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The 6 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds Reviews 2018 – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

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He’s been by your side for millions of miles on mountain hiking trails and city streets. He’s accompanied you on numerous hunting trips and weekend getaways. He’s your best friend, you constant companion, you’re closest confidant, he’s your dog. Do something for him by making sure he’s comfortable in an orthopedic dog bed that is perfectly suited for all his needs.

Best Orthopedic Dog Beds

Why Choose An Orthopedic Dog Bed?

As our best friends get older, they need a firmer cushion to support their tired bodies. Thick, firmer cushions help to relieve discomfort from arthritis, hip dysplasia, and pressure points caused by old age muscle loss. Choosing a bed with bolsters, or raised areas like the arms of your couch, gives your pooch something to rest their head and neck on for even more comfort. A thicker, firmer bed also makes it easier to get up from if your aging pup is experiencing any muscle weakness.

How Do You Choose An Orthopedic Dog Bed?

Picking the right orthopedic dog bed is going to depend a lot on your dog, your living situation, and your budget. Your dog’s size and favorite sleeping positions are absolute musts to consider as well as where you plan on putting the bed. Finally, orthopedic dog beds have a wide, wide range in prices.

  • Size Considerations: The bigger the better when it comes to the bed for your older buddy. Make sure the bed is something he can lay out on without hanging over the edges. Also, factor in his favorite sleeping positions. If he’s a sprawler, you might want something even bigger. If he sleeps tucked in a tight ball, you might be able to get away with something smaller. Another consideration is where you are putting the bed and if you have the space for a king sized one.
  • Pad Density and Thickness: In order to help relieve some of your best friend’s pain, you want a firm pad that will bounce back to its original shape immediately. You don’t want anything that squishes down and then stays squished or something that is so soft your dog will practically have to swim to get out of it. It also needs to be thick enough so that pressure points don’t poke through it and rest on the floor. Generally speaking, two-four inches is thick enough for most dogs, but you may have to go thicker for larger breeds or heavier pals. Memory foam, like the stuff in some human mattresses, seems to be a popular choice as it is firm and doesn’t lose its shape easily.
  • The Shape of It: This is totally up to your dog’s preference. Let’s bring back the bolster idea. Most dogs love these to stretch their head and neck on. They also provide a back rest or barrier between the bed and the wall. Bolsters can also make your dog feel cozier and surrounded by comfort. When picking the shape of your dog’s orthopedic bed, you will need to again consider their sleeping habits. Most sprawling sleepers will fit better on a rectangular shape, while balled up sleepers will fit an oval or circle shape.
  • Ability to Clean: The ease of cleaning an orthopedic dog bed should be a huge consideration. Choose a bed that has a waterproof or water resistant cover that can be removed and machine washed. Trust me, you and your dog will be thankful for it. Older dogs not only struggle with pain and discomfort, but some can experience incontinence issues as well, so waterproof or water resistance is a must.
  • Special Features: After you’ve found a bed that covers the basics, you can start looking to add some bells and whistles. For example, some beds have an almost sleeping bag like top so that your buddy can burrow in nice and cozy. Other’s have an oval indent in the center of the pad to make the perfect outline for a balled up sleeper. There are heated and cooled beds too. You can get a little crazy with these extra features, I would just say find one that you and your pup are comfortable with.

So now that you know what to look for in an orthopedic dog bed, let’s get to the list of the top seven beds on the market.

The 7 Best Orthopedic Dog Beds in 2018 – Reviews and Comparison

1. Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed Lounge Sofa

If you want your dog to ‘sleep like a baby’ this may be the bed for you, literally. Friends Forever Orthopedic dog beds are made from baby mattress grade memory foam. That means a firm and comfortable base. The base is surrounded by poly-fill bolsters that provide a soft resting place for tired heads, hips, or legs. This bed is covered with a water resistant liner and a soft suede, anti-tear, machine washable cover.

Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Beds seem to work really well for large breed dogs. Many consumers have worried that they wouldn’t be able to find a bed large enough for their extra large pup, but found that this bed did the trick with room to spare. This is a huge plus to keep tired limbs from hanging over the edge. Consumers also liked how easy the suede fabric cover was able to be vacuumed and washed over and over again.

A couple downsides to this bed is that the zipper and bottom fabric of the cover don’t hold up as well as the rest of the bed. The bottom fabric, the part that touches the floor, is a lightweight version of the top and isn’t scratch-proof. Also, the zipper tends to separate from itself and from the bottom fabric when used a lot.

Overall, if you’re not worried about your dog flipping this bed and tearing at the bottom, you should fair well with it. The support and comfort of it seem to be there to ease aging bodies and the foam pad holds up well to repeated or uninterrupted use.

Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed Lounge Sofa
2. Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed

If you’ve got a big dog, you need a Big Barker. This bed is specially designed for large breed dogs. The 7” thick foam is guaranteed to not flatten over time. Big Barker claims that the foam will retain at least 90% of its support for at least 10 years. That’s pretty impressive! Big Barker beds are said to be so comfortable that even humans will enjoy them and nobody, dog or human, will sink through to the floor. The cover is made from a soft microfiber that is durable enough to withstand digging and it comes off easily for machine washing. The Big Barker bed includes the rectangular, 7” thick pad and a soft bolster on one end, making it an ideal doggy lounge.

The Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed is definitely designed for those large and extra large breeds. The sheer size of it as well as the thickness and durability of the foam make it perfect to fit those large, heavy bodies.

A possible downside to the Big Barker bed would be that you have to purchase the waterproof liner separately, otherwise it’s not waterproof. You’re probably going to want something waterproof to keep ‘spills’ from getting into the foam where it’s very difficult to clean out.

This bed seems to be the top for large to extra large breed dogs and I think the 10 year foam guarantee speaks for itself.

Big Barker Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed
3. KOPEKS Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed With Pillow

KOPEKS asks you to compare the memory foam in their orthopedic dog bed to the foam in high end human mattresses. With high end foam 7” thick, this bed ought to be comfortable for your pup. It also features two water-resistant covers surrounded by an outer micro-suede cover to deliver snuggly softness. Another added bonus is an anti-slip rubber bottom to help it stay put and to keep your pup from having to chase it around the house.

Pet parents seem to like the thickness of the pad so that even extra large pups don’t sink through to the floor. They also like the softness of the cover and the durability. The size and comfort of it makes it a good product for large dogs with hip dyplasia and arthritis.

Some consumers complained that the bed never regained its shape after shipping. The foam is supposed to unfold and expand to fill the cover but some of the beds stayed lumpy and hard. This can be frustrating if you order this item online in hopes that it will be a comfy product for your sore buddy. Some have also said that the water-resistant liners allowed liquids to leak through to the foam causing it to stain and smell.

Overall, this bed seems to work very well at making large dogs comfortable as long as it unpacks properly so that they get a chance to use it.

KOPEKS Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed With Pillow
4. Dogbed4less Premium Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

Dogbed4less makes a 4” thick, high density memory foam, simple rectangular bed. This bed comes with a waterproof internal cover and two external covers so you can switch it up or have an extra one for laundry day. One of the covers is made from heavy duty denim and the other is made from a soft micro-suede. The foam is high density meaning it won’t squish down over time and will offer support for years to come.

People like that this bed is made from one solid piece of high density memory foam instead of several pieces glued together. This makes the bed more supportive, less lumpy, and the foam more durable and comfortable for all sizes of pups.

Apparently the waterproof liner isn’t very waterproof and allows urine to seep into the inner foam pad. Also, some persistent dogs were able to rip up the covers and then the foam pad. Dogbed4less Premium Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed is a nice option if you want a simple, comfortable dog bed for your favorite friend. Having two external covers to choose from gives your dog some different options, but if your pooch is a digger, this may not be the bed for you.

Dogbed4less Premium Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
5. BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed

This BarksBar Orthopedic Dog Bed is perfect for snuggly sleepers. The 4” thick human-grade orthopedic foam is topped with soft cotton padded walls and an ultra soft, quilted cover to make a cozy cocoon for your pooch to nest in. The cover is also washable and rubber backed to prevent it from sliding around the house.

Dogs seem to really like how snuggly this bed is. The softness of the cover along with the pillow walls makes it ultra cozy. The 4” orthopedic foam stands up to large breed and help relieve pressure points.

A major downside to this bed is that it doesn’t have a waterproof or water resistant cover. Also, the quilted cover doesn’t hold up to the scratching before lying down that some dogs do. This may be a better bed for those dogs that don’t scratch or dig and that don’t have any incontinent issues. It does seem to provide comfort for dogs with arthritis or other orthopedic issues.

BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed
6. Millard Premium Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

Millard makes an orthopedic dog bed made from one 2” layer of memory foam over a 2” foam base. The memory foam is made to contour to your dog’s body, while the bottom layer of foam offers a sturdy base for the memory foam. The bed also has a waterproof cover to go under the non-skid polyester cover.

Millard’s Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed is shaped and sized to make a great crate bed, but it can also be used on its own. Dogs really like the comfort of it and it seems to help ease achy joints while still being firm enough for them to get up without much trouble. Being sized to fit in a crate is a nice addition.

People have complained that the foam can mold underneath the waterproof cover. This is most likely due to leaks or punctures in the cover. If you get this bed, it may be important to remove the cover and let it air dry often to keep this from happening.

A simple rectangular bed, the Millard Premium Orthopedic dog bed may work for you as long as you can take the time to air it out on occasion.

Millard Premium Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed
7. PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed

PetFusion combines a 4” memory foam pad base with recycled polyfill bolsters to provide overall support for your best friend. The outer cover is water resistant to slow leaks from getting to the inner waterproof liner that surrounds the pad. The bolsters also have a water resistant cover. This makes lounging easy for your dog and cleanup easy for you.

Dogs really like this bed. The bolsters make great head and neck rests for those dogs that like to sprawl when sleeping. The foam also holds up well even for heavy dogs so it can offer support for achy joints for a long, long time.

Some pet owners have complained that the cover just doesn’t hold up even to just washing. The zipper tends to break and the seams come apart. Even if your dog doesn’t scratch or dig, the cover might not be long lasting.

This could be a great bed for your achy pup, but you might want to purchase extra covers or find a cover that’s a little more durable so that your dog won’t ever have to take a break from it.

PetFusion Ultimate Pet Bed

How Do You Get Your Dog To Like Their New Bed?

No matter which orthopedic dog bed you choose, if he doesn’t use it, it won’t do him any good. Getting your pup used to his new sleeping space may be harder than you think so here are some tips to get him comfy in his new spot.

  • Put the bed in a familiar location: Place the new bed in the same spot that the old bed was, but don’t get rid of the new bed just yet. Your pup may not take to the new bed like you planned, so keep the old one around just in case. Place the new bed in the old location and see what happens. If there is some resistance continue reading.
  • Make it smell familiar: If your pup has a favorite blanket, toy, etc, place it on the new bed. You can even try lying with your dog on the bed if that helps.
  • Have fun on it: Play, give treats, and praise your pup for using the new bed. Make lying on it fun, not a punishment.

Sometimes dogs just won’t take to a new bed and that’s okay. Don’t give up after just one day, keep trying for at least a week before you decide if the new bed is a no-go. If after a week he still doesn’t want the bed, you might have to try something else. Fortunately here are seven orthopedic dog bed options to try.

Cool or Warm Mist Humidifier – Which Is Best for Your House?

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The change in seasons is coming, and that means dry air, colds and flu, and any number of health issues that can be addressed by having the correct humidifier in your home.

Humidifiers are great. They are simple, effective and have become a staple in many households. Once upon a time, the gold standard was a warm mist model that was plugged in to treat cold symptoms. But now, there are both warm and cool mist types, and even those that can change between both.

So, which one do you need?

Let’s look at the basics of each type of humidifier operation.

By definition, a humidifier adds moisture to the air. The amount of moisture in the air is measured by a humidity level that is a percentage.

Since most of us don’t really pay attention to our home’s humidity levels, you might not be aware of what the healthy range is for all of us.

For maximum benefit to your sinuses, respiratory system, and skin, you’ll want the humidity levels to be around 35-45%.

Common times to break out the humidifier are when someone has a cough, stuffy nose or during allergy season.

Best Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier Reviews

The 8 Best Cool Mist Humidifiers to Buy In 2018

Cool mist humidifiers operate by using ultrasonic technology. A disc in the water reservoir vibrates at ultrasonic speed. This breaks the water into tiny droplets, and they are released into the room air.

They are quiet and efficient, and don’t use any heat. They are best for situations that require the utmost attention to safety, as they never heat the water up. They are best for children.

They have some drawbacks, such as problems with hard water and bacteria. It’s important to clean cool mist humidifiers daily to prevent mineral build-up and bacterial growth.

When evaluating a humidifier for your home, you’ll want to consider the following:

  • Running time: How long will the unit work before it needs to be refilled?
  • Easy of cleaning: How easy is the unit to keep clean sanitized?
  • Extra features: We will evaluate extra features like night lights and timers.

Here are some of the best cool mist humidifiers on the market.

Reviews of 8 Best Cool Mist Humidifiers

1. Vicks Filter Cool Mist Humidifier – Best Overall

Vicks Filter Cool Mist Humidifier

Vicks has been a leader in making humidifiers for years now. It’s quite possible that you grew up with one. This is a well-balanced unit that is our top choice for cool mist humidifiers.

