I have really bad allergies. A few years ago, I asked 'Santa' for one of the Sharper Image ones for Christmas--then I saw the price--YIKES! We decided instead to go with one of the fan type ones instead. Am I ever glad we did. Right after we bought ours, there was an article in Consumer Reports--they claimed that the SI type did practically nothing, they liked the air cleaners with the fan and replaceable air filter. Nice to know that the much cheaper kind is actually the better buy.

It makes all the difference in the world. I don't run it every day. Usually a few hours in the evening about once or twice a week is enough, I find. And I can tell when I need to run it--I can't sleep through the night, and wake up with a headache.

I'd tell you what kind we have, but it's upstairs, and I can't recall the brand name. But we purchased it at Home Depot and it's truly worth every penny.

Click the pic if you'd like to read about it
{{!gwi}}
Holmes Harmony. I especially like that it doesn't take long to remove the odor of my cousin's awful cigars. I don't mind the smell of cigars normally, but his are awful.

We had one a few years ago (it also had an ionizer and a washable filter), but got rid of it because we thought it was causing DH and I to get sick (he caught some sort of bronchial infection while in the hospital and we kept spreading it back and forth). We quit getting sick once we got rid of the air purifier. We don't know for sure that was what was causing us to be sick, but we wouldn't have another one. IF you do get one and keep getting ill - get rid of it. Just my opinion, I can't find anything on the www that supports our thoughts - so it could have just been a coincidence.

I have a Whirlpool in my living room and a Duracraft in my bedroom. Both work very well and I am pleased with them. I run both regularly. I have them because I have a cat with asthma. Many people buy air purifiers because they have cats - I got mine for my cat. LOL If mine has been off and I turn it on I can tell the difference in my breathing almost immediately. The replacement HEPA filters are pricey but I found that if you change your pre-filter regularly you can extend the life of the HEPA filter.

Best Vacuum is in Chicago but will ship anywhere. They have the highest quality air purifiers and very knowledgable staff. I went there to purchase one and they told me that a vacuum with a Hepa filter was all that I needed. Air purifiers only can purify airborn particles. The particles on the floor and furniture, (which is the majority), won't be sucked up. Also, you need a purifier for each room. The IQ Air or Blue Air are the best.
Donna

Here is a link that might be useful: Best Vacuum

I have an earlier model of the one in the link below. Bought it in 2002, and just before they were discontinued I bought 6 filters. Since I am only on the second filter since this year, I am covered for a while, if the unit doesn't peter out on me.

I got mine because of allergies. It lives in my bedroom. I only turn it on at night, and only during allergy seasons. Allergy seasons are twice a year for me. February because of cedar tree pollen and September till a killing frost because of ragweed.

I have other allergies, but those two triggers are the WORST for me.

Moni

Here is a link that might be useful: honeywell air cleaner

Was Holmes the brand of space heater making alisande sick recently? Can't remember... Anyway, my sis has one of those Sharper Image ones and swears by it. I have a little plug-in one (by SI) and I can tell a difference around my stove when I use it. The air smells different!

Having said that, however, I wonder IF they really do work and HOW they work.

Anyone know if there's a difference in the air PURIFIERS and CLEANERS?

Good explanation here to explain cleaners, purifiers, and ionizers.
I'm glad you asked cuz I learned a lot. I wanted an ionizer when I purchased my purifier, but they are so expensive. I paid around $50-$60 for the Holmes and was happy there is an ionizer setting, so I turn it on or leave it off. The link also explains how the misuse of the settings can make you sick.

My husband checked Consumer Reports before he bought ours.

For performance and price, the best he found was Kenmore Progressive 295 from Sears.

It has a pre-filter and a Hepa filter, plus warning lights when they need to be cleaned/replaced.

I think air purifier and air cleaner have the same meaning, but not all of them have the Hepa filter.

We keep ours in the bedroom. I have asthma and am sensitive to dust -- this has helped me breathe better through the night.

Mine is a Kenmore Also. It works good enough for us, but we still smoke outside when we have company.

Gayle