^

6 Best Medical Grade Air Purifier (Certified H13 HEPA) in 2023

Time to call out the big gun. A medical grade air purifier with an H13 HEPA filter is the go-to model as it can remove even the tiniest particulates in the air. Ideal for a person with severe allergies or respiratory conditions like asthma, how exactly does a HEPA H13 filter work? What are the differences between each filter grade variant? Which model is the most efficient in providing clean air? Find out all the health benefits, pros/ cons, and recommendations in this best H13 air purifier review below.
Certified

Who is this for?

It doesn't matter if a person has severe allergies or is in a weakened immune system group, like babies, children, and the elderly. Everyone would benefit from a medical-grade air purifier. With clean indoor air, it will alleviate respiratory diseases, improve breathing, and prevent asthma attacks.

2023 Best Medical Grade H13 Air Purifiers

BEST BUDGETBEST OVERALLBEST PERFORM-ANCEPERFORMANCE
Levoit Core 300 True HEPA Air Purifier ReviewAlen BreatheSmart 45i Air Purifier ReviewMedify Air MA-40 Air Purifier Review
LEVOIT Core 300 Air PurifierAlen BreatheSmart 45i Air PurifierMedify Air MA-40 Air Purifier
Recommended Room Size
219 sq. ft. (20 m2)800 sq. ft. (74 m2)840 sq. ft. (78 m2)
CADR
Dust 140 cfm (238 m3/h)
Pollen 145 cfm (246 m3/h)
Smoke 141 cfm (240 m3/h)
Dust 245 cfm (416 m3/h)
Pollen 245 cfm (416 m3/h)
Smoke 245 cfm (416 m3/h)
Dust 223 cfm (380 m3/h)
Pollen 223 cfm (380 m3/h)
Smoke 223 cfm (380 m3/h)
Filtration
3-stage3-stage4-stage
Ratings
4.3out of 54.2out of 54.5out of 5
Amazon Price
$$$$$$$$$$$
CHECK
LATEST PRICE
CHECK
LATEST PRICE
CHECK
LATEST PRICE
** MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)/ RSP (Retail selling price) is accurate at the time of posting.
^ Annual filter cost is calculated based on filter price and 12 hours of usage. Pricing could vary depending on air quality, usage frequency, and speed.
` The indicated online price guides as follows: $ = under $50, $$ = $50-100, $$$ = $101-200, $$$$ = 201-300, $$$$$ = $301-400, $$$$$$ = 401-500, $$$$$$$ = over $500.

How Do We Measure?

An H13 HEPA filter is not the only thing to consider in a medical-grade air purifier. As air cleaner comes in many shapes and forms, it makes sense that some models will be more efficient than others. To help you choose the best out of the best, here are the things you will need to go through before investing in one.

  • H13 HEPA filter - A certified performance that captures ultrafine particles in the air. A must-have in mechanical filtration setup. Never settle with a HEPA-type filter or less.
  • Other filtration - Anything from a deodorizer carbon filter, pre-filter, UV-light, and ionizer would be a welcome addition. The more in-depth the filtration, the more airborne particles will be captured.
  • Room size - Go with a model that delivers a higher or equal purifying range to your room size. Refer to the manufacturer's recommended room size as a guideline or calculate the airflow capacity based on the CADR.
  • Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) - A measurement by AHAM on the volume of clean air removed by an air cleaner. The higher the CADR output, the more clean air will be released per hour.
  • Features - Cherry-pick the features you need and choose a model that offers that. Common but useful features include auto/ sleep mode, timer, nightlight, child lock, remote control, and Wi-Fi support.
  • Noise level - Between 20 to 49 decibels is the sweet spot for everyday use. Anything higher would be categorized as white noise that may or may not work for you.
  • Pricing and maintenance - Don't bite off more than you can chew. Besides considering the selling price, there will be recurring costs for the non-washable H13 HEPA filter. So set a budget you're comfortable with, as you will be paying for it for years to come.

