Question from Laura
I am a MCS sufferer and for reasons beyond my control I live in a small town with alot of woodsmoke fumes, exhaust from the street we live on, and also formeldehyde fumes from the house itself. I want to find a good air purifier to get me through this until we can move.
I am looking at the Series 400 E.L.Foust
I think from what I’ve heard it has helped many.
I also saw some mention Aller Air . They have a dizzying array of models at hight costs. I would like to know if anyone with MCS has found Aller Air to be better than others or worse and if it compares with the Foust?
I also saw the Aireox purifiers but they are more for rooms and autos and I need a more extensive air purifier. I would like one of these for the car someday. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Debra’s Answer
Personally, I used the EL Foust 400 many years ago and it worked for me. Had one for my car too that plugged into the cigarette lighter.
Readers, what is your experience?
Since this post was originally published, a new air purifier has come available that was specifically designed for people with MCS. The metal housing holds two filters: a HEPA filter to remove particles and a filter made from the EnvrioKlenz “core techniology,” made from safe, natural earth minerals that remove both natural odors and volatile toxic chemicals. This technology captures and destroys chemicals and odors for true elimination. More at Debras’s List | Enviroklenz.
Hi,
Has anyone tried the AllerAir AirMedic+ MCS D purifier and if so what has your experience been with it? My wife has recently developed severe MCS and we are looking into quality purifiers and it seems the AllerAir keeps coming up. Thanks
We now have three Enviroklenz mobile units; the last one has UV light also. We had an issue with it because the bulb shade or housing was bent and touched the bulb. They sent a replacement. We had an odor in a bedroom that smelled like urine (we have a cat) and I checked with a black light and could not find a stain. After installing the Enviroklenz unit, the odor was gone in a few hours. I like the simplicity and east of changing filters. We have two expensive IQ Air units and changing the filters is really cumbersome plus they are expensive. We also have one Air Pura 600 (for pet odors) and it is excellent. Oh, yes, we recently added two Air Doctors to our collection (air filtration in every room). They had a two for one sale and they were recommend by Mark Hyman, MD at the Cleveland Clinic. We still lean toward the Enviroklenz brand and will buy more of the if we need them.
I didn’t notice Airfree listed. I tried many of the high end, high dollar hepa type filters (Austin, Blue Air etc). The motors created ozone and most of the carbon or carbon mixes did not fly with me. I’ve been MCS since 2004. EMF can be an issue too. Airfree works for me. I run 2 for the square foot they recommend for one. No noise, no filters to handle or purchase. Awesome concept.
Airfree wouldn’t be recommended for people with MCS because it’s not designed to remove chemical gasses. According to their website, “Airfree air purifiers are effective against bacteria, viruses, mildew, mould, dust mite allergens, pet allergens, pollen and tobacco odours.” I’m glad it’s helping you, but usually people with MCS choose filters with more power to remove gasses.
One thing about dust, though , is that chemicals will attach themselves to dust. So I think if you can’t stand the filter medium in air purifiers ( and I can’t), then just a hepa filter may still do you good.
What is the best air purifier for black mold or other molds and smoke particles from a wood stove used to heat house ??
I prefer the Air Pura 600 models ( 9 or 10 f them ) as they have 600 cfm air flow and have options for media . I sell them on my web site but i also have 3 in my home .
They have no plastic parts and never break down. I have had iffy responses from clients who ordered austin air and allerair when i used to sell them. Aireox is great for a small room but no effect on mold to particles smaller than .5 microns. Free advice if you wish to call . 1 800 968 9355
I live in an old highrise and was choking on cigarette smoke from a chain smoker one floor below me (comes through drywall, electrical sockets, everywhere.) I bought the adorable O2 air purifier, but it only cleaned up the smoke after the fact–did nothing while smoke was actively entering the apt. Then I bought an Airpura T600, specifically designed for tobacco smoke, which purifies air as it’s being contaminated. Makes life liveable. It wasn’t cheap ($850) but worth it.
