When it comes to the products we offer, the most common questions we receive are comparison questions. Why is this better than that? How does this compare to that? In the vacuum cleaner category we often get questions about how Miele fares against other brands, and in many areas, the advantage is clear. However, there is likely no clearer area of difference than when it comes to filtration.

_Allergens and micro-particles can be a source of constant irritation at best and make some people absolutely miserable at worst. Most vacuum cleaners allow these particles to simply pass through the vacuum. This is probably the worst thing a vacuum can do for allergy and asthma sufferers – take allergens that have actually settled to the floor and redistribute them back into the air you breathe.

_Most vacuums tout a HEPA filter, and while you can find a HEPA filter in just about any inexpensive vacuum, the quality is often poor at best. Even with more expensive brands and models that have a filter and sealed system, testing actually shows they fall far short of Miele's filtration standards.

_Independent tests like the one above show that even some of the most expensive and well known HEPA vacuums can still come up short in terms of filtration. Though the Dyson model tested (DC25) did come the closest, each model failed to meet Miele's overall filtration standards and many actually delivered less than the HEPA standard of filtration for the most penetrating particle size (0.3 microns). The Riccar, Simplicity, and SEBO models that were tested, fared much worse, and with top models putting in this type of performance, can you imagine the air quality when using a less expensive import (think Shark, Eureka or Hoover)?

_So in terms of filtering the air in your home while you vacuum, there really is no comparison. Miele delivers the best filtration of particles, from carbon dust and dirt to pollen and pet dander and everything in between. The self-sealing dustbag and HEPA filter make sure that these particles are trapped and removed from the air while making disposal easy and hygienic. For allergy and asthma sufferers or anyone concerned with improving indoor air quality, the right choice in a vacuum cleaner can make all the difference.

_For full test results, visit Miele USA.

_Author: Kevin Gilmore