It holds 1.2 gallons and has an impressive 30 hour run time. The output can be controlled by a variable controller, which is helpful in smaller rooms.

The unit is easy to clean, and most people should be able to fit their hand inside the tank to clean it without a brush.

A nice feature is the scent pads that can be added in the special slot. These can be purchased separately and will last up to 8 hours as they disperse scents like eucalyptus and menthol into the mist.

It has an auto shut-off feature, and works quietly and effectively for rooms up to 400 ft. Measurements are 11x9x15”.

Cons

  • Scent pads must be purchased separately
  • Green power light may annoy some in dark rooms

2. Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier – Best for Tiny Home Living

Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

Tiny home living is a real thing these days, and the MistAire is perfect for the pared-down lifestyle.

It has a tiny footprint of just 11x9x7”, and can fit easily into your compact lifestyle in an RV, tiny house, or similar small space. It holds 1.5 liters, and gives about 15 hours of running time per tank.

It works best in spaces under 300 sf or so. Under these conditions, it does very well. It’s quiet, has a 360 degree adjustable nozzle and also has a nightlight that will light your way in your small space.

It comes with a  cleaning brush (which helps, since it is rather small) and does not use a filter.

Cons

  • Some users have mentioned that the unit can spill water into the fan exhaust easily.
  • This is one of the pricier units in this group, especially for its size.

3. Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier – Best for Busy People

Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

This unit has an impressive 6 liter capacity and the longest running time of any of those reviewed in this category. It can cover a larger room – reviewers note that spaces up to 20×20” can benefit from the output the Everlasting Comfort machine puts out.

It may not quite be a “fill it and forget” machine, but the fact that it can go for up to 60 hours without a refill is pretty amazing. It has an auto shut-off for when the tank does go dry.

It measures in at 14x12x8, and comes in white. An optional LED nightlight feature provides a blue light if desired.

This machine also has an essential oils tray that will allow the oils to be diffused into the mist, adding fragrance to the air, if desired.

Cons

  • The size of this unit pretty much guarantees that you’ll need to place it on the floor.
  • Unit can spill condensed water when it’s being picked up for cleaning.

4. PurSteam Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier – Best for Single People

PurSteam Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

This PurSteam humidifier is a great personal size for use in a small bedroom or even at your work desk. It’s small and efficient for these types of spaces.

It holds 2.2 liters, and runs for up to 17 hours per tank. There’s an auto-shut off feature for the forgetful.

This model has a nice bright nightlight function. It’s sleek and small at only 10x10x8”- perfect for stashing on a nightstand. There’s no filter to worry about, and it is light and easy to refill.

Both the spray direction and output are adjustable – nice in tight spaces where you don’t want moisture to build up.

Cons

  • Some users have noted problems with the unit malfunctioning and needing replacement.
  • Some buyers noted that the tank is awkward to lift and carry for refills and cleaning.

5. URPOWER MH501 Cool Mist Humidifier – Best for Minimalists

URPOWER MH501 Cool Mist Humidifier

The Urpower unit is an efficient model with an adjustable output and a sleek look for minimalist households.

It holds 5 liters and will run quietly for 14-17 hours. This will be affected by the output dial.

Reviewers say that this is a simple, quiet workhorse. It doesn’t have a lot of bells, whistles and lights, but it does its job well.

It measures 16x10x8” and is probably a little large for most nightstands, but can be tucked away pretty easily, since it’s fairly shallow in depth.

It has an easy one-button operation for on/off.

Cons

  • No refilling from the top – the whole cover must be removed.
  • No light, no essential oil tray, no timer.

6. Crane USA Cool Mist Humidifier – Best for Small Rooms

Crane USA Cool Mist Humidifier

If you’re committed to keeping a smaller space on the healthy side of the humidity scale, then the Crane humidifier will be a nice choice.

It holds one gallon of water and can run quietly for up to 24 hours without overwhelming the room with too much humidity.

The design is a tidy little teardrop shape that would look cute just about anywhere. It has a small footprint and is only 9 inches wide. At the top of the teardrop is an easily adjustable nozzle that allows you to direct the mist.

It has an automatic shut off and reviewers find it to be quiet and unobtrusive in their small rooms.

Cons

  • Small water reservoir
  • Some reviewers have noted problems with longevity of the unit

7. Anypro Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier – Best for a Kid’s Room

Anypro Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

This Anypro unit will work just great in a child’s room, with its special features.

The silver composite material used is helpful in reducing mold growth, when used with distilled water. It runs quietly for a range of 20-36 hours, depending on the level of the mist output selected. The reservoir holds 3.5 liters.

For night-time use, the kids will love the special colored LED lights. They can select from a range of colors – purple, yellow, and pink are just a few.

The design is specifically to help prevent any leaking from condensation, and reviewers report few problems with drips.

The mist output can also be directed in any direction with the 360 degree nozzle. The unit is a fairly compact 9x10x9”.

Cons

  • Some people find the LED lights to be too bright and distracting in a dark room.
  • Some reviewers find the unit hard to clean, even with the brush that is included.

8. Aennon Cool Mist Humidifier – First Runner-Up

Aennon Cool Mist Humidifier

This is  another good all-around unit that earned a First Runner-Up rating from us in our cool mist category.

The Aennon has a 20 hour running time with a 2.8 liter reservoir. Reviewers find it to be quiet, trouble-free and love the colored lights.

This unit has an essential oil tray so you can also use it to disperse essential oils into the air. It has an adjustable 360 degree nozzle output for the mist, which can be adjusted for volume.

The LED lights are a nice feature that reviewers enjoy. One can choose from 7 different colors, or simply let the unit cycle through all of them on its own.

It comes with a cleaning brush, two scent sachets, and a stone filter that is intended to help with keeping the water in the unit clean. Users say that it can cover a fairly large area with scent and adequate humidity.

Cons

  • Some users feel that the mist output could be adjusted more – the current settings put out too much.
  • Some reviewers find the LED lights to be too bright.

The 3 Best Warm Mist Humidifiers to Buy In 2018

Warm mist humidifiers work in a different way than cool mist units, and that difference is why some prefer them. In a unit like this, water is heated to boiling temperature in the reservoir, and this creates the warm vapor.

In steam humidifiers, (aka: “vaporizers”) water is heated to boiling temperature in the reservoir, and the resulting vapor is pushed out into the air by a fan. These units can be used with oils like menthol or eucalyptus to help with stuffy noses and congestion.

Reviews of 3 Best Warm Mist Humidifiers

1. Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier – Best All Around

Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier

Vicks wins again with their vaporizers. This unit has everything you love about warm mist humidifiers: Medicine cup to add oils, hot steam to cut down on bacteria, and quiet operation.

It also has a good sized reservoir. This unit holds 1 gallon of water and can run up to 24 hours on a low setting. Reviewers say it’s easy to clean – the clear plastic has a wide opening and you can easily see any spots that need extra attention.

This is a larger unit – measurements are 12x8x14”. However, it covers a good-sized room, and does it efficiently.

Users can add any of the popular inhalants to the medicine cup on top of the unit.

Cons

  • Like all units, this will need to be used with distilled water, or cleaned regularly. Unlike ultrasonic units, the minerals will be left behind.
  • Uses more power than some other units.

2. Honeywell HWM705B Warm Moisture Mist Humidifier – Best for Simple Operation

Honeywell HWM705B Warm Moisture Mist Humidifier

The Honeywell HWM705B was popular with buyers because of its simple operation and easy controls. Sometimes, there’s a lot to be said for a machine that just does its job and doesn’t need a video to show how to operate it.

This unit holds a gallon in the reservoir, and can run up to 24 hours. The controls are simple – you have two output settings – high and low – and a power button. When the reservoir is dry, it shuts off. This is an easy unit for even nearsighted folks to operate.

It works well in rooms that are up to medium size, has a medication cup for inhalant therapy, and is easy to clean.

Reviewers rate these as a reliable unit that will last well, as long as the user keeps it clean.

Cons

  • Scale buildup on the heating unit
  • Some reviewers find the medication cup hard to clean.

3. Holmes HWM6008 Warm Mist Humidifier – Best for Ease in Cleaning

Holmes HWM6008 Warm Mist Humidifier

The Holmes HWM 6008 won reviewer love because of its easy cleaning capabilities. The primary plastic parts have been made with anti-microbial plastic to cut down on bacteria, and the bottom tray can be washed in your dishwasher.

The reservoir holds 1.7 gallons and can run up to 24 hours on the low setting. It performs well in smaller rooms.

The medicine cup is located on the top of the machine and can be used with all sorts of inhalant treatments.

There are two speeds and users report that this runs quietly all night. The size is 14x7x14”.

Cons

  • Some reviewers have had problems with overheating.
  • This is one of the more expensive units.

The 3 Best Warm and Cool Mist Humidifiers to Buy In 2018

If you can’t decide between the cool mist humidifiers and the warm mist versions, there’s good news. Some units will let you pick between both!

Reviews of 3 Best Warm and Cool Mist Humidifiers

1. Levoit Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier – Best All-Around

Levoit Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

Levoit has come out with a humidifier design that is sleek and efficient. It may not be what you think a humidifier should look like, but it does everything very well.

This machine holds 1.5 gallons and is designed to handle larger rooms with no problems. Running time is 20-36 hours. The tank is clear and the simple dial at the top allows one to switch from warm to cool mist.

Reviewers find the functions to be quite effective. There is a humidity sensor that allows the machine to adjust itself to maintain the desired setting. It even has a remote control.

The ABS plastic tank is easy to carry, clean and fill. The PTC heater system kills most bacteria, for clean humidification of your home.

The unit also comes with an aroma pad holder for use of essential oils.

Cons

  • Requires weekly cleaning to prevent build-up
  • Cannot be placed on wooden furniture.

2. TaoTronics Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier – Best for Tech Lovers

TaoTronics Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier

TaoTronics has come out with a unit that works well and combines a lot of features in a plain black wrapper.

This humidifier has some helpful feedback functions, holds a whopping 5.5 liters of water, and lets you switch to warm mist when you need to get the air humidified faster.

It will operate quietly for up to 40 hours on the lowest setting. Furthermore, it helps the user by monitoring the humidity level, turning itself off when the desired percentage is reached.

Other helpful features are a timer and the ability to set the unit on sleep mode – this keeps the humidity at a constant level, and the machine unable to beep during the night.

Reviewers find it to be quiet and unobtrusive. It measures 9x8x12” and comes in a sleek black case. Other features include a removable filter and cleaning brush.

Cons

  • Cannot use oils or inhalants
  • Some reviewers have found it difficult to keep clean

3. Radha Beauty Sea Jewel Cool & Warm Mist Humidifier – Most Versatile

Radha Beauty Sea Jewel Cool & Warm Mist Humidifier

The Radha unit is an attractive machine that does a lot. It combines several features that are popular in other machines, and has an attractive price point.

The Sea Jewel lets the user decide between warm or cool mist with a click. It also has a tray for essential oils, and has very quiet operation that can humidify a medium sized room.

In addition to the efficient operation, this machine also has an LED light function that allows one to choose between 7 different colors. The reservoir holds 3.7 liters, and gives up to 8 hours of run time.

The unit size is 8x8x13”, and the machine itself is blue. It comes with two cleaning brushes.

Cons

  • Some reviewers find it hard to clean.
  • Some purchasers have had problems with units arriving and not producing the warm steam. The company customer service seems to be excellent, though.

Conclusion

Selecting the best humidifier for your home should be based on the size of your home, your need for the use of inhalants or essential oils, and the desirability of features like nightlights, easy cleaning, and humidity sensors.

No matter what your choice, be sure to keep your humidifier clean and make sure that mold or mineral deposits don’t occur. With regular maintenance, even the cheaper humidifiers will last longer and perform at their best.

Sitting and Baby’s Motor Development

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Babies are fascinating! They develop so many cognitive, social, and motor skills in such a short period of time after birth. Everything from eye contact and sounds to postural control and object manipulation takes root in those first 18 months. But what is normal for baby’s development? And what can parents do to nurture that development?

Baby will meet a number of milestones in the cognitive, social, and motor aspects, and for the sake of this article, we will focus primarily on the motor component: When and how does baby sit up? There are a number of milestones that lead up to sitting and sitting is a precursor to future milestones. This article will discuss those milestones, what parents can do to foster baby’s natural development, and provide information about when to be concerned about baby’s development along with resources that may be helpful.

How to Teach Baby to Sit Up

Milestones

0-3 Months

Teach Baby to Sit Up 0-3 MonthsBefore baby can sit, he/she must have head control and trunk stability. During months 0-3, baby should be able to lift and hold up his/her head and push up on his/her arms while lying on his/her belly.1,2,3 These motor skills are essential for developing strength in the neck musculature and promoting natural spine curvatures. A baby’s head is one quarter of their entire body; compare that to an adult’s head, which is only one-eighth of the body, and you can get that baby has some heavy lifting to do just to maintain his/her head against gravity. Lifting the head up while lying on the belly or back starts to strengthen those muscles for when baby is upright.

