subject: Hepa Air Purifier News [print this page] If you happen to be making a wise move for your health and are shopping for a HEPA air purifier, you will more than likely see several packages that are labeled as being "True" HEPA. This naturally has to cause some wonder if there are "False" HEPA filters out there. Naturally no company is going to print in big bold letters that a filter is sub-standard when compared to a HEPA filter. But the fact of the matter is, if it's not a True or absolute HEPA filter, it's just not the same. The average person doesn't know much about the difference between HEPA and standard air filters, but it is a vital difference that the informed consumer needs to know to make the right choice. Time to take a look at what makes a HEPA air purifier superior.
Now obviously the specific label of HEPA air purifier means there's something different from a standard air purifier. Don't be fooled by products labeled "Hepa-like" as they are not held to the rigorous standards of true HEPA air filters. The full HEPA filter is made with far more care than the standard air filter. The product must meet very strict production guidelines, including how effective it is at trapping particulate matter from the air. This is what makes a true HEPA filter unique.
One of the amazing things about "Absolute" HEPA filters is their efficiency when they begin to get dirty. Obviously the particles trapped by the filter don't go anywhere, and as a result filters become clogged over time. Absolute filters actually become MORE effective as they begin to get dirty. This is due to the fact that with all the matter trapped in the filter, the gaps between filtering mediums actually becomes smaller. Less matter is capable of getting through, and the result is even cleaner air than when the filter was brand new.
Of the different specifications that True or absolute HEPA 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.
Buyer beware when it comes to products that claim to be HEPA-type filters. This is like buying a cheap knockoff of a quality watch. It may look the same, but it is definitely not going to perform the same. Make sure your air purifier states that it is in compliance with true HEPA standards. This won't be hard as the ones that do this are happy to put it on the box in big letters! On the off chance they don't, however, just remember 97% of all particles down to .3 microns and you'll know that your air purifier is a true HEPA filter.