An award-winning, budget medical-grade air purifier for under 100 dollars. LEVOIT Core 300 H13 HEPA air purifier is the top seller in its lineup. Designed in South California that emphasizes a modern approach, the cylinder body is very compact at 8.7 x 14.2 x 8.7 inches. Adding the 8.8 pounds weight, you will have no issue finding a spot to place it or moving it around for room-to-room purifying. Build quality is exceptional with abrasion-resistant materials and a high-precision bearing AC capacitor motor. It will withstand daily operations with no hiccups at all.

Comes in black or white; LEVOIT Core 300 H13 air purifier's low price tag is the perfect gift for anyone that needs clean air. It is very easy to use with clearly defined controls. You have the standard 3 speed plus a 2, 4, 6, 8 hours preset timer. A filter life indicator is also present that alerts you to replace the filter when necessary. Last but not least, the child lock feature prevents children from altering the setting. For 24 hours of operation, the 45-watt max power consumption will not burden much on your utility bill. After all, Levoit Core 300 is an Energy Star Certified model.

LEVOIT Core 300 uses a 100% mechanical, ozone-free medical-grade filtration. When air is drawn inside, the pre-filter will block large particles like dust, hair, dirt, and lint from passing through. The shielded H13 True HEPA filter will capture 99.97% of ultrafine particles like mold, pollen, fungi, germs, and bacteria. For smoke and odor, the granular activated carbon filter is there to neutralize it. There is also the option to upgrade to the following filter: Pet Allergy Filter that is effective against pet allergens, diapers, Toxin Absorber Filter that deals with air pollution like wildfire, vehicle exhaust, VOCs, or MB Filter that trap and impede microorganism growth.

Levoit Core 300 HEPA H13 review

LEVOIT Core 300 unique VortexAir technology output a mid-range 219 square footage at 5 air changes per hour. Ideal for room spaces like bedroom, office room, nursery home, walk-in wardrobe, kitchen, and basement. With the swift 12 minutes cyclonic airflow system output, CADR is rated at 140 cfm for dust, 145 cfm for pollen, and 141 cfm for smoke. Noise output is very subtle and suitable for night use. The QuietKEAP technology comes with an internal shock pad that absorbs excess noise. By selecting Sleep mode, the noise level is locked at 24 dB with indicator lights turned off.

Fundamentally, LEVOIT Core 300 H13 is a small air purifier with limitations bound to it. First off, the lack of a sensor means no built-in air quality indicator and auto mode. The filter's surface area is relatively small, so the filtration performance is limited. The short 6 to 8 months filter's life also contributes to the woes and has to be replaced on time. That said, the quickest solution to all that is to get a bigger unit with a better output when there's room to spare.

In short: A versatile, low-price H13 air purifier with decent filtration. Great starter air purifier for most households.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

Star Ratings
4.3

OUT OF 5

LEVOIT Core 300 online price **
±99.99 $$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±20-40)

CHECK LATEST AMAZON PRICE

A stark contrast to the compact medical-grade air cleaning machine out there. Alen BreatheSmart 45i has a conventional console size of 17.8 x 26.8 x 10 inches. It is big but still usable for most home sizes, even with limited spaces. The 21 pounds weight is on the heavier side, but you could still move it around by grabbing onto the back handle. True to the BreatheSmart setup, the air inlet is located at the sides with an air outlet at the top. Overall, the build quality is excellent, as you would expect from a brand that offers a lifetime warranty.

Alen BreatheSmart 45i air purifier is highly customizable. The front panel can be swapped with various colors and designs to suit your home decor. At the top, the air quality indicator illuminates blue when air is clean, yellow when moderate, and red light when air quality is bad. Control-wise, you can choose how to run the machine based on your lifestyle. Either manually select the 4 fan speeds or leave it in auto mode and let the air purifier decide the speed based on surrounding air quality. You can also activates or deactivates the ionizer, child lock, and set up a shut-down timer to limit the runtime. Lastly, an advanced Smart Filter accurately calculates the filter life based on usage volume, so you will only have to replace it when it is dirty. Energy usage is on the high side, between 64 to 105 watts hourly. You can bring it down slightly by running it exclusively in auto/ sleep mode.

