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Prevention 2023 Health at Home Awards: The Best Products for Prioritizing Health at Home

The Joint Chiropractic's Dr. Kevin Lees was selected to a panel of experts for Prevention’s annual Health at Home Awards.

Original article published by Prevention on November 1, 2023 on Prevention.com

By CHRISTIE CALUCCHIA

We spend a great deal of time at home, especially thanks to remote work, virtual workouts, and other lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, why not make home the healthiest place to be?

With this spirit in mind, we set out to find the absolute best products for our 2023 Health at Home Awards, and the winners do not disappoint. On this list, you’ll discover hypoallergenic bedding, anxiety-quelling pillows and blankets, and air quality appliances from purifiers to humidifiers to essential oil diffusers. There are also more practical household items, like a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner, a digital thermometer, and Band-Aids for multiple skin tones. Plus, we included a handful of essentials that help people with diabetes live well no matter where they are, such as fast-acting glucose and a continuous glucose monitor.

How we chose the 2023 Health at Home Awards winners

We interviewed allergists, doctors, dentists, sleep experts, and scientists to learn what to look for in products designed to make your living space fresher, cleaner, and better prepared for accidents and illness. Then, we researched hundreds of products and tested dozens of top-rated picks that fit the criteria put forth by our panel of experts. The result? Twenty-six game changers for prioritizing your health at home.

Keep scrolling to meet our panel of experts who helped us understand what to look for in all of these products and to shop the Health at Home Awards winners today.

Meet the experts

1) BEST HYPOALLERGENIC SHEETS: Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set

Made of naturally hypoallergenic, cooling, and antibacterial eucalyptus fibers, these sheets help prevent dust mites, mold, and other allergens from sneaking into your bed. Soft, available in eight muted tones, and highly rated, the sheets are certified as asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

2) BEST HYPOALLERGENIC PILLOWS: Coop Sleep Goods The Original Pillow

Coop’s bed pillow meets the criteria of allergists, chiropractors, and sleep experts. Namely, it’s made with memory foam and microfiber and is adjustable to meet the fill level that’s most comfortable to you. Plus, it’s GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, and both the outer cover and inner pillow are machine-washable. No wonder it’s also on our list of the best hypoallergenic pillows.

3) BEST HYPOALLERGENIC MATTRESS: Avocado Eco Organic Mattress

The American Chiropractic Association has endorsed Avocado mattresses since 2020, and this one delivers on spine-supporting firmness and natural materials that are ideal for those with allergies. It’s made of GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool and GOLS-certified organic latex from sustainable farms in India and Guatemala. Plus, it’s certified to MADE SAFE standards (there are only three mattress brands worldwide that have qualified for this badge). You don’t have to worry about the use of chemical flame retardants, polyurethane foams, fiberglass, or adhesives, which makes sleeping easy on its medium firm surface that much better.

4) BEST SLEEP SOUND MACHINE: Loftie Clock

The best sleep sound machines offer a variety of sounds to choose from, allow you to control the volume, and have timers, so you can eventually sleep in silence, according to experts. This sound machine (that doubles as a sleek alarm clock) ticks all the boxes. Choose from soothing nature sounds, city street racket, or white noise designed to lull you to sleep. Bonus: It comes with a two-phase alarm clock to gently wake you up without relying on your smartphone.

5) BEST WEIGHTED BLANKET: Gravity Weighted Blanket

Gravity’s popular weighted blanket evenly distributes fine-grade glass beads beneath a washable micro-plush cover, delivering on comfort and hygiene. It comes in three weights to help individuals and couples sleep better and reduce feelings of stress. When making a selection, aim for blanket that’s about 10% of your body weight.

6) BEST WEIGHTED PILLOW: Quiet Mind The Original Weighted Pillow

Similar to how a weighted blanket works, weighted pillows may ease anxiety and promote relaxation through deep pressure therapy (that feeling of being held tight). However, unlike a blanket that can feel hot and cumbersome, this soft pillow is easy to hold, hug, and move around.

7) BEST HYPOALLERGENIC ROOM FRESHENER: Vitruvi Stone Diffuser

Dr. Wada recommends using essential oil diffusers to make your home smell good, rather than air fresheners that may contain chemical blends that are common contact allergens. This ceramic option available in 11 subdued hues from Vitruvi looks more like an art sculpture than a traditional plug-in. It has two timer options, an automatic shut off feature for safety, and an optional LED light for added ambiance.

8) BEST HEPA VACUUM CLEANER: Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum

With a sealed HEPA system, this upright vacuum captures 99.9% of dust and allergens. Its HEPA filters are washable, which makes maintenance a breeze. And it has a detachable pod with a long attachment for cleaning underneath furniture and high off the floor.

