In today’s times, it’s alarming to see that a large proportion of the population suffers from dust allergies. Minimizing allergic reactions requires clean and purified air, and the best HEPA air purifier can provide the type of filtration required to prevent allergic reactions.
But what are HEPA purifiers, and how do they help filter out allergens and other particles? Read ahead to know more about them.
What are HEPA purifiers?
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. A HEPA filter is one of the many types of mechanical air filters. However, it is specialized to trap hazardous pollutants such as dust, animal dander, pollen, dust mites, and cigarette smoke by pushing air through a small mesh.
Air pollution is a lot more than just automobile smoke or factory smoke. In fact, according to AAAAI, 10% to 30% of the world suffers from allergies of some type. Dust mites, fungal spores, dust, pet dander, pollen, and more can aggravate allergies and asthma. Using HEPA filters to collect pollutants can offer allergy relief.
How does a HEPA purifier function?
The HEPA air purifier uses one of the following mechanisms to function.
- Sieving: The mechanism by which bigger particles that cannot pass through the small distances that separate HEPA fibers tangle up in one or more strands. This only happens when the particles are larger than the fibers.
- Impaction and interception: When tiny particles clash with a filter fiber and the air moving through the filter is inadequate to move them, impaction and interception occur. Impacted particles hit the fiber, creating a small impact crater they cannot escape. Particles intercepted chemically or physically then stick to the fiber.
- Diffusion: When microscopic particles are swept away by the airflow in the filter, they cannot escape and are impacted or intercepted; diffusion occurs.
Features to look for when purchasing a HEPA purifier
One should look out for certain things when purchasing HEPA and air purifiers in general. These are standards and certifications one should seek when purchasing a purifier.
- High CADR rating
- Maximum coverage area
- Type of filter in the purifier. Look for one of the following:
- true HEPA filter
- pre-filters
- UV filters
- Filters with activated carbons
- PCO filter
- Customer service and warranty coverage
If any of these happen to be missing, the purifier will not qualify as the best HEPA air purifier.
Other precautions to take
The best HEPA air purifier alone cannot remove all allergens from the air. Before the purifier is used, one needs to take other precautions to ensure a clean home, such as,
- Change the bedding regularly and wash linens in hot water.
- Covering beds and pillows with vinyl coverings.
- Vacuuming regularly.
- For those sensitive to pet dander, keeping pets outside or away from the sleeping area is advisable.
- Opting for wooden, tile, or vinyl flooring instead of carpeting.
- Replacing drapes and curtains with roll-ups shades.
- Using high-efficiency furnace filters.
Wrapping up
The best HEPA air purifier may not entirely protect you from all pollutants in the air. However, it will reduce the bulk of allergens and irritants in your home to prevent allergies and asthma.
Further, this will also prove beneficial in case of common respiratory illnesses and allergy flare-ups by removing certain pollutants from the air. After all, remaining protected inside one’s home is crucial since that is where people spend most of their time.
