Bagged or Bagless? That is the Question!

By Peter Bunting

2 min read

Right now, I am on a mission to find the perfect vacuum cleaner for my apartment. My current vacuum does not seem to be firing on all cylinders and perhaps needs a filter change, but it has made me think more about getting an upgrade.

After speaking to a friend, they told me that they use a bagged vacuum cleaner. According to them, it was more efficient and more hygienic. When I asked them to back up that info they could not. I needed to do some research. The air quality has been really poor recently. We have had a couple of thunder and lightning storms (here in the UK) and it has affected the air pressure causing my asthma to flare. So this is the reason I am re-evaluating and re-assessing how I can keep on top of things.

What are the benefits of a traditional vacuum?

There seem to be 2 main benefits to using bagged vacuums. It seems my friend was correct about the hygienic explanation. Apparently, bagged vacuums are more hygienic. There are several reasons why this may be the case such as; because the filter is in the bag itself, when replaced with a new bag the filter will obviously be new too. Also, the bags are airtight. This ensures that when replacing, all the debris and dust are locked in tight and will not escape into your environment.

You can now buy some bagged vacuums that have HEPA filtration. This is particularly good for people with allergies as it helps to trap all those horrible dust particles out of the air. HEPA air filters, or high efficiency particulate air filters, are proven to remove a significant portion of allergens from the air. ¹

Dust escapes into the air when I empty my bagless vacuum

Bagless machines are easier to see when it needs emptying. The design of many models is so that the chamber where the dust is collected is transparent, making it easier to see when it needs changing. They are relatively simple to change, and of course, you do not need to spend money buying more bags. The downside is that whenever I empty my bagless vacuum some of the dust escapes into the air. Even when I am being extremely careful.

Will switching to a bagged vacuum make a noticeable difference in my asthma?

Obviously, you would not have dust escaping when emptying a bagged vacuum cleaner. We all lead very busy lives and it can be easy to settle for the most convenient option, but I think being a person with asthma, I have to give myself the best chance to live a cleaner life.

Does anyone know if using a bagged vacuum cleaner makes a noticeable difference?

I do not really want to spend money on this if I do not have to. However, I think if it does make a noticeable difference then it is well worth doing. Please, share your experience in the comments section below.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Asthma.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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shellzoo Member
 <inline-mention username="Peter Bunting" user-id="3656600"/> I have a Shark bagless vacuum that does have a filter. It does a great job of picking up the dust and dander but, I hate emptying the canister because I seem to get dust everywhere. My solution is to empty it outside on my porch and wear a mask. Most recently I acquired my mom’s Miele vacuum. This one has a bag and HEPA filtration. The vacuum is rather expensive and not as strong as the Shark but it does a good job and the dust and dander are contained in a bag. I now prefer to use it due to my allergies. I do find everyone has an opinion about what is the best vacuum.
Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention username="Peter Bunting" user-id="3656600"/> - this is a great topic! I am looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say! Of course, I have something to contribute as well! My comments are based solely on my own (and my wife's) experience over many years, using various types of vacuum cleaners. Please take my comments as you see fit. For a long time, years ago, we used only bagged vacuums. I found them to be good to use, easy to clean, maintain and repair too. In those years, the bags did not have integrated filters but the vacuum cleaner did. So, I monitored the bag (by touching and feeling it), and, when full, I would discard the full bag, and replace with a new one. At that time I would also clean or (ex)change whatever filters (often at least one HEPA filter), were in use. I did not like this system as I always found changing the bag itself allowed leakage of the contents (ugh). I always wore a mask, eye protection and sometimes gloves, when doing any of this work! Replacement bags were not inexpensive and took up storage space, too! They often became wrinkled and crushed when stored in the closet over time. When the bagless vacuum cleaners became available, we (my wife and I), jumped right in. I love these!! We also have converted to cordless bagless vacuums - which is a dramatic improvement over the corded vacuums. I find these bagless units are so much better and easier to manage then the bagged types. As you pointed out, it is easy to see when the collection canister is full and they are EASY and simple to use. The canister is readily removed from the vacuum - it is contained until I take it outside (never indoors), and empty it into the outside trash can. I hold the canister down in the (33 gallon) trash can and look away. If it is a windy day (and when isn't it a windy day!?), I may use a mask and goggles, but generally, since I am outdoors, are the personal protection necessary for me. Bingo - all clean - no muss, no fuss!! The vacuum filters (again, at least one is a HEPA filter), are inexpensive and I keep several on hand to replace (usually every 3-6 months, depending on how often one vacuums. I usually wash the canister every 2-3 months - that works for me. Each week, after each use, I will also take the unit outside and clean the roller. This is our experience - my wife does the vacuuming and I do the cleaning and maintenance. When she wants me to, I will vacuum, too, but she seems to enjoy this chore, same as I enjoy my role as well! I hope you find this experience of ours is helpful to you. No science or research, just lots and lots of experience! All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
Peter Bunting Contributor
Thank you guys for these brilliant and helpful replies!!! I am really interested in testing this Shark vacuum, it sounds really good. I have been using my mum's bagged vacuum (Henry)but if I am being totally honest, I haven't noticed the difference. :/ Pete 
1. Melissa.Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Leon Lebowitz, RRT" user-id="3025394"/> Excited to hear that your cordless vacuums are so light. I got a cordless when I got married in 2015 and while it's not terrible, it's still a bit of a bear for me. The newer cordless models look so light and easy to handle. It's definitely on my wish list for the future. I did buy an inexpensive robotic vacuum during the Black Friday weekend last year. Using sales and a coupon, I got it for $75. It is by no means perfect and I wouldn't recommend that model for an asthmatic home, but it does help reduce the physical workload for me. -Melissa, <a href='http://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a> team
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Melissa.Arnold" user-id="3030220"/> Hi Melissa - thanks for jumping in and sharing your experiences with the rest of us. This is some good stuff!! After all, who gets to discuss the pros and cons of vacuum cleaners, filtration and asthma? US, that's who!! Leon (site moderator <a href='http://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
Peter Bunting Contributor
Thanks again Leon. Appreciate your help!👍🏻
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Peter Bunting" user-id="3656600"/> You're most welcome, Peter - this has been an interesting topic for us to be involved with! Regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
johnep Member
I have a HEPA bagless vacuum. I quickly learned to take it outside to empty because it is messy otherwise. I am no expert, but I think having a HEPA vacuum is most important. 
1. Rebecca C Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="johnep" user-id="3021642"/> - it's definitely a great idea for those suffering from allergies and asthma. I empty the container outdoors as well to control allergens where I live. HEPA vacuums are said to remove 99% of dust, mites, and other allergens in a home. I, too, think it's great to have one on hand. Thanks for sharing what works best in your home. Rebecca (comm advc)
Love Air Member
So my story is from 1993 when my husband was diagnosed with Asthma. The short answer to the question is that proper vacuuming was immediately noticeable to him. I used HEPA bags, amd replace the secondary filter with a hepa filter. I also cleaned everything very well removed carpets etc. 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Love Air" user-id="4512125"/> Hi Love Air, and thanks for joining in the conversation here as regards, vacuuming and asthma. It sounds like your husband has the asthma diagnosis and you are doing everything you can to keep the house 'asthma safe!' We appreciate you sharing your experiences here with the community. Keep up the good work! Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)

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