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High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can remove 99% of airborne particles, including common allergens such as dust and pet dander. Many companies manufacture air purifiers that use HEPA filters.

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Please note that the writer of this article has not tested any of these products. All information presented here is purely research-based.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HEPA filters are pleated mechanical filters that can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, bacteria, and mold.

The EPA recommends looking at an air purifier’s minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) to determine a filter’s ability to capture particles between 0.3 and 10 microns. A higher MERV means that a filter will be able to remove more particles.

People may benefit from using HEPA air filters in their homes to remove dust and other allergens from the air.

Some research suggests that personal air purifier (PAP) devices may be beneficial for those who live in areas at risk of landscape fires. The studies the authors examined found that PAP devices may remove some smoke particles and air pollution present in homes.

The authors also note that studies have found that the use of PAP devices may lead to a reduction in symptoms of asthma and allergies and an improvement in cardiovascular inflammation and blood pressure.

Learn more about air purifiers here.

Before purchasing an air purifier that uses a HEPA filter, people may wish to consider the pros and cons. Some pros and cons include the following.

Pros

  • HEPA filters can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.
  • HEPA filters may have respiratory and cardiovascular benefits.
  • HEPA filters may help reduce allergy symptoms.

Cons

  • HEPA air purifiers can be expensive.
  • HEPA replacement filters can be expensive.
  • HEPA filters are not as effective as carbon filters at removing gases, odors, fumes, or chemicals.
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How we choose products

Medical News Today chooses products that fit the following criteria:

  • Price: We choose products that are available in a range of prices.
  • Size: We choose products that are suitable for a range of room sizes.
  • Extra features: We choose products that have additional features, such as carbon filters, automatic shutoff timers, and filter replacement alerts.
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Many companies sell air purifiers that use HEPA filters.

The EPA recommends that people consider the following when purchasing air purifiers:

  • Clean air delivery rate (CADR): People should choose a product that has a CADR that is suitable for their room size. Generally, a higher CADR means that the product will be suitable for a larger room.
  • Filter type: If they want to capture gases, a person should consider purchasing an air purifier that also uses a carbon filter.
  • Fan speeds and run times: A product with a higher fan speed and a longer run time usually filters more air.

Below is a list of air purifiers that use HEPA filters.

Coway Airmega 400

Best for larger spaces

This air purifier is suitable for spaces up to 1,560 square feet. Coway states that it can filter the air twice an hour.

Learn more about Coway here.

The Airmega 400 uses a combination HEPA and carbon filter that can capture odors and up to 99.9% of airborne particles.

Additional features of this product include:

  • an LED display that measures indoor air quality
  • five fan modes
  • a three-stage filtration system
  • auto-timer with 1-, 2-, 4-, and 8-hour settings

At the time of publishing, the Coway Airmega 400 has a list price of $649.

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Medify MA-14 Air Purifier

Best for smaller spaces

This air purifier is suitable for smaller spaces of up to 200 square feet. Medify states that this product cleans the air once every 30 minutes.

The MA-14 Air Purifier uses a HEPA and carbon filter to capture odors and airborne particles.

Additional features of this product include:

  • three fan speeds
  • quiet operation (maximum 48 decibels [dB])
  • a night light and a sleep mode

Medify states that the filter should last for 3–4 months before a person needs to replace it.

At the time of publishing, the Medify MA-14 Air Purifier has a list price of $88.99.

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Levoit Core 200S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier

Best smart device

This air purifier is suitable for rooms up to 183 square feet. Levoit states that the Core 200S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier provides 360-degree coverage.

The device is a smart air purifier that people can connect to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Levoit’s smartphone app to control the product.

Additional features of this product include:

  • quiet operation (maximum 48 dB)
  • timers and customizable schedules
  • a sleep mode and a night light

At the time of publishing, the Levoit Core 200S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier costs $89.99.

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RabbitAir MINUSA2

Best customizable device

This air purifier is suitable for rooms up to 815 square feet. People can choose from four different features:

  • odor remover
  • germ defense
  • toxin absorber
  • pet allergy

Additional features of this product include six-stage filtration and a compatible app to control the product.

A person can also choose a Wi-Fi-enabled model. This model is more expensive than the base MINUSA2.

At the time of publishing, the cost of the RabbitAir MINUSA2 starts from $599.95. If a person wishes to buy a Wi-Fi-enabled model, it is available starting from $619.95.

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Winix AM90 Air Purifier

Best for medium spaces

This Wi-Fi-enabled air purifier is suitable for rooms up to 360 square feet. The product has a washable pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and a carbon filter that helps eliminate odors.

Additional features of the AM90 Air Purifier include:

  • plasma wave technology, which helps breaks down odors
  • compatibility with Amazon Alexa
  • smartphone app-compatible
  • four-stage filtration

At the time of publishing, the Winix AM90 Air Purifier has a list price of around $219.99.

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ProBreeze 3-in-1 Mini Air Purifier

Best for a long filter life

This small air purifier uses a true HEPA filter and a negative ion generator. The company does not state the CADR or a suitable room size.

Additional features of this product include:

  • an LED night light
  • low energy consumption
  • 2,000 hours of filter life

At the time of publishing, the ProBreeze 3-in-1 Mini Air Purifier has a list price of $29.99.

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Germ Guardian 4-in-1 Air Purifier

Best for filtering germs

This product is suitable for rooms up to 743 square feet, and it can filter the air in a room once per hour.

The air purifier has an optional UVC light that the company claims may help kill airborne germs and viruses.

Other features of this product include:

  • a pre-filter, which captures large particles
  • a charcoal filter to help reduce odors
  • three fan speed settings
  • a filter life of 6–8 months

At the time of publishing, the Germ Guardian 4-in-1 Air Purifier has a list price of around $84.99.

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Below are some frequently asked questions about HEPA filters.

Can HEPA filters kill the novel coronavirus?

The EPA states that air purifiers can reduce the amount of airborne contaminants in the home.

However, people should not rely on air purifiers to protect themselves from the novel coronavirus. People should follow all state and federal guidelines to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

Learn more about how to prevent transmission here.

How much does a HEPA filter cost?

The cost of a HEPA filter depends on the type of HEPA filter a product uses.

Companies typically sell replacement filters that fit their air purifiers. People will need to replace the filters regularly to ensure that the air purifier continues to clean the air.

What is the difference between a HEPA and a non-HEPA filter?

The main difference between HEPA and non-HEPA filters is that HEPA filters can eliminate more airborne contaminants.

Also, non-HEPA filters are more likely to be affordable than HEPA filters.

HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, bacteria, and mold. People may benefit from having these filters in their homes, at their offices, or in large industrial settings.

There are various HEPA filters available to purchase that are suitable for various room sizes.