Allergies and asthma can affect persons of all ages and both genders. These ailments largely thrive in stuffy environments laced with such household allergens as dust mites, dust particles, pollens, pet dander, and so much more. People who suffer from allergies tend to sneeze terribly, develop skin rashes, and even end up with breathing difficulties.
Investing in the best vacuum cleaner for allergies is one of the approaches of combating allergies in a bid to experience life-changing results. Our independent editors spent over 100 hours researching and testing the best vacuums for allergies and asthma, and we shall be recommending the best products in this review. We exclusively focus on the best rated vacuum cleaners for allergies that will cut back the symptoms of asthma, such as sinus pressure, coughing, and sneezing.
Our best rated overall allergy vacuum are the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 and the Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet NV752 if you are a pet owner. They both feature an HEPA filter and the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal for removing allergens from your home. Moreover, many vacuum cleaner manufacturers have designed innovative filtration assemblies which provide a comprehensive firewall against allergens. In our best vacuums for allergies review, we can confidently select up to 12 best rated vacuum cleaners for allergies and asthma.
Best Vacuum Cleaners for Allergies Sufferers - Reviews
1. Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away (NV352) is an excellent all-around vacuum for allergies since it can trap up to 99.97% of allergens and dust inside the vacuum. This machine combines a HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology to trap and arrest all small particulate matter from the air, hence alleviating asthma and allergies. With only 12.5 pounds total weight, this versatile vacuum is hands down lightweight and convenient to use.
In addition to being lightweight and portable, this cleaning appliance comes with the swivel steering for excellent control and maneuverability, especially when vacuuming around furniture and hard-to-reach zones. The Shark Navigator Upright Vacuum is ideal for removing pet hair and dander from hard floors and carpeting due to the availability of a wide pet upholstery tool. You can quickly lift away the canister with a simple press of a button in order to clean hard-to-reach areas.
The manufacturer has also added the suction release function to complement the tremendous suction of the equipment. With this feature, you have what it takes to adjust the amount of suction to maximize push and pull on area rugs and high-pile carpets. You are advised to utilize the suction release function on delicate fabrics and small area rugs. The vacuum also features two crevice tools along with a dusting brush for detailed cleaning on hard floors and carpeted stairs.
Regarding the price, durability and effective technology, the shark navigator lift-away upright vacuum, lavender (nv352) definitely remains the best vacuum cleaner for allergies. The few design-related drawbacks are nothing close to become deal breakers, considering the many impressive elements the vacuum has to offer. Pet owners have heaped praises on this best HEPA vacuum for allergies citing the ease of taking apart and putting back together, thus ranking first on our list.
2. Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Our second best vacuum cleaner for allergies is the Miele Corded C3 Marine Complete Canister Vacuum Cleaner. It is an electrically-driven carpet cleaning tool featuring a 13-inch wide brush roll for vacuuming plush and high-pile carpeting. Although it weighs 19.4 pounds (and rather difficult to lift), it makes up for this challenge with a swivel neck and five-level height adjustment.
The Miele C3 Marin consists of the parquet twister that provides 180-degree rotation to ensure agile-yet-gentle care of carpets, rugs, and smooth flooring. It also features a savvy, self-adjusting automatic setting which helps you transition from carpeting to hard floor surfaces with ease. It can automatically increase or decrease suction depending on the floor being cleaned – saving you energy and time in the long run.
Furthermore, this agile vacuum for allergy sufferers includes a stainless steel telescoping wand so that you can achieve a whopping operating radius of 36 feet. The Miele C3 Marine incorporates a unique AirClean Sealed filtration system to capture and retain over 99.9% of lung-damaging particles. The manufacturer has added three integrated accessories for comprehensive cleaning of smooth flooring, hard flooring, and carpeting. These accessories include an upholstery tool, dusting brush, and crevice nozzle.
In terms of the bottom line, the Miele Corded C3 Marine Complete Canister Vacuum Cleaner works right out of the box and comes with nice suction strength. It is easy to maneuver in tight spots, and the electro brush grooms carpets nicely and picks up pet dander pretty well. It is a huge step-up from pretty much everything else on the market, and it promises to relieve your allergies within a short timeframe.
3. Dyson Ball Allergy Complete Upright Vacuum
Formerly known as DC65, the Dyson Ball Allergy Complete Upright vac is a corded upright cleaning tool which comes with an effective HEPA filter alongside seven other tools for comprehensive cleaning. It goes an extra mile to give the uppermost relief for allergy sufferers, considering it comprises all the allergy attachments.
