HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter)

By definition, HEPA means a filter must be capable of capturing 99.97% of particles as small as .3 microns (A micron is about 1/100th the width of a human hair!).

The air in homes, offices, and schools are polluted with chemicals, organic material particulate, and microbiological particulate. Our indoor environment contains allergens, pollutants, chemicals, gas, particles, dust mites, mold, etc. The respiratory tract - nose, sinus, and lungs - struggle daily against these contaminants. Indoor air can cause headaches, red eye, digestive problems, dizziness, chronic fatigue, congestion, and many other chronic and acute diseases. More than every third adult, child, or infant has allergies, asthma, respiratory distress, or suffers from the effects of sick building syndrome. Asthma is the number one leading cause of upper respiratory illness in children. HEPA air purifiers can and will provide relief for these symptoms.

The use of a HEPA Air Purifier can help everyone:

• Stay healthier

• Have more energy

• Sleep more soundly

• Work more efficiently

• Be more creative

• Study more effectively

HEPA air purification is rapidly coming into many medical applications such as isolation of patients under treatment involving immunological isolation, care for burn victims, orthopedic surgery, etc.

HEPA filtration technology was developed by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission to remove airborne radioactive particles in the air. In order to be considered a true HEPA filter, it must be capable of removing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is 1/75,000 of an inch, or 1/300 the diameter of a human hair. HEPA filters are used in other places such as hospitals and manufacturers’ clean rooms where clean air is absolutely vital. The HEPA filter maintains its efficiency over its two (2) to five (5) years of life.

How small is a .3 micron?

HEPA air purifiers make noise because they have to circulate the air to purify.  On the other hand, Ionic Air Purifiers are generally silent since they send out a stream of negative ions/activated oxygen to purify the air.  For this reason, these ionized purifiers are more suitable for people sensitive to noise. 

However, many people do not like the idea of ion generators and prefer the science behind HEPA air purifiers regardless of the noise that is generated.  Click to see our line of HEPA air purifiers with activated carbon.

To see our recommendation for best overall air purifier, see the AirsoPure S-980.