Allergy Consumer Review Issue #90

Added by: Editor

Dear Everyone,

The holidays are coming and so are sinus problems with dry, swollen noses and snoring from your partner. So if you have not bought a humidifier yet for yourself or as a gift and are wondering what to buy, this newsletter will be of interest to you.
My all-time favorite humidifier is the Air-O-Swiss 7135 which I can’t say enough good things about. We’ve been offering this dual warm and cool mist humidifier for three seasons now and it easily has become our best-seller. Also, highly recommended for the relief of sinus pain is a nasal irrigator. Although it takes some getting used to, this device really works and a number of our staff swear by the benefits of irrigation.

I will never forget the Christmas Day a few years ago when I was flat on my back nursing sinus pain. Not a fun day.

So keep healthy this holiday season, and look after your sinuses!

In This Issue

Humidifiers: Why Use Them?
Types of Humidifiers
What Size Humidifier do you Need?
Warm or Cool Mist? Which Humidifier is right for you?
Humidifier Brand Profiles and Comparisons
Balloon Sinuplasty
by Murray Grossan MD
Foods for Sinus / Allergy Health
by Murray Grossan MD
Allergy Relief Products

Mercia Tapping
President / CEO AllergyBuyersClub.com
Contact Information

Disclaimer: Product and solution information reflect information available at the time of publication, including prices, availability, and reviews. To get the latest information, contact us or join our newsletter.

Humidifiers: Choosing the Best Humidifier for You By Mercia Tapping, President, AllergyBuyersClub.com

Humidifiers: Why Use Them?
Types of Humidifiers
What Size Humidifier do you Need?
Warm or Cool Mist? Which Humidifier is right for you?
Humidifier Brand Profiles and Comparisons

HUMIDIFIERS: WHY USE THEM?

AIR-O-SWISS 7135 Ultrasonic Humidifiers Humidifiers – love them or hate them? First of all, let me begin by saying that we are a great fan of increasing humidification in winter months, especially for those of us who are in the frozen north and have to live indoors all winter. However, as a company we have had a love-hate relationship with humidifiers, since many of them started to have reliability issues in recent years, and customers began quite understandably to complain. Our challenge has been to find a humidifier that does the job but without the drawbacks or reliability problems of the past.

We recommend that indoor humidity levels in winter should be around 30 to 40%. Wintry cold air holds less moisture, and when it is heated indoors it becomes even drier, setting the stage for itchy dry skin, sinus attacks, dry eyes and the like.

The good news is that humidifier technology has been improving over the last couple of years and humidifiers are now easier to maintain and do not spew out the white mineral dust which causes respiratory problems. Some humidifiers are now even quiet and don’t make the common gurgling sounds. We did find however that there is a universal tendency for manufacturers to exaggerate the square footage that is usually covered by their humidifiers. We have adjusted our technical specification charts on our web site to reflect what we believe to be the real square foot coverage.

Here are some real benefits of a humidifier for your home: Humidifiers reduce the possibility of winter infection by keeping the mucous membranes moist and allowing the tiny hairs in the nose and throat to work to expel any particles that were suspended in the air. Dry aching sinuses receive a great deal of relief from a humidified bedroom. Sleep with a snoring partner? Humidifiers relieve the intensity and noise level of the snoring. Cold symptoms are greatly relieved by using a humidifier in your bedroom at night. Dry, itchy skin is prevented, and chapped lips are relieved with humidifiers Unpleasant static electricity shocks are reduced by humidifiers

Valuable wood furniture and floors, musical instruments are protected from cracking and warping.

Things to keep in mind when choosing a humidifier: Home humidifiers usually cover an area less than the manufacturer states, so buy a larger size humidifier than you think you need. Humidifiers will definitely add moisture to the air, but you may not be able to reach the humidity level that you want to achieve i.e. 30 to 40% with a small capacity humidifier Humidity over 50% encourages dust mites, and even higher humidity levels encourage mold spore growth. The level of humidity that you can achieve is dependent on the outdoor humidity.

None of our humidifiers produce any white mineral dust which can be a by-product of some other brands. The exception to that statement is a that our favorite humidifier, the Air-O-Swiss, will disperse white dust if softened water is used. Air-O-Swiss Humidifiers

TYPES OF HUMIDIFIERS

Cool Mist humidity is produced by blowing air over or through a wick in water. The moist vapor is dispersed at room temperature. Cool Mists are available in, central/whole house, multi room and single room [tabletop] humidifiers. The Air O Swiss 7135 and Air O Swiss 7133 models are interesting choices because both feature cool and warm mist options in one unit. The Air-O-Swiss 7131 and the Hamilton Beach are both cool mist humidifiers we offer.Air-O-Swiss 7131 Cool Mist

Desert Spring Whole House Furnace Humidifier

All humidifiers have some maintenance costs associated with them and expect to pay between $30 to $50 for annual filter or other replacement costs. Otherwise, throw machines away after one season’s use. You do not want to run a dirty humidifier. Most humidifiers are filled from the bottom of the water tank, which then has to be turned over when full and heavy with water. A somewhat awkward maneuver but some units are easier than others. Most humidifiers are filled from the faucet, but the shape of the tank determines which humidifier is easier to fit under the faucet. The Hamilton Beach Cool Mist gets good marks from us in this regard.

