True HEPA Air Purifers Actually Are Better Than HEPA-type Purifiers

Items advertised as "True" HEPA air purifiers are often available when one is shopping about for a HEPA air purifier. Considering something is being labeled as true must mean there as some out there that are false, correct? You will not find any labeled "sub-standard", "false" or any other such derogatory adjective. True HEPA air purifiers are simply comparing themselves to other systems and then leaving it up to the consumer to know what they need and how it will affect them. This article looks at what comparisons the "True" HEPA air purifiers are making.

True HEPA Air Purifiers Are Different

There is a difference between a HEPA-type air purifier, and a True HEPA air purifier, which is also called an absolute HEPA air purifier. Even if folks do not always make it clear, when they're comparing HEPA filters to other air filtration medium, especially if they're referencing the likes of OSHA or the EPA, they're talking about True HEPA filters. Yes, there are many types of air purifiers available, but the only ones that places like labs and hospitals use are True HEPA air purifiers.

Particles! True HEPA Air Purifiers Stop Them

Of the different specifications that True HEPA air purifiers have to meet, the most important is probably the 97% of all 0.3 micron particles. This stat is incredibly important, and not as technical as it may sound. Of all the different pollutants floating around out there, it's been found that 0.3 micron particles generally are the hardest to filter, even including those that are smaller. They also are the most likely to cause problems in the human body, and have no problem scooting right past our natural defenses. See, 0.3 micron particles are more scary than nerdy, aren't they? If you want an idea of the size we're talking about, compare 0.3 microns to the human hair. Human hair is generally anywhere between 70 and 100 microns thick.

Best When Dirty! True HEPA Air Purifies Actually Work Better When Dirty

Another big difference between HEPA-type purifiers and True HEPA air purifiers is how they filter when they become dirty. This is where the "Absolute" part of the equation comes in. Any absolute filter media will actually become more effective as it gets dirtier. The more particles that are trapped in an absolute filter, the more effective it will be. The reason why is actually pretty simple. As dirt and other debris builds up around the air holes, those holes get smaller and smaller, allowing less to get through.

How Do I Know If It's A True HEPA Air Purifier?

The easiest way to tell is if the product is advertising that it is a true HEPA air purifier. There are also HEPA-type air purifiers which really have no exact standards to which they are held in regards to how tightly they filter the air. If the packaging says neither "true HEPA" or "HEPA-type", then look for the efficiency ratings. If it doesn't filter at least 97% of the all important 0.3 micron particles, then it's not a true HEPA air purifier.

Still not sure that a HEPA air purifier is for you? Visit HEPA Air Purifiers Info for answers to all of your questions.