About the Ratings

Most properly diagnosed and managed allergy and asthma sufferers lead normal, productive lives with only occasional symptoms. Reducing allergen exposure through appropriate environmental modification plays a vital part in any allergy management. Unfortunately, travel exposes us to allergen-filled hotel rooms, triggering sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and breathing difficulties, thus ruining vacations and and business trips. I listened to stories of travel related asthma and allergy attacks for over 18 years. Conversations with patients and hotel industry professionals led to the realization that allergy and asthma sufferers need an authoritative information source to plan healthy, successful vacations and business trips. AllerPassMD is an unbiased, guide to hypoallergenic hotel rooms. The information is provided by hotels and firms involved. The appropriateness and quality of materials, products and technology used in creating such rooms is evaluated and scored (See below). The value of each of the environmental modifications is determined from the results of studies in specialty, peer reviewed, scientific journals. Individual hotel "report cards" include scores for indoor, outdoor and skin allergens, thus allowing travelers to choose features of importance to their particular needs.

Scores are updated as a function of new information about the rooms, changing technology and new studies published on the subject.

The list is as complete as possible but omissions are certain and I invite hotel managers, equipment manufacturers, distributors and travelers to submit information and comments.

Feedback provided by travelers, allergy specialist and other interested parties will also be analyzed and incorporated into the database. The site will also provide pertinent news and special offers along with links to original sources.

The ratings are divided into three categories which are then subdivided into pertinent subcategories:

1. Indoor allergens
1. Dust Mites
2. Animal Danders
3. Mold Spores
2. Outdoor allergens
1. Pollens
2. Molds
3. Contactants (Hair and body products)
1. Fragrances
2. Antibacterials
3. Preservatives

The ratings are based on the presence or absence of pertinent allergy control measures implemented in the room as they relate to each of the above listed categories and sub categories. Each component carries a specific value. The values are then computed determine the sub-category scores, category scores and a global allergy control score expressed as a score out of 100.

The separate sub-categories allow travelers to find specific hotels which address their particular allergic sensitivities.

For example, a hotel may have excellent dust mite control measures but allowing pets to stay in rooms would make pet allergic individuals susceptible to severe symptoms while staying in such rooms.

A filtered air conditioner and good mold control may make a pollen and mold sensitive traveler very comfortable during late spring in Washington DC, but a dust mite allergic person may still experience problems if room is not mite proofed.

The factors considered in the ratings:

1. Filtered, appropriately maintained air conditioning.
2. Dust mite proof pillow covers
3. Dust mite proof mattress covers
4. Dust mite proof comforter cover/washable blanket
5. Dust mite proof box spring cover
6. Presence/absence of wall to wall carpet
7. Low dust room design
8. Hotel altitude above 1500 meters (5000 ft)
9. Pet free hotel floor or section/room
10. Feather free
11. Humidity control
12. Air Filter (appropriately maintained)
13. Mold resistant shower curtain (or shower enclosure)
14. Mold resistant bath mats (or washable mats)
15. Leak Free (windows, baths, air conditioner)
16. No carpet on ground floor slab.
17. Unscented, hair and body products (no antibacterial agents)

Important Legal Disclaimer.

AllerPassMD is an information service. We collect and present information as it is provided by the listed establishments. We are not responsible for the truthfulness or completeness of such information. Although we strive to keep the information as current as possible, we strongly urge users to contact the hotel directly and verify the information before making a reservation. The information presented does not constitute a real or implied guarantee or endorsement of any the products, technologies, procedures or health outcomes related to or claimed by the manufacturers or users of those products, technologies or procedures.