What Kind of HEPA Filter is ‘Medical Grade’?

What Kind of HEPA Filter is ‘Medical Grade’?

There are many different classes of HEPA filters. For example a H12 filter captures 99.5% of particles, and a H13 filter captures 99.95% of particles. What class of HEPA filter is medical grade? Many air purifier companies use the wording “H13 medical grade filters.”

But H13 filters only capture 99.95% of 0.3 micron particles, not the 99.99% the FDA recommends. So it’s possible these companies may be falsely advertising their filters as medical grade.

This is complicated. With companies calling their filters medical-grade but nothing to prove it, how can consumers looking to buy an air purifier find a reliable solution?

Not all Medical Grade Filters HAVE to reach 99.99%

Note how the FDA uses the word “recommends”, when they mention the 99.99% standard. The FDA doesn’t require that purifiers meet this filtration rate. What’s more, they’re pretty up front that their recommendations aren’t legally required.

A filter that captures just 50% of particles could potentially be certified medical-grade. It’s up to the FDA to decide.

Bottom Line: What Are Medical Grade Air Purifiers

There’s no single standard for ‘medical grade’ purifiers. Don’t be fooled by the marketing hype. Most companies don’t sell to hospitals, but use this name to make their purifier sound fancy.

If you’re looking for an air purifier, it’s best to select one that offers the best filtration rate, CADR, and price to filter your air – forget the words “medical grade.”