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Apr 07, 2024

10 Best HEPA Vacuums For Allergies, Mold Reviews For 2023

Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us? Breathe easy, friends. There is nothing fun about allergy season, especially

Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?

Breathe easy, friends.

There is nothing fun about allergy season, especially if your itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and stuffy nose are already in full effect. Unfortunately, allergens like mold, dust, pet dander, and pollen can linger in your home, making your symptoms worse. To give your living space a thorough cleanse, you'll need to invest in a high-quality HEPA vacuum that targets these troublemakers.

“HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air, and it typically refers to a filter inside a machine,” explains Manisha Relan, MD, an allergist. “For home use, it can be found in air purifiers or vacuums, though a normal vacuum does not automatically have this extra filtration.” That’s why, if you suffer from allergies, you need to buy a HEPA vacuum specifically.

HEPA vacuums help reduce the amount of dust released back into the air, adds Lakiea Wright, MD, MPH, an allergist and associate physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “With a normal vacuum, the dust collected by the vacuum might be released back into the air, which defeats the purpose.” A HEPA filter will help prevent this from happening.

Even if you think you don’t have allergies, it’s worth investing in a HEPA vacuum. “Most people who have allergies don't even know it,” says Ankmalika Gupta, MD, an allergist and immunologist at MG Allergy and Training Center. “Dander and dust mite allergies are prevalent, and people that aren't allergic to these things could be allergic to particulate dust, so the HEPA is an added bonus." Most allergens addressed by HEPA are indoor, so allergy season doesn't really matter and you should be using a vacuum with a HEPA filter all year, she adds.

If you’re wondering how to pick out a quality HEPA vacuum of your own, these are the characteristics you should be looking, according to expert allergists.

Are you ready to get shopping? Read on for the 10 top-rated HEPA vacuums on Amazon (each has tons of testimonials to back them up!) to help with allergies and mold.

Meet the experts: Manisha Relan, MD, is an allergist with Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants. Lakiea Wright, MD, MPH, is an allergist and associate physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Ankmalika Gupta, MD, is an allergist and immunologist at MG Allergy and Training Center.

Dyson vacuums are known for being awesome (and pricey, tbh). This one is definitely a fan favorite, and it includes great features like a high-reach wand that can capture dust from out-of-sight surfaces, a washable-for-life HEPA filter, ball technology for simple steering, and more.

Rating: 4.5/5

Reviews: 4,223

Rave review: "The ball design makes it very easy to maneuver, and the HEPA filter is a good air quality protection (although many vacuums offer this filter these days, not all of them do).I am very happy with this vacuum, and would definitely recommend it!" —amazon.com

One thing that'll definitely rev up your allergies? That moment when you actually have to empty your vacuum of all that dust you just cleaned. That's what makes this HEPA vacuum great: It literally cleans your home on its own and it self-empties, meaning less work for you and less irritation for your pesky allergies. A win-win!

Rating: 5/5

Reviews: 14

Rave review: "We have a second-floor house about 1500 sq ft with both wood and carpet floor. It will automatically stop mopping when it switches from one floor type to another. It first mapped the whole house. It is quite intelligent and avoids obstacles. We have tried other brands' mop devices, this is the best one we have. I am very happy with the purchase." —amazon.com

This vacuum has a HEPA sealed system that traps up to 99.7 percent of dust and other allergens. It's great for removing pet hair and other textured crumbs from just about any surface. Hair spools around the edges of the tank instead of getting caught in the filter, which means that it won't get in your face or on your hands when you're emptying.

Rating: 4.5/5

Reviews: 3,150

Rave review: "Good filtration system keeps odors and fine dust inside the canister. Attachment for upholstery works well and it is perfect for vacuuming pillows and mattresses. Vacuum has decent suction and yet you can vacuum floor mats without having them getting sucked into the rollers. The ability to swivel the unit helps get into awkward spaces. Works great on hardwood floors. I have a hairy dog and a shop monkey husband so I vacuum a lot! Contribution with purchase to animal welfare is a plus." —amazon.com

This vacuum pulls out all the stops at an affordable price. The product is bagless, has a 25-foot extension cord, an extended floor-to-ceiling cleaning reach, and more. Plus, it comes with attachable cones to get at the innermost dusty corners and angles of your home, which is always a plus!