Alen BreatheSmart air purifiers are always known for their strong medical-grade filtration. The all-in-one filter comes with a washable pre-filter that traps large particles and protects the HEPA filter from getting clogged. The H13 HEPA pure filter will freely remove 99.97% of airborne particulates as small as 0.1 micrometers. You can choose to upgrade it with a HEPA-Silver filter to deal with musty mold and mildew infestation. Otherwise, upgrade to the HEPA-FreshPlus or HEPA-OdorCell filter for better odor and chemical fume removal. The last stage ionizer generates negative ions that bond with positive ions pollutants in the air. The bonded ions will fall from the increased weight allowing the air purifier to pull in for the filter to capture.

Alen BreatheSmart 45i HEPA h13 review

Pairs well with Alen's SmartSensor technology, Alen BreatheSmart 45i is suitable for a room size up to 800 square feet with a max airflow of 190 cfm. CADR is around 245 cfm for dust, pollen, and smoke, matching the airflow delivery rate. You can use it virtually anywhere in the home, from the living room, bedroom, playroom, study room, basement, and tandem garage. The 42-56 dB noise output with WhisperMax technology is tuned to play pink-noise frequency that can help improve sleep. However, it is not for those that don't enjoy having consistent background noise while they work or sleep.

The price tag is the biggest setback of the Alen BreatheSmart 45i air purifier. Not only the selling price is 3 to 5 times higher than some H13 HEPA air purifiers here, you will also need to bear the high filter recurring fees. Add-ons like filter upgrades and customized panels could drive up the cost but not substantially. If you can afford to own one, the optional cost is not a big deal.

In short: A premium air purifier equipped with a top-grade H13 HEPA filter. For complete filtration, opt for any one of the filter upgrades.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

Star Ratings
4.2

OUT OF 5

Alen BreatheSmart 45i online price **
±468.00 $$$$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±39-118)

CHECK LATEST AMAZON PRICE

A higher range model for those living in a highly polluted environment. Medify MA-40 air purifier is always known for its medical-grade HEPA filter. The flat, boxy design comes in at 9.9 inches in width and 22 inches in height. It is not the biggest framework, yet it fits in large filters without affecting the usability. The air inlet will draw air from the ground, making it suitable for floor placement. Moveability is also good due to the lightweight 15.6 pounds. You can easily carry it around for room-to-room purification. On the whole, Medify MA-40 is well-built with no signs of poor workmanship or off-gassing. It is officially ETL-certified, CARB compliant, and protected with a long lifetime warranty exclusively from the manufacturer.

Adding to the premium touch, the top tempered glass control panel host all the key functions. You can make quick 3 speeds adjustments, enable/ disable the ionizer, and dim the indicator light to reduce glaring during nighttime. The filter replacement indicator will alert you to replace the filter after 2,500 hours. You can also set the 1-8 hours timers to conserve energy. Speaking of energy, Energy Star Certified Medify MA-40 consumes 54 watts per hour. Considerably energy efficient given its strong output without autonomous mode's help.

Constantly fall sick from airborne germs and viral viruses? Medify MA-40 air purifier 4-stage medical-grade filtration can help curb the spread. The dual pre-filter traps dust, hair, and other larger contaminants while protecting the HEPA filter from being clogged. Next, the dual H13 HEPA filter traps 99.9% of ultrafine particles as small as 0.1 microns, like mold, mildew, pollen, germ, bacteria, and virus. The activated carbon filter with carbon pellets absorbs chemical fumes and odors e.g. tobacco smoke, VOCs, asbestos, radon, and formaldehyde. The ionizer discharges millions of negative ions that latch to positive ions airborne pollutants. This causes the pollutants to drop for the HEPA filter to capture.

