Before I started working for Allergy Be Gone, I didn't really know what "HEPA" meant. While air purifiers and vacuum cleaners have made it a fairly common term in the last few years, I didn't really know what it meant and I certainly didn't know what it stood for. Since HEPA has become such an important concept in the allergy and asthma world, I thought I'd answer a few common questions about it.
What is HEPA and what does it mean?
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. That signifies that HEPA filters are especially good at trapping particles (such as pollen, dander, and other allergens). All HEPA filters trap at least 99.97% of particles .3 microns in size. That's the standard for HEPA.
Why .3 microns?
.3 microns is the hardest size of particle for a filter to trap. That's why it's the benchmark. Any filter that can catch over 99% of these particles can take care of other particles with ease.
What is HEPA-type and how is it different from true HEPA?
A HEPA-type filter is made in the same way as a HEPA filter, but it doesn't meet the same exacting standards as actual HEPA filters. True (or absolute) HEPA filters are held to even higher standards than most HEPA filters.
What is sealed HEPA and what does it mean for my HEPA vacuum cleaner?
HEPA vacuums are great because they filter out more dust, dirt, and allergens. This means that you're not releasing dirty, allergen-laden air back into your home when you vacuum. But in order to really provide HEPA filtration, all the air that's sucked in the nozzle has to go through the filter . Sealed HEPA just signifies that the vacuum cleaner is a completely sealed system with no place for air (and particles) to leak out.
Having a HEPA vacuum and air purifier is just part of a complete allergy-fighting system; it shouldn't be the only defense against allergens. But it's a good start.
Why do I need HEPA?
The air around us is filled with dust, pollen, and other allergens. HEPA filters (be they in an air purifier or a vacuum cleaner) keep us from breathing in those particles. A HEPA filter could mean the difference between an allergy or asthma attack and breathing freely.
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