In the summer of 2017, Alexis Fetterman and her parents had an unexpected introduction to asthma and allergies. Alexis was 2 years old and got sick with a respiratory virus. After a visit to the emergency room, she was admitted to the hospital and flown to a nearby children’s hospital. After a few days in the hospital, Alexis was diagnosed with asthma.

“The hospital stay was a really traumatic experience. Since then, I’ve immersed myself in learning about asthma and allergies. I want to give Alexis the best possible normal childhood,” shared Tiffany Fetterman, Alexis' mom.

The Fetterman family has since learned Alexis is allergic to dogs, pollen, dust, and mold. The allergens – as well as smoke, some essential oils and other irritants – set off Alexis's asthma. The Fettermans have taken steps to remove Alexis’ triggers to keep her safe, such as finding a new home for their dog.

To manage her asthma and allergies, Alexis takes a long-term control inhaler twice a day, as well as two oral medicines.

But it takes more than medicine to keep Alexis safe and help her enjoy running around like a normal kid. Through Tiffany’s research, she learned about the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program. The goal of the program is to ensure products are suitable for people living with asthma or allergies. We test products to help ensure they:

• Lower exposure to allergens and irritants
• Provide increased environmental control
• Withstand routine cleaning and care guidelines
  
  

Today, there are more than 100 CERTIFIED products. In fall 2017, Tiffany won a CERTIFIED product from an AAFA giveaway.

To teach people about the importance of indoor air quality, AAFA and Dyson held a giveaway on Facebook. Tiffany was the lucky winner of a Dyson Pure Cool purifying tower fan. She uses it every day and loves it so much she made a video reviewing the product to help other parents learn about it.

“The sensor in the air filter can tell what is going on with the air quality. It is really sensitive,” she shared.

In fact, she recalled on multiple occasions the “Dyson kicked way up and then Alexis started coughing. It senses things we can’t sense.” And it gives her a warning that something in the air might be an issue for Alexis.

She now uses seven CERTIFIED products in her home. She uses a CERTIFIED humidifier, vacuum, washing machine and air filter. Using CERTIFIED products gives Tiffany peace of mind. She recommends that other parents look into using CERTIFIED products as well.

“I’ve tried other products of a similar nature that aren’t CERTIFIED and they aren’t the same. The CERTIFIED products are a higher quality and I have seen such a big difference in my child.”