If you have allergies, you know just how frustrating March through October (aka allergy season) can be. And you're not alone, considering that the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America says more than 100 million US people deal with various allergies yearly. This can cause symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, hives, sneezing, a scratchy throat and even difficulty sleeping.
Before the pollen count spikes, there are things you can do to prepare yourself for allergy season. Get ready with air purifiers and the following apps and tips so that allergy season doesn't get the best of you this time around.
Keep track of the pollen count with a helpful app
If you're plagued with seasonal allergies, staying inside when the pollen count is high is probably the best idea. You don't need to wait for your local weather report for the information, though: Several apps can provide you with the local pollen count as soon as possible.
The Allergy Plus app by Pollen.com provides the latest location-based allergy, air quality and weather forecasts. It is a free app available on iPhone and Android devices. You can also receive notifications based on allergy changes in your area, view five-day, side-by-side allergy and weather forecasts and share this information with family and friends.
If you prefer to see your pollen counts on a map, you may prefer My Pollen Forecast, free for iPhone and iPad users. Here, you can also view pollen forecasts that include temperature, wind and humidity, a symptom tracker and receive push notifications for high pollen counts.
The Zyrtec Allergycast app is also free for iPhone and Android users. In addition to features similar to Allergy Plus, it offers an allergy symptom tracker, a personalized allergy profile and coupons for Zyrtec products.
You can also use your iPhone or Android's weather app to check the air quality in your area. If the air quality isn't great, consider wearing a face mask when going outdoors.
Downloading an app that tracks pollen can help you anticipate when the air quality can compromise your health so you know when you might need to take your allergy medication.
Change your HVAC filters for cleaner air and happier sinuses
One of your best defenses against seasonal allergens inside of your home is your HVAC filter. These filters come with a rating system called a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values scale. The MERV scale rates the filter's efficiency from 1 to 20. The higher the number, the better the filter works, meaning cleaner air for you.
Read more: Best HVAC Filters
Although the filters on the higher end of the scale are a little pricier, they will make your sinuses much happier because they filter smaller particles in the air. To save money, look for filters that can be washed when they get dirty, like the lines made by Filtrete. Be sure the filter has antimicrobial properties to inhibit bacterial growth after you wash them for added protection. These filters can last six to eight years. Some even have lifetime warranties, so think of the expense as an investment.
If you choose a disposable filter, be sure to change it monthly if you live in an area that is particularly dusty, like rural areas. Everyone else should be safe changing their filter every three months.
Clean your mattress for a sound sleep
According to the American Council on Science and Health, your mattress may have 10 million dust mites. Once you get over the eww factor, just think about what those little buggers are doing to your allergies. Stop. Don't burn your mattress. All it needs is a good clean.
Every six months, strip your bed and vacuum it using an upholstery attachment. While your regular vacuum will do a good job, if you really want to get your mattress extra clean, you can invest in handheld vacuums specifically for mattresses. The Jimmy Bed Vacuum Cleaner is a great choice.
Read more: Best Hypoallergenic Mattress
Consider an air purifier for better indoor air quality
Whether you're dealing with allergies, wildfire smoke, illness or poor air quality, an air purifier can help clean the air in your home, making it easier to breathe and even benefitting your sleep. Some are specifically designed for clearing out mold spores or pet dander.
Just make sure the air purifier has a HEPA filter and that you follow manufacturer's instructions for where to place the air purifier and how often to replace the filter.