The HEPA air cleaner is still the number one recommended mechanical device for allergies according to users.   First designed in the 1940s, the HEPA filter has continued to seek out better ways to improve its product but still has its initial design.

High-Efficiency Particle Arresting (HEPA) filters go have a three-mechanism system designed to trap and hold on to particles without releasing back into the atmosphere.

The Interception layer first collects the stream of air coming into the machine.  Secondly, the Impaction stops larger particles with fibers.  The third mechanism, Diffusion, causes gas molecules to collide with tiny particles and embeds them into specially made fibers.

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is very strict with their requirements for HEPA as this filter serves many high technology agencies, such as aerospace and nuclear facilities to combat the spread of pollutants and particles.  Copycats try to seize upon the name by using ‘HEPA-type’, ‘99% HEPA’ or something similar to mislead you into purchasing their products.

Models range from whole-house units to smaller portable air cleaners.  But wherever you use a HEPA air cleaner, you know that 99.7% of pollutants in the air that pass through its filters will stay there.  Just because your home is clean doesn’t mean that there aren’t pollutants.  Over 99% of the particles in the air are not seen by the naked eye because they are so small.

An air cleaner that has the HEPA filtration system is more expensive than many other units but you are guaranteed relief from pet dander, viruses, pollen, dust mites, mold spores, odors, and bacteria.  For the severe allergy sufferer, this is music to their ears.