Before birth, baby is in the appropriately named “fetal” position. This means that the spine is essentially a C-shape (see Image 1). Over time the curvatures of the adult spine form due to movement and load bearing requirements (aka lifting the head, walking, etc.). Lifting the head and pushing up onto the arms from the belly begins the work of developing the lordotic (backwards) curvatures in the mature spine (see the red and purple segements in Image 1).

The first three months are also a time when baby can use the hands to grasp objects given to them, and produce limb movement when experiencing some emotions.1,2 This beginning extremity movement lays the foundation for more intentional movements as baby becomes more aware of their impact on the environment in later stages.

4-6 Months

Teach Baby to Sit Up 4-6 Months

During these months, we begin to see more intentional movement from baby. He/she will utilize rolling to move toward or away from things or people, will reach for toys and people to indicate wants, and start exhibiting self-awareness by playing with the feet or passing a toy from hand to hand while lying on the back.1 This is a time when baby also starts to explore more upright positions, like sitting and standing. Baby will be able to sit with support, either by another person or his/her own upper body.1 Also, when held in a standing position, baby will begin to accept his/her entire weight with the legs.1

Rolling is a phenomenal way to develop trunk-limb coordination, which is key to postural control in both sitting and standing. Notice the different strategies your baby uses: initiating with upper or lower body, or rolling with hips and shoulders at the same time. There is no “right” way to roll, but we can appreciate the head, limb, and trunk control required to accomplish the task safely and consistently. Again, all of these movements, especially positional changes and weight acceptance, are so important for spinal curve development, as well as muscle strengthening. A lot of the reason why babies need time to sit and stand on their own is that they are 25% body fat!4 They have not developed the musculature to hold themselves! [And if you are concerned about the fat, don’t be! It’s there as a supplement to breast milk to provide long lasting energy for their hardworking brain as it develops! Baby’s body fat percentage decreases naturally over time.4]

7-9 Months

Teach Baby to Sit Up 7-9 Months

This is it! Baby should be able to sit unsupported during this stage. Not only that, but creeping/crawling should also being—baby is on the move!1 Add in improvements in object manipulation (ex. reaching for and playing with toys), visual tracking, and maintaining a position on the arms while lying on the tummy, and you have a baby with skilled, controlled movement.1,2 This is such a phenomenal stage; baby now has a new way to access and explore the environment, which allows for the more advanced development to come. Being able to maintain sitting balance while reaching for a toy that is beyond limb length is a high level of skill and sets baby up with the trunk control to stand quietly. You may also see baby starting to pull themselves into standing1,2, which will only help with strengthening those legs!

10-18 Months

Teach Baby to Sit Up 10-18 Months

Once baby has mastered sitting, locomotion becomes the priority: seamless positional changes, cruising, and walking are all acquired during this time, along with progressing fine motor movements, such as pinching, clapping, and stacking objects.1 All of the steps leading up to this stage significantly impact the timing and quality of these fundamental movement patterns. Let’s talk about what you, as a parent or caregiver, can do to set your baby up for success.

What Parents Can Do

Early motor skills cannot be taught to a baby in the same way that we learn motor skills (sport movements, dance moves, etc.) as adults. For one thing, communication is limited. Baby cannot follow instructions or provide feedback regarding their own movement. The good thing, however, is that baby does not need convincing to get moving. Babies are intrinsically motivated by instinctive needs and curiosity to explore their environment through movement. Your role as the parent is simple: keep baby safe, give baby opportunities to move and explore, and engage with baby. Keeping baby safe is an obvious one; if baby is in an unsafe situation, injury may occur, which could affect more than just motor development. Babies’ heads are very fragile until brain growth and skull closure is complete. A fall that causes a head injury could also lead to cognitive impairments or other developmental delays. Some ways to keep baby safe are to child-proof potential environmental dangers and to maintain a safe radius around baby, especially during free play.

Your next job as a parent or caregiver is to provide opportunities for movement and exploration. The renown “tummy time” is one way to encourage head movements in early stages, as well as set baby up to roll. Another idea is to place toys slightly out of baby’s reach and allow them to problem-solve retrieval. Holding baby in standing or supporting in sitting are also hands-on ways to familiarize baby with new positions and postural demands. These are just a few suggestions, and there are many other possibilities out there. The main point of this one is: do not leave baby wrapped up and 100% supported all the time. Baby needs to use the muscles to develop the appropriate strength and coordination.

Actively providing opportunities for baby’s movement is one way to engage with baby, however, engagement also takes into consideration all of the other aspects of baby’s development: sensory, social/communication, cognition, feeding, etc. Baby learns through imitation and practice, which means that your interaction with them is crucial for how they interpret and interact with the environment and themselves. Mimicking their sounds, facial expressions, and movements provides a mirror for what they are doing and stimulates the brain in patterning motor behaviors that work and altering the ones that do not. Baby’s brain is so malleable and receptive to learning; take advantage of it!

If You Have Concerns

Another huge part of your engagement with baby is to be able to check for any signs of abnormal development. This part gets a little scary for parents, but knowing what to look for and getting help early on can make a huge difference if there is anything amiss. I love this chart from Pathways.org about warning signs throughout development:

Teach Baby to Sit Up Concerns

Via pathways.org

If you notice any of these signs in your child, consult their pediatrician and request an evaluation. You might also consider asking for a referral to a specialist, such as a developmental pediatrician, child neurologist, or child psychologist.5 They may determine that “early intervention” is appropriate for your child. Early intervention is specialized care given to children for 0-3 years old with developmental delays or disabilities and their families, and may include physical therapy, speech therapy, and other required services.5 The sooner intervention begins, the higher likelihood of its effectiveness. Find out more about the importance of early intervention here. Other great resources are included in the references (specifically the first two).

Babies do a lot of work in their first 18 months with us: they go from squishy peanuts to walking, talking tyrants (hello, terrible twos!). A number of systems are growing and developing during this time, and motor skill development in particular utilizes the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system to allow baby to explore the environment. We talked about some key motor milestones for baby, and how those contribute to the essential trunk control, muscular strength, and bony adaptations that contribute to efficient functional movement. As parents and caregivers, it is our role to foster that development by keeping baby safe, providing opportunities for movement and exploration, and engaging with baby throughout development. Above all, it is our role to love our babies, and allow ourselves to be amazed by the little miracles they are. Now, go play (on your tummies)!

Resources:

  1. https://pathways.org/topics-of-development/milestones/
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/checklists/Checklists-with-Tips_Reader_508.pdf
  3. https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/series/your-child-s-development-age-based-tips-from-birth-to-36-months
  4. https://www.sapiens.org/body/baby-fat-is-about-more-than-cuteness/

No More Puppy Puddles: Your Guide to Potty Training Your Dog

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Your new puppy’s got it all; energy, playfulness, loyalty, and he couldn’t get any more adorable.  You’re already so attached to him and don’t remember how you ever put a smile on your face before he came along. If only he were potty trained, then he could truly be your best friend. Don’t be shortchanged. Read on for a how-to on potty training your new companion.

How to Potty Train a Dog

How Long Does it Take to Potty Train a Dog?

The short answer is it varies. Every dog is different in how she’ll respond to different methods. Timing also depends on the age you’re starting at, as well as what is in your pet’s past that may cause a delay. One thing is for sure, don’t expect an overnight success because you’re not going to get one. Also, expect there to be setbacks. Even though your pup may seem to have the routine down, there may be the occasional accident. The important thing to remember is reward her for doing right and never scold her for an accident.

For puppies, remember they don’t have the capacity or muscle coordination to hold it for very long, liquids or solids. A puppy can typically hold his bladder for the number of hours that he is months old. For example, a two month old puppy will be looking to go every two hours. I hope you’re ready for that! This guide works for puppies up to nine months old. After that, 10-12 hours is tops for any age of dog. All this means is it’s going to be awhile before you can trust your puppy home alone all day while you’re at work.

Older dogs, especially rescue dogs, may have some abuse or improper training in their past that makes potty training more difficult. There may be some other issues that you will have to overcome before starting the potty training routine. Just remain positive and don’t punish for any mishaps.

What Are the Methods of Potty Training Dogs?

The method of potty training that you choose will depend a lot on your situation and your puppy. If you live in an apartment, potty training may look a lot different than if you live on a farm. Look at your options and decide which will work best for you.

  • Crate Training: Crate training is a very common way to potty train dogs, especially dogs that are going to be traveling. Crates give dogs their own space, like giving a child his own room. It becomes his safe and comfy spot where he can go to sleep, hide, or just relax. Most dogs won’t want to make a mess in their own space so they will try to let you know when they need out. You should also make sure to let them out frequently until they get the idea. Each time your pup goes potty outside the kennel, praise like crazy. Act like he just reinvented the wheel. Give him a treat, lots of love, and of course, lots of ‘good doggy’ talk. Don’t ever punish him for pottying in the crate, just remember to let him out more frequently in the future.

Some pet parents won’t like crate training because they don’t want to confine their precious pet. Totally understandable, but just remember they only need to be in the crate until potty training is complete. Some pups will develop a connection to the crate and want to use it after potty training. Some may want to sleep in it or at least have it available as a comfort place to go. Another big plus is if you’re going to be traveling with your pup, it never hurts for them to appreciate and feel comfortable in a crate.

  • Paper Training: If you don’t have a lot of access to outdoor space, paper training may be the way to go. This works for small dogs or if you live up several flights of stairs and don’t want to run up and down them every couple of hours. Basically, paper training is showing your pup an area in your home where it’s okay to potty. Use puppy pads, papers, or something else that’s super absorbent, place them in an area that’s easily cleaned, take your pup there frequently and encourage her to potty. Again, reward her when she’s performs and never scold for accidents.

Paper training can be a little complicated especially if you’re pup is going to grow bigger than a teacup size. You won’t want to clean up messy papers from bigger dogs. Also, if you’re eventually going to potty train your pooch to go outside, paper training might confuse them because you are saying it is okay to potty in the house. Don’t discount paper training as a temporary fix or first step in your potty training process though.

  • Frequent trips outside: If it’s easy and accessible, you may decide to just let your dog outside every couple of hours. You don’t need a crate and you don’t need puppy pads for this one. Just make sure you are going out with her and rewarding her when she does well.

This method can be a little more risky for your indoor space because you dog will be roaming freely in your home, so be ready to clean some carpets. It also requires that you be around all day in order to let her outside. Even if you have a doggy door, you will still need to be there to supervise. Some dogs will use the door to go outside, but forget to potty while they’re out there, or not understand that that is what they’re supposed to do. He’ll need your supervision until he gets the hang of it.

Potty Training Secrets to Success

Potty Training Secrets to Success

If you’re looking to make short work of potty training your pup, the following important tips are must-reads.

  • Positive reinforcement only: Really pour on the love and affection for every successful potty. She’s got to feel like she just returned from a trip around the moon. You can give small training treats or just lots of pets and play, whatever your dog responds to best.

Never ever punish your dog for accidents. This not only doesn’t teach your pup potty training, it may even scare him into having more accidents.

  • Set a potty schedule: Schedules will help your puppy learn not only where to potty but also when. For very young puppies, knowing when they are more likely to need to potty will help you put them in the right place at the right time. Young puppies are more likely to need to potty first thing in the morning and right before bed. They will also need to go after playing, eating, and drinking. Finally, it’s a good idea to take them out after waking from a nap or after long periods in a crate or other confinement.

Once your puppy matures enough to hold it for several hours at a time, you can arrange the schedule to make it more convenient for you. For example, you may take your dog out first thing in the morning, at lunch time and then as soon as you get home from work.  It’s nice to set a schedule so you’re dog isn’t home doing the pee-pee dance waiting for you to let him out.

  • Be consistent! The final tidbit of advice for quick and successful potty training is to be consistent in everything you do. Be consistent with the method as well as the schedule. Don’t let your dog outside one day and then use a puppy pad the next. Don’t let her out at six am one day and then not until nine the next. Your pup needs to know what’s expected of him in order to learn what is right.

Troubleshooting Potty Training

Even if you’re doing everything right, expect to have some well, wet and stinky situations.

  • Know the cues: Potty training your pup might not seem to be working because you and your dog aren’t speaking the same language. Don’t expect her to come and ask to be shown to the restroom. Instead watch for signs of whining, pacing, pawing at the floor, or posturing to potty. Rush her outside or to the potty place with any of these signs and then praise her when things go well. Soon she’ll realize to go to the door to ‘ask’ to be let out.
  • Clean up accidents: You may notice that your dog continually returns to the scene of the crime, or a previous accident. That’s because unless you use a good enzymatic cleaner, there’s going to be some odor left there. This odor may cause them to add to the spot with more and more accidents.
  • Trusting too soon: Just because your puppy has been consistent with his potty training so far doesn’t mean you should trust him totally. Stick with the schedule. If you have to, get someone to come in the middle of the day to break up long stretches. Wait until your pup is about a year and is trustworthy before you consider giving him the run of the house.
  • Thinking older dogs have it made: Just because you’re potty training an older dog doesn’t mean it’s going to be easier. On the contrary, older dogs can become set in their ways and take a little more time to potty train effectively. Also, rescue dogs may have some abuse in their background that will make potty training even more challenging. Follow the same rules as with a puppy but realize that you may have to fix some other issues first. When in question check with your veterinarian.

