Hepatitis b virus on scientific background. 3d illustration
Just a few years ago, this is what everyone was looking for. During Covid, the search for solutions to virus particles became a million-dollar question. For example, school districts invested millions of dollars in cleaning surfaces, reducing viral counts in classrooms, and otherwise sanitizing indoor areas.
But even after Covid ended, and so many people went back to business as usual, many people who are shopping for an air purifier want to know how effective these units can be against a virus. Generally, the efficacy is similar, regardless of which virus it is, because virus particles tend to be of a certain size.
So can an air purifier take something like a cold virus out of the air? Or what about RSV? Or simple influenza? Do these machines have this capacity, in general?
Testing Air Purifiers on Viral Particles
There has been actual testing done on various kinds of purifiers within the last few years, showing that they can be tremendously effective in getting virus particles scrubbed out of a room or space.
Here are some specific results that you should know about if you’re investigating this kind of efficacy for air purifiers.
Aura Air
Some Aura Air purifier models greatly reduce viral counts.
This is one manufacturer that has submitted its machines to a battery of actual tests, and come up with some interesting results.
Scientists did a controlled chamber test of one Aura Air model that, according to the research, cut aerosolized influenza A counts by 99.998% in just one hour. That doesn’t leave much behind!
In the same time frame, the air purifier removed 99.997% of airborne RSV particles.
The company also claims this works very effectively against airborne germs of all kinds.
It’s important to point out that these tests were done in sealed chambers, with particular indoor conditions. There are mitigating factors to think about, including ventilation placement and intrusion from people going into and out of a space. But this research shows a high rate of efficacy in this area.
Field Controls
There are also available results from a trial of a Trio Plus device manufactured by Field Controls that cut 99.99% of aerosolized flue molecules or other pathogens in half an hour.
The manufacturer recommends using the machine in combination with ventilation.
And again, it was done in a sealed and controlled environment.
IDEAL Models: AP60 Pro and AP80 Pro
As for IDEAL air purifiers, one study found a HEPA filter removed 99.97% of airborne virus particles in a controlled chamber test.
More generally speaking, the company asserts that the unit is effective in removing a lot of viral particles from the air. Again, though, you have to factor in things like filtration, ventilation and maintenance, as well as other infection control procedures, like social distancing or masks.
However, that gives you sort of a picture of how effective these machines can be, given a particular model performance tested in the real world against virus particles.
From there, you can start your journey to figure out what will protect your health and the health of your family in your indoor space.
Other Considerations
Are you looking for a good model that will handle viral counts?
One issue is whether or not to get a model with an ionizer that changes some contaminants at a molecular level. Some people love them, and others don’t. You’ll see shoppers warning others to steer clear.
In looking at forum feedback, we also saw people pointing out practical considerations such as noting that airflow is just as important as filter efficiency. It’s true that in any test of an air purifier, you have to consider airflow at a granular level: placement, the layout of the space, etc. That leads into using benchmarks like Cubic Feet per Minute , or CFM.
Some people also swear by portable air purifiers, point-of-contact filters like the Respiray, for protecting yourself on the go. Check out the specs of these models, and think about whether it’s practical to wear one when you’re out and about.
In terms of standards, you might find shoppers asking, for example, what type of HEPA is in a particular model, or whether the air purifier has CARB and cETL certifications, or has passed UL867 ozone standard testing and regulation of ozone emission products.
We hope that these answers have been helpful in assisting you with shopping for what you want for your home. The Lulay Team at USAirPurifiers is a family and veteran owned U.S. business, and we are truly here to help with your best interest in mind. Our team will help you to cleanse your indoor air, and get a better result with modern technology that fights air pollution where it lives – and where you live, too! Make an investment in your health and the health of your family, to breathe easier all day and all night.