This vacuum works perfectly for different surfaces as it features self-adjusts for painless transition from carpets to hard floors. The self-adjusting function works in unison with the Ball technology to allow for effortless steering and accessing of hard-to-reach areas. With the radial root cyclone technology and a HEPA filtration system, the Dyson Ball Allergy Complete Upright promises to execute the ultimate results in removing both microscopic particles and allergens.
The primary task of the radial root cyclone function is to capture microscopic dust and dirt, while the self-adjusting cleaner head helps to seal in suction across carpets and hard floors. The ball technology proves handy in trouble-free steering, whereas the HEPA filter is engineered to eliminate allergens. This vacuum includes seven tools namely: combination tool, carbon fiber soft dusting brush, stair tool, reach under tool, mattress tool, stiff bristle brush, and multi-angle tool.
So far, verified users claim this cleaning appliance has great suction power and pulls long hair to alleviate allergy-causing impurities without a hassle. It has multiple attachments that meet the needs of every allergy sufferer, especially the stair tool and reach under tool where allergens accumulate. This unit is undoubtedly one of the best vacuums for allergies.
4. Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet (NV752)
The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet (NV752) upright vacuum combines all the impressive features of a vacuum at a very affordable price tag. It has an HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology, both combined help trap over 99.9% allergens and dust particles inside the vacuum. Also available is the mini-motorized brush tool for cleaning pet hair and other debris on carpets and hard floors.
With the Lift-Away powered technology, this vacuum enables you to detach the canister with ease in order to achieve portable cleaning. You can easily lift away the canister and deep-clean other areas that are difficult to reach, without stopping the brush roll from spinning. The available fingertip controls allow for effortless powering on/off as well as hassle-free transition between carpet and hard floor mode.
Additionally, this vac features advanced swivel steering so that you can painlessly control it around obstacles and under furniture for deep cleaning results resulting in a cleaner environment. There are powerful LED headlights located on the nozzle and handheld vacuum to aid in spotting small particles that could otherwise be invisible. Read our complete review of the NV752.
The Shark NV752 vacuum boasts the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology combined with the HEPA filter to trap more than 99.97% of allergens and dust, decreasing the exposure to allergy-causing impurities. Its excellent cleaning performance still comes at a very affordable price point.
5. iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum
If you run a busy lifestyle and have little time to do the cleaning, you can buy the best rated robotic vacuum for allergies and asthma. The iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum is ideal for pet hair, hard floors, and carpets. For improved pick-up performance, this robotic vacuum delivers 5 times more power-lifting suction than Roomba 600 Series and AeroVac System.
It features a high-efficiency filter that can capture up to 99% of allergens, dust, and pollens down to 10 microns so as to prevent you from getting exposed to these allergy-causing substances. Weighing in at only 8.6 pounds, this robotic vacuum is hands down easy to handle and navigate seamlessly from room to room. The vacuum features the premium three-stage cleaning system ideal for blasting away visible dirt and pet hair and invisible allergens.
With the iAdapt 2.0 navigation and vSLAM technology, the robot is able to map the entire surroundings and clean the whole level of your home. The iRobot Home App allows you to schedule your cleaning anytime and even monitor clean map reports from your Smartphone. Most importantly, the iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so that you can connect to Wi-Fi and control your cleaning using voice commands.
Buying this pet-friendly iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum will suffice in your quest to cut down allergy in your home. It effortlessly navigates from room to room and recharges itself upon the depletion of the battery. With high-efficiency filter that seizes up to 99% of allergy-causing pet dander, this revolutionary robotic vacuum is suitable for homes with pets.
6. BLACK+DECKER Powerseries PRO Anti-Allergen
Our next best vacuum for dust allergies is the BLACK+DECKER HCUA525JA 2-in-1 Cordless vacuum whose SMARTECH features make allergen removal a breeze. This versatile 2-in-1 cordless vacuum features a high-performance anti-allergen filter that aids in trapping up to 99.99% of dust particles and pet dander, keeping all particulate matter at bay. It is pretty easy to detach the canister and perform floor-to-ceiling cleaning chores – right from start to finish.
The vacuum consists of a dust compactor whose function involves creating more space for holding dirt in the canister, ensuring you focus more on vacuuming and less on taking out the trash. This powerful cordless vacuum gives you an extended run time of up to 60 minutes, so you can clean all over the house. The grab-and-go canister delivers unparalleled versatility by ensuring you clean everywhere – low, high, and tough-to-reach areas.
With easy and mess-free emptying, you will be able to keep your hands away from the dirt by simply pressing the button and letting the debris drop into the trash. For overhead reach, the BLACK+DECKER HCUA525JA has an extension wand to help you clean those hard-to-reach zones like windows and blinds. Above all, the appliance features a multi-functional tool for cleaning a variety of surfaces – including such tools as a 6-in-1 nozzle, upholstery tool, and crevice tool.
