Vacuums That Are Easy on the Back

Oreck

• Oreck vacuum cleaners come in various models, all weighing less than 10 pounds. Each of the Oreck XL models come with a separate handheld vac for easy cleanup of small jobs and stairs. The Oreck uprights can be set to two different motor settings for carpet and hard surface cleaning. The inner bag filters are HEPA certified for filtration and twin LED headlights shine from the front of the cleaning head while the vacuum is in use.

Hoover

• Hoover's line of WindTunnel upright vacuums includes models that are self-propelled to make cleaning easier. The easy to operate WindTunnel Anniversary model has a bagged dirt collection system. Hoover does not have a bagless self-propelled model. The retail price for the three self-propelled vacuum cleaners starts at $179.99 up to $251.99 as of spring 2011.

Bissell

• The Bissell PROlite MultiCyclonic vacuum weighs less than the average full service upright vacuums with near comparable features at just 16.7 pounds. The dirt collection system is bagless with a HEPA filtration system. The dual row brush roll cleans carpeted floors and can be switched off for bare floor surfaces. The Bissell PROlite is equipped with an extension wand and attachments for above-the-floor cleaning.

Eureka

• Eureka's Optima series offers an 11-inch cleaning path with full brush roll rotation cleaning on a unit weighing just 11.8 pounds. The Optima vacuum features a bagless dirt collection system and separate HEPA filters. The Power Paw attachment tool allows for motorized cleaning of stairs and upholstery. Settings include a suction control switch and automatic leveling. The adjustable telescoping handle makes use of the additional attachments for above-the-floor cleaning.