All humidifiers have some parts that can be thrown into the dishwasher for cleaning, and we suggest that you run these parts through your dishwasher on a regular basis.
Larger tanks allow the humidifier water to last longer, but for instance, 5 gallons of water is still quite heavy for most people and awkward to fill, so on the whole we opt for smaller ones for sheer ease of use.

Hamilton Beach Cool Mist

Warm Mist usually involves a heating element in the humidifier that heats the water before dispersing it into the air. We have found that smaller, less expensive warm mist humidifiers work much faster if you fill them with warm water! The addition of a heating element, usually has warm mist humidifiers being slightly more expensive to buy initially, and are more costly to run. We used to sell a few brands of warm mist humidifiers but found they were either costly to maintain or malfunctioned. So we stopped carrying them. We think that whether you prefer a cool or a warm mist humidifier, is a matter of personal preference and geography. The Air-O-Swiss 7135 and 7133 models are our best-selling warm mist humidifiers and offer the added benefit of being able to run in a cool or warm mist mode. Both of these models cover up to 600 sq. ft. For a larger area, the Air-O-Swiss 7142 model covers up to 860 sq. ft. and is also both a cool and warm mist humidifier in one.

Air Washers We have never been great fans of air washers up till now, because the earlier models had no way of regulating the amount of moisture that was released in the air and so could cause mold problems. In addition to that, air washers were being touted for their particle removal capabilities without admitting that they remove large dust particles or pet hair only and not the smaller lung penetrating particles that really hurt you.Also glossed over is the reality that with an air washer you do have to rinse out a pan of dirty water on a frequent basis.

Air-O-Swiss 7142 Warm & Cool Mist

However, the beauty of the new Air-O-Swiss Air Washer is that in addition to being a humidifier, it traps pet hair, large dust and pollen particles in its base unit and comes apart for relatively easy cleaning. Also, unlike other air washers, this one has a hygrostat for automatic monitoring of humidity levels. It uses its patented mineral stick for anti-bacterial protection of the standing water and requires no expensive replacement filters unlike most humidifiers. Exceptionally fast and effective in large areas up to 750 sq. ft, this unit is what you would want to use in a larger space if you wanted a cool mist, and were prepared for a quiet but not silent machine.Air-O-Swiss Air Washers

Humidifier features to consider:

Air-O-Swiss

Running costs of a ducted central humidifier, such as Desert Spring solution are more energy efficient in the long run, provided you have forced hot air heating and your furnace can accommodate this type of solution. This kind of humidification solution benefits the whole family and your furniture too.
Hard water presents a problem for all humidifiers, and you should expect the filters to need changing more often. On the other hand, softened water can still be used in cool mist humidifiers but not in the Air O Swiss, as it would cause white dust to be dispersed. Using distilled water is fine but only if you have a free source, otherwise it adds to the running costs.

Top

WHAT SIZE HUMIDIFIER DO YOU NEED?

There are three major sizes of humidifiers and they each have a different gallon dispersion rating, as well as square footage usually covered. Decide how much square footage you are aiming to cover and how many rooms.

Portable /Tabletop humidifiers are the least expensive and best for a single room like a bedroom. Tabletop humidifiers require the most frequent refilling and are available in both warm and cool mist humidifier choices. If one had to talk in generalities as to the difference between Warm and Cool Mist humidifiers. Cool mist humidifiers are noisier but cheap and easy to run, whereas warm mists are quieter but more trouble to clean. Air-O-Swiss and Hamilton Beach are both tabletop humidifiers that get very high marks from our product testers.Air-O-Swiss Humidifiers

Room humidifiers are larger than the tabletop versions and typically cover a larger room area for humidifying. The Air-O-Swiss 7142 humidifier is ideal for a mid to large size room and has both a cool and warm mist capability.

Whole House humidifiers can be used if you have forced air heating and duct work. These humidifiers are installed in your heating/air conditioning system and run silently with no need to refill. The replaceable filter only needs to be cleaned once a season. While being the most expensive to buy up front, they can be economical in the long run. The Desert Spring Whole House Furnace Humidifier covers up to 3200 sq. ft and is virtually maintenance-free.

