Spring is here—here’s what you need to survive seasonal allergies
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While the switch from winter to spring is a welcome change for many, for others it signals the beginning of stuffy noses and watery eyes. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), over 91 million Americans (or 26% of adults in the nation) suffer from seasonal allergies. Unfortunately for these 91 million people and counting, things are only going to get worse as more pollen will fill the air each year due to climate change.
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Before you sink into doom and gloom over the blooming of flowers, you should know there are many ways to mitigate the effects of seasonal allergies. If you're looking to enjoy the spring despite your allergies, here's a list of products that can bring you relief.
►Related: Spring arrives weeks early, bringing sniffling and sneezing to allergy sufferers
1. An N95 or KN95 mask
When going outside this spring, masking up may be your best bet to fight allergies. KN95 and N95 masks are not only able to filter 95% of the particles responsible for causing airborne diseases, but also the pollen responsible for spring allergies. There are a lot of fakes out there, but these ones are the real deal.
2. An Air purifier
A quality air purifier can filter out the pollen and other allergens in the air, ensuring you can continue breathing easily in your home. The best air purifier we've tested is the Blueair DustMagnet 5410i thanks to its excellent filter, quietness and integration with smart home systems.
3. Tissues
If your nose is runny from allergies, using the wrong type of tissue can make your nose feel raw and leave you feeling miserable. It’s time to reach for our favorite tissue, Puffs Ultra Soft. They're, well, ultra soft, and durable, to boot.
►Related: How a home’s indoor air quality impacts seasonal allergies
4. A Renpho eye massager
One of seasonal allergies' more annoying symptoms is making your eyes itchy and irritated. Fortunately, the Renpho eye massager can bring relief. Through its heat and compression, your weary eyes will be soothed. Plus, it comes with Bluetooth functionality, so you can play your favorite tunes while you relax.
5. A Neti Pot
Seasonal allergies can cause nasal congestion, post-nasal drip or dry sinuses. A Neti Pot may just be what you need to ease the discomfort. The SinusCleanse Neti Pot comes with 30 saline packets that, when mixed with water, can relieve your symptoms when you tilt the Neti Pot into your nostril.
6. A lidded hamper
Any time you walk outside during the spring, you're liable to become covered in pollen. If you want to keep your home pollen-free, you'll want to change out of your clothes when you come inside. Keep your clothes in this top-rated lidded hamper to prevent pollen from floating around your home.
7. A mattress protector
A mattress protector is a way to protect your bed from pollen and other allergens that make their way into your home. The best mattress protector we've tested is the Slumber Cloud. It’s our favorite because it's waterproof, made from high-quality materials and helps you stay cool at night thanks to its cushy quilting. night thanks to its cushy quilting.
8. A pillow protector
Level up your slumber even more with a pillow protector. The best allergy-proof pillow protector we've tested is the National Allergy Allersoft Pillow Cover. It earns the AAFA’s stringent approval. Plus, it’s made from cotton and stain-resistant.
9. A vacuum
You'll want a powerful vacuum to suck up any of the pollen that members of your household may track inside, human and otherwise. When it comes to power, it’s hard to beat our favorite canister vacuum, the Dyson Big Ball Multifloor. Besides its power, you should consider the Multifloor due to its great maneuverability and reach, making cleaning a breeze.
10. Makeup primer
If you wear makeup, you know all too well how spring allergies can smear good eyeshadow. Fortunately, makeup and eyeshadow primer can keep your makeup intact no matter how much your nose runs or eyes water. What's more, the primer can actually make your makeup look better.
11. Zyrtec Allergycast
Knowing is half the battle and with Zyrtec's Allergy forecast, you'll have the knowledge you need to win your battle against pollen. Available for both Android and iOS, this app alerts you a four-day forecast of the pollen levels in a given area, taking out the guesswork and allowing you to plan accordingly.
12. A washing machine
If you're looking to ensure your clothes are pollen-free, you should consider upgrading your washing machine. Our top-performing washing machine, the Electrolux ELFW7637AT, received a National Sanitation Foundation certification, which requires a washer to sustain temperatures of 131°F or above for at least three minutes and remove 95% of pet dandruff and birch pollen.
13. An essential oil diffuser
Essential oils can relieve symptoms of allergies such as nasal inflammation, congestion and sneezing. The most convenient way to breathe in essential oils is by using a diffuser such as our favorite, the Saje Aroma Om. We love the Om thanks to its cool design, ease of use, and premium feel. We love the Om thanks to its cool design, ease of use, and premium feel.
14. Vaporub
If you find yourself coughing due to seasonal allergies, Vaporub may bring relief. Vick's Vaporub is a jelly solution that when applied to the chest is designed to work as a cough suppressant. Additionally, some have found use for Vaporub as a nasal decongestant by applying a bit of it under one’s nose.
15. A humidifier
A humidifier can treat the symptoms of allergies, making it easier for those suffering from allergy-induced asthma to breathe. Of the humidifiers we've tested, the Levoit Classic 300S is the best thanks to its high capacity and output. Better yet, it's quiet unlike many others.
16. A pet brush
Your fur baby wouldn't betray you, right? Well, certainly not intentionally. However, their fur may be the culprit behind why you're so sneezy at home as it may be gathering pollen and tracking it inside. To counteract this, consider using a pet brush like this highly-rated one that can work wonders in cleaning your pet's fur. Reviewers love how easy it is to use and how it has long bristles that are perfect for short- and long-haired pets alike.
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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Spring allergies 2023: How to relieve pollen allergies
