Since the COVID-19 pandemic, medical-grade air purifiers have been recommended by government bodies around the world as an effective way to combat disease spread in public spaces. These devices are utilised in healthcare and medical institutions like hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies and help protect the most vulnerable members of society (especially children, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals). What, exactly, makes an air purifier ‘medical-grade’? Which types of airborne germs do they remove? Read on to learn more.

What makes an air purifier ‘medical-grade’?

Superior filtration efficiency

Medical-grade air purifiers are known for their superior filtration standards of their HEPA filters. Air purifiers that contain filters with an H13 or H14 grade are considered to fall under the category of ‘medical-grade’. These filters offer a more thorough level of filtration, guaranteed to remove harmful particles down to 0.3 microns. However, the reality is that these filters filter particles that are much smaller, even those down to 0.1 or even 0.01 microns.

These types of air purifiers are ideal for healthcare settings where they prevent the spread of infectious diseases. They are equally beneficial in homes and offices used by individuals with severe allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders. Removing airborne particles like pollen, dust mites, pet hair and dander, and mould spores is highly beneficial in fighting triggers for individuals with allergies, asthma, and respiratory conditions.

The 0.3 micron myth

You may have come across articles claiming that HEPA filters are unable to filter out particles that are smaller than 0.3 microns. We refer to this as the ‘0.3 micron myth’. The European HEPA standard uses particles of a size of 0.3 microns for effectiveness testing because particles of this size are, rather counterintuitively, the most harmful and difficult to filter (referred to as ‘MPPS’ or ‘the most penetrating particle size’). Yes, particles of 0.3 microns – or 300 times smaller than the diameter of a strand of human hair – are even more difficult to remove from the air than particles less than 0.3 microns. However, a 2016 NASA study found that HEPA filters are not only capable but very effective in capturing particles of many sizes, all the way down to a size of 0.1 microns. Read more about the 0.3 micron barrier here.

Enhanced protection against pathogens

Medical-grade air purifiers provide an extra layer of protection against harmful pathogens, safeguarding individuals and professionals from illness. High-quality medical-grade air purifiers come equipped with an ultraviolet (UVC) light technology that works to either kill or deactivate bacteria and viruses.

Not only are high-end, medical-grade air purifiers like Eoleaf’s effective against pathogens, but they also contain other air filtration technologies that remove allergens (including dust, dust mites, mould spores, pet hair and danger, mould and its spores) and other dangerous contaminants like chemical pollution (like VOCs).

Improved air quality for healthier living

Medical-grade air purifiers help improve overall well-being by removing airborne pollutants. For those with respiratory conditions, breathing clean, pure indoor air leads to an improvement in respiratory health, enhanced sleep quality, and a healthy immune system, to name a few.

Investment in long-term health

According to a 2020 figure, indoor air pollution leads to 3.2 million deaths per year (237,000 of which are children under the age of 5). The harmful effects of indoor pollution and ambient (outdoor) air pollution combined cause 6.7 million premature deaths per year¹. This, naturally, leads to a massive burden on worldwide health systems, with premature death and the loss of quality of life accounting for 90% of public monetary costs².

Investing in and using a medical-grade air purifier contributes to long-term health benefits. Reducing one’s exposure to harmful pollutants helps not only ward off but alleviate chronic respiratory conditions including allergies, asthma, COPD, and pulmonary embolism. This ultimately reduces medical expenses and increases quality of life.

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Benefits of medical-grade air purifiers

Reduction of airborne diseases

Capturing and eliminating airborne bacteria and viruses with a medical-grade air purifier helps reduce the risk of airborne diseases. This is particularly helpful during periods of seasonal epidemics (cold and flu season) or pandemics (viral outbreaks like COVID-19 or SARS). Medical-grade air purifiers provide a layer of protection to limit contracting illnesses that are spread through the air.

Odour and VOC removal

Unpleasant odours in the home and office are often caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They have a variety of sources but are generally caused by everyday household products like paints, new furniture (which may release formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, for up to two years!), cleaning supplies, and cooking. With a medical-grade air purifier that is properly equipped with an activated carbon filter in addition to its other technologies, odours are effectively removed. Reducing smells in your indoor environment improves your daily well-being but also protects you from long-term health effects caused by exposure to VOCs.