Medify Air MA-40 HEPA H13 Review

Best used in the living room, garage, basement, nursery room, bedroom, or even an entire home as long as you keep the door wide open. The higher variant Medify MA-40 comes naturally with a stronger airflow circulation. It will reach up to 840 square footage at 2 air changes per hour (30 minutes). You can double the airflow output by increasing the air changes per hour to 4 or every 15 minutes at the cost of smaller 420 square footage. Ideal for an asthmatic or hypersensitive person that needs constant clean air. The clean air delivery rate is 150 cubic feet per minute for dust, pollen, and smoke. Not bad, considering the dense H13 HEPA filter would have reduced the airflow distribution. The noise level is on the higher side averaging 46 to 66 decibels. Usable as long as you keep it at a lower speed or place it further while you work/ sleep.

There are 2 things that the air purifier falls short of. First, the short 6 months filter lifespan can be annoying as you will have to replace it more often than you normally would. The double filter replacement cost also increased due to the larger set. If you are not into paying 60-120 dollars annually, the smaller variant could be better suited to you.

In short: One of the best medical-grade HEPA air purifiers that perfectly balance cost and performance. Go with this if you can afford the recurring filter cost.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

Star Ratings
4.5

OUT OF 5

Medify Air MA-40 online price **
±349.00 $$$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±60-120)

CHECK LATEST AMAZON PRICE

A more affordable medical-grade air purifier with little compromise. Medify MA-15 H13 air purifier stands at a small 9.7 inches in diameter and 15.5 inches in height. Highly suitable for desk use, cabinet, or bedside with its compact body and short height. The light 6.6 pounds makes it the perfect room-to-room air purifying machine. There is a bottom air inlet for ground pollutants removal and a top air outlet for clean air distribution. Available in white, silver, and black, you cannot go wrong with any of the Medify MA-15 air purifier color options.

Moving to the controls, the 3 adjustable speeds can be toggled according to your needs. There is also a useful timer that can be set to shut down the air cleaner when you're leaving for work. Other supporting features include a child lock function that locks the control from unintended alteration and a filter change indicator reminder. Overall, build quality is up there with the higher variant that produces no harmful byproducts or off-gassing. The underrated lifetime warranty will cover any manufacturing defects throughout the course of ownership.

No dirty air is able to bypass Medify MA-15 4-stage medical-grade filtration. The outer pre-filter captures large particles like dust, hair, and lint from passing through. The protected H13 HEPA filter can now focus on removing 99.9% of microscopic particles as small as 0.1 microns, including bacteria and viruses. The carbon filter with carbon pellets, in return, removes cooking odors, cigarette smoke, VOCs, and smelly pet from stinking up your home. Finish it off is an anion generator that emits negative ions to pull airborne particles down for the H13 filter to capture.

Medify Air MA-15 HEPA H13 review

The compact Medify MA-15 air purifier comes with a tuned down 330 square footage coverage at 2 air changes per hour. For an allergenic person that needs 4 air changes per hour or clean air every 15 minutes, the coverage is further dropped to 165 square footage. CADR is limited to 150 cfm output for dust, pollen, and smoke. Suitable for bedroom, dorm, office desk, hallway, or any small room size. On the better end, Medify MA-15 runs silently between 35 to 51 dBA noise output. You can leave it beside the bedside while you sleep soundly at night. Power consumption is averaging at only 18 wattages per hour. Ideal for 24 hours operation with little impact on your electricity bill.

While Medify lacks a sensor, air quality indicator, and auto mode built-in, The high filter cost should be your biggest concern. The short filter life has to be replaced every 3-4 months or 2,500 hours. Adding the long operational hours and a less than ideal home air quality, the annual cost could go as high as 140 dollars. If you need a more price-friendly approach, there are other more cost-effective HEPA air purifiers out there.

