2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Austin Air HM-200 Healthmate Plus Jr., September 11, 2010
I can't give a thorough endorsement, since there were certain circumstances which would skew a 'controlled study' of the HM Plus JR, and which could have made a huge difference in claiming results.
The situation before buying the JR: Our preK child was suffering from congestion throughout the day, particularly heavy during the mornings. It was chronic -- friends who were familiar with our situation said that our child seemed to have post-nasal drip. Maybe. I suspected allergies (and/or a reaction to mold) since I have mild symptoms of allergies to certain things, plus eczema. Our child has skin sensitivities as well.
First, wood floors were installed before the JR had arrived. We had carpeting in the house which was well over six years old, and who knows what became embedded or decided to live in that carpet.
Second, our son and I take ginko biloba as a daily supplement. Ginko biloba is a natural antihistamine.
Third, the JR arrived at our doorstep a day or two after the wood floors were completed.
Fourth, we purchased new allergen-free linens, e.g. mattress cover, pillow casings.
In the meantime, we also went to an allergist and confirmed that our child is highly allergic to dust mites, which were living in the carpet and/or our child's bed and linens. I am forgoing the occasional use of the Rx from the allergist and continuing with the ginko biloba supplement and utilizing the JR.
Maybe we didn't need the JR afterall? Maybe, but I believe it has made a considerable difference in the air quality in our home judging by our child's lack of phlegm/congestion in the mornings and throughout the day. Also, whenever I hear any congestion I ask our child to go sit in the room with the JR and the congestion dissipates in a matter of minutes.
Our child's congestion, now, is triggered by the library books we bring home, specifically the older books, as well as anything that could be a dust mite haven. Being enclosed with the JR works wonders.
The JR is fairly quiet at the lowest setting which is great at night. We put the highest setting on before bedtime stories are read. I will often put the library books we bring home in the closed bedroom to minimize any reaction. It works for us. I will be using our vacuum on the JR soon to clean the vents and filter. The JR is costly for a family on a budget, but the quietness, ease of use and filter cleaning, a 5-year warranty, its aesthetics, plus the job it does in purifying our indoor air is well worth the purchase.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Austin Air Rocks!, September 2, 2010
My chemical sensitivities and allergies sent me to the hospital three times this summer and I was at my wits' end. This filter has literally saved my life. I run it on low all the time. I pop it up to high if I smell any smoke in the air or fumes from the street outside my front window, and the air clears within 10 minutes. My health has improved immeasurably since I started running the filter. I've even started working out on my elliptcal again. I'll be buying a second one soon, so that I won't have to move it around the house with me all the time. It's small, quiet, unobtrusive and effective... Thanks Austin Air!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No