Not having a cord to wrestle with is a pretty good thing for allergy and asthma patients. Besides, this incredible vac has a wonderful filter that arrests 99.99% of allergens, ensuring all allergy-causing substances are kept at bay. The unit executes strong suction which lasts up to 60 minutes to ensure you completely remove all allergens before the battery gets drained.
7. Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly UltraPlush 81714
A bagged canister vacuum like Kenmore Elite 81714 has multiple tools and attachments engineered to clean all surfaces of your home including garage, kitchen, bathroom, and more. It is one of the best HEPA vacuums for allergies since it comes with an enhanced HEPA filter system for arresting and containing 99.97% of pet dander and other allergy-induced pollutants in the room. The Kenmore Elite 81714 has a swivel head for trouble-free maneuvering, and unique head design for eliminating long pet hair from getting tangled around the brush.
This vacuum entails a motorized pet powermate attachment tasked with lifting stubborn dirt, pet hair and dander quickly from any surface, ranging from plush rugs to hardwood floors. It utilizes the dual-motor system to supply powerful suction and effective brush rotation for deep cleaning bare floors, delicate carpets, and even plush rugs. Also available is the variable power mode for painless transitioning between delicate carpets and hardwood floors.
The Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly UltraPlush 81714 offers a scratch-free cleaning on multiple surfaces. It does capture and seize pet hair from home furniture to carpeted floors and anything in between. Besides, the vacuum includes numerous functional attachments including dusting brush, crevice tool, and other accessories for deep cleaning your home.
Despite the two highlighted drawbacks, the Kenmore Elite 81714 is a versatile and convenient vacuum ideal for allergy sufferers. The enhanced HEPA-certified filtration system captures all allergy-inducing impurities which include dirt, dander, pesky pet hair, and so much more. As if not enough, the device features LED light sensors which help you illuminate and detect hidden dirt with ease.
8. Vacmaster 8 Gallon HEPA Vac with 2 Stage Motor, VK811PH
With a certified HEPA filtration system poised to trap 99.97% of allergens down to 0.3 microns, the Vacmaster VK811PH remains the best HEPA vacuum for allergies. This professional vacuum makes use of an industrial 2-stage motor to execute the greatest suction, quietest operation, and longest life free of allergies and asthma.
Being the best HEPA filter vacuum, the Vacmaster 8 gallon hepa vac integrates four levels of filtration for ultimate HEPA compliance. The supposed filtration levels consist of a HEPA cartridge filter, an exhaust filter, a microfiber pre-filter, and high-efficiency fine dust filter bag coupled with closure flap.
Based on independent tests, the efficiency of the Vacmaster VK811PH meets and even exceeds the HEPA efficiency requirements imposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Worth noting, this vacuum features a crushproof industrial hose, lighted plug, and foam filter sleeve designed to pick up liquid materials.
The Vacmaster 8 gallon hepa vac with 2 stage motor, vk811ph remains the ultimate master for every mess and is great for any home or office. It features an industrial 2-stage heavy-duty motor for every application, such as a wall mountable garage. Whereas it appears heavy, it features a base with ball bearing casters for sturdy and straightforward portability.
9. Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly 31150 Vacuum Cleaner
The Kenmore Elite 31150 is one of the best pet-friendly bagged upright vacuums featuring AAFA-certified triple HEPA for trapping 99.7% of pet dander and other particulate matter inside the vacuum. It proves useful in reducing allergy-induced pollutants in your room, thus keeping allergy problems and asthma conditions at bay. This model has a 2-motor system consisting of a powerful inducer motor, which gives you 20% more air power than a regular upright vacuum motor.
It never loses suction or leaves debris behind throughout the vacuuming process due to the availability of Kenmore exclusive power flow technology. This upright vac includes five height adjustments to ensure optimal airflow and cleaning, right from carpeting to hardwood floors and beyond. To get the job done right, the available telescoping wand comprises three different attachments, including a pet handi-mate tool that gives pet owners a powerful clean.
Kenmore Elite Vacuum 31150 entails the 35-ft power cord and 12.5-inch cleaning width to ensure you save time and finish the cleaning pretty fast. Also available are infrared dirt sensors that activate LED lights in order to help you determine places that are accumulated with dirt and require cleaning. Above all, the unit has onboard storage for attachments for easy and secure access whenever needed.