In short: A more affordable alternative that still uses the same medical grade H13 HEPA filter. You do have to bear the high filter replacement cost like its predecessor.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

3.9

OUT OF 5

Medify Air MA-15 online price **
±119.00 $$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±70-140)

CHECK LATEST AMAZON PRICE

Do not be fooled by Okaysou AirMax8L's low price tag. It is indeed a 5-stage medical-grade air purifier. The air cleaner manages to house an entire filtration through its 2.9 x 19.4 x 7.1 inches console-setup body. Another strong suit is the clean, white exterior supporting a full air inlet and outlet where more air can be drawn in at once. While it is not light at 13.7 pounds, you will have no issue using it in multiple locations with the grippy handle. Overall, the build quality is good despite the lack of premium touches. The 5-year warranty with US-based customer support is a rare perk at this price point.

Okaysou AirMax8L air purifier is easy to use that comes with a whole set of features. You have the standard 3 fan speeds that cycle between efficiency and performance. A 4 preset timer is also present that needs no explanation. The same goes with the Child lock function, which is very useful for those with little ones at home. An intelligent filter replacement indicator will alert you to replace the filter after an interval of time. Finally, a manually selected Sleep mode is available that disables all indicator lights and locks the speed at the lowest. Auto mode is the only thing missing here, but that shouldn't come as a surprise, given its price tag.

Okaysou AirMax8L H13 air purifier is proven effective at removing allergens and odors. The fine preliminary filter traps PM10 particulates, mainly dust, so it will not damage the HEPA filter. The top-tier H13 HEPA filter capture 99.97% of microscopic particles as small as 0.25 microns, including pet dander, mold spore, and airborne germs. On top of that is an antibacterial filter that inhibits trapped microorganisms from growing and escaping. For smoke particles and toxic fumes, you have the carbon filter and cold catalyst filter standing by. The combination filter will remove household odors from cooking, cigarettes, pets, diapers, chemicals from paint, fireplace, and outdoor pollution. No UV-light or ionizer insight as it runs purely on mechanical filtration.

Okaysou AirMax8L HEPA H13 Air Purifier Review

Nothing but praises for Okaysou AirMax8L airflow delivery rate and purifying coverage. Its recommended room size is a wide 800 square footage at 1.5 air changes per hour. Drop it to 500 square footage with 3 air changes per hour or a lower 320 square footage with 5 air changes per hour. Use the latter when you constantly fall sick or suffer from nasal congestion. CADR is also equally impressive at 210 cubic feet per minute, surpassing our 200 cfm benchmark. Suitable for all room sizes with less than ideal room air quality.

The perfect all-nighter air purifier. Okaysou Silenceboost technology combines well with a 45 vanes turbine Motor. On everyday use, the noise level is only at a whispering 22 dBA to a max of 51 dBA speed. Just switch it to sleep mode before you hit the sack, and the air purifier will run anonymously in the background. Energy consumption is at an average of 50 watts with AC 110V/ 60Hz output. Decent but not the most efficient unit around.

As mentioned earlier, the lack of auto mode and air quality indicator is something we would accustom to in this segment. The short 6-8 months lifespan is also expected, given the filters' small surface area. Okaysou is also not a household brand that would cross people's minds when they think of an air purifier. Other than a few minor complaints, it is hard to find faults in this well-made H13 air purifier.

In short: An inexpensive medical grade H13 air purifier with strong performance and Ultra-Duo filters. Recommended for those new to the air purifier scene.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

5

OUT OF 5

Okaysou AirMax8L online price **
±118.99 $$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±38-78)

CHECK LATEST AMAZON PRICE

When money is no issue, the Swiss made IQAir HealthPro Plus is your go-to air purifier. The iconic white exterior stands tall at 28 inches in height, 15 inches in width, and a thick 16 inches in depth. Adding the heavy 35.3 pounds weight, IQAir will take a big presence in your home, where it can be obstructed in tight spaces. Thankfully 4 durable casters roll well on flat surfaces. Build quality is excellent via its ABS plastic housing with 3D UltraSeal triple-seal technology. No pollutants or toxic byproducts will be able to escape from the air purifier.

