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National Clean Air Store's Grand Opening in Des Moines, Iowa

National Clean Air Store's business is breathing easy
By JOANNE BOECKMAN
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
September 21, 2006


Mall walkers at Valley West Mall have been noticing a new business called the National Clean Air Store.

The shop, which opened almost two weeks ago, catches the eye with a sign in the window asking people if they have an allergy-free bedroom, said Frank Nelson, the chief operating officer.

Nelson and company president Skip Spang were in manufacturing and distribution of products for respiratory care when they became aware that more could be done to help people with asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, bronchitis and other respiratory problems, they said.

Four years ago, Nelson began researching manufacturers and products. Last year, he and Spang opened a showroom and corporate office in Clive where patients can see their products. The retail shop in Valley West Mall gives them more visibility and more accessibility, they said.

They are working on franchising the business and now have seven regional developers in place who are poised to begin opening stores in other states.

Both Nelson, 56, and Spang, 61, answered questions.

Q. What would you say you do?

A. (Spang) We're air management experts. Probably 90 percent of what we do is training and education. Everyone can be helped by our products. We're not restricting them to people who aren't feeling well. We all want to live healthier, longer lives and there's so much indoor pollution. The air inside most buildings is four to five times worse than the air outdoors.

(Nelson) Bacteria, mold, mildew - that's in everyone's house.

Q. What are some of the products you have?

A. (Nelson) We have dehumidifiers that take out water and anything floating in the air - anything gaseous or airborne - and vents it outside, like a dryer vent. It eliminates a musty smell and continually recirculates air on the whole floor of the house, not just one small area.

(Spang) We have a system, the Airsonette, that provides clean air right over the breathing area, so the immune system can rest and recover at night. And a small Germ Guardian that kills airborne bacteria and viruses. We have an air product for your personal space, like on a desk, that eliminates perfumes and scents.

(Nelson) We have an ultra violet light for ductwork that breaks down contaminants - viruses and bacteria. The No. 1 rated device to purify air (in a room) is the Blueair.

We have encasement products - fabrics - to encase pillows, mattresses, bedding.

Q. What are the encasement products for?

A. (Spang) Dust mites. They live in the fibers of our bedding and carpeting. They like dark, damp places. People with allergies are susceptible to the waste matter from dust mites. The encasements cover pillows and mattresses and prevent the waste matter from entering your airways.

Q. Do you ever rent, rather than sell, products?

A. (Spang) We have a device that will remove the odor and eliminate the gasses from new carpet and paint. It's called RxAir air purification system. We will rent that for about $400 per week. We also rent the Airsonette, but the best endorsement for that is that most people will end up buying it.

Q. How did you get the idea to do this?

A. (Spang) We were in manufacturing and distribution of products for respiratory care. We finally became conscious of what else could be done to help these people. It's all about better air management.

We were seeing a lot of people who were seeking solutions and not getting a lot of support.

Q. How do you decide what products to sell?

A. (Nelson) I've been looking at each one of the manufacturers, looking for the best. I have about 15 manufacturers represented here. They have been selling through catalogs and other outlets, but they had never come together in one environment that is a destination for the general public.

I've found them at the National Home Builders Show, the National World of Concrete, the National Hospital Show, the National Home Care Show, online. I look for the best out there. It's been a whirlwind of doing research and trying to find out the best quality products.

Q. How do people know what can help them?

A. (Nelson) We have a site evaluation form. We want to look at the house, to show people what opportunities they have to make changes. We try to make the room they're sleeping in the cleanest part of the house.

And we work with engineers. If we get into a building or house with problems, for example, black mold or water problems, we work with engineers who can provide mold or water remediation.

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