Conclusion

Potty training your pup may sometimes seem like you’re trudging up a never-ending hill. We all want a puddle-free floor in our future, but realize that that comes with diligence, focus, and a lot of petting and doggie talk.

Limiting Screen Time: What For and How To?

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How to Limit Screen Time

Technology and Screens: Good? Bad? Both? Neither?

Technology is amazing. It is one of the ways that we measure our advancement as a society. The internet was probably the largest step we took in that advancement; suddenly information from around the globe was just one click away. More recent advancements have made the internet more accessible with tablets, smart phones, and other portable electronics.

This greater accessibility calls for an adjustment in our conversation about screen time, or how often we (or our children) spend looking at screens, including televisions, smart phones, and tablets. In their position statement on media use for school-aged children and adolescents, the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) found that children who watch 5 or more hours of television per day are 5 times more likely to be obese than children who watch 0-2 hours per day.1 Children with obesity are at a higher risk for developing secondary conditions including type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Another risk of excessive screen time is poor sleep quality, and children who are exposed to activity from screens before bed are found to have altered melatonin levels, which in turn affects how well they sleep.1 Poor sleep can lead to decreased performance in academics and sports, as well as decreased immune function. Other risks include cyberbullying, mental health issues (gaming addiction, etc.), and privacy violations.1 This article on the AAP website provides more information and research about all of the risks, benefits, and what we can do to optimize kids’ screen time.

Obviously, there are a lot of great aspects to device use: exposure to new ideas and information, awareness and promotion of community events, communication with loved ones who are far away and with teams for projects (to name a few).1 It would be silly to cut out screens all together, but how much is too much? And how can parents ensure that their kids have a balance between screen time and active play? The AAP recently updated their recommendations for infants through adolescents:2

  • Babiesup to 18 months old: Video chatting only (traveling parent, distant relative, etc.)
  • Toddlers 18 to 24 months old: High-quality programming that babies and parents view together
  • Preschoolers, 2 to 5 years old: No more than one hour a day of high-quality programming, viewed together
  • Kids ages 6 and up: No specific time limit. Instead, parents should “place consistent limits on the time spent using media and the types of media, and make sure media does not take the place of adequate sleep, physical activity and other behaviors essential to health.”2

Some of these recommendations are a bit vague as far as a time limit, however, the AAP provides a Family Media Planning Website to help you and your family decide what works for your lifestyle. More information on this is at the end of the article. Now that you have an idea for the guidelines, how can you actually enforce them in a way that everyone wins?

Set Up Your Environment

Eliminate the potential for sleep problems and screen-overload by charging devices in a common space overnight.2 The investment in alarm clocks is worth your child’s health and performance. Plus, it may even create an incentive for your kids to get out of bed on time in the morning! Along with taking smart phones out of bedrooms, take televisions and computers out as well.2 Having these devices in common spaces allows for better monitoring as a parent (age-appropriate websites, cyberbullying, etc.), and encourages sharing between family members.

With your screens primarily in common spaces, do not turn on the television as “background noise.”2 Instilling early that television, computers, tablets, and smart phones are used with purpose, as opposed to habit, will rapidly decrease the overstimulation that comes with too much screen time. Less background noise also encourages communication, as no one has to talk over noise or be distracted from listening actively.

Encourage Activity!3

One of the main reasons why screen time is associated with child obesity is because that time often eclipses active play. Being proactive and setting up play-dates, family trips, or in-home activities is a great way to get kids up and moving. Some examples are trips to a local park, a family walk around the neighborhood, getting everyone involved in cooking dinner or making dessert, or setting up crafts to display around the house.

There is also an option to make screen time active. Try out active video games, like Wii sports or Xbox Kinect, or flip the roles and have them make a movie or reenact a scene/skit themselves!2 The CDC recommends that kids participate in at least 60 minutes of activity per day;4 make it fun!

Provide Age-Appropriate Structures

Before putting structures in place, it is important to discuss with your family the risks and benefits of screen time, as well as create agreements around device location(s), intentional use, and how much time is appropriate for use.

Younger children do very well with routines. For example, allowing your child to watch 30 minutes of television in the morning while you get ready and 30 minutes in the evening while you cook dinner.3 Another variation on this is to set particular days that the television can be on. On those days, kids can pick their shows, and on any other day parents can pick (preferably something more educational).3 The key to success is consistency; the moment negotiation comes into play, parents will have to decide whether to hold their ground or develop a new structure (like one of the ones below!).

As kids get older, it is harder to keep a consistent routine. Token-systems can be useful in this case: the child receives tokens for completing tasks, chores, exhibiting good behaviors, etc. and each token represents an amount of screen time (let’s say, 15 minutes). The child is then able to exchange the tokens for the allotted time.3 This is not only a great way to track screen time, but also a way to teach kids about currency and self-discipline.

Another suggestion is to have kids justify their use of screens.3 This goes back to creating intentionality and purpose behind using technology and gives kids the opportunity to reflect on what they really want to accomplish and potentially explore other means of accomplishing that. For example, your teenager may want to watch a TV show in order to relax after a tough sports practice. When he/she is present to wanting to relax, he/she may decide that listening to music or baking cookies would also provide relaxation, thus having more options. The key to this one is to remain an open space; this is not about demonizing screens or the parent deciding if their kids’ reasons are “good enough.” It is about providing a moment of introspection. Practices such as these will pull forward throughout your child’s life and enhance their emotional intelligence and creativity.

An important note on all of these structures: as a parent, you will be required to reassess your own screen time and set an example for your family. The AAP Family Media Plan mentioned above (and below) is for the whole family, not just children. One of the distinctions of being a parent is being accountable for everyone following the agreements around screen time. It is within the scope of this accountability that screen time tracking apps can be a useful structure. Especially as kids get older and they acquire devices of their own and have more commitments, it can become unrealistic to only have screens in common places or even be present when your child is using said screens. Screen time tracking apps allow for monitoring of content, time, and even location of family members’ smart phones. Below, I have listed six (in no particular order) that may work for your family.

Apps5

This app has a lot! Parental control for time limits (including scheduling), app approval and usage information, and search history. There are also features like “instant pause” (pause your child’s device), “free play” (overriding settings temporarily), and task setting (set tasks to complete and reward with extra time). It works on tablets and smart phones with both Android and iOS.

This one is available for iOS devices only (iPad, iPhone, iPod). It helps parents limit screen time and includes elements to increase awareness and self-discipline in children. Avatars provide a visual of the negative effects of screen time for kids, and they are rewarded for stopping their activity on time.

This app can be synced across devices to provide consistency for screen time. Similar to other apps, it has features to set schedules and time limits, block and unblock instantly, and rewards for tasks. Additionally, this app includes a messaging feature that enables parents to message kids (like when dinner is ready, etc.). It is available for Android and iOS.

Control up to 15 devices with this app! It works for platforms such as Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Kindle. Qustodio provides all of the control features above, as well as monitors for texts and calls, location tracking, and panic alerts.

If your family already uses Norton Security, upgrading to their Premium plan will include parental control on top of their usual privacy, virus, and malware protection. There is an option to use the parental control app on its own, which provides supervision of time, searches, web browsing, texts, and videos, as well as email alerts, and monthly and weekly reports. This app will work on both Android and iOS devices.

As mentioned above, the AAP offers a structure for your family to understand their screen-usage and create a workable plan for everyone. It does require entering names and ages of family members, and all information is kept private and confidential. This is a great way to assess individual and family device usage and start the conversation about safe and intentional use of devices.

Conclusion

To wrap all of this up, mitigating the risks and enhancing the benefits of device use for kids is an intentional conversation and plan that families should explore. Monitoring screen time through changing the environment, providing active alternatives, and/or putting in age-appropriate structures (which may include the use of a screen time limiting app), can be effective in keeping your family healthy and connected. Get your family together today, and start having these important conversations. Cheers!

Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers And Diffusers – How Each Can Help The Air Quality In Your Home

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Humidifier or diffuser? Or do you need a dehumidifier? They all sort of sound the same, but what they actually do is quite different. Let’s look at what each of them actually does, what they’re best for, and what else you’ll need to know to make the best choice for your home.

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What they do

First of all, let’s talk about what a humidifier, diffuser, and dehumidifier have in common: they each deal with moisture. What each does with it makes the big difference.

Humidifiers

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A humidifier, also sometimes known as a vaporizer, adds moisture to the air. The amount of moisture in the air is measured by the percentage of humidity. For optimum health, home humidity levels should be somewhere between 35-45%.

This range will be important as we continue our discussion on what type of appliance is best for your home, so keep it in mind.

What’s magical about this range of humidity? Not only does it keep your skin feeling nice, this is where sinuses and nasal passages are happiest. If you or someone in your family has been dealing with sinus congestion, runny noses, or discomfort, and you live in a drier part of the world, you may well benefit from running a humidifier in your home.

Dehumidifiers

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A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air. Let’s go back to the healthy humidity range for your home: 35-45%. If the humidity climbs above that, the environment encourages mold and mildew to grow.

Mold and mildew are something to avoid at all costs. It’s not just that they are unsightly and can ruin paint, clothes, furniture and any other solid surface. Mold is not healthy for anyone in your family.

Other than the visible signs of mold or mildew, your family could be exhibiting the symptoms of mold exposure, such as breathing problems, allergies, or asthma.

Diffusers

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Diffusers add minimal moisture to the air. They are mainly engineered to add essential oils to your environment via a mist. Generally, they will have little effect on the overall humidity levels of your home.

The primary benefit of diffusers is through aromatherapy. If you have not experienced the sensations of smelling scents from lavender, rosemary, or other essential oils in a room, you’re in for a treat. Likewise, if you are already a fan of essential oils, diffusers will provide an effective way to add them to your environment.

How to determine what’s best for your home

First of all, you need to be aware of the everyday humidity levels in your home. To do this, you’ll need a hygrometer. It’s a long word, but the actual instrument can be quite simple. Hygrometers are included with some home thermometers, or you may just want to have a separate unit that you can move around from room to room.

Hygrometers can be purchased as the more traditional dials with a face, or as a strictly electronic version with a digital readout.

Remember, the optimal humidity range that you’re looking for is between 35-45%.

  • If your humidity levels are hovering over 45-50%, you’re at risk for both health problems and property damage. You may live in a humid climate, or your home may not be ventilated well enough to remove all the moisture that daily life puts into the air from cooking, showering, and even breathing.
  • You’ll want to look at installing a dehumidifier to help remove that moisture from the air.
  • If your humidity levels are staying below 25-30%, you may have already noticed things like dry skin, irritated nasal passages, and lots of static electricity in the air. Here’s what static electricity can look like in your home: https://youtu.be/JM6fBYiGFQg
  • To add humidity back into your air, you’ll want to use a humidifier.
  • If your home could benefit from fresh scents, and you would enjoy the ability to quickly change out the type of essential oil that you’re using, according to mood or need, you’ll want a diffuser. Diffusers are an efficient way to disperse the scent of essential oils into the air in microscopic amounts.

All About Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers come in a whole range of sizes and styles. Let’s look at the types and how they work.

Dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the air in much the same way a cold drink does on a hot day. Yes, your glass of iced tea is demonstrating the principles of this process, every time it gets beaded up with moisture.

Colder air loses its ability to hold moisture – when that cold drink arrives, it begins to pull moisture out of the warmer air around it. On a larger scale, this is how your dehumidifier works.

  • First, there will be a fan to pull the air into the unit.
  • It will have some refrigerated coils that will pull the moisture out of the air and onto the coils, just the way that cold drink does.
  • The moisture on the coils will then drip down into a holding tank, or reservoir.
  • The unit will then heat the air up and use the fans to blow the dry air back into the room. Dehumidifiers will come in a range of sizes that are designed to work in small rooms up to whole houses. They can be portable, or made to work with your house’s central heating and cooling unit.
  • Their output is measured in the number of pints per day that they pull out of the air. Models will vary in the way that they deal with that water, once it’s been extracted.
  • Some units will have a reservoir that will need to be emptied periodically. These are more portable. On these units, a float valve will indicate to the unit that the water tank is full, and the unit will shut itself off.
  • Another type of unit will have a place where tubing is connected, and then routed to a spot where the water will drain out, such as a drain or sink. These units are limited to the range that their hose or tubing will reach the drainage area.
  • The last type of unit will have an internal pump that can move the water up a tube or hose to a height that is taller than the unit itself. This configuration can be used to send the water out a window or up to a sink drain. These are also limited in their portability, dependent on the length of hose that is used.

To select a dehumidifier for your home, you’ll need to consider the amount of space that you’re treating. You’ll need to determine the square footage of the area, and assess how much air moisture you need to remove. Here is a helpful calculator: https://goo.gl/images/t6Uxmx

Once you’ve decided on the size of the dehumidifier, you can also explore features such as washable filters, energy saving mode, and humidity settings.