Desert Spring Whole House Furnace Humidifier

WARM OR COOL MIST? WHICH HUMIDIFIER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Cool Mist Humidifier Pluses

Cool Mist Humidifier Minuses

Warm Mist Humidifier Pluses

Warm Mist Humidifier Minuses

Warm mist humidifiers in general require frequent cleaning, and are harder to clean than cool mist humidifiers. An exception to that rule is the Air-O-Swiss models that feature a dual mode machine. Warm mist machines cover a smaller area than cool mist humidifiers, often no more than one decent sized bedroom The boiling sound can often be heard on high speed but it is not a noise issue for most people The gurgling sound can be heard when it flows out of the tank humidifier

Humidifier Brand Profiles and Comparisons Review the differences in home humidifiers to decide which is best for you. Our humidifier featured brands include comparisons of Air-O-Swiss and Hamilton Beach. Room humidifiers are small and portable, and are the ones most often used by our customers in their bedrooms. Most of the Air-O-Swiss humidifiers can operate in either warm or cool mist modes. Air-O-Swiss 7135 and 7133 Humidifiers – Warm and Cool Mist Our Category Winner Can run as both a warm or cool mist machine. Very fast output of water vapor and can control mist intensity. Almost totally silent Built in Humidistat to control humidity levels Should not be used with softened water otherwise will disperse white dust Yearly replacement costs are on the high side Covers up to 600 sq. ft

The Air O Swiss 7135 (top right) features digital controls while Air O Swiss 7133 (bottom right) has a manual control.

Air-O-Swiss 7135 Humidifiers

Air-O-Swiss Humidifiers

Air-O-Swiss Air Washer

Covers up to 750 sq. ft. Air-O-Swiss Air Washers

Air-O-Swiss 7142 – Warm and Cool Mist

Covers up to 860 sq. ft.Air-O-Swiss 7142 Warm & Cool Mist

Air-O-Swiss 7131 – Cool Mist

Only suitable for a small room – covers up to 540 sq. ft. Air-O-Swiss 7131 Cool Mist

Hamilton Beach Humidifier – Cool Mist

Covers up to 1200 sq. ft.

Hamilton Beach Cool Mist

Balloon Sinuplasty By Murray Grossan MD

Seems that more persons have heard about this procedure than about Superman’s Return.

I get asked about this wherever I go. At a recent wedding, I was asked more questions about this than about the wedding cake.

Essentially the procedure is used to open the ostia (opening of the sinus cavity). Some of these ostia have become closed or reduced by repeated infections or swelling. Some have become narrowed by extra bone being laid down.

Once the ostia is narrowed or closed, a warm humid environment is created for bacteria growth. Cilia are unable to move the bacteria out of the sinus cavity – therefore they multiply. Because of the closure, there are two factors that create pain: the pressure built up by inflammation and fluid material, and the vacuum pressure created by the closure. The vacuum comes from the fact that the oxygen in the cavity is absorbed, so that the inside pressure is 10 pounds, and outside atmospheric pressure is 15 pounds. It’s like having a 5-pound weight on your eye. This vacuum pressure is often much more painful than a bacterial infection.

Once the closed sinus is reopened, healing can take place, even in a badly diseased sinus cavity. The pressures are equalized; the bacteria can be swept out by the cilia.

One method of opening the closed sinus is to enlarge the opening. This is fairly easy to do by using instruments to punch out the opening. This would be like using a chisel to enlarge a wooden doorway.

The balloon method is to place a balloon into the opening and enlarge it. This enlargement pushes the tissue aside gently and is supposed to be less traumatic than the surgical method. The proponents claim there is less chance for re-closure to take place. The technique is too new to know about the permanence.

For the maxillary sinus, or the sphenoid, the techniques for enlarging the openings seem adequate.

For the Frontal Sinus, the balloon method has distinct advantages. This opening is long and tortuous, and simply punching holes to get it open is not easy.

With the Balloon method, a wire stylet is placed through the natural opening. Sometimes you need that just to find the opening. This maneuver is guided by Fluoroscopy, in order to place the guide wire correctly. Once the wire is known to be placed correctly, a flattened balloon is guided over the wire, until it is at the natural opening, and then it is inflated. This inflation pushes aside the blockage, gets air into the closed cavity, and gets the bacteria out.

This method is similar to the method used to open blocked arteries and veins.

Dr Martin Hopp at Tower ENT is pleased with the results he has obtained for Frontal Sinus Disease. The procedure is followed by Pulsatile Irrigation in order to clear disease and to help maintain the opening.

One caveat is that rarely is a single sinus involved in disease. Often the ethmoids may be involved in addition to the frontal or maxillary, so diligent post –op care is necessary, hence the regime of pulsatile irrigation.

