How to Choose the Most Suitable Household Air Filter for Reducing Allergens
The core of choosing the most suitable household air filter for reducing allergens lies in giving priority to the filtration grade, matching the type of pollutants, and taking into account the usage scenario. Only by combining these three aspects can the allergy problem be accurately solved.
1. Prioritize Key Indicators: Filtration Grade and Efficiency
The filtration grade directly determines the ability to intercept allergens, and the following two types of standards need to be focused on.
- Recognize the HEPA certification: Select filters that meet the HEPA H11 and above grades. The H11 grade can filter more than 95% of particles with a size of 0.3μm, and the H13 grade can filter more than 99.97%, which is sufficient to capture common allergens such as pollen (10-100μm), dust mite excrement (1-5μm), and pet dander (5-100μm).
- Beware of "pseudo-HEPA": Some products are labeled as "HEPA-like", and their filtration efficiency may be lower than the standard. It is necessary to check the third-party test report (such as SGS, CNAS certification) to confirm whether the filtration efficiency for 0.3μm particles meets the standard.
2. Match the Type of Allergens: Select Filter Functions Targetedly
Different allergens require filters with corresponding functions, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Particulate allergens (pollen, dust mites, dander): Basic HEPA filters can meet the needs. If you want to increase the dust-holding capacity (reduce the replacement frequency), you can choose filters with an "antistatic coating" or a "pleated and encrypted design". The former can adsorb more tiny particles, and the latter increases the filtration area.
- Gaseous allergens (mold spores, formaldehyde, odors): A composite filter with an activated carbon layer is required. Ordinary activated carbon can adsorb mold odors. If there are residues or pet odors at home, choose a "columnar activated carbon" or "impregnated carbon" filter, which can more efficiently adsorb gaseous pollutants such as formaldehyde and TVOC, indirectly reducing mold growth (mold is prone to grow in a humid environment, and mold spores are also common allergens).
3. Combine the Usage Scenario: Adapt to Equipment and Environment
The filter needs to be matched with the household air purification equipment and the size of the space to achieve the best results.
- Equipment compatibility: Confirm that the size and interface of the filter are completely consistent with the model of your own air purifier. For example, the filters of brands such as Xiaomi, 352, and Blueair are mostly special-purpose models. Mixing them may lead to poor sealing and allergens leaking from the gaps.
- Space and air volume matching: Select a filter with a corresponding CADR value (clean air delivery rate) according to the room area. For example, for a 10-20㎡ bedroom, choose a filter with a CADR value of 100-200m³/h; for a 30-50㎡ living room, a filter with a CADR value of more than 300m³/h is required to ensure that the air can be circulated 3-5 times per hour, quickly reducing the allergen concentration.
- Special environmental requirements: In humid areas (such as the plum rain season in the south), it is recommended to choose a filter with an "antibacterial coating" to prevent the filter itself from breeding mold; families with pets can choose a pre-filter with a "pet hair anti-winding" design to reduce pet hair from blocking the HEPA layer and prolong the life of the main filter.