Improved overall health, immune system, and quality of life for sensitive populations

Breathing clean indoor air and removing harmful pollutants with a medical-grade air purifier mitigates the risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases, protecting your health. Studies have also shown that purifying indoor air and reducing exposure to airborne toxins and pollutants leads to a myriad of other health benefits including:

• Enhanced cognitive function (improved concentration, working memory, and test scores)^3,4
• Improved sleep quality in bedrooms by reducing the risk of developing air pollution-caused sleep apnoea⁵ and nasal congestion, eye and throat irritation, coughing, and sneezing⁶
• Reduction of allergens that severely impact daily quality of life for those suffering from severe allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, symptoms of which are aggravated by the presence of air pollution⁷

Medical-grade air purifiers improve quality of life by providing a cleaner breathing environment, reducing respiratory disease symptoms and improving daily comfort. Regular exposure to pollutants and allergens weaken your immune system, making it more difficult to fight off illnesses. Clean indoor air supports the immune system and decreases the likelihood of sickness, contributing to improved overall health.

Enhanced comfort, well-being, and peace of mind

Ridding indoor air of pollutants provides significant psychological benefits. Breathing clean air provides peace of mind and a sense of well-being and comfort in both homes and the workplace. For those with family members that are especially vulnerable – like young children, pregnant women, elderly family members, and/or those with compromised immune systems – a healthy environment with clean air promotes health, hygiene, and peace of mind. The highest standard of air purification found in medical-grade air purifiers also encourages a contaminant-free, safe, and healthy indoor working environment by removing pollutants from the air.

Key features to look for in a medical-grade air purifier

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HEPA filtration and activated carbon filtration

Medical-grade air purifiers should be equipped with HEPA-certified filtration and activated carbon filtration, two of the most tried-and-true air filtration technologies available on today’s air purification market. High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) certification means that an air purifier removes 99.97% of all air pollutants down to a size of 0.01 microns in a single pass. Medical-grade air purifiers are either H13 or H14 standard, removing dust, pollen, mould spores, pathogens, and fine and nano particle pollution. This level of filtration ensures clean and healthy indoor environments.

Activated carbon is another highly useful form of air filtration in a medical-grade air purifier. Extremely efficient at absorbing gases and odours (including volatile organic compounds or VOCs) found in the air, activated carbon is an important air purification feature that eliminates indoor pollutants that HEPA filters cannot. Activated carbon filters help to protect the body from health issues caused by formaldehyde and chemicals found in everyday items like furniture, carpets, paint, and other DIY products.

UVC sterilisation technologies

It is also ideal for medical-grade air purifiers to contain UVC light technologies. This allows them to kill or deactivate bacteria and viruses, rendering airborne pathogens harmless by damaging their DNA and making them incapable of replication. This feature adds an extra, effective layer of protection against airborne diseases, further contributing to a healthy indoor environment.

Room size, noise level, and energy efficiency

When purchasing a medical-grade air purifier, the size of the room (coverage area) in which you plan to install your air purifier is crucial to consider in order to achieve effective air purification. 

Another consideration to keep in mind is your air purifier’s noise level. When installing a device in a bedroom, office, or other quiet environment, it is important to seek out high-quality air purifiers that operate quietly but effectively in order to clean the air. This is for your comfort as a quiet air purifier causes minimal disturbances to your daily life.

Typically, an air purifier that operates quietly means that it is well-designed. Well-designed, durable air purifiers reduce operating costs and environmental impact with energy-efficient features like Automatic mode and Night mode. An energy-efficient air purifier is also cost-efficient as it leads to lower energy usage.

Smart features

More modern air purifiers contain smart features that ease the management and tracking of your indoor air quality. Some smart features include high-quality air quality sensors, automatic adjustment settings (Automatic mode), remote control using smartphone apps, and voice and/or gesture control that simplify touch-free management of your device, particularly useful in places with high foot traffic and ill individuals like hospitals. These features have been developed for both convenience and real-time air quality monitoring and control, further encouraging an optimised indoor air quality.

Ease of maintenance, durability, and warranty

It is essential to invest in a medical-grade air purifier that is built to last. Be sure to purchase a device that has a comprehensive warranty (Eoleaf’s devices are covered under warranty for three years!), providing you with peace of mind that your investment is protected. A lengthy warranty shows that your manufacturer trusts the quality of its products, guaranteeing you high-quality air purification for years to come. Your device should have easy-to-replace filters with clear and efficient maintenance guidelines. It is always encouraged to follow your manufacturer’s regular maintenance recommendations, especially regarding filter replacements. This will help support user satisfaction and continued overall effectiveness of your device.

Frequently asked questions

Can a medical grade air purifier remove viruses from the air?