9) BEST AIR PURIFIER: TruSens Air Purifier Z-3000

This sleek air purifier contains a 360-degree HEPA filter to capture airborne viruses, allergens, and certain VOCs. It also has a UV light for reducing germs and bacteria in the filter. With straightforward buttons and an easy-to-read monitor that displays air quality levels, it will make a welcome addition to any well-used room.

10) BEST WATER FILTER: ZeroWater 7-Cup 5-Stage ReadyPour Water Filter Pitcher

Keep this pitcher in your refrigerator to filter out contaminants. It is NSF-certified to reduce lead, chromium, and PFOA/PFOS chemicals using a five-stage filtration system. Not only will your drinking water be cleaner, but you’ll also save up to 150 single-use plastic bottles per filter, which are easy and relatively affordable to replace.

11) BEST SHOWER HEAD FILTER: GE Universal Shower Filtration System

While there aren’t currently any independent certifications for PFAS removal from shower head filters, installing a shower head filter can help remove certain contaminants, according to Pelch. This option from GE is NSF/ANSI 177 certified to reduce the effects of chlorine on skin and hair, and it comes at a great value. Replacement filters cost $12 and should be installed every six months, making this a relatively affordable filter to maintain compared to others.

12) BEST NON-TOXIC CLEANING SOLUTION: Ecos All-Purpose Cleaner

If you think an all-purpose cleaner has to contain harsh chemicals to keep surfaces clean, think again. Ecos makes plant-powered home cleaning solutions, including this spray that harnesses the power of beets to remove dirt, grease, and grime from hard surfaces at home. From a women-owned company, the 100% vegan formula is Leaping Bunny certified and Safer Choice certified by the U.S. environmental protection agency. And yes, we put it to the test and it really works on everyday messes.

13) BEST HUMIDIFIER: Levoit LV600S Smart Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier

A powerful humidifier, this device covers up to 753 square feet with 360-degree nozzles to direct mist where you want it. You can control the mist level, humidity level, temperature, timer, and sleep mode on a straightforward display with the tap of a button or through an app on your smartphone. There’s also an auto mode that utilizes a built-in sensor to detect humidity levels and make adjustments for you. The large tank holds six liters of water for up to 50 hours of humidity. You can easily refill and clean the tank thanks to an opening on the top of the compact device.

14) BEST DEHUMIDIFIER: Frigidaire High Humidity 50-Pint Capacity Dehumidifier

The latest version of our pick for the best dehumidifier, this Frigidaire appliance is ENERGY STAR certified and quite portable despite its 50-pint capacity. It has an easy-to-clean filter that captures dust from the air, a continuous drain option so you don’t have to empty the water bucket, and an automatic shut-feature that activates when the water bucket is full. Even at its highest setting, it only emits about 50 decibels, a little less than a standard household refrigerator.

15) BEST FAN: Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 Purifying Fan

Not only does this Dyson device work as a fan, but it also purifies the air with a HEPA filter to capture 99.97% of particles and an additional filter to remove odors and gases like VOCs. It even has a catalytic filter that traps and breaks down formaldehyde (a gas commonly found in homes) that never needs replacing. Best of all, the machine is 20% quieter than previous models. While it’s expensive, it’s worth the splurge if you’re looking for an effective, quiet fan that simultaneously purifies the air in your home.

16) BEST SPACE HEATER: Vornado TAVH10 Electric Space Heater

In addition to effectively heating your room, the most important elements to consider in a space heater are safety features, according to Dr. Wada. This portable space heater from Vornado has a cool-touch exterior, tip-over protection, and an automatic shut-off feature. Plus, it’s ETL certified (meaning the electrical components have been tested for safety), which Dr. Wada recommends looking for in a space heater.

17) BEST THERMOMETER: iHealth Non-Contact Infrared Forehead Thermometer

Accuracy and ease of use are two of the most important factors to consider when buying a thermometer, according to doctors, and this digital option (that happens to be an Amazon best-seller) checks both boxes. All you have to do is hold it in front of someone’s forehead, press a single button, and wait a second for a temperature to pop up on the LED screen. You’ll know it’s finished reading when it produces a gentle vibration in your hand, making it ideal for using on sleeping kids and infants as well as adults.

18) BEST BANDAGES: Band-Aid Brand OurTone Flexible Fabric Adhesive Bandages

Band-Aid Brand is practically synonymous with bandages. These are made of special fabric for flexible protection from dirt and germs for up to 24 hours. We especially love that they come in three shades created from Black and Brown skin tones.

