What Is a HEPA Filter and Why Is It Effective Against COVID-19

There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to HEPA filters – short for high-efficiency particulate air filters – especially when seeking a sound solution to improve indoor air quality. The hefty HEPA has earned bragging rights, offering top-of-the-line protection when it comes to capturing a majority of tiny airborne contaminants and keeping occupants safe in an indoor pocket of space.

Premium HEPA mechanical air filters have been around for decades. And particularly today, in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, the multi-layered component maintains a stellar reputation as an effective, proven clean air solution.

In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and ASHRAE recommend improving indoor air with in-space HEPA units to protect school communities and day care centers with clean, purified air. Specifically in schools, the CDC ventilation guidance recommends portable air cleaners engineered with HEPAs to safeguard students and teachers in classrooms, around high-traffic spaces such as gymnasiums and lunchrooms, and the nurse’s office.

The HEPA’s multi-layered filter design – a medium of fiberglass or synthetic matted fibers – traps microscopic particles invisible to the human eye. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states a HEPA can remove at least 99.97% of airborne viruses and emerging variants as well as bacteria, mold, dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants.

According to Mai Sheyan, developer of Fete Filter, the 12-inch deep HEPAs deployed inside the line of powerful commercial-grade air purifiers takes it up a notch. “Fete Filter is engineered with a medical-grade HEPA which captures 99.99% of potentially harmful airborne particles. This is the same type of clean air technology installed in hospital surgical rooms or clean rooms,” Kevin noted. “HEPAs are effective, reliable, and require minimal maintenance with a two- to four-year life cycle. When we add a prefilter that also helps extend the HEPA’s longevity. Economically this saves on HEPA filter replacement and maintenance costs.”

sheyan explained HEPA is the first line of defense serving as the workhorse of clean air technology. “They’re the preferred filtration solution because almost nothing can pass through. The HEPA is the most important component to understand when researching air purifiers. When comparing one HEPA with another, focus on the rating, the amount of filter media, and the lifespan.”