below 65 degrees. In some models this will cause the compressor to shut off, allow the ice to melt (could be an hour or so), restart, refreeze, and the cycle continues with no water being removed and the electrical costs mounting. And, unfortunately, in some units, the compressor does not shut off and stays on and the frost on the coils becomes ice that becomes a block of ice that blocks the airflow and eventually burns out the motor. This is why we recommend a low temp dehumidifier for areas of the country where the temperature can fluctuate down to 40 degrees at night.

Dehumidifier Problems

  • If there is little or no water in the bucket
  • If the indicator light is on, but the unit won’t run
  • If the dehumidifier runs, but no air is coming out of the machine
  • If frost appears on the coils
  • If the container seems to fill up too quickly

There is little or no water in the bucket
If your dehumidifier doesn't seem to run frequently and the humidity in the room remains high, adjust the humidistat control to a drier setting. If the dehumidifier seems to run constantly, but there's little or no water in the container, there is possibly a problem with the refrigeration system. Try cleaning the air filter and the unit itself, but if that doesn't work, you will need a qualified appliance repair person or facility.

The indicator light is on, but the unit won't run
The water tank may be completely filled. Most dehumidifiers have a safety switch to turn the dehumidifier off when the water tank is full. It is usually a float inside the tank to trigger this switch and prevent the tank from overflowing. If the tank is empty and the unit doesn't run, look at the inside wall against which the tank pushes to see if there's a switch or mechanism present. Sometimes just pushing in the bucket a little differently will press the switch. Also, you may be able to activate or bend the switch slightly with your finger to solve the problem.

The dehumidifier runs, but no air is coming out of the machine
Your dehumidifier has a fan that draws the room air over the coils. If there is no air movement from the unit, it is possible that the fan motor may have burned out. If so, the fan motor needs to be replaced.

There is frost on the coils
The coils you see on the back of your dehumidifier are called the evaporator. When the unit is running, these coils turn ice cold. As the fan draws the moist air over the coils, the humidity in the air condenses on these coils. And if the temperature of the air blowing over the coils is too cool, this condensation will freeze on the coils.

Possible solutions might be:

  • Add heat to the room in which the dehumidifier is located.
  • Turn the unit off to allow the temperature in the room to rise.
  • Place the dehumidifier on a shelf or table (the air is coolest near the ground).

The container seems to fill up too quickly
When the container seems to fill too often, it means your dehumidifier is working properly. However, if the container fills quickly day after day, there may be additional moisture in the air due to a pipe or water leak or an open crawl space. If so, it would be best to correct this problem by stopping the leak or closing off the crawl space.


See our Dehumidifier Comparison Chart

See all the dehumidifiers at Allergybuyersclub.com

The Canadian Pharmacy Controversy

By Ryan McCann

"I can no longer explain to my 90-year-old mother
why her medications cost more than the same drugs from other countries."

- Trent Lott, Republican, Senator Mississippi and member of the Finance Committee

There is a David and Goliath battle brewing between Canadian pharmacies on the Internet and the FDA. With Americans paying anywhere from 20-80% more for their allergy medications and other prescription drugs, what started as a blip on the political radar screen a year ago, is now front-and-center in an election year.

A recent study released by consumer group Families USA shows a dramatic increase in prescription drug prices in the United States over the past few years. The study showed that the average cost of the 50 most commonly used drugs rose nearly 10% percent last year, almost three times the rate of inflation. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical industry continues to pour astronomical amounts of money into the political process through lobbying on Capitol Hill and through enormous campaign contributions - mostly to Republicans and Bush’s presidential campaign.

A number of U.S. states and cities are continuing lobbying efforts to secure federal authorization of Canadian drug purchase plans. Many are proceeding with these plans without government approval. Wisconsin and Minnesota have both created state-sponsored Internet sites that allow residents to use selected Canadian pharmacies at a fraction of the price. The state of California has publicly stated it will create a site by July of 2005 to offer the same to its residents. The Mayor of Springfield, Mass, has publicly declared that he will use Canadian pharmacies for the prescription purchases of all state employees – resulting in an estimated $90 million in annual savings.

On March 10th of this year, Pennsylvania Attorney General Jerry Pappert filed a suit against 13 major drug companies for deceptive pricing and sales practices. The suit accuses the drug companies of creating complex schemes to raise drug prices and capture market share by artificially inflating drug prices, some of which were used by cancer patients and others with life-threatening illnesses.

When William Hubbard, an FDA senior official and a leading critic of Canadian drug importation was asked last year before a Government Reform subcommittee if he could cite one example of an American consumer who had been harmed by a prescription drug purchased on the Canadian market, he stated, "I know of none.”

The most effective drug in the world is useless unless affordable. American consumers are paying too much for their medications. It’s highly disturbing that an estimated twenty-five percent to thirty percent of under or uninsured Americans fail to fill or skip doses of their prescription drugs in order to make their medicines last longer. Allergy medications, and medications for heart conditions, diabetes, cancer and chronic illness can be so expensive that they can’t be afforded. Americans pay among the highest costs of any industrialized nation for their prescription medications. Yet year after year the pharmaceutical industry is one of the most profitable industries in the world earning billions in revenue.

Canadian pharmacies on the Internet are drawing an increasing number of individuals, as well as employers, unions and health plans because the Government of Canada regulates its prescription drug prices on behalf of each and every Canadian; the U.S. does not. These individuals and groups are importing 90-day personal supplies of prescription drugs; drugs they would find at their local drugstore for substantially more. A reputable Canadian pharmacy will only send a drug when a U.S. doctor’s prescription accompanies the order. A Canadian physician and a Canadian pharmacist will also check the prescription for accuracy prior to sending. Some view this as a tremendous benefit since there are now three independent checks in the fulfillment process.

Even though, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson has said government approval of importation is "inevitable" the debate still continues. Americans continue to pay too much, and some will die or suffer because they cannot afford the medications prescribed by their doctor. With online Canadian pharmacies, many Americans will save hundreds or thousands per year, making a significant difference in the quality of their life. It is up to each and every American to make their voice heard at the local, state and federal levels of government if they support their right to lower priced medications.

 

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Comfort-Aire® 501 and 651 low temperature electronic dehumidifiers
Comfort-Aire 65 Pint Low Temp Dehumidifier
Santa Fe Home Dehumidifiers for Large Basements
Santa Fe Whole Basement Dehumidifiers
Delonghi Dehumidifiers
DeLonghi Low Temp 50 pint Dehumidifier w/Pump
Clean Home Essentials 46 Pint Low Temp Dehumidifier

 

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