Pulsatile irrigation is also tried before sinus surgery of any sort in order to restore nasal cilia function, remove thick mucus that may be blocking the sinus, and reduce edema/swelling that may be a blocking factor. Only when this are other non – surgical techniques fail is surgery recommended.

Dr Murray Grossan’s website is Hydromedonline.com/ His product,the Grossan Hydropulse Nasal Irrigator, is available through AllergyBuyersClub.com, and is featured below.

Grossan Hydropulse Nasal Irrigator Do you know anyone who gets sinus infections and wakes up with agonizing nasal pain or headaches? Then the award winning and well researched Grossan Nasal Irrigator will be the answer to their prayers. Designed to give relief and prevention from sinus infections, the gentle pulsatile irrigation system really does work. For More Details…Grossan Hydropulse Nasal Irrigator Foods for Sinus / Allergy Health By Murray Grossan MD Eating for sinus disease. You are what you eat, so be careful if your total diet is only corn dogs.

The science of foods vs sinus disease is still unsettled. If you read various newsletters, it seems that every month there is a new food touted as a cure all.

Food facts that are definite and have stood the test of time however include:

You can be allergic to certain foods and they can congest the sinuses and cause headaches. Unfortunately for me, I am allergic to all the low calorie foods – watermelon, all melons. Certain foods do open the nose up – horseradish, garlic, Cajun spice which contains cayenne pepper. Certain foods stimulate the movement of cilia and mucus in the lungs and nose including chicken soup and green/black tea Having breakfast in bed can beneficial to your allergy, sinus and chest condition. Milk is not by itself a mucus producer, unless you happen to be allergic to it. Most doctors agree that getting vitamins, minerals, etc. by diet is better than by supplements. There are specific exceptions of course, but for most “essential” vitamins, food source beats pill source.

All doctors agree that taking mega doses of vitamins in not desirable. In the 40’s people took huge doses of vitamin D for arthritis and some died as a result.

Most agree that the standard one a day vitamin pill is probably a good idea. These are designed to follow the American Medical Association recommended dose of Vitamin A, D, E, Thiamine, Riboflavin, B6, Folic Acid, B12, and C. Some add Zinc, Magnesium and Selenium and most of the commercial products follow the recommended doses.

I must stress the importance of avoiding mega doses of “natural” vitamins. I have seen some fairly convincing studies of good results for various conditions with mega doses of vitamins or minerals, but unless there is real proof of the safety of these doses, I can’t recommend them to my patients. I still remember the Vitamin D disaster.

However there are specific conditions where your doctor may recommend a dose larger than the “AMA recommended” daily dose. For example a larger dose of Vitamin A for certain skin conditions. What foods can help a chronic sinus condition? Foods rich in antioxidants are recommended.

Beta Carotene helps make healthy mucus membranes. It is converted to Vitamin A in the body. Those foods rich in Beta Carotene include Apricots, Asparagus, Beef liver, broccoli, sweet potato, yellow corn.

Vitamin C foods are recommended for their antihistamine effect: Broccoli, oranges, papaya, red, green, or yellow peppers, strawberries, sweet potato, and tomato juice.

Vitamin E foods tend to boost a person’s immune system. It is an antioxidant: Almonds, corn oil, peanut butter, safflower oil, salmon, sunflower seeds, and walnuts.

Fish oils such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 provide the essential fatty acids that seem to reduce inflammation and promote sinus health. These are found in oily fish products such as anchovy, herring, herring and sardines.

Many people are sensitive to yellow dye – Tartrazine – Yellow Number 5. Foods containing these include certain breakfast cereals, pies, canned puddings, etc.

Another common sensitivity is that due to Sulphites. These are contained in fried fruits, wines, French fried potatoes and chips, and pickles.

A common sensitivity is that due to MSG that is in Chinese foods.

These sensitivities – Tartrazine, Sulphites and MSG are not allergies, but rather sensitivities to these chemicals. Getting light headed and dizzy after a Chinese meal is due to the MSG.

For many of my patients, adherence to a “healthy” diet has been important in keeping their sinus conditions under control.

As for food allergies, you can be allergic to almost any one – eggs, milk, gluten, etc. Blood test assays can help make a diagnosis but self testing is most important. If you suspect a food, avoid it for a week. Then eat it in large quantities for a week. If the allergy comes on, then you have made a diagnosis.

For example, you suspect apples. Avoid them for a week. Now eat raw apples – 3 or more / day. If allergy symptoms come on, you have made a diagnosis. However, cooked or canned apples or applesauce may not cause symptoms because the cooking/canning breaks up the larger molecules.

Excuse me now, writing this article has made me hungry.

Dr Murray Grossan’s website may be found here, at http://www.hydromedonline.com/ His product, the Grossan Hydropulse Nasal Irrigator, is available through AllergyBuyersClub.com, and is featured above this article.

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