Recommend a vacuum with Hepa filter for asthma and allergies

[SeaConquest]

I went to the allergist the other day to have some testing done on my older son. We suspected that he got my genes, and inherited some allergies.

 

We just added a dog to the family as well, so I would like to upgrade our vacuum to something with a HEPA filter. I need something that can do both carpet and hardwood floors because we are likely moving into a fifth wheel without carpet. Our current rental house is carpeted.

 

Do I really need to spend the money on a Miele? Are Dysons as good as they say? What is the best vacuum for asthma and allergies?

Edited July 24, 2016 by SeaConquest

[prairiewindmomma]

We've had good luck with our Dyson. It also vacuums well on hard surface floors.  

[Sandragood1]

I'll second the Dyson. We have the pet version and it handles the dogs fur on carpet or wood floor.

[IfIOnly]

This is a great Hoover vac: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hoover-Tempo-Widepath-Bagged-Upright-Vacuum-U5140900/14237588

 

"Allergen filtration paper bag on this Hoover Tempo Widepath upright vacuum traps 99% of dust and pollens down to five-microns"

 

My first one lasted many years. It's great at filtering dust and allergens and is so inexpensive. It Would be light and not too bulky for a 5th wheel situation.

Edited July 24, 2016 by ifIonlyhadabrain

[mumto2]

Dyson pet version for us too. We don't even have pets. ;)

[KungFuPanda]

I kinda love my Meile. Even when you buy the discount bags, they come with new filters so you can change the filter every time you change the bag.

[TravelingChris]

We have a Dyson pet version and it is great.  We had a Dyson in Europe when we lived there and it picked up cat hair from a felt like carpet that really wanted to hold on to all hair, dust, specks, etc.

[hornblower]

I know several dog people who have not been happy with their Dysons. Enough that I haven't got one. 

I've got Panasonic uprights but am eyeing a Shark. 

[Pawz4me]

I've had this Panasonic for about 18 months. It's got the best filtration of any vac I've ever had except for central vacs. The HEPA bags are excellent, it has a washable foam filter and a HEPA filter. We have a dog and two cats and it has no problem handling the fur.

[kbutton]

The Bissell pet version (friend who have it rave about it, including a friend who cleans houses as a job). Their carpet cleaner is also excellent.

 

I don't have a pet, so we have a basic Bissell with hepa. I can't believe the stuff it picks up. You have to really use the settings for carpet height/no carpet, change filters (or wash/clean them, depending on the type), empty the canister, and change the drive belt, but I assume you have to do most of that with other sweepers as well (except the ones that have bags). My kids have no trouble using it, and you can get so many spare parts online from their website, you could probably build one. (I've not had much break on the regular sweeper, but I dropped a carpet cleaner part just right, and it broke.) My kids are super hard on things, and our Bissell stuff as survived them well.