I have tried many air purifiers, but none did much good. In June I bought 11 air purifying houseplants and went from using a big box of kleenex a week to one in a month and a half. What a difference! I used the NASA air purifying plant guide. Here’s where you can get the list: http://www.ourhouseplants.com/guides/50-plants-that-clean-the-air
I should add that I have used use a Winix 6300 air purifier for about a year and my house cleaner says it really helps with dust. I use it on the silent level when I am home and turn it up when I leave the house.
Yes, houseplants do work if you use the right ones and use enough of them. 11 is about right.
I have a smallish one-bedroom apartment. I also have MCS and have been getting better and better since purchasing the plants in July 2015.
Which is the best air purifier for candles, perfume and plug in deoderizers? My office is willing to buy me a purifier for my office, but I’m at a loss on which one to get? The Smell comes through the ventilation system and comes out in our area.
You want to get one that specifically removes VOCs (gasses). Either of the air purifiers at Debra’s List | Air| Air Filters would work very well.
Why not ask your office managers to ban candles & plug-ins under ADA? It sticks to everything around you and you bring the toxins home on your clothes & hair, & skin. Can you try this with a Doctors note?
Sorry to hear about your experience with Austin Air and Aireox!
Austin Air states that the prefilter is not chemically treated. If that’s true, it’s likely that picks up chemicals in storage and transport.
If you ordered the standard mix (with highly absorbent Zeolite) rather than 100% carbon, that may be part of the issue. Many Austin Air users who choose or change to) 100% carbon appear to enjoy more success.
I have never ever heard of a sweet scent coming from an Aireox. Did you try removing the filter and setting it aside to see if it was the problem?
If not, might they in a space where they are stirring up something that may take quite some time to purify?
Thank you for replying. I believe mine came “as is” – so it must have zeolite plus carbon. Does the carbon-only version filter as well as the zeolite + carbon version? It sounds like you are saying that those with sensitivities have found the 100% carbon version to be less prone to giving off scents. Is this because the zeolite gives off the odors it has trapped, or some other reason?
I aired out my Austin Health Mate for a few days and I could tell it still bothered me. I suspected it was the pre-filte. I called the company and asked them what their pre-filter was made of and they said it was polyester! No wonder why it bothered me!
As you know polyester is not good for MCS. I got rid of all my polyester fabric long ago because every time I would put them in the dryer it would out-gas. I believe the same thing was happening with the pre-filter. When the motor would heat up, the warmer air would cause the polyester to gas-off.
Austin Air told me I could run it without a pre-filter, but that would shorten the life of the main filter.
I need to find a cut-to-size filter that isn’t synthetic. I did call the company that makes NaturalAir filters, they also have cut-to-size filters. They said that they did not have anything that would work for MCS. They were nice enough to refer me to another company that makes food grade air filters. These filters I was told wern’t made from synthetics. I will be calling them and will let you all know what I find out.
I have used austin air healthmate plus for years with special carbon and I am not sensitive to polyester so if you ever went to Dallas to see Dr Rea, and did skin testing and learned, we are all bio individuals. I was lucky to have treated with Rea for 6 years and I have lots of sensitivities so when people paint broad comments like that it irks me. Safe vs Safer we all react to different things so only YOU can figure what is best in your environment You can ask other people but only you will be able to tell what works for YOU
Chad mentioned a sweet odor coming from a purifier. I’m having an issue with an Austin Air and an Aireox purifier, both emitting a scent after a very short period of use. They are still very new, yet they have begun to give off this smell while in use, so now I can’t use them. Any idea what is causing this? Filters are costly to replace if they have to be replaced within a few weeks of purchasing them!
k2 mentioned washing the prefilter before using it. What does this help with?
Well, first, they shouldn’t be giving off an odor. But if they are, it may be that your carbon is full of pollutants. I know in water filters when the holes that trap the pollutant molecules are full, the carbon begins to release the pollutants into the water instead of removing pollutants. That could be the case here, but I don’t know for sure if it works the same way with air.
