We have all hardwood or tile flooring and low pile orientals that can be sent out for washing. My central vac removes a lot of dust and dirt -- and Westie hair. Our forced air HVAC has a flow-through humidifier and Aprilaire filter. I credit the high suction of the vacuum most. The flow-through humidifier keeps any mold at a minimum while providing humidity in the heating season. We run dehumidifiers in the basement in the summer.

We put heavy casings on the windows. Just simple roman shades, inside-hung, complete the picture. (No drapes or swags to catch dust.) Our Pella windows and French doors have shades between the glass.

My allergist said the best place to sleep is above the first floor; next best is first floor over a full basement. Worst is first floor on a slab.

Interesting. Our allergist didn't say anything to us about where we sleep. We are supposed to run a filter in the bedroom with door closed, but we seldom do that, only when there is something blooming that is really driving them nuts.

So, in our part of the country, where no one has basements and everyone has a slab foundation, where would the best place be? We aren't planning on a house with a 2nd floor because it's getting harder for me to climb stairs.

With our new A/C and heating unit we are also installing an air cleaner that cleans the air for the entire house. It's suppose to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens. It's installed right next to the unit in the attic. I don't know if that is something that would help with your situation.

arti- I have severe allergies/copd. I was allergic to 91 of the 92 allergens they tested me on. I see both an allergist and a pulmonologist. these are some of the things I was told:

Absolutely no carpets!

No fabric furniture, ie sofa/chair, etc. Or hardwood (ouch!) Am supposed to use a good quality leather, that is tanned in the US with non-volitial solvents.

No dog in the bed/bedroom (I can't comply with this one)

Housing, as I am wanting to build after I sell this one:
Use the newer 'allergy' drywall- has a different outer layer- it is mold resistant.

Windows: No window coverings at all- if I want a 'drape/shade, supposed to use the kind that are inside the window.

Use low VOC paints/stains- anything that wil be applied to a surface/floor.

Use no air-forced heating- no matter what brand you buy, if you use forced air, there will be dust/dander throughout the air. I am to use radient heat- I use 'Cove', which is wonderful. As far as the air conditioner part, use a whole house air treatment system- it is ADDED- not part of an airconditioner. (expensive).

Keep windows shut, whenever allergies are exacerbated (hayfever season- bloom time).

NEVER use commercial cleaners- they are very irritating to lungs- some do cause lung problems, even when used infrequently. Use baking soda and/or ammonia for cleaning ( I have been using these for about 1 year now- very pleased with how clean, and free from strong odors my house is now).

Get a central vac system. Even with the central vac, stay out of the house for 2 hours after vacuuming. Vacuum EVERYTHING, at least once a week. Damp wipe the floor everyday- I use either Swiffer- the vinegar one, or just an old towel wrapped around the Swiffer base. NO cotton type mops- they hold mildew/particles.

Dust every day or so. No 'knicknacks'- they hold dust.

Dog gets a bath weekly- use 'Allerpet' wipes daily. (her coat is not dry- it is great with a good, gentle dog shampoo). Have someone else brush the dog weekly.

We all shed skin cells- mites (little bugs) eat your skin cells, then SH*T- leaving themselves, dead mites, mite outer casings- they shed their 'skin' too, and their SH.. is in your bed, any furniture, floor...nice imagery, huh?

No pet birds, as they tend to carry alot of virus/bacteria harmful to lungs.

This is about all I can think of right now- it sounds like a horrible time consuming task- but once everything is in place, it is not a problem at all- it doesn't take anymore time.

Are his allergies severe? Is he a candidate for Xolair?

You can email/pm me for info on this.

I have improved this past year greatly- I used to be in the hospital several times a year- haven't been in for asthma/allergies all year, and pulmonary function up 11%.

Good luck.

Don't you live in the house I love- the MCM?
Where in Texa- I am in San Antonio in winter- I will try to think of things that deal with the area for allergy stuff.

Use allergen covers on BOTH mattress and box springs- pillows also. Do this with all bedrooms, as the mites are spread by air movement. UGH- little bugs... Wash ALL bedding in hot water weekly. (sheets/blankets/pillow cases).

Forgot this one- No 'Tunnel' vacuums- that might not be the right name- you know what I mean. Even if they say on the label that they are for allergies- doc was adamant about that one!

ilmbg -- Do you ever use a room air filtration system? (Not the junk de-bunked by Consumer Reports.) I seem to recall there was ONE that really cleaned the air; didn't just hum and push the air around.

Wow! An 11% lung capacity improvement! I could use that. I have only 70% capacity. Developed asthma in my 30's after along, stressful time caring for my mother (leukemia).

chisue- No, I have not used any air filtration systems- I was told that the room type do minimal at best, that it should be a 'whole house' kind. As my house is for sale, I didn't want to put the expense in.

If you have 70% capacity, I am jealous! Mine was 33%- now 44% inspiratory only- the expiratory has not changed, but I have only been on the drug for 1 year.

When (if ever.....) I build I will try to implement all of the things (except dog in bedroom- just can't do it).

I am so worried about getting people who build, have references, but really don't know what they are doing- I mean REALLY know.

Find out if you are elegible for Xolair.

I would absolutely second the central vac suggestion. In our last house, built in 2001, we put a VacuFlo and the difference was amazing because all the dust that goes into the vacuum goes through the tubing into the unit in the garage. With my old vacuum, I'd see dust particles in the air after vacuuming; not with the central.

My friend has had a VacuFlo in every house but one since the 60s -- even if they had to retrofit it. The one house that couldn't be retrofitted, they lived in for about two years and her allergies were so bad that they sold the house and moved.

Just an observation . . . when we built in 2001, we tore down a 75-year old house that we'd lived in for 25 years. It had been almost totally remodeled in that time. It had hot water heat with old cast iron radiators -- the most even, comfy heat possible, I think! The new house had forced air with good filters. I noticed a huge decrease in dust in the new house -- I assume because of the air filters. I was constantly amazed at how little dust I had in that house.

Arlene

ilmbg -- Oh, dear. Now I feel better about ME, but worse about YOU! Thanks for the tip about Xolair. I'll ask my MD.

I think Consumer Report recommends the Friedrich room air cleaner. When I'm having most trouble, I always think I will buy one. Then, when I improve...I forget! These are around %500 but there are no filters to replace; you wash permanent ones.

I'll probably be better for a while. Our Westie has learned to like sleeping in his own bed better than in ours. We'll see as nights get colder! Now if I could re-train DH to sleep with closed windows...alas, I fear too late after 40 years. (YES! I WAS a child bride.)