All About Humidifiers

Humidifiers have a less complicated task – they put moisture into the air. Here’s how the process goes on:

  • In evaporative style humidifiers, water is pulled up from a reservoir tank by a wicking filter. A fan blows across the filter, and is pushed out into the room, taking the moisture-laden air with it.
  • In steam humidifiers, (aka: “vaporizers”) water is heated to boiling temperature in the reservoir, and the resulting vapor is pushed out into the air by a fan.
  • In impeller-style humidifiers, the water is spun off a rotating disc, and onto a diffuser that releases the moist air into the air.
  • In ultrasonic humidifiers, a vibrating disc bounces the water at an ultrasonic speed, breaks it into tiny droplets, and then releases it into the room.

Selecting the proper humidifier for your home depends on the area you wish to treat. Humidifiers are available in sizes that will treat small rooms, or whole houses.

If you are treating your dry air one room at a time, you can rely on a smaller unit. The difference will be in the size of the water reservoir.

  • Console type humidifiers can treat a whole house – up to approximately 3000 square feet. These units hold up to several gallons of water when full, and are usually placed in a central area of the home. The moist air can then disperse throughout the entire space.
  • Portable humidifiers can be placed on a tabletop, countertop, or floor. Smaller models hold about .5 to 1 gallons of water, and can treat up to 400 square feet or so. Larger models hold up to around 2.5 gallons, and can treat up to 2000 square feet.

Once you’ve determined the size and type of your unit, you can consider features like cool or heated vapor, humidistats, and timers. If you choose a basic unit that does not measure humidity, you can monitor the air in your space by using a hygrometer, and by looking for problem signs like condensation on windows. Remember, the healthiest range for your home humidity is between 35-45%.

All About Diffusers

If your home’s humidity is adjusted to a healthy range, and you just want to add some of the pleasant effects of scents and essential oils into your household, a diffuser is a simple and effective way to do just that.

Much like humidifiers, diffusers push microscopic droplets out into the air. The difference is in the amount of water used. Whereas humidifiers are actively working to raise the amount of moisture in the air of your home, diffusers are only using to water to effectively disperse the essential oil scents into your environment. Some diffuser types don’t use water at all.

  • Ultrasonic diffusers vibrate a small disc under the water at a very high speed.
  • The essential oils are added directly to the water, and is mixed into the microscopic droplets that are then blown out into the air.
  • No heat is used, and a fine mist is produced. These units can be very small – tiny enough to run on a USB connection. They don’t cover as large of an area as some other diffuser types.
  • Nebulizing diffusers don’t use water. They work by vibrating a tube that holds the essential oil, and then blowing the fine mist of the oil outwards into the room.
  • Since nebulizers work with pure oils, they produce more fragrance, faster.
  • They usually aren’t left on for long periods.
  • Evaporative diffusers also don’t use water. Instead, they use a pad or filter to hold the essential oils.
  • The most efficient styles use a fan to move the fragrance out into the room. The fan blows across the pad filter, and the scent is carried out into the room.
  • The size of the unit, and the strength of the fan will determine how quickly and how far the fragrance will carry.
  • They can be operated by a battery or electric, and are usually small in size- easy to use on a desk or tabletop.

Choosing the best diffuser for your home will depend on how much fragrance you want in the air, and the amount of area you wish to treat with aromatherapy. Once you’ve made that decision, you have a range of looks you can choose from – diffusers are available in all shapes and sizes, and types of materials – from glass to plastic to ceramic.

Conclusion

Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers, and Diffusers have completely different functions, and each can contribute to a healthier home environment. It’s quite possible that you will need one of each, depending on the season and your own personal preferences.

It’s not unusual for a home’s humidity to range from 20-65% at any time. With the proper use of dehumidifiers and humidifiers, you can control this range to the optimal 35-45% that is healthiest for your skin and respiratory system. Proper humidity control can also minimize problems in your home such as sticking doors, static electricity, and mildew.

Once you’re happy with the humidity range in your home, you can also enjoy the pleasant fragrances and mood-enhancing qualities of essential oils in your diffuser. Your diffuser won’t significantly alter the humidity in your home, but it can certainly improve the quality of your life through its ability to scent a room.

Best Cordless Vacuum for Hardwood Floors – Reviews 2018

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Cordless vacuum cleaners have come a long, long way since the days they were weak substitutes to regular vacuums and best used in a tiny apartment. With the invention of better, stronger, longer lasting batteries, they have much more power and much more range.

A cordless vac has always been a great and lightweight way to pick up messes quickly. Now, they’ve increased their capacity, and some even have attachments for a more thorough cleaning experience.

One might argue that some of the newest models are all you need, and that it’s time to give away your old vacuum cleaner. That’s entirely possible, especially if you have hardwood floors in your home. We’ll evaluate the best of the cordless vacs out there to help you make your choice.

Since cordless vacuums help you escape the tangle of electric cords, we’ll check on the total running time you’ll get from each battery charge.

We’ll look for any additional features, such as hand attachments, that may meet your special cleaning needs.

Another reason for breaking free of corded vacuums is the weight involved. We’ll report on how much each unit weighs.

And, in case you still have smaller throw rugs to vacuum in your home, we’ll advise on the best machines to handle them.

Go ahead and drop that bowl of popcorn on your wood floors – let’s go try out some vacuums!

Best Cordless Vacuum for Hardwood Floors

Our Reviews: 10 Best Cordless Vacuum for Hardwood Floors 2018

1. Dibea KB-9008 Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner – Best for Dorm Rooms

If you’re looking to set up your college-bound student with a way to keep the old room tidy, the Dibea KB-9008 is an affordable choice. This is a well-priced unit, with features that will help your collegian clean from dormitory to car.

The Dibea weighs in at a trim 6.8 pounds, and has a slim profile that allows it to be stored upright – nice for smaller spaces. It is primarily a hard floor specialist, and reviewers note that it performs well on hardwood, tile and other types of hard floors – as dorm rooms normally have. It will also handle light rugs.

In crowded dorm rooms, the flexible head that rotates 180 degrees will make sweeping around various items easy, and will also reach into those corners and under furniture.

Reviewers say that it is quiet and great for the sort of spot cleaning that dorm life often requires. It runs for up to 40 minutes on a charge, allowing your student time to clean well and also loan it out to their neighbors.

A notable feature of this machine is the 2 in 1 design with a hand vac unit that can be removed for cleaning things like beds, couches, and countertops. It can also be used in cars. The two suction modes allow for deeper cleaning on things like auto floor mats.

The motorized cleaning head is efficient for lifting up dirt and debris in light carpet. The dust bin is not large, but serviceable at .5 liters. Reviewers like the rubber wheels that glide easily and don’t mark up floors.

Recharging time is 4-5 hours, per the manufacturer and reviewers. It comes with a HEPA filter.

Dibea KB-9008 Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner

CONS:

  • Reviewers agree that the Dibea does very well on hard floors, but struggles with anything other than the thinnest of rugs.
  • Per some reviewers, the power button is placed awkwardly – making it easy to accidentally turn the machine off while using.
  • The roller brush can become tangled with hair easily.

2. Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner – Best Way to Simplify

If you’ve recently been inspired to downsize and reduce, then the Dyson V8 is the one to consider. This gives the suction power that the company is known for, while reducing the size and weight – while still providing the user with lots of useful attachments.

Weighing in at just under 6 pounds, this unit even has a wall-docking station that stores the tools on it. If you’re really trying to make room and replace some household electronics, it’s a great feature.

Reviewers praise the efficient work this machine does on hardwood floors. The V8 has a special hardwood floor attachment with a soft roller head, and can handle larger and heavier debris like cat litter.

Additional attachments include the carpet cleaning head, a crevice cleaner, a soft dusting brush, a combination head with an extension wand, and an animal hair cleaner. Although reviewers pointed out that it wasn’t totally efficient on very deep pile carpet, the carpet cleaning head is mentioned as being very competent on lower pile rugs.

This model also quickly converts to a handheld unit for cleaning upholstery and places like stairs, making it truly versatile. Reviewers say it does a nice job out in the car on upholstery and floor mats, too.

It runs for up to 40 minutes per charge on the regular settings, and up to 25 minutes when using the motorized attachments. It has a HEPA filter and also touch-free emptying of the .14 gallon bin.

Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

CONS:

  • The power button must be held down while using the machine. This can be a problem for many people with impaired mobility or arthritis.
  • Battery life is cut by almost half when using the higher suction settings.
  • Dust bin is much smaller than some comparable models

3. Tineco A10 Hero – Best for Life On The Road

Do you need the best way to keep your travels clean and carefree? The Tineco A10 Hero is going to be a terrific choice for you. Not only will the sleek unit store easily – it will take care of your floors and much more. Weighing in at just 5 pounds, it has great power for its size, according to reviewers.

The unit comes with a detachable battery pack, and gets up to 25 minutes per charge, and additional battery packs are available for purchase, if your space regularly takes more time than that to clean.

Nice features that are standard on the machine are a power brush with LED lights (great for getting in those corners), a crevice tool, and a dusting brush. Your motorhome or trailer can be cleaned top to bottom – and you can even tackle sand from the beach.

Reviewers mentioned that this is a quiet vacuum to use – which is certainly a nice feature in a small enclosed space. They also say that the suction stays strong and consistent, even as the battery goes down.

The motorized attachment does a nice job on low-pile carpets and upholstery, per reviewers. This could easily be used all over your RV, even in the driver’s section.

Tineco A10 Hero Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

CONS:

  • This unit is quite compact, and has a smaller dust bin.
  • Does not stand up on its own when stored – must be put away flat or hung from the included storage rack.
  • Some reviewers mentioned that it does not handle throw rugs well and tends to suck them up into the power head.

4. The Shark Navigator Freestyle Upright Stick Cordless Bagless Vacuum – Best for Homes With Pets

Hair – cat litter, missed pieces of kibble – these demand more suction power from your machine. The Shark Navigator has this, and also other features that make your life with pets easier.

Weighing in at 7.5 pounds, the Navigator has strong suction and can handle pet debris.Reviewers really liked the fact that it quickly picked up pet hair, and then emptied easily. This model does have an extra large dust bin, so it doesn’t need to be emptied as often as some of the other models reviewed.

The Navigator has a swiveling head that works well to get around furniture legs and corners. It operates more like a conventional vacuum – nothing to break down, and it stores upright in the charging stand. Charging time is about 4 hours, and battery life is about 20 minutes per use.

Reviewers say it does a good job on all types of hard floors from wood to tile. It also comes with a rotating brush head that can be activated for switching between carpet and wood floors, simply by tapping your foot.

They also say that the Navigator does well at picking up pet-specific debris like kibble, cat litter, tracked-in wood mulch, etc. The brush head has a low profile and is easy to maneuver under counter edges and below furniture – exactly where pet hair tends to go.

Shark Navigator Freestyle Upright Stick Cordless Bagless Vacuum

CONS

  • The unit has a blinking light that indicates when it is charging – this will stay on during the entire 4-hour battery charging cycle. Some reviewers find it annoying, so we feel it’s worth mentioning.
  • This a truly a hardwood floor machine, and does not perform well on carpets.
  • The 20 minute running time on a charged battery is on the low end of the range for models we reviewed.

5. Ergorapido Lithium Ion 2-1 Stick & Handheld Vacuum – Best for Multi-Story Homes

If you are on the hunt for a vacuum that would help lighten the load as you go up and down the stairs, then the Electrolux Ergorapido is an attractive and lightweight addition to your cleaning arsenal.

The Ergorapido Lithium Ion Plus 2-in-1 cordless offers two vacuums in one, and only weighs in at 5.5 pounds. If you’ve been clunking your vacuum up and down the stairs, or using a long wand to work on steps, this is a breath of fresh air.

Reviewers love that the suction on this model stays strong as you clean. The battery lasts up to 21 minutes, and is replaceable by ordering online. The time to recharge is about 4 hours.

The handheld unit pops off easily and is very lightweight. It’s strong enough to get stair treads clean, and light enough to maneuver onto higher spots that need a bit of a touch-up. With the dust collector located on the same unit, it’s easy to stop and empty out before moving on to the rest of your hardwood floors.

The Ergorapido Lithium is easy to carry and will stand upright while you move furniture or other items. The cleaning head swivels 180 degrees, which allows you to steer easily around furniture legs or corners. It also comes with an additional crevice tool and dusting brush that store in the handle.

Lots of reviewers complimented this machine’s easy emptying of the dust bin. The bagless design means that contacting dust is minimal.

The head is motorized and will also work on light rugs. In between uses, it plugs in to recharge while it stands up. There is no charging stand to fuss with.

Ergorapido Lithium Ion 2-1 Stick & Handheld Vacuum

CONS

  • This is primarily a hard floor machine and does not work well on anything more than light rugs.
  • Shorter battery life than some other units reviewed
  • Some reviewers noted that the battery needed replacement after several months.

6. Shark IONFlex DuoClean Ultra-Light Cordless Vacuum – Best Housewarming Present

For a great gift to someone just moving into their first home, consider the Shark IONFlex DuoClean Ultra-Light Cordless Vacuum – it is a present that will take care of many cleaning tasks.

This unit comes with two battery packs, so that you can switch out the batteries as one runs down. If one person wants to vacuum the floors, and another wants to clean up the car, there’s enough battery life to share.

The machine will operate for up to 20 minutes on each battery, and about half that for the more powerful setting. You can double that time if both the batteries are kept charged. Even with the strong motor, it weighs in at a light 8.7 pounds.

