by Kevin Jungnitsch
one:
This ‘airwasher’ can supposedly clean the pollenated air inside the interior of your car. If this actually works it may prove to be a savior to allergy victims. When it’s not pollen you want to rid of, it can also remove unpleasant odors from your car. The convenient coffee mug shape fits right into a cup holder, and it is powered by the 12V lighter socket. After a day’s worth of dirt, simply replace the water in the filter.
¥2,980 at Tokyu Hands.
two:
The ‘Flutect’ fabric and high quality BFE filter used in these Airscape masks are very efficient in protecting against viruses, along with bacteria, pollen, Asian dust, and house dust. The unique design and color variations mean the mask can be worn as a highly functional accessory, perfect for those who have allergies.
¥1,980 at www.airscape-mask.com.
three:
How these unstylish, ‘anti-pollen eyeglasses’ protect wearers more than any old sunglasses lying around the house is unclear, but for ¥2,000 curious allergy sufferers may want to give them a go. At the very least, the sporty design and brown-tinted lenses will make you stand out and differ from the wayfarer and aviator sunglasses-rocking crowd.
¥2,000 at Tokyu Hands.
four:
Allergy sufferers who are reluctant to wear masks will be interested in Japan’s latest allergy product: Pit Stopper. By sticking a filter up each nostril, users are preventing 99 percent of pollen from entering their noses, or so the marketing pitch goes. It remains to be seen, however, if the filters are comfortable enough to actually wear long enough for them to be effective.
¥525 for three at www.bio-pit.com.
five:
By simply squirting a little of this ‘aller-shot’ into each nostril, allergy sufferers can block pollen from entering their nasal passage, according to the box. By using this product, you can eliminate the need to wear a mask, and never be stuffed up again—perfect for when you’re working, driving, studying or doing sports. But if all this is true, why are there still so many people in masks this time of year?
six:
Perhaps the strangest allergy product yet is the Hana Sukkiri Machine, a downloadable ringtone that is purported to clear up your sinuses. Simply download the ringtone, hold your cell phone to your nose, and prepare to be free of congestion. According to the company behind the invention, users can even customize the ringtone with a range of frequencies from 420 to 1,070Hz. Price varies depending on cell phone carrier and package.