Aside from the above design flaws, the Kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 is the best allergy vacuum whose enhanced HEPA filter system traps allergen-inducing dust, pesky pet hair, pollens, and more. Its multipurpose all-floors design means it is ideal for all surfaces including pile carpets, laminates, and hardwood floors. The Kenmore Elite 31150 makes housework less of a hassle, especially because it includes plenty of attachments that help you get into areas you normally couldn’t reach.
10. Bissell Cleanview Deluxe Corded Handheld Vacuum, 47r51
Occupying the tenth slot in our best vacuum for dust mite allergies is Bissell Deluxe 47R51 corded handheld vacuum whose fantastic and unique performance abilities are unmatched. It weighs just under 3.1 pounds, making it one of the lightest vacuums for allergies on our list. It is extremely mobile and able to get into tough spots without a problem.
This ingenious handheld vacuum cleaner uses a powerful 4 amp motor with robust suction to give allergy sufferers a convenient way to clean their home and car. Not only is it easy to empty, but it also features multi-level filtration which cuts down household allergens to prevent exposure to these allergy-inducing substances. With 18-ft power cord, you get prolonged cleaning reach to be able to clean without moving the plug.
The vacuum features a wide mouth tool for cleaning larger areas conveniently, and the crevice tool for blasting away dust allergens on hard-to-reach edges and crevices. Similarly, the hose attachment makes cleaning tough-to-reach places a breeze. The 47r51 Bissell is ideal for thorough cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and other areas of your home.
Even though the Bissell Deluxe 47R51 operates with lower power than some other units in the same category, users have applauded its ability to collect more dirt than expected. It takes care of pet messes with ease, consequently preventing them from causing allergies and asthma. This versatile equipment includes several attachments for cleaning up allergy-causing substances wherever they happen – whether in your home, office, or car.
Allergy & Asthma Vacuum Buying Guide
There are certain features to consider while shopping for the best vacuum for allergies and asthma. Products are not a replica of each other, which explains why taking important factors into consideration is key when making purchase decisions. In this supportive guide, we will help you understand the essential traits of vacuums that can effectively wipe out allergens.
HEPA Filter
A HEPA filter is the number one trait to consider in determining the best vacuum cleaner for allergies. HEPA is an abbreviation for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. Vacuums that lack a good filtration mechanism can let dust and particles to escape from the exhaust system.
On the other hand, those units with certified HEPA filter force air into an extremely fine mesh where particles as fine as tobacco smoke get trapped. Often, such vacuums have an outside filter for holding back sizeable particles, and a second layer of fine glass fibers for trapping the tiniest of particles. Both filters work under high suction speed to snag particles and prevent them from escaping through the cracks.
The best HEPA filters can arrest particulate matter down to 0.3 microns at 99.97% efficiency, keeping the exhausted air as clean as possible. Aim for versatility and pick HEPA vacuums that are capable of seizing dust and allergens on a variety of surfaces, including plush rugs, hardwood floors, carpets, and more. These vacuums meet the highest standards of allergy and asthma removal.
Water Filter
A lot of homeowners are already accustomed to the HEPA filter, especially how highly proficient it is in removing more than 99.97% of particles. However, there is another type of filter which is also greatly effective in trapping the dirt within the water, making the air coming out of the exhaust exceedingly fresh.
More often than not, water filter works in unison with HEPA filter to double up the freshness of the air exiting the vacuum’s exhaust. Although vacuums featuring water filter are quite expensive, they are highly recommended for those of us who suffer from allergies and asthma.
Odor Filtration
The core task of vacuum cleaners involves keeping your home clean and fresh smelling. For that reason, it would be useful to consider getting the best allergy vacuum with fantastic odor filtration technologies. Among the top technologies for removing pet odors and foul smells include the active carbon-charcoal and UV-lighting.
These two tech elements give way to quality and allergen-free air in your home. Also available is the micro-fresh filter which is well-suited to health conscious persons suffering from allergies and asthma. The micro-fresh filter is comprised of a special allergen-free additive for eliminating bacteria from the air.
Vacuum Cleaner Type
The market today presents two main types of vacuum cleaners – an upright and a canister. Each one comes in a different shape for different functionality to enhance reliability, convenience and performance. A traditional upright vacuum is excellent for homeowners who have wall to wall carpets, since it has a beater bar or a brush roll mechanism for quickly churning up the entrenched dirt beneath the surface of carpeting.
A canister vacuum, on the other hand, is great for those who have lots of bare floors and few scattered rugs because it seamlessly moves around from one area to another. The recent advancement in technology has led to development of highly effective cordless lightweight canister vacuums, which are ideal for those with arthritis or back problems as well as disabled and elderly persons. Canister vacuums have large rubber wheels which move smoothly across surfaces to avoid damaging the floors being cleaned.