The IONFlex comes with accessories that make it easy for people to clean everything in their home. It converts into a handheld vacuum that can reach behind furniture and up to cobwebs. The upholstery tool, crevice brush, and two dusting brushes make cleaning fragile items or car interiors easy.

The cleaning head has both a bristle brush and a soft brush roll to handle cleaning hardwood floors, tile, and carpet.

Reviewers say it has great suction and like the buttons that allow you to switch easily from hard floors to carpet. The handheld unit has strong suction and weighs about 3 pounds on its own.

The dust bin is a nice sized .7 liters, and is easy to empty. The whole unit maneuvers on rollers and can be configured to reach way under beds and behind furniture without stooping.

Shark IONFlex DuoClean Ultra-Light Cordless Vacuum

CONS

  • Somewhat heavier than the other machines we reviewed.
  • The IONFlex comes in at the high end of the price range for cordless vacuums.
  • Some reviewers noted battery life to be shorter than what the manufacturer states.

7. Deik Cordless Vacuum Cleaner – Best for The Allergy Prone

If one of the reasons you prefer hardwood floors in your home is to cut down on allergy-provoking dust, the Deik Cordless is the one to look at. This was a popular choice with reviewers who wanted good suction with hands-free bin emptying and good filtration.

The machine has one of the longest battery lives of the ones reviewed – up to 50 minutes on “Eco Mode”, and 25 minutes for the high-power setting. The recharging time using the base charger is about 5 hours.

Reviewers almost all agreed that the suction on the Deik Cordless was strong and efficient. This suction can also be utilized by using the detachable hand vac unit. The whole machine weighs in at 8.5 pounds.

The excellent filtration features of this unit are what make it stand out for allergy sufferers. It uses a total of 3 filters – one of them a washable HEPA filter, to screen out the maximum amount of dust particles. It also has hands-free dustbin emptying that allows the user to just hold the bin over the trash and push a button.

Reviewers also liked the LED lights that are standard on the unit, which help show up debris that might be otherwise missed.

Deik Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

CONS:

  • Reviewers note that the paper filters need to be cleaned regularly for the best cleaning results.
  • Not effective on rugs or carpet
  • Battery charge time is longer than on some other units.

8. Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner – Best for Homes With Children

Keeping up with dropped cereal, outside dirt and other parts of toddlerhood can be a challenge  – that’s why we recommend the Hoover Linx model.

This is a well-priced machine that is ideal for keeping around in those high-traffic areas where the kids run through. It has the Hoover WindTunnel technology for good suction – perfect for those missed cracker pieces that hit the floor.

the Linx has a wide head with edge cleaning bristles that allows the user to work faster and more efficiently, even up against walls and around corners. Reviewers really love the way it works on hardwood floors, and say it does a terrific job of picking up all kinds of miscellaneous dirt and debris. They also like the easy-empty dirt cup.

Another favorite of the reviewers was the battery life indicator on the handle of the unit. They report that they can get up to 40 minutes of cleaning time on each battery. The settings that utilize the motorized head require more power. The batteries are interchangeable and can be swapped out to recharge while the user continues to clean.

The whole unit will recline to reach under and behind furniture, and it will switch between hard and carpeted floors easily. It weighs in at just over 10 pounds and has a two year warranty.

Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

CONS

  • Some reviewers experienced problems with hair wrapping around the roller head.
  • One of the heavier units that we reviewed.
  • Some users do not like the batteries that must be removed to recharge. If you prefer a charging dock, this machine does not have one.

9. Roomie Tec Cordless Vacuum Cleaner – Best All Around

Out of all the units we reviewed, the one with the best balance between price, features, and performance was the Roomie Tec Cordless. Not just a cute name – the Roomie Tec is a nice little vacuum for general use. It combines the popular feature of a two-in-one style with adequate power and general versatility.

The Roomie weighs in at just 4.5 pounds, with the detachable handheld unit weighing 2.1 pounds. Reviewers really liked how lightweight the unit was, while still providing the power to deal with things like pet hair on hard floors.

The battery lasts for up to 23 minutes when the machine is used in “Eco Mode”. It recharges on a base, and takes about 4 hours to do so.

This machine also comes with a crevice tool that can be used for cars and upholstery. Another nice feature on the main motorized cleaning head is LED “headlights” to help with effective cleaning even in dark corners. Reviewers noted that they are quite bright and helpful.

The head swivels 180 degrees, and also bends down easily. This makes it a machine capable of getting around corners, furniture legs, and under beds. If additional cleaning is needed off the floor, the handheld unit pops off the handle, and can be used on things like counters and windowsills.

A feature reviewers liked on the Roomie was the removable beater bar – allowing the user to remove any hair tangles more easily.

The dust bin holds .5 liters and is clear, so that you can see when it needs to be emptied.

Roomie Tec Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

CONS

  • Not that effective for rugs and carpet
  • Some reviewers have had problems putting the dirt cup back on the machine after emptying it.
  • Filters should be changed frequently to maintain suction

10. Bissell 1984 Air Ram Cordless Vacuum – Best for The Speed Demon In Your Family

As a fast-moving, easy maneuverable machine, the Bissel Air Ram should please even the budding race car driver in your household. It’s mean, green, and pretty lean at under 8 pounds.

This machine is efficient and strong – reviewers noted that it is really easy to maneuver and that the headlights are strong and good at highlighting problems areas. It even empties quickly – the “Easy Empty” slider pushes out the dirt and debris for the user, so that it’s fast and tidy.  The dirt cup holds about .6 liters, and features a washable felt filter.

Battery life for the Air Ram is also more than adequate for a quick cleaning session – it lasts for up to 40 minutes without any loss of power or suction. The unit recharges by removing the battery – the total recharging time is about 5 hours.

Reviewers say that this vacuum does an excellent job on hard floors. The power head has a multi-surface brush roll that can be used to clean both hard floors and carpet. The handle can be laid almost flat to reach far under furniture, beds or other low items.

Reviewers also noted that it does a good job on both dusty floors and in picking up pet hair.

The handle can be collapsed for easier storage, and the unit can be stored away from the batter while it recharges.

Bissell 1984 Air Ram Cordless Vacuum

CONS

  • Reviewers recommend frequent cleaning of the washable filter to avoid loss of suction or lingering pet odors.
  • There is no option to run the machine without the roller brush – this may lead to hair tangling in the power head.
  • There is only one power setting – no low or high speed is available.

Conclusion

Choosing the best cordless vacuum for your hardwood floors can involve decisions about how often and long you will be cleaning, how much dirt you usually gather up in the dust bin, and the way you’ll be using the machine – on multiple floors, for example

The number of throw rugs or carpeted areas that may be included in your cleaning process can also be very important, as well as if you’ll need to reach higher or further than some machines can handle. Evaluating your normal use will help you pick out the best machine from the wide away of lightweight cordless options that are available to you.

Best Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair 2018 – A Guide for Dog & Cat Owners

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Pet owners can be almost as passionate about vacuum cleaners as about their pets. Exaggeration? Not really. Unless you’ve trained your dog or cat to shed neatly into a trashcan, you’re going to be faced with hair and dander all over your home. Since we love our pets, we have learned to love a good vacuum. In this article, we’ll look at the best vacuums for pet owners and narrow down the choices for you.

Best Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair

How to Choose the Best Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair

What makes a good pet vacuum? Nearly all manufacturers have come out with models that are designated specifically for owners of pets. What lies behind the catchy names are some common features that we’ll evaluate in our reviews.

  • Suction – To really pick up hair, kibble, stray cat litter and other pet-related debris, pet vacuums have powerful suction. This can be somewhat subjective, but we’ll look at overall horsepower and reviewer opinions to see which models can really handle shedding season.
  • Tangle reduction – A common problem with vacuums that use a rotating beater style brush is that they can get hair or other long items wrapped around the brush as it turns and works. If you’ve owned a vacuum, you’ve probably encountered this issue, and have had to reach for the scissors to cut the brush free. We’ll talk about the models least prone to this issue.
  • Filtration – For those with allergies, or simply pets who like to bring a bit of the fragrant outdoors back inside with them, filtration is an important feature to consider. We’ll talk about the type and effectiveness of filters in our reviews.
  • Capacity – If you have long-haired pets or simply a larger space, the capacity of the dustbin is important: it’s where the dirt and hair go before being emptied into the trash. We’ll examine the variations in size and let you know which ones are better for your lifestyle.

Along the way, we’ll also look at other features, like cord length, attachments and extra features such as mopping and programming. Ready? Hide the pets, we’re about to turn these machines on!

Our Reviews: 10 Best Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair 2018

1. Eureka Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum Cleaner – Best for procrastinators

When you’ve put off house cleaning and guests are coming over, this is the model to reach for. This is a canister vacuum system – the main cleaning unit rolls along behind the power head. It’s literally the one to grab when you’re doing some quick clean-ups – the handle is located on top of the compact unit (9 by 17-1/2 by 11-1/3 inches), and the whole machine weighs just 9 pounds.

You’ll be able to work quickly throughout your home and address all kinds of clean-up issues as you spot them. The two extension wands can be snapped on to reach cobwebs and dirt in far corners. There are also extra tools that are included as part of the “pet package”. The small beater brush attachment can be used for stairs and upholstered furniture for a deeper clean, and the crevice tool allows the suction to be targeted into small areas for maximum pick-up. There’s also an angled soft brush for walls and other surfaces.

The primary floor unit does not have a beater brush, and thus avoids the hair tangling issue. It works well for lower pile rugs and bare floors but may not have adequate cleaning power for deeper carpets. The 12 amp motor gets fine reviews for its general suction – which can also be adjusted.

The Mighty Mite uses disposable paper bags and features HEPA filtration to reduce odors as you clean. The bags are nearly the size of the canister, so actually hold quite a bit, considering the smaller size of this vacuum.

The lightness of the unit allows for easy use up or downstairs. The 20-foot cord gives you reasonable reach from the nearest outlet. Reviewers really liked the portability of this machine. When you’re done cleaning up, the tools are stored on the canister, the cord wraps up, and you’re able to stow it away and welcome your guests!

Eureka Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Cons:

  • Not suitable for heavier pile carpets, due to the lack of a rolling element on the cleaning head.
  • Some reviewers have noted that the wand extensions are joined by sliding them together, and can sometimes slip apart.
  • With a bag, you’ll need to remind yourself to check when it’s time to empty.

2. Dirt Devil Razor Pet Steerable Bagless Upright Vacuum – Best features on a budget

When you’ve decided you need the special functions of a pet vacuum, but still want to mind the budget, the Dirt Devil Razor Pet delivers some nice features, while keeping the price tag under $90. Multiple reviewers mentioned this model’s great ability to handle long pet hair on carpet.

This is a canister style vacuum with an extra large dirt cup, emptied by detaching it from the top of the unit. Generally, it is light, maneuverable, and reviewers rated its suction as very good, even with a full load of hair and dust.

The attachments are the real bonus here. Not only is there a 10-foot extension wand, there are some pet-specific accessories that are really useful. A 2-way crevice and dusting tool, a powered stair and upholstery tool, and the “Turbo Claw” pet tool are all designed to make clean-up of hair easy.

The Razor Pet model also includes a washable filter to help cut down on pet odor and dust. Although reviewers varied on how long between cleanings of the filter, they all agreed that the process was easy and quick. The cord is long enough to cover more than one room, and the model features a low-profile swiveling head that helps it get under and around furniture for effective sweeping. Rollers can get wound up with hair, but this machine was cited as having very easy removal and cleaning of all parts.

Dirt Devil Razor Pet Steerable Bagless Upright Vacuum

Cons:

  • May not last as long as some other machines.
  • Rollers can become wrapped up with hair.
  • Those with allergies will need to touch dirty filters to remove and clean them.

3. Miele New Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum Cleaner – Best for handing down to the children

The Miele New Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum easily tops the price range of our reviewed machines. retailing at just under $900. For that kind of price, you’d expect the Rolls Royce of vacuums – and the Miele certainly does have outstanding features.

If you have a carpeted home and a lot of different rug or surface types, this machine will give both flexibility and a deep-down clean. There are SIX adjustable speed settings for different flooring types, as well as a five-level height adjustment. Everything from hardwood floors to high-pile carpet can be adjusted for from a foot switch.

The C3 features extremely powerful suction, due to its 1200 watt motor. Reviewers praise its ability to pick up everything from sand to hair while being incredibly versatile throughout the home. The canister is easy to maneuver throughout the home, while the attachments allow you to effectively clean just about any kind of surface you come across – from wood floors to throw rugs to high or low-pile carpets.

The attachments on the Cat and Dog model consist of a Parquet Twister Brush with 180 degrees of rotation for hard floors, a dusting brush, a crevice tool, and a powered Mini Turbo Brush designed for removing pet hair from upholstery. These can snap on to the stainless steel telescoping rod for a reach of 10 feet. The cord is a generous 18 feet long, and it also features a carbon air filter for maximum odor control. Users say it is easy to use, quiet and is built to last for decades, not years.