Rating: 4.2/5

Reviews: 7,348

Reviewer rave: "With four cats and two kids you can only expect so much from a vacuum. We vacuum almost daily and so far this has been a fantastic purchase. The suction has kept up with cat hair, litter, and everything else so far. There is sufficient power and it’s relatively quiet. It’s not too heavy (average to lightweight) and easy to maneuver/operate. I would place this at the top of a middle tier vacuum. It’s proven to be worth the price." —amazon.com

With over 33,000 reviews on Amazon, this Shark vacuum with a HEPA filter should definitely be on your radar. It swivels so it's super easy to maneuver, and the top is removable with just one button. Why have that removal button, you ask? This way you can clean hard-to-reach surfaces and nook-like floor sections without lugging the entire machine around the house.

Rating: 4.5/5

Reviews: 33,012

Reviewer rave: "I absolutely love this vacuum. With 2 dogs, a cat, and a 6 month-old I needed a good vacuum for a good price and that is exactly what I got. Amazing suction, lots of accessories, and perfect for both carpet and hard floor. Picks up dog hair like you wouldn't believe." —amazon.com

This vacuum makes it easier to clean and super-simple to dispose of your dust and dirt too. How? The product has no-touch HEPA bag technology, which means that with the press of a button you can release your debris into the trash can, but it's also hands-free.

Rating: 4.4/5

Reviews: 5,882

Reviewer rave: "This vacuum really sucks! (Get it?) Super impressed with the power, weight and maneuverability of my new kenmore intuition! The bag allows for NO dust escape at all. My last kenmore vacuum lasted 18 years & I only let it go because it was too bulky & heavy." —amazon.com

This HEPA vacuum cleaner does not have a cord. It’s pricey, but if you hate tugging at your extension while you make your way around the house, this one's for you. Plus, it can run up to 60 minutes at a time, so it’s perfect for larger homes and deep cleans.

Rating: 4.6/5

Reviews: 11.738

Reviewer rave: “The first time I used the V11 I was extremely impressed with the pick up capacity. I was able to clean my entire apartment, with baseboards and detailing of dusty furniture and blinds, in under 45 minutes one morning before I went to work. I couldn't believe how much dust there was but already my eyes and sinuses are less itchy.” –amazon.com

This HEPA vacuum is best for heavy-duty messes. It's got a crush-proof tank and hose, plus a 30-foot extension cord length. And, most importantly, when it comes to filtration, this device has a HEPA cartridge filter, microfiber pre-filter, sealable tear-resistant collection bag, and a HEPA-material exhaust filter for max protection and allergen pickup.

Rating: 4.5/5

Reviews: 2,194

Reviewer rave: "I've never owned a HEPA vacuum or shop style vac before but I have to say I have never been so impressed by a machine such as I had with this one. Considering its reasonable price given what it does it is worth every penny." —amazon.com

This vacuum is a real steal—it's only 80 dollars, and it has over 2,900 positive reviews on Amazon. The slim, swivel-steering design makes it super easy to maneuver around your home, and the powerful motor picks up all kinds of debris (even those bigger chunky crumbs!) with ease.

Rating: 4.3/5

Reviews: 2,913

Reviewer rave: “This little vacuum really packs a punch! It works incredibly on hardwood and carpet, this is honestly the best vacuum I've had! The attachments are so easy to use, and you don't have to bend over to use this, the neck is nice and long, and it's so lightweight! Battery life is great and the little light on the front of the vacuum really helps see dark and tight spaces!” —amazon.com

Sooo in case you needed another reason to get a robot vacuum, this HEPA filter one is a fan fave among Amazon customers. ICYMI, these little machines will dart around your home and vacuum for you. This one not only has a HEPA filter, but a long battery life, self-charger mode, a thin design, a remote control, and more.

Rating: 4.2/5

Reviews: 1,456

Reviewer rave: "I am consistently surprised at the amount of gunk this little guy picks up. And he keeps on going and going! The run time for this vacuum is much longer than I expected. I have hardwood, tile and carpet and it does a great job on all three.” —amazon.com

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