HEPA vs. True HEPA Filter: Understanding the Difference

Clean air is essential for health; this is especially true in at-risk areas such as hospitals, clinics, and labs. As a facility manager, selecting the right air filtration systems ensures that air quality is at its best and most healthy. Many options are available, but how do you know which filtration system will offer the safety your facility's patients and staff need?

HEPA filtration is considered the gold standard in air filtration systems. Even among HEPA filters (or filters claiming to be of similar quality to HEPA filters), there is ongoing debate over which type is best suited for different applications and which is worth the investment. In this blog, we'll break down the different types of HEPA filtration and help you choose the best option for your unique facility's needs.

What is a HEPA Filter?

In your search for high-quality filtration equipment, you’ve likely found yourself asking, “What does HEPA stand for, anyway?” HEPA stands for "High-Efficiency Particulate Air" and represents a standard trusted across particular sterile environments like hospitals and labs. To qualify as a true HEPA filter, it must trap at least 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns — that’s smaller than most bacteria and some viruses. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sets the bar high for what qualifies as HEPA, and for good reason. In your facility, where health and safety are non-negotiable, using filters that meet these rigorous HEPA filtration standards isn’t just important — it’s essential.

Understanding what HEPA stands for and these standards arms you with the knowledge to avoid products that cut corners or make exaggerated claims. With so much at stake, you need equipment that delivers, and that’s exactly what a true HEPA filter provides.

True HEPA Filters And Why Certification and Testing Matter

When you see "true HEPA," it’s more than just a label — it’s a guarantee that you’re getting top-tier filtration. These filters don’t just claim HEPA status; they’ve been independently tested and certified to perform at a level that meets or exceeds DOE standards. In environments where every breath counts, true HEPA filters are the gold standard.

While all HEPA filters aim to deliver high efficiency, true HEPA stands out by consistently capturing 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, making it the clear choice for critical applications like surgical suites or isolation rooms. When comparing HEPA vs. true HEPA, it’s clear that true HEPA provides the reliability needed to maintain superior air quality in demanding environments like hospitals, medical centers, laboratories, and more. 

Are You Taking Unnecessary Risks With HEPA-like Filters?

You’ve probably come across products labeled as "HEPA-type" or "HEPA-style" when researching filtration systems. Unfortunately, those terms can be misleading. While these “HEPA-inspired” filters might sound promising, they lack the rigorous testing and performance guarantees that come with a certified HEPA filter. These alternatives often fall short of the strict HEPA filtration standards your facility requires. So then, what is true HEPA? It’s simply a term used to differentiate certified HEPA from the rest of the marketing jargon. 

The difference lies in what’s actually being filtered. HEPA-like filters might boast efficiency ratings up to 99%, but they’re often unable to capture the smallest and most harmful particles. In healthcare, where controlling airborne pathogens is vital, settling for "HEPA-type" can introduce unnecessary risks. Stick with proven solutions like true HEPA filters to ensure consistent, top-level air quality in every critical area.

Why Should You Choose True HEPA vs. HEPA-like Filters?

When it comes to maintaining a clean and safe environment, true HEPA filters offer clear advantages that go beyond just numbers. Their superior efficiency in capturing harmful particles directly impacts infection control and overall air quality. Additionally, their longer lifespan means fewer filter changes and more consistent performance over time — a crucial factor when downtime or lapses in air quality aren’t an option.

True HEPA filters are engineered for demanding environments like yours. From operating rooms to ICUs, they deliver the reliability you need to keep your facility running smoothly, day in and day out. When patient outcomes and staff safety are on the line, there’s simply no substitute for the peace of mind that a true HEPA filter offers.

Which Should You Choose? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions

• What are the primary functions of the spaces where the filtration system will be used? Are these areas critical environments like surgical suites, isolation rooms, or patient wards where air quality directly impacts health outcomes?

• How often do high-risk procedures or activities take place in these areas? Are there frequent activities that generate airborne contaminants, such as surgeries, treatments, or handling of hazardous materials?

• How critical is it to maintain a consistently high standard of air quality in the facility? Would fluctuations in air quality, even briefly, pose significant risks to patient or staff health?

• How long should the filtration system reliably perform without compromising efficiency? Is there a need for long-term performance with minimal maintenance, particularly in high-demand areas?

• How much control do I need over the performance and longevity of the filtration system? Would the ability to rely on independently tested and certified filtration performance offer peace of mind in maintaining air quality?

When dependability and efficiency are your top concerns, you can’t beat the peace of mind and level of excellence that comes along with purchasing a genuine certified HEPA filter for your healthcare facility. 

True HEPA Filters vs. HEPA 13

Even within true HEPA filters, it’s important to understand that not all are created equal. Different classifications like H12, H13, and H14 offer varying levels of filtration, with H13 filters capable of capturing up to 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns. This level of precision is critical in settings that require the utmost in air purity, such as specialized labs or cleanrooms.

By knowing what these classifications mean, you can make informed decisions based on the unique needs of your facility. Whether you’re managing a high-traffic emergency department or a tightly controlled sterile environment, understanding the differences between these HEPA ratings helps ensure that your filtration system is fit for the task at hand.

Equip Your Facility with the Filtration that Delivers Results

In your role, providing clean air is more than an item on your checklist — it’s critical to protecting the health of everyone who steps through your facility’s doors. With so much at stake, cutting corners on air quality isn’t an option. That’s why investing in true HEPA filtration is the smart move.

These filters go beyond standard requirements, offering the proven performance you need to keep critical environments safe. From longer-lasting filters to compliance with the toughest standards, true HEPA filters deliver consistent results that ensure your air quality remains uncompromised.

Ready to find the right fit for your facility’s unique needs? Download our HEPA vs. ULPA guide today and discover how true HEPA filters can elevate your air quality strategy.