What are HEPA filters and why are they important? Everything you need to know.

filtros HEPA
When choosing a hand dryer for a hotel, restroom complex or office, the most important element to consider is the HEPA filter. The quality of the HEPA filter in hand dryers is critical. It is the most important part of the air filtration process, removing harmful particles from the air and then releasing clean air. That’s why its use extends to a multitude of products other than electric hand dryers, such as vacuum cleaners or air purifiers.
But what are HEPA filters, how do they work, why are they so effective against viruses, bacteria and allergens? Find out everything you need to know here.

What are HEPA filters?

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. The acronym alone says a lot about the importance of this filter. Because the HEPA filter is really powerful. The HEPA filter retains more than 99% of airborne particles so small that even some bacteria can be filtered out and particles such as pollen, smoke or dust can be retained.

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Why are they important?

HEPA filters are the best type of air filter available today. They are a great help to people with respiratory problems because of the improved air quality after installation. In fact, the effectiveness of HEPA filters is the reason why so many air purifiers were installed during the pandemic in schools, hospitals and offices. As such, their installation in confined spaces was even recommended by the WHO during the Covid-19 crisis to help reduce the presence of the virus and thus its spread:
“Precautions against airborne transmission during aerosol-generating maneuvers in patients suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus → an air outlet to the outside or, if the air is recirculated in the room, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.” – They write in their practical manual on treating respiratory infections.

What types of HEPA filters are there?

There are different types of HEPA filters, with ratings ranging from HEPA 10 to HEPA 14. The higher the rating, the more effective the filtration.

How do they work?

The HEPA filter is constructed with advanced fiber technology. Its operation is simple. The fiber is placed in the system so that larger particles are collected on the surface of the filter and smaller particles are collected as they pass through the filter. With this deep filtration technology, most particles in the air are filtered out by the HEPA filter. Airborne particles are captured by different methods. These methods ensure that your HEPA filter works optimally and that nothing is left to chance.

Can HEPA filters be washed?

Some hand dryer models have washable filters, but not all. It’s easy to tell the difference: blue HEPA filters can be washed. Green HEPA filters cannot be cleaned and must be replaced. It’s best to choose a replaceable filter because washable filters lose their effectiveness after each wash. However, if you choose a washable filter, it is advisable to clean the filter about once a month to ensure the best possible efficiency.

How do I clean them?

First of all, it depends on the product in question. It is always important to check the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. Also, make sure that the electric hand dryer is unplugged before removing the HEPA filter. Once the filter has been removed from the hand dryer, we can tap it lightly to remove most of the dust. Next, run it under hot water, making sure the pressure is not too strong to avoid damaging the filter. Rinse it on both sides until the water comes out completely clean. To put the HEPA filter back in our electric hand dryer, we need to wait for it to air dry for about a day. Once it is completely dry, we put the filter back in the dryer, as it should never be used without it.
secamanos eléctrico
HEPA filters really work and their use is recommended by the WHO. This is why SIMEX uses HEPA filters in its electric hand dryers. HEPA filters, as we have seen above, are very effective because they are able to filter out more than 99% of the harmful particles in the air. In our new collection of TOPFLOW electric hand dryers, we are committed to safety and incorporate HEPA filters with an index of 13, one of the highest available on the market today.
Discover our new line of TOPFLOW electric hand dryers by clicking HERE.

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