If your medical-grade air purifier contains both a HEPA-certified filter and UVC sterilisation technologies, absolutely! These technologies are designed to remove harmful germs (bacteria and viruses) from the air.

Are medical grade air purifiers effective against allergens like pollen and pet dander?

Air purifiers that contain HEPA-certified filters work very effectively in removing allergens like pollen and pet dander. HEPA-certified filters remove 99.97% of all pollutants down to a size of 0.01 microns in a single pass, including allergens.

How do I choose the right size air purifier for my room, home, or office?

Before making your purchase of an air purifier, ensure that it is properly sized. Devices usually include a size guide enabling you to choose the right device for your space’s size. To provide an example, Eoleaf’s devices come in three sizes:

• AEROPRO 40: 0 to 40 m2
• AEROPRO 100: 0 to 80 m2
• AEROPRO 150: 0 to 120 m2

Can medical grade air purifiers eliminate odours and VOCs?

Not all air purifiers are capable of eliminating odours and VOCs. Only air purifiers that are equipped with activated carbon filters are able to eliminate odours and harmful chemical pollution including VOCs. 

What maintenance does a medical grade air purifier require?

All air purifiers require regular filter replacements. It cannot be understated how important this is for both your health and the longevity of your device! Eoleaf devices require filter changes once every year.

Are there any smart features available in medical grade air purifiers?

This depends upon the model of medical-grade air purifier. Eoleaf air purifiers are modern, offering smart features like app compatibility, gesture and voice controls, Automatic and Night modes, and real-time air quality monitoring directly from your smartphone, to name a few.

How much noise does a medical grade air purifier make?

An air purifier should be near-silent in lower fan speeds and never loud enough to disturb users of the space in which they are installed at faster fan speeds. Eoleaf devices never exceed 60 dB even at their fastest fan speeds.

Is it worth investing in an air purifier with UV-C light technology?

If you are planning to install an air purifier in a place that regularly accepts members of the public, especially those who are ill, an air purifier equipped with UVC sterilisation technology is absolutely recommended. This may include places like healthcare and medical institutions (hospitals, clinics, dental practices, pharmacies), schools, hotels, and restaurants. This list is not exhaustive, however. 

Can using a medical grade air purifier help with asthma or respiratory conditions?

Absolutely! This is one of the main purposes for purchasing a medical-grade air purifier. By removing harmful indoor air pollutants that aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma, allergies, and/or COPD, symptoms of these conditions may be significantly alleviated.

Resources

¹ World Health Organization. (2023, December 15). Household air pollution. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/household-air-pollution-and-health 

² Boulanger, G., Bayeux, T., Mandin, C., Kirchner, S., Vergriette, B., Pernelet-Joly, V., & Kopp, P. (2017). Socio-economic costs of Indoor Air Pollution: A tentative estimation for some pollutants of health interest in France. Environment International, 104, 14–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2017.03.025 

³ Lu W, Hackman DA, Schwartz J. Ambient air pollution associated with lower academic achievement among US children: A nationwide panel study of school districts. Environ Epidemiol. 2021 Nov 3;5(6):e174. doi: 10.1097/EE9.0000000000000174. Erratum in: Environ Epidemiol. 2022 Feb 25;6(2):e202. PMID: 34909554; PMCID: PMC8663889.

⁴ Gartland N, Aljofi HE, Dienes K, Munford LA, Theakston AL, van Tongeren M. The Effects of Traffic Air Pollution in and around Schools on Executive Function and Academic Performance in Children: A Rapid Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jan 10;19(2):749. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19020749. PMID: 35055570; PMCID: PMC8776123.

⁵ Billings, M. E., Gold, D., Szpiro, A., Aaron, C. P., Jorgensen, N., Gassett, A., Leary, P. J., Kaufman, J. D., & Redline, S. R. (2018). The association of ambient air pollution with sleep apnea: The multi-ethnic study of Atherosclerosis. Annals of the American Thoracic Society. https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1513/AnnalsATS.201804-248OC

⁶ Donald E. Stull, Laurie Roberts, Lori Frank & Kim Heithoff (2007) Relationship of nasal congestion with sleep, mood, and productivity, Current Medical Research and Opinion, 23:4, 811-819, DOI: 10.1185/030079907X178793.

⁷ Takizawa H. Impact of air pollution on allergic diseases. Korean J Intern Med. 2011 Sep;26(3):262-73. doi: 10.3904/kjim.2011.26.3.262. Epub 2011 Sep 13. PMID: 22016586; PMCID: PMC3192198.