Miele New Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Cons:

  • At almost $900, the Miele is an investment.
  • The roller brush cannot be removed for cleaning of hair, thread, etc.
  • Service centers for repair can be hard to locate

4. Bissell 1650A Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum – Best for dealing with the “Long Hair Issue”

If you’ve spent more time crouched over the vacuum head with a pair of scissors than actually vacuuming, then check out the Bissell 1650A model. Bissell’s Tangle Free Brush Roll promises to make your life easier. This is a canister model vacuum with easy emptying and an exclusive Cyclonic Pet Hair Spooling System that pulls pet and human hair away from the dirt in the basket, making for easier emptying.

The Pet Hair Eraser is equipped with special tools to make removing pet hair easier all around your home. A 2-in-1 Pet Brush has rubber fingers to help lift up hair while the soft dusting brush takes care of anything delicate. Reviewers really loved the crevice tool – it has a nice feature in the LED light that helps you locate stray dirt in tight places. And, the powered TurboEraser Tool helps power out hair and debris from upholstery, stairs and throw rugs.

For straightforward vacuuming, reviewers love the maneuverability and wide sweep that the 1650A offers. The suction is more than adequate, and the 1.5-liter canister is easy to empty. The cord is one of the longest in our reviews, at 30 feet. The unit includes a SmartSeal system to reduce allergens and odors.

The unit adjusts easily from hard floors to various carpet heights from the power head. Reviewers agreed it does a good job on all sorts of pet-related debris – from bird seed to cat litter.

Bissell 1650A Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum

Cons:

  • The extension wand is not rigid and may be hard to use at ranges of more than 4 feet or so.
  • Some reviewers noted the need to watch for hair building up at the ends of the rollers.
  • This model is currently available in only one color – a bright, almost fluorescent green. This might be a dealbreaker for some buyers.

5. Shark Rotator Professional Upright Corded Bagless Vacuum – Best for homes with stairs

The Shark Rotator Professional combines all the features of other upright pet vacuums with the ability to be more portable. This model has a “Lift Away” design feature that people with multi-story floor plans will really appreciate. A button located on the canister allows the user to remove and carry it to use as a portable, or to clip it back on to use as a standard upright vacuum. If you have a lot of stairs, or just need to reach into small spaces like closets, the portability of this model is a plus.

The model also includes an array of accessories that reviewers liked. The portability aspect, along with the turbo power brush, made cleaning up upholstery and pet beds easy. The crevice tool is essential for getting into upholstery seams and tight spots, and the brush tool works on more delicate and irregular shapes like light fixtures. The floor brush is lighted and this is a favorite feature among reviewers. It does make a difference in finding and vacuuming up various debris on darker surfaces. It also swivels, which makes getting under and around furniture much easier.

The dust cup is large and allows you to get through a lot of cleaning before needing to empty it. Reviewers mentioned the fine job that the HEPA filtering system did in reducing pet odors and in leaving the air smelling fresh after the vacuuming chore was completed. The suction is powerful and works well on both carpet and hard floors.

Shark Rotator Professional Upright Corded Bagless Vacuum

Cons:

  • Some reviewers have mentioned the replacement cost of the filters, which do need to be replaced regularly.
  • This is one of the heavier units reviewed, at almost 20 pounds.
  • Reviewers have commented that the entire unit is hard to handle and steer.

6. Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner – Best for speed and portability

If you’ve been considering the ease of using a stick vacuum, the Hoover Linx is definitely one to consider. To go along with the other advantages of this style, this model is cordless and rechargeable. It also works well on carpet and rugs, unlike some other stick vacuums. Hoover has added a motorized brush roll and their powerful Windtunnel technology to ensure that this model can be used all around the house.

The Linx is light and maneuverable, and the lithium-ion battery provides up to 40 minutes or so of vacuuming. It does take time to recharge, and some reviewers with larger homes have gotten around this issue by purchasing additional batteries. That said, it provides great suction and it doesn’t fade as the battery runs down. The dirt collector is large and easy to empty, per reviewers. It has settings for both hard floors and carpet, with many reviewers mentioning that it performed especially well on hard floors.

The Linx has no additional hoses or attachments. The handle construction allows it to lay down at a steep angle – this is helpful for reaching under furniture or cabinets. The lighter weight makes it easy to maneuver. It’s easy to store, and a great unit for quick cleanups – there’s no outlets to search for, no cord to wrangle, and it’s easy to carry from one end of the house to another.

Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Cons:

  • No attachments. If you do a lot of upholstery cleaning or need to reach out-of-the-way spots, this is not a good choice.
  • Battery life. If your vacuuming clean ups only take a half hour or so, you’re in luck.
  • The durability of the roller unit is an issue that has been mentioned by some reviewers.

7. iRobot Roomba 980 Robot Vacuum – Best for technology and gadget lovers

Don’t get us wrong – the iRobot Roomba is a solid machine – but the latest touches of technology are sure to please the gadget lover in you, as well. The 980 model is ready to plug into your Smart home technology.

The unit connects seamless to your home WiFi and gives you a whole array of extra features. Did you ever wish you could add more customized cleaning to your cleaning bot? The 980 comes with Enhanced iRobot HOME App that you can use with your smartphone. You can schedule times, direct it to clean high traffic areas more often, do extra passes, and check to see where it’s been working, in case you forgot.

Sensors on the unit detect where extra dirt is located, and the 980 automatically adds more cleaning power when it works on those areas. It also adjusts automatically for surface height. for homes with multiple surfaces, it handles carpet and hard floors differently. Power Boost mode will automatically increase the air power to efficiently clean any embedded dirt or hair on rugs and carpets.

Reviewers love that the 980 can handle different room configurations, and be programmed to deal with any problem areas. They also complement the easy use of the bin design when emptying the unit.

The 980 handles dog hair and dirt efficiently, and reviewers also like that it can be programmed to return to the charging base when it’s full.

iRobot Roomba 980 Robot Vacuum

Cons:

  • The Roomba 980 comes with a lot of features, and like any advanced technology, it’s not cheap.
  • Reviewers mention that the Roomba performs poorly or not at all on black floors or carpeting.
  • The cleaning power of this unit means that it can be noisy – it’s something you want to run while you’re away from home.

8. Dyson Ball Animal 2 – Best for when you need power and then some

Dyson vacuums are known for their suction power, and the Animal 2 is certainly no weakling in the product line. If you need reach and the ability to vacuum up almost anything, this unit is a great choice.

Since this is a pet vacuum model, there are some special features and attachments to address the particular needs of animal owners. One of the features that reviewers consistently compliment the Animal on is the type and length of the extension wand. This is located permanently on the unit and is stored within the hose. It can be pulled out and extended with a couple of clicks. The wand provides a convenient and non-flexible length for pushing into corners and up into areas around the ceiling. Any of the attachments can also be used on the wand.

The Animal’s range of attachments includes a crevice tool for tight and narrow spots, a Tangle-free Turbine tool, stair tool, combination tool with a brush. The turbine tool is mean for upholstered items and items like lighter rugs that might be sucked up when using the cleaner head. The cleaner head itself is self-adjusting and turns the beaters off when on hard floors. Reviewers praised the strong suction and the ability to clean along floorboards.

The dustbin is emptied with a button and holds just over half a gallon. There are 3 filters for effective dust and odor control – these can all be washed and air dried. The canister is clear and lets you know when it’s time to empty it. Even with the company’s fame for never losing suction, you’ll still need to do this frequently. The cord is one of the longest in our reviews – measuring at 35 feet.

The Dyson also comes with a 5-year warranty.

Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum

Cons:

  • This is a heavy unit with a big motor. weighing in at almost 18 pounds. It’s not the best for lugging up and down stairs.
  • The long cord does not retract and must be stored on the unit by wrapping.
  • The wand mechanism can be fussy to reinsert when the user is done with it.

9. Kenmore Elite 21814 Pet & Allergy Friendly CrossOver Canister Vacuum – Best for the traditionalist

Not every buyer is looking for a robotic wonder machine. Instead, they might prefer the more traditional canister vacuum style with some updates. The Elite 21814 is a perfect blend of old and new. The manufacturer has been making a version of this style successfully for years, and the pet version has strong suction and special tools to meet the demands of animal owners.

This is a substantial machine that divides its 29-pound weight between the powerful sweeping head and the canister. Dirt and hair are collected in disposable bags that are larger than some containers on other upright vacuums. Reviewers say that the disposal and changing of the bags are easy and tidy.

The suction power is great. The canister has a two-motor system that really delivers and takes care of pet hair, per reviewers. A telescoping wand has good reach and is metal – release of the wand is done with a floor switch.  Suction is adjustable, and it reaches well under furniture and up to the ceiling for cobwebs. The wand attachments include a bare floor nozzle, crevice tool and powered brush for furniture and carpeted stairs, and a handy fan cleaning tool. The power head also has a headlight – a popular feature for anyone sweeping debris off dark carpets.

The Elite uses multiple HEPA filtrations to deal with allergens, dust and pet odors. Reviewers like the replacement bag prices and also the ease of cleaning the soft cloth filter.

This unit may feel a little different when you’re first using it – the canister will roll along behind you while you push along the power head. It’s a bit of an adjustment – but if you’ve always had canister vacuums, you’ll find it to be easily manageable.

Kenmore Elite 21814 Pet & Allergy Friendly CrossOver Canister Vacuum

Cons:

  • Some reviewers were put off by the sound of the vacuum, describing a high pitched whine.
  • If you need to pick up the whole unit to go up and down stairs, keep in mind that this is one of the heaviest reviewed.
  • Some reviewers have noted issues with plastic parts breaking on the unit.

10. bObsweep PetHair Plus Robotic Vacuum Cleaner and Mop – Best for apartments with busy residents

The bObsweep is the only unit reviewed that also mops and sterilizes – making it a fine choice for a busy apartment dweller. It’s a robotic vacuum that has less technology than the Roomba – but also comes in at a lower price point.

The PetHair Plus model comes with some very well thought-out features that reviewers liked. The dust collection bin is a generous 1 liter in size, requiring less-frequent emptying. The suction is very good – many reviewers mention that it copes with multiple pets and their hair.

The vacuum has a friendly user interface and will communicate in sentences when there is a maintenance issue. As a robotic vacuum, it can be taught to obey boundaries and clean within certain areas. It will sense steps and turn back, and return to its base for recharging, or when its full.

This model also has a mopping and UV sterilizing feature that works to keep things clean on a daily basis. The mopping feature uses washable and reusable pads – simply wet the microfiber pad with water or cleaning solution, and send the unit off. The bObsweep also has a UV light on the bottom of the unit that can be used to sterilize surfaces as it goes over them.

Reviewers really love the company’s customer service and their responsiveness to any issues a new owner might experience with the unit.

The vacuum can be programmed or also operated using the remote that comes with the unit. It understands the type of surface it’s on – increasing suction and decreasing speed on the carpet, for example. It can also detect when it’s crossing room thresholds or floor transitions and increase power to move over them. We think the bObsweep would make a nice roommate for a busy household.

bObsweep PetHair Plus Robotic Vacuum Cleaner and Mop

Cons:

  • Mopping function is basic and meant for lighter, more frequent cleaning.
  • Some reviewers have noted that the unit seems loud when running.
  • Programming the unit will take a little time and study.

Frequently Asked Questions about pet vacuum

Q: My cats hate the sound of the vacuum cleaner and hide from it. Is there a type of machine that would be less scary?

A: Lightweight vacuums tend to be a little less noisy. Or, consider a robotic vacuum – pets seem to view them more as interesting toys than scary monsters.

Q: We have cats, birds, and dogs - and the dust and hair go everywhere. What should I look for?

A: Definitely get a vacuum with a good extension wand for reaching high above and into small awkward spaces.

Q: I’m worried about energy consumption. What type of vacuum uses less electricity?

A: Robotic vacuums are efficient and can actually save you money in the long run. Check with the manufacturer for their ratings.

Conclusion

Pet owners need vacuums with specialized features for the most effective clean. Machines geared towards these customers have consistently focused on suction power, specialized attachments to deal with things like pet hair on upholstery, the ability to avoid tangles on the rolling beater brushes, large dustbins to handle lots of pet hair and debris, and effective air filtration to reduce odors, dust and allergens while cleaning.

Your needs beyond this will help your decision on the best style of pet vacuum. Lifestyle, budget, floor plan and other factors can all indicate your best choice – whether it be for a lightweight unit that can be used on multiple floors, for a unit that needs to last for years, or simply one that you can program and forget. Our reviews should help you compare your options, and choose the best unit for you and your furry household members.

Oh baby! The Best Years to Get Pregnant May Not Be What You Think

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Making the decision to have children can be challenging. Status of relationships, careers, finances, living situations, etc. all come into play…and then there’s biology. Can you even get pregnant? Should you get pregnant? Mothers have been giving birth at older ages than previous generations, having their first child at an average age of 26. The average age was 21 almost 45 years ago.1 Is this wise? We have also seen increases in the number of children born with autism, Down Syndrome, and other congenital defects, which could be related to the mother’s age. So, what’s the scoop? What actually happens that makes women better for pregnancy at some ages rather than others? Is there an ideal age to get pregnant? Let’s explore, shall we?

We begin at the beginning: female reproductive development—the parts that apply to actually getting pregnant, at least.