19) BEST ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH: Oral-B Genius 8000 Electric Toothbrush

This electric toothbrush certainly costs more than a manual drugstore find, but it’s worth the investment. Our pick for the best electric toothbrush has a dentist-recommended soft, round brush head and a pressure sensor to prevent overbrushing. Most impressively, it connects to an app on your smartphone to provide feedback on how you’re brushing, helping you improve your technique and avoid missing hard-to-reach areas.

20) BEST FLOSS: Quip Refillable Floss String

Chic and floss aren’t words usually used in the same sentence, but Quip has managed to make a refillable floss dispenser that’s—dare we say—cool. More importantly, the waxed nylon floss it holds is pre-marked, so you tear the perfect amount every time. It has a natural mint flavor, it’s vegan, and it’s accepted by the American Dental Association. The seal of approval is a must, as it “indicates that the product meets the highest standards of safety and effectiveness,” explains Dr. Wei.

21) BEST TOILET STOOL: Squatty Potty Bamboo Flip Toilet Stool

If you’re having issues with regular bowel movements, you should see a doctor to determine any potential underlying health problems. However, if you are simply looking for a way to make trips to the toilet more comfortable, a non-slip stool placed at a proper height can be especially beneficial for those with joint issues who may have trouble getting into a squatting position on their own, confirms Dr. Collman. Squatty Potty arguably makes the most well known toilet stools around. We’re fans of this one because of its decorative bamboo material, non-slip feet, and adjustable height (you can flip it to sit at seven or nine inches tall).

22) BEST BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR: Omron Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor

With a high-contrast dual-display LCD screen, this device shows your current reading alongside your previous one. It can store 200 total readings for two users, though it’s also Bluetooth-enabled to connect to unlimited memory with an app on your smartphone. Another standout feature: It alerts you if your daily morning systolic or diastolic measurements are out of normal range. These are some reasons why it made our list of the best at-home blood pressure monitors.

23) BEST GLUCOMETER: Abbott Freestyle Lite Blood Glucose Meter

This glucometer is small and lightweight, offering people with diabetes a real-time look at their blood sugar levels without adding bulk to the essentials many travel with regularly, such as insulin, pen needles, insulin pump changes, alcohol swabs, and glucose. “I also love that it has a light indicator where you insert the test strip, making middle of the night finger pricks easier,” says Prevention’s deputy editor Emily Goldman.

24) BEST CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR: Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitor System

With a speedy 30-minute warm-up time and a 10-day use period, the Dexcom G7 is our pick for the best continuous glucose monitor (CGM) of 2023. Goldman confirms that it’s discreet and accurate, making it a great option for those with decent insurance coverage (with insurance, the price goes down to about $35). It’s also compatible with smartphones or smart watches, so you can easily see your glucose numbers and share them with up to 10 followers, which Dr. Adimoolam recommends looking for in a CGM.

25) BEST LANCET: Pip Lancets Starter Pack

This starter pack of lancets includes three sizes to help you determine which is best for you. They’re single-use, which is great for hygiene, and the design keeps the needle out of sight. “They’re also available in fun colors and come with a cute carrying case,” adds Goldman.

26) BEST FAST-ACTING GLUCOSE: Transcend Strawberry + Orange Glucose Gels

These portable gels contain 15 grams of glucose and come in strawberry and orange flavors. “Though super sweet tasting, these gels provide a concentrated boost of glucose that is fast acting and doesn’t leave you with that dreaded post-low high blood sugar,” says Goldman.

About The Joint Chiropractic

The Joint Corp. revolutionized access to chiropractic care when it introduced its retail health care business model in 2010. Today, it is the nation’s largest operator, manager and franchisor of chiropractic clinics through The Joint Chiropractic network. The company is making quality care convenient and affordable, while eliminating the need for insurance, for millions of patients seeking pain relief and ongoing wellness. With 800+ locations nationwide and nearly 11 million patient visits annually, The Joint Chiropractic is a key leader in the chiropractic industry. Ranked number one on Forbes’ 2022 America’s Best Small Companies list, number three on Fortune’s 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list and consistently named to Franchise Times “Top 400+ Franchises” and Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500®” lists, The Joint Chiropractic is an innovative force, where healthcare meets retail. For more information, visit www.thejoint.com.

Business Structure

The Joint Corp. is a franchisor of clinics and an operator of clinics in certain states. In Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming, The Joint Corp. and its franchisees provide management services to affiliated professional chiropractic practices.

Media Contacts

The Joint Corp.
Margie Wojciechowski
[email protected]
Office: (480) 245-5960 x 210
 

Leadership claim based on network size. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.

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