IQAir HealthPro Plus 6 fan speeds that work superbly in letting you decide the right ratio on performance VS noise. The digital display will indicate the current speed and other useful information. The built-in Intelligent Filter Life accurately measures the filter usage life based on a real-life scenario. That way, you will only have to replace the filter when it is completely unusable. You can also rely on the programmable timer to set what day, speed, and time you need the air purifier to work on. This helps keeps the power usage low at 27 watts per hour rather than running it at a constant 215 watts.

A 100% ozone-free mechanical filtration certified by the International Association of Air Cleaner Manufacturers (IAACM). The PreMax Filter F8 traps small to large particulates to prevent them from clogging other filters. The V5-Cell Granular activated Carbon filter with Pelletized chemisorption removes chemical fumes e.g. VOCs, formaldehyde, asbestos, and radon. It even removes excess colorless ozone in the air. The HyperHEPA filter captures allergens as small as 0.003 microns, 100 times smaller than a True HEPA filter capacity. Filter usage life is rated at 2 years for V5-Cel Filter and a double 4 years for HyperHEPA Filter. You will only have to the filters every 2 years or so.

 IQAir HealthPro Plus HEPA H13 Review

Another strong suit of IQAir HealthPro Plus is the strong airflow delivery rate. It outputs a strong 300 cfm airflow that can clean the air up to 1098 square footage. Needless to say, it is sufficient to cover the entire home or apartment, let alone a room. For such a powerful air purifier, the noise level is subtle at only 23 dB minimum to a reasonable 59 dB max speed. Made possible by the curved fan-in-center centrifugal, motor vibration noise reduction rubber suspension pad, double-walled housing, and sound deflector EvenFlow Diffuser. IQAir HealthPro Plus will run quietly as long as you keep the fan speed between 1 to 2.

A superior air purifier at all angles, the hefty price of 899 dollars is not meant for everyone. Most people will spread out the funds with multiple units instead. The high filter cost is also another obstacle in the long run. The lack of auto mode is disappointing but not the end of the world. However, the bulky size will limit its usability, particularly in a small home. Simply put, if you have the money, this is the best medical-grade air purifier the world has to offer.

In short: The best residential, medical standard air purifier that traps tiny allergens down to 0.003 microns in size. Ignore the expensive price tag, and you will be fine.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

4.8

OUT OF 5

IQAir HealthPro Plus online price **
±899.00 $$$$$$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±152)

CHECK LATEST AMAZON PRICE

Max Fernandez

A loving father and a dedicated reviewer for airfuji.com with more than 1000 air purifiers under his belt. Max Fernandez is also one of the million patients currently suffering from asthma. Feel free to nudge him if you have any questions.

 

What Is A Medical Grade HEPA H13 Filter

What Is A Medical Grade HEPA Filter?

A medical-grade or H13 is the highest-tier, best commercially available H13-H14 HEPA filter that can remove at least 99.95% of particles in the air as small as 0.1 micrometers (μm), including mold, pollen, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses. All H13 HEPA filters must comply with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) standard. Medical-grade HEPA filters are widely used in airplane cabins, semiconductors, manufacturing, pharmaceutical plants, hospitals, and healthcare facilities. All of the medical-grade air purifiers listed here have identical H13 HEPA filter efficiency.

HEPA is an acronym for High Efficiency Particulate Air or High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance. It is a pleated mechanical air filter made of dense fiberglass, non-woven fabric material, or polypropylene with a pressure drop at around 300 pascals (0.044 psi) nominal volumetric flow rate. HEPA was first made during World War II by the U.S. government to filter radioactive particles. Allergists and CDC recommends using high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems for air cleaning, particularly in higher-risk environments such as a hospital or public area. Scientific studies have shown that HEPA air filtration can reduce allergens in the air and provide you with much-needed relief from sinus, cough, red eyes, and skin irritation.

While a medical-grade air purifier's effectiveness is pretty much unrivaled, below are other types of air purifiers that can be found in a home.