Best Age to Have a Baby

Puberty

Puberty begins around the age 9-10 and, on average, lasts four and half years. Surprised? I too thought puberty was at first menstruation, however, it is actually in the years leading up to that: when growth spurts, new body hair and sweat glands, and breast growth occur. The first menstrual period is actually toward the end of puberty.2,3,4

Fertility

The first menstrual period does not necessarily mark the beginning of a woman’s fertility. Although her body is now capable of creating a suitable environment to grow a fetus, as well as providing an ovum for half of that fetus’ DNA, most females do not ovulate until about a year of menstruating.2 At that point, regular ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary) begins and a woman can get pregnant. A woman remains fertile typically until her early fifties, when menopause begins, and ovulation becomes irregular before stopping all together.

Strictly biologically speaking, the female body is most fertile and in the best position to carry and deliver a child in her 20s. Women reach their fertile peak in their 20s, and are less likely to have health complications such as hypertension or gestational diabetes.5,6,7 There is also less of a chance of miscarriages or other complications during delivery. For the baby, there is a lower risk of chromosomal abnormalities and other complications when the mother is in her 20s.7

This is not to say that getting pregnant at any other age will be markedly more challenging; research has simply found early twenties to be ideal. Here are the numbers5,8:

Age Risk of Infertility Risk of Miscarriage
20s 6% (early) 10%
9% (late)
30s 15% (early) 12% (early)
30% (late) 18% (late)
40s 64% (early) 34% (early)
No data for late 40s 58% (late)

So really, women do not have a whole lot to worry about until late 30s and beyond. Let’s look at what’s behind some of these numbers for this age group.

Geriatric pregnancy

Women who conceive after the age of 35 are considered “geriatric pregnancies.” This is because at the age of 35, fertility begins to drastically decrease despite normal ovulation and menstruation.8 There are many changes that occur in the egg cells, uterus, and hormones that cause this decrease in fertility. Research has found that there are greater chances of finding abnormalities in the microtubules and chromatin (cell structures) of the ova of women over 40 years old. These abnormalities can lead to spontaneous abortion and other complications.8 The uterus also decreases in functionality, which could cause problems with implantation or dysfunctional labor. Hormonally, women become less responsive to gonadotropins, which means that they have a lower number of follicles in their ovaries that are capable of maturing into an egg for release.8

Again, it is not impossible to become pregnant after 35, it is simply less common, and there are more risks to consider. For example, women in their mid-thirties and older are at a higher risk of high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. Along with that, comes an increased risk of miscarriage and complications due to uterine fibroids.5 As stated previously, there is an increased rate of conceiving a child with Down Syndrome: 1/900 at age 30-39 and 1/100 at age 40+.5

Other factors

Along with physiological circumstances, there are other considerations to make when deciding the best age to get pregnant, including finances, relationships, and career. Many women are in debt from education expenses in their twenties, and sometimes even into their early thirties. Also, younger couples tend to have less money saved away for home, baby, and retirement.7 Ensuring that there is a structure in place to provide the time and care necessary to child and self without shirking financial obligations is no easy task.

This can usually be handled in the context of relationships by creating partnerships and support systems with loved ones, and those relationships should also be considered in the decision to get pregnant. The stability of the partnership, the age and support of future-grandparents, where friends are at in their lives and how everyone can be supported.7

To go along with financials, most twenty-year-olds do not have the job stability or accrued maternity days to have a baby without taking a financial hit. Some women prefer to develop their career before having children, and depending on their goals, that could be quite a long time.5 At this point, you are probably thinking there are only two options: work or be a mom. Not necessarily! There are always opportunities to be creative in childcare, work hours, and utilizing support systems to have a workable life.

Wait…What About Men?

Men’s fertility also declines with age, although much later in life. Their decline starts around age 60. While they will still be able to produce viable sperm, they are more likely to have genetic abnormalities than younger men.6 Research has shown that the age of the female contribution to the child is much more influential, particularly in couples having children between 20-40 years old.8

Bringing It Home

You have the facts: women peak biologically in their early 20s, and drastically decline after 35. Women in their twenties may not be in a stable life situation to care for a child, while women with well-established careers tend to have more financial flexibility and maturity. There are risks and benefits to having children at different ages, some biological, some with regard to lifestyle. An important note is that age is not the single factor that determines the health of your baby. Diet, exercise, prescription or illicit drug use, medical conditions, and a host of other factors can play into your pregnancy and the health of both you and your child. Talking to your partner, and to your doctor, about reproducing is a great way to get clear on your circumstances, options, and preferences.

Many couples struggle with infertility, and find solutions with IVF, egg/sperm donors, or adoption. Other women consider freezing their own ova in their twenties in order to use them when they are ready to start a family. There is a lot that goes into producing a child; from the miracle of conception all the way to labor and delivery. I hope this article provided a jumping off point for conversation around your family planning and wish you the best!

The 6 Best Heated Eyelash Curler Reviews 2018 – Buyer’s Guide

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Want to take your lashes game to the next level? It’s simple, because all you need is get yourself a heated eyelash curler!

But of course you have to pick the right one so as to achieve the best results and this might be quite difficult and overwhelming especially if you are a beginner.

Picking the wrong type of heated eyelash curler can produce nothing but disastrous results like pulling, pinching and even crimping your eyelashes, which is why we are here to help you make the right choice when purchasing a heated eyelash curler by providing you with a full guide on heated eyelash curler and reviews of the most top rated products available on the market.

Here is what you need to know before purchasing a heated eyelash curler………

How to Use a Heated Eyelash Curler

  1. Remember to always start with clean eyelashes, so it’s best to completely remove old makeup before you start off.
  2. Let your heated eyelash curler warm while you are putting on your eye makeup or maybe doing something else. But do not apply your mascara just yet.
  3. Push your eyelashes up, hold and curl with your heated eyelash curler for a couple of seconds to get a more natural look.
  4. Apply your mascara, then curl one more time, but this is not a must if you do not usually use mascara.
Tips for Selecting the Best Heated Eyelash Curler
  • Style

There exist two styles of heated eyelash curlers: The wand style and the clamp style. If your lashes are fragile, short and sparse then I would recommend you go for a wand style heated eyelash curler. But for long and straight lashes, then you may choose the clamp style heated eyelash curler. But most of the curlers available on the market are always wand-like.

Wand styles heated eyelash curlers are usually shaped like comb at the end making it easier for the heat to be applied as you curl your lashes upward, just like the way you apply your mascara.

If you are a beginner then a clamp style heated eyelash curler may be the best option for you since they are much easier to use. If you want an uplifted bend or curve, then clamp style heated eyelash curlers will be able to do the trick.

  • Eye Shape

The curviness or the shape of your eyes matters a lot when it comes to choosing the right heated eyelash curler. If you have flatter eyelids or smaller eyes, then you will go for a flatter curved heated eyelash curler. If you have wide and round eyes it’s best that you choose a heated eyelash curler with a wide clamp.

  • Material

If your skin is allergic to metal, then you may choose a curler with plastic material and if you are looking for durability or sturdiness then you may choose a curler with metal material.

But if you want a curler which is compact and portable especially for travelling purposes, then it’s best if you select a curler with plastic material especially if you will not be using it on a regular basis.

Reviews of 6 Best Heated Eyelash Curlers on the Market 2018

1. TOUCHBeauty Heated Eyelash Curler

TOUCHBeauty Heated Eyelash Curler

For the stubborn and hard to curl lashes, this curler is definitely the perfect remedy to tame your unruly lashes.

What makes this curler the best for wild lashes which are hard to curl is its unique feature and shape that gently supplies heat on your lashes making it easier for your lashes to be uplifted and hold curl throughout the day.

Stick straight lashes sometimes can be hard to curl especially if you are using a normal or traditional curler, but the heating provided by this curler is just what your lashes need to enable them stay curled for long and also to achieve that C type shape.

The advance heating technology and material in this curler ensures that you achieve faster and long lasting results without pinching or pulling your eyelids. And more so, you do not have to worry about crimping your eyelashes when it comes to using this curler since it’s gentle and has the perfect shape which enables it to capture all lashes.

Pros

  • Heats up quickly
  • Perfect for taming stubborn, straight and long lashes
  • Curl last longer

Cons

  • The batteries do not last for long, but you can opt to buy rechargeable batteries.

2. Remington Reveal Lash & Brow Kit, Heated Eyelash Curler

Remington Reveal Lash & Brow Kit, Heated Eyelash Curler

Want your lashes to stand up and become more visible? Then do it like pro with this ultimate curler!

Achieve natural looking curls and long lashes that last throughout the day with just a gentle and slow sweep of the curler, and to create even a more intense look you may add your mascara.

This curler design makes it easy even for people with short lashes to curl their lashes using the heated comb without causing any pinching or pulling.

If you are in hurry to rush somewhere but you still want to achieve longer and fuller lashes, then this curler has got you covered, since its unique and outstanding feature enables you to achieve curled and longer lashes by just using the heated comb, which heats up faster thus cutting off time spent on your beauty routine.

Pros

  • Heats up quickly
  • Makes lashes more visible and defined
  • Perfect for traveling with

Cons

  • It does not have a shut off feature
  • Some users complained that despite heating up the curler did not curl their lashes

3. Chella Heated Eyelash Curler

Chella Heated Eyelash Curler

No more fake eyelashes, because this curler is here to help you fill in your lashes and make them more visible!

If you are struggling with lashes that sometimes tend to grow downward or even sideways, then this curler is definitely a must have product in your makeup tool kit to help tame your lashes in a straight line and curl them perfectly.

When it comes to uplifting your lashes, this curler does just that in a gentle manner by just combing your lashes like the way you would do with a mascara wand.  More so it gives your lashes time to fully grow back especially if they have suffered from pulling caused by other harsh curlers because it prevents any further pulling or pinching.

Pros

  • Can be used by people with contact lenses, but of course you must be extra careful
  • Does not crimp your lashes
  • Sturdy

Cons

  • May take a longer time for you to achieve the desired results, it requires extra time but the tremendous end results are worth it

4. Hitachi Heated Eyelash Curler

Hitachi Heated Eyelash Curler

Want to achieve that small bend and uplift your lashes which are always pointing downward? Then this is the right curler to do just that!

The perfect shape of this curler makes it easy to achieve a small bend especially to people with almond shaped eyes and lashes that don’t show very well.

Fragile eyelashes need to be handled with care, not with harsh curlers that tend to use a lot of force and as a result make them fall out, which is why this curler is the best when it comes to dealing with fragile lashes since it’s more gentle yet effective when curling your lashes.

The material of this curler is perfect for dealing with fragile lashes which tend to fall out easily.

Pros

  • Perfect for achieving lashes with a small bend
  • The material used is gentle on your lashes

Cons

  • Some users complained of the curler not getting to the base of their lash line
  • Instructions are in Japanese
  • It may break easily if not handled with care

5. Panasonic EH2351AC Heated Eyelash Curler

Panasonic EH2351AC Heated Eyelash Curler

Trying to curl stubborn eyelashes that point straight down? Then you just came to the right place, because this curl has just come to your rescue!

The perfect and sleek design of this curler enables you to achieve different styles of curls that you want by holding it in different positions which enables you to tilt the lashes where you want them to go.

If you suck when it comes to using manual curlers, I definitely recommend that you give this product a try since it doesn’t require a lot of technique to be able to create that perfect curl, more so it is simple and safe, making it user friendly to beginners.

If you are specifically looking for a curler that would give your lashes an extra lift, then this is just it, although it may not be perfect when you want that bent lash look.

This curler has been designed perfectly to ensure that you do not experience any puling or pinching during the process making it suitable for people with lashes that fall out easily.

Pros

  • Perfect for giving your lashes an extra lift
  • Doesn’t need a mascara to create that perfect look

Cons

  • Not perfect for people with contact lenses
  • Always make sure that the comb guard is attached to avoid burning yourself

6. Heated Eyelash Curler by ZLime

Heated Eyelash Curler by ZLime

For fancy yet more glamorous lashes which are perfect for that night out, this is definitely the right curler to achieve just that!

And if you want a little bit of drama you may also add your mascara to achieve that desired look for your lashes.

The best thing about this product is that you don’t need to deal with batteries which tend to run out of power easily and faster, because all you need to do is recharge this curler no need of replacing batteries like some of the curlers available on the market.

The curved wand of this curler enables enough heat to be evenly distributed through your lashes making it easier to achieve a more natural shape within just a few minutes.

This curler has been encompassed with special and safety features giving you the ability to set the heat at either high or medium depending on the needs of your lashes.

If you have individual or fragile lashes then you may choose to use the medium heat setting which is gentle on your lashes.

This curler has been hailed as the best curler by most of its users, so it was impossible for me to find any flaw since there are no any serious complains reported just yet which is why I recommend this curler to anyone especially those who have fragile lashes that fall out easily.

Pros

  • Can be recharged thus saving money on batteries
  • Has two heat setting which makes it gentle for fragile lashes

Cons

 

Conclusion

When it comes to creating intense and long lasting curls for your lashes, only the right heated eyelash curler can do so. If you want to avoid pinching or pulling your eyelids but still want to achieve fuller and longer lashes then this tool is definitely for you.

If you carefully follow this guide picking the best and right heated eyelash curler will such be an easy task. Make your pick now with the help of our 6 best reviewed products and start curling your lashes like a pro!

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