The O2 Air Purifier“>O2 Air Purifier that I’ve been recommending recently has no cartridges. The chemicals are broken down into basic elements, so there are no cartridges to change or residual odors. You might want to try one of these filters. I have one and I love it.
I recently bought a 70 dollar air purifier and I had the same issue. I am going to return it. My theory is that this particular air purifier might be set to automatically ionize on accident and be creating ozone. Maybe who knows, I just don’t want to take the chance because I looked it up and bad purifiers can increase Formaldehyde by 50% in the air!
See this article. http://allergyclean.com/article-formaldehyde.htm
I hope someone is still looking at this. I had to send back my Aireox unit. Customer service was very knowledgeable and helped in every way possible. They off-gassed it before shipping and let me test several types of carbon before purchasing. I’ve learned in my research that very often it’s the motor that puts off a smell. Many of us with MCS can’t take even a trace of chemical so it’s been difficult for me to find a unit that I can tolerate. I’m looking at a whole house unit from Clean Comfort Essentials, although it may not be able to afford the upkeep. It has 4 filters and one of them has to be changed every 3-6 mos. Since it will be in the attic I’ll have to pay someone to change it. Not practical but i”m getting desperate for help.
Have you tried the new EnviroKlenz mobile unit? It was designed specifically for people with MCS and I’ve heard no complaints.
I think I read this company has only been in existence since 2013 and just launched the air purifier in May of this year. Is this enough time to get enough feedback?
What I’ve heard is that those who have purchased the EnviroKlenz mobile unit LOVE it.
If you are allergic to coconut then some of the filters will bother you. When I was treating in Dallas I asked Dr. Rea why the austin air at the register desk smelled like bad fruit he asked me if I was allergic to coconut and of course I was so I had to order special media for my 4 austin airs that run all over my house all the time. Be sure to change the pre filters often. If something enters your home that is out gassing it will get rid of it but it can contaminate the pre filter or even the large one. MCS people usually need to change the large core every 2 years not 5 good luck and be well
Hi Folks, One thing you could consider is indoor plants. These provide oxygen and naturally clean the indoor air you and your family breath. Do a search in search engine of top air cleaning plants for indoor. Some even clean the chemical fumes present. Good luck!
Sorry, no. I researched this some years back and while specific types of plants will remove some pollutants, it’s not enough to compare to a good air filter, nor enough to remove the amount of air pollution found in most toxic homes. I calculated you’d have to fill the rooom with plants to be effective!
I had a professional service come out and test our home for VOC’s. He said that filling the house with plants is not a good idea as many of the soils have mold (?) or can develop mold in them. By the way, our home had solvents among other toxic chemicals and was found to be 5x the exceeded safe air limit.
John, did they have a fix for you or did they just do the test?
I have the Austin Healthmate + and an IQ Air Purifier. They are both amazing. The IQ Air I have in my living area because it does more square footage. The Austin is in my bedroom. Both wonderful at removing chemicals and leaving the room with a mountain crisp air feeling.
I prefer an Aierox for sleeping, but there’s nothing like an Austin Air for whole house or emergency filtering. I keep it running on low (which is barely noticeable) in my entry hallway (were it can clean the whole first floor) and turn it on high if (for example) someone unfamiliar with my need for accommodations comes to the door. It’s been a life saver on more occasions than I can count. While the high sound is noticeable, it’s windt, not mechanical or electrical whining.
A few tips about Austin Air’s Healthmates:
* They can be special ordered with unpainted end caps (to be super safe) and 100% carbonated coconut.
* If you appreciate zeolite, I suggest buying it in bulk — E.L Foust has reasonable prices — so that when it absorbs moisture, you can place it in the sun to dry out.
* If you choose to get an Austin Air, consider washing the prefilter before using it. It can make a world of difference.
