Breathe Cleaner: The Best HEPA Air Purifier of 2024 | Oransi (2024)

FAQs

Is there anything better than HEPA? ›

ULPA filters trap more and smaller particulate matter than HEPA filters. ULPA filters are 99.999% effective at removing submicron particulate matter of 0.12-micron diameter or larger, while HEPA filters are 99.97% effective for eliminating particulate matter of 0.3-micron diameter or larger.

H13-H14 HEPA are within the highest tier of HEPA air filtration and are considered medical-grade. “A HEPA grade of H13 can remove 99.95% of all particles in the air measuring 0.2 microns in diameter, while a HEPA grade H14 removes 99.995%,” says Nagl.

HEPA filters are rated for containment ability of 0.3 μm particles because these are the most challenging size to capture, which means that efficiency of capture for other size particles is higher than 99.97%. HEPA filters do not remove gases or VOCs from air.

Airocide is the NASA air purifier. Our technology removed harmful VOCs from the International Space Station and the Columbia shuttle. It made the air safe for our astronauts, and the food they need.

What are the downsides of air purifiers? There aren't a lot of downsides to having an air purifier in your home aside from the financial investment. Many ionizers, especially older models, can generate ozone when they are operating, which is known to exacerbate asthma.

Recommended HEPA Filters

The main types of HEPA filters to look at are H13 and H14.

HEPA-Type Filter vs. True HEPA. A HEPA-type filter is genuinely an inferior version of the True HEPA. Unfortunately, due to trademarking, a HEPA-type filter can be sold under pretenses to trick consumers into believing that the HEPA-type is close to or as effective as the True HEPA.

HEPA-Type (Grade E): About 99% efficiency. True HEPA (Grade H): 99.97% efficiency. Absolute HEPA (Grade A): 99.99% efficiency or more. Ultra-HEPA (Grade U): More than 99.999% efficiency.

Headaches, sore throat, coughing, Asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing are a few of the symptoms that can be brought on by some air purifiers. Yes, that's right. Your air purifier may actually aggravate many of the health issues you hoped it would solve.

HEPA filters are limited to particulates. There are harmful gases and fumes that may just pass through a HEPA filter. HEPA filters may cause air to become too dry. Finally, some HEPA filters may produce ozone, which is an unhealthy gas that can irritate the lungs.

Why are HEPA filters rarely used in homes? ›

Part of the reason that HEPA filters are so rarely used in HVAC systems is that they are extremely restrictive in terms of airflow. This means that the system needs to be extremely powerful and use additional fans in order to properly draw air through the HEPA filter and circulate it throughout the room or building.

EPA recommends looking for air purifier models that provide at least 4.8 ACH for the recommended room size to help improve your indoor air quality. A device labeled to provide 4.8 ACH in a 10'x12'x8' room can treat the air in a room of that size 4.8 times each hour.

HEPA Filters

With a MERV rating nearing 16, HEPA filters provide the highest protection for your home. They're able to remove even the smallest microns or airborne particles, including tobacco and bacteria. Those who live with allergies or other respiratory issues may benefit from HEPA filters the most.

AQI values under 100 are generally safe for healthy individuals, although anything above 51 can be potentially irritating to sensitive individuals—usually those with asthma, the elderly or young children. ¹ AQI values above 100 are deemed “unhealthy,” and can cause adverse health effects in sensitive people.

Expensive air filters are made from higher-quality materials, last longer, are more efficient at trapping particles, and have a larger surface area to filter. This can lead to better indoor air quality and improved health.