Depending on personal preferences though ,uprights and canisters both have the ability to suit allergen-free lifestyle. Due to their size and upright position, some people prefer upright vacuums as they ensure a fast and efficient cleanup. All in all, you should keep an eye on the recent options that inspire convenience by enhancing the height adjustment features, brush roll control, and suction control.
Suction Power
A tried and tested method of choosing the best vacuum for dust allergies is to pay attention to suction power. Vacuum cleaners whose suction is stronger tend to be successful at war against allergens. Considering the fact that a bare human eye is unable to spot invisible dust, a vacuum cleaner with ample power will do magic in blasting away all hidden debris.
Make sure to balance between the right suction power and an impressive filtration system in order to alleviate any and all allergy symptoms. A remarkable product like the Shark Navigator Upright Vacuum (NV352) has a flawless combination of high suction power and incredible airflow. It does work to limit your exposure to offending particles and allergens.
Ease of Operation
The best vacuums for allergies are amazing when it comes to responding to the user actions. Their maneuverability and comfort are unmatched, and they even come with handles that properly fit in your hand. Some high-end models we have reviewed above have the speed and mode controls located on the handle for utmost convenience in managing the vacuum without bending down all the time.
Controlling your vac from your standing position is an impressive aspect of most best rated vacuums for allergies. Having to bend down all the time is a huge risk factor for asthma and allergy sufferers. Furthermore, choose a unit whose head can swivel or turn in all directions, so you can get beneath couches and beds where a large amount of dust can accumulate.
Attachments
Allergy sufferers call for a galore of attachments in order to clean like a pro. You might feel like having plenty of attachments is unnecessary if you are just a basic cleaner. But then, if you do the cleaning like a pro, you are highly likely to require extra features and accessories.
While searching for the right vac for your allergy problems and asthmatic conditions, you will want to consider units with special features and accessories that would suit your cleaning needs. For instance, if you have a pet, pet dander will be the main cause of your allergy. In this regard, you will need a vacuum with pet hair attachment to get pet hair and dander out of the upholstery and related surfaces.
Noise
Well, noise is not a primary factor in picking the best vacuum cleaner for allergy and asthma conditions. However, you should try to choose a low-noise vacuum, especially if you have young toddlers who may be distracted by high noise levels. Quiet vacuums comprise proper insulating materials along with better made motors and fans for curbing the noise-causing vibrations.
Always use the above tips when choosing a vacuum that can relieve your allergy symptoms. With the best vacuum for allergies, you can change your life (for the better) by limiting or even completely eliminating allergy-causing triggers. Regularly using the right vacuums for allergies and asthma will enable you to notice the difference in the air you breathe within a short time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are bagless vacuums better for allergies?
Depending on your sensitivity to dust and allergens, a good starting point is to make sure you buy a vacuum with an advanced HEPA filter. Different vacuums have different filtration systems, but we highly recommend those with a HEPA filter. Regarding whether the vac has a bag or not, we noticed many of the bagless units in our tests have low emissions, but they are not better than bagged units in terms of emissions.
When emptying many bagless vacuums, they tend to create a cloud of dust that is hard to escape. However, there are a few bagless options whose low emissions are unlikely to trigger allergy and asthma. For instance, the Ovente Bagless Corded Canister Vacuum ST2010 has low emission and is engineered to eliminate all allergy-causing substances like dust, pet dander, pollens, mold spores, and more
Does vacuuming help with allergies?
The answer is a YES. Vacuuming at least once a week is a surefire way to bring relief to persons suffering from allergic reactions. People who are vulnerable to allergies and other respiratory hitches are affected by the presence of such substances as dust mites, dirt, or pollen.
Allergy-inducing substances are tiny home intruders that can lead to wheezing, sneezing, coughing and other wonky effects in the immune systems. Airborne or surface-covering allergens highly thrive in dirty environments, and regular vacuuming proves useful in eliminating these allergy-inducing substances.
Final Thought
The best HEPA vacuum for allergies is a game-changer for those who suffer from allergies and other respiratory problems. Vacuum cleaners with advanced HEPA filtration systems keep the dirt and other allergens contained within the vacuum and prevent them from escaping back into the air. If you are sensitive to allergens and dust mites, we recommend buying a vacuum with advanced HEPA filter to ensure the air you breathe is clean.
Overall , we highly recommend the Shark Navigator Upright Vacuum (NV352). This vacuum cleaner combines the use of advanced HEPA filter with strong suction to keep carpets, hard floors, other surfaces, and the environment of your home clean and more free of allergens.