* Do not count on the cartridge lasting 5 years. While most HEPA filters will, carbon does not. E.L. Foust contracted an independent lab to test the efficacy rate for carbonated coconut many years ago. The result was 6 months. Austin Air’s theory is that you can effectively multiply 6 months by the number of lbs. of carbon to get an efficacy rate for their unit. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way, but their prorated rates for cartridge replacements have been reasonable.
* Do plan on enjoying an Austin Air for many years; they’re workhorses. Mine is now 15 years old and the only repair was a DIY task of lifting off the load to tighten the electrical wiring after it got rough treatment when moving to a new home.
Chad, You asked why I switched to Austin from Faust:
I switched to Austin Air Healthmate Jr. as my old Faust air cleaner’s motor gave out and I was noticing that I could not run it 24/7 during a forest fire in my area as it was putting out traces of the activated charcoal into the air and it was irritating my throat and lungs. I admit that the charcoal in it had not been replaced and had likely started to disintegrate and put out carbon dust.I was also not able to get the same kind of motor from Faust to replace the one that was not working well. I bought an Austin as it is what Dr. Rea uses at the Environmental Health Center of Dallas. I love my Austin and find it very effective, it clears the air faster and more efficiently than my Faust did. I found that Austin sold little wheels for the Jr. model for $25 and so I put these on, I can now roll my Austin Jr. anywhere it is needed very quickly. The faust had no wheels and was difficult to mover around. Faust is still a very good air cleaner. I think it is a matter of which one you tolerate best and can afford.
If I ever need a whole house size air cleaner I would definitely buy a full size Austin with 100% Coconut shell carbon.
Patty
Yup still out here. I ended up keeping my Hunters but I have about 8 of them and the filters are expensive. Also they are now treating them with microban. Why I can not figure. I have to order from an allergy place that still has the older ones. That means shipping also.
I am considering an Austin Jr for my bedroom. I have 2 Hunters in there and have to change filters every 3 months. At 25.00 a pop that gets very expensive.
If these two members are still wandering these forums, I have a question on purifiers:
Patty: Why did you move from Foust to Austin Air?
Bonnie J: Did you ever end up choosing an Air Purifier that worked for you?
I too am having a hard time with a sweet odor from my new IQAir Health Pro Plus
Are you still having problems with a sweet order coming from your IQ Air? I’ve heard it is from the VOC removing filter but wondering if it goes away as I’m ready to purchase for the Hepa filter as I’ve heard it is top of the line.
Thanks in advance for sharing your experience!
Take a look at the EnviroKlenz mobile unit. What is most important is to remove the toxic gasses, more than particles. This unit removes both.
hello,
I stumbled onto this page b/c I bought an Aireox and it didnt’ help at all, I am not sure if i’m sensitive to the carbon in it, but I get horrible asthma in my apt. and am searching for an air filter that does both particles and vocs. Debra – I can’t find a single customer review on the enviroklenz. I’d never buy something expensive with zero reviews.
Well there is a review on Debra’s List at Debra’s List: EnviroKlenz Mobile Unit Air Purifier. Many of my readers have been purchasing this unit over the last couple of years since it has been available. There is no carbon to smell or react too and it works better than any other filter, according to the review.
I stand by my Austin Air Health Mate Jr. which has gotten me through three wildfires, dryer vent exhaust, bbq odors and generally living in a funky neighborhood. I have recommended the Austin Air to clients and friends and it has helped them all.
Best money I ever spent for air filtration.
I have MCS and really like EL Foust products and air cleaners. I ordered a sample kit so I could test all of the filtering products before I purchased am air cleaning unit. I was not able to tolerate certain fills but I can tolerate the carbon fill and a special carbon that takes out formaldyhyde. I have three EL Foust charcoal filters that each filter 500 sq feet and I have one unit that works in my vehicle. The customer service has been great and the people at EL Foust seem very knowledgeable. They even helped me order an air cleaner that will work in Europe (so a different motor). My Environmental Allergy doctor had recommended EL Foust and I’m really glad he did!