Got the sniffles? Here's what you need for allergy season
Say goodbye to stuffy noses this spring with some of our favorite products.
Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.
For some, spring is an exciting time filled with fresh air and new growth outside. After all, the weather is finally warm after months of winter, though not so warm to be stiflingly hot like summer. That said, that same warmth is what makes spring so miserable for others. Spring marks when plants release pollen in the air, leading to what’s known as allergy season. What should be a season full of literally stopping to smell the flowers ends for many being a terrible few months full of stuffed and runny noses, followed by a brief period of respite in summer, only for it all to start again in the fall. What’s worse, thanks to climate change, this year, pollen blooms sooner and more abundantly.
We’re here to help you get through the season comfortable so you can enjoy the weather without dealing with the allergies.
What is allergy season?
Allergy season refers to a period of time in which allergens such as pollen are more common in the air. During spring allergy season, plants such as trees and flowers release pollen as a form of fertilization.
When is allergy season?
Allergy season occurs throughout the warm months of the year — for those of us living in climates where it snows, winter will see the least amount of seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies peak in spring and autumn. If you’re experiencing an early spring, allergy season will begin earlier for you.
Shop some of our favorite products for allergy season
1. Air purifier
Remove allergens from the air with an air purifier
One way to shield yourself from allergies is to upgrade your home with an air purifier. Air purifiers capture and neutralize airborne particles such as the ones responsible for seasonal allergies, meaning it’s a great investment if you’re prone to the spring sniffles.
One of the best HEPA air purifier on the market is the PuroAir 240. This air purifier is great because of its good performance, simple controls, and auto mode do. If you decide to pick it up, don’t forget to get buy replacement filters. Not only does this air purifier boast excellent particle filtering, but it’s extremely quiet and easy to control.
2. Humidifier
Ease allergy symptoms with this humidifer.
While humidifiers cannot get rid of allergens themselves, they can ease symptoms. They can also make it easier to blow your nose, which will rid your nostrils of any allergens that have gotten trapped there. The best humidifier we’ve tested is the Levoit Classic 300S because of its high output and water capacity.
3. Pillow Protector
Rest your head on this hypoallergenic pillow.
If you’re also allergic to dust mites, then a pillow protector may also help you reduce allergic symptoms. The best hypoallergenic pillow protector we’ve tested is the National Allergy Allersoft Pillow Cover because it’s made of soft cotton and is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
4. Vacuum
Have a robot vacuum suck up pollen.
Another way to pollen-proof your home is to vacuum your floors diligently and regularly. After all, even if you take your shoes off right when you enter, you can still track pollen from outside. Fortunately, we’ve got the perfect vacuum for the job. If you’re looking to just set your vacuum and forget it, then what better vacuum to buy than a robot vacuum? Eufy RoboVac 11s is our favorite robot vacuum because it boasts excellent dirt pickup and its slim design allows it to reach into small spaces.
5. Face mask
Keep irritants out of your nose and mouth when you go outside.
As it turns out, the same mask that can help you stay safe from airborne illnesses such as the flu can also help you stay safe from allergies, for largely the same reason. KN95 and N95 masks filter out 95% of particles, including those that can leave your nose red and itchy.
6. Laundry detergent
Make sure your clothes are clean from allergens after a wash.
Pollen and other allergens can get on your clothes when you’re outside and wearing them inside can quickly lead to the safe haven that was your house becoming another vector for your allergies. To avoid this, we recommend washing your clothes more often to rid them of pollen, doing so with our favorite laundry detergent. Persil ProClean topped our tests, as it had the best stain removal of our selected detergents.
7. Dryer balls
Use these hypoallergenic dryer balls with your laundry to help ease allergy season symptoms.
After you wash your clothes, you can dry them with the best dryer balls we’ve tested. The Budieggs Wool Dryer Balls are durable and they reduce drying times. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic, meaning you won’t have to worry about dealing with yet another allergy this season.
8. Tissue
Treat your nose with Puffs
As the saying goes, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry, so if despite all your planning you still find yourself dealing with allergies, a quality tissue will go a long way in making your experience less miserable. The best tissue we’ve tested is Puffs Ultra Soft because it’s durable and, well, ultra soft.
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