  • Filtered air purifier - The most common air purifier uses a true HEPA filter instead of an H13 filter. Accompany either by a pre-filter, carbon pre-filter, or activated carbon filter.
  • Ionizer - Generate millions of ions to pull down pollutants to the surface area. You will need to vacuum the fallen contaminants adhered to a surface area like the wall, bed, sofa, and floor.
  • Electrostatic precipitator - Like an ionizer but comes with an add-on collector plate to trap the dropped pollutants rather than letting them scatter all over the place.
  • UVGI - A filter-free technology that radiates UV-C light to alter the microorganisms' DNA/ RNA. The allergens will become dormant and incapable of triggering allergies.
  • Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) - Photocatalytic technology combines UV light with titanium dioxide for comprehensive sterilization.
  • Ozone generator - Technically not an air cleaner as it does not clean the air. Instead, it emits hazardous ozone that is bad for our health and will react with other chemicals. Not recommended by EPA, CARB, and FDA.

Is H13 Better Than True HEPA?

Yes, HEPA H13 is medical grade and better than a True HEPA filter due to its greater particulates retention rate (up to 3 times). HEPA H13 filter can trap 99% of ultrafine particles as small as 0.1 microns VS true HEPA filter that "only" capture 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. Medical-grade HEPA H13 is between H13 to H14, while the classic true HEPA filters are between H10, H11, or H12.

A True HEPA is better than a HEPA type filter. A true HEPA filter conforms to the DOE standard that captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. HEPA type filter does not meet the DOE's standards with a lower grade 99% particle removal efficiency down to 2 microns. It is not certified and, therefore, not considered a True HEPA.

HEPA H13 Or H14 Better?

Is HEPA 13 Or 14 Better?

HEPA H14 is superior to H13 but at a tiny margin. HEPA H13 removes 99.95% of airborne particles, while HEPA H14 removes up to 99.995% at 0.2 microns.

Are There Different Levels Of HEPA Filtration?

Yes, there are different grades of HEPA filters ranging from H10 to H14. The higher the grade, the higher the filtration efficiency. According to the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (IEST), there are 6 types - A, B, C, D, E & F.

What Type Of Air Purifiers Do Hospitals Use?

An air purifier with HEPA filtration is used in hospitals and health care facilities. It is effective in removing airborne biological contaminants like germs, bacteria, and viruses that can worsen a patient's health condition. A HEPA air purifier is also safe for all as it does not produce chemicals or harmful byproducts during filtration.

Do Medical-grade Air Purifiers Work For Covid?

Yes, a medical-grade air purifier equipped with an H13 HEPA filter (MERV ≥13) removes airborne allergens and viruses, reducing the risk of Covid-19 exposure. However, an air purifier is not enough to protect people from COVID-19 infection. Safety precautions such as social distancing and wearing a mask are still recommended.

Does H13 HEPA Filter Mold?

Yes, an H13 HEPA filter will be able to effectively remove mold spores that are usually between 3 to 30 micrometers. Combined with a pre-filter and the activated carbon filter, it can remove other airborne allergens, smoke, and odors in a home.

Are Medical-grade Air Purifiers Safe?

A medical-grade air purifier is 100% safe for home use as it relies mainly on mechanical filtration. Most models are AHAM and CARB certified that will not produce harmful byproducts like ozone during air cleaning.

How Often Do HEPA H13 Filters Need To Be Changed

Is It OK To Leave Medical Grade Air Purifier On All Night?

It is OK to leave a HEPA H13 air purifier on all night during sleep as it uses only mainly mechanical filtration. There are no harmful byproducts e.g. ozone, to worry about. Air purifiers are supposed to run 24x7 to maintain indoor air quality and stop airborne pollutants from returning. Just check on the HEPA filter from time to time and replace them when necessary.

How Often Do HEPA H13 Filters Need To Be Changed?

Most HEPA filter requires changing every 6 to 12 months, depending on the filter grade, indoor air quality, and environmental factors. The poorer the air quality, the higher the filter frequency change. Always follow the manufacturer's suggested HEPA replacement timeframe for optimal filtration performance.

How Much Energy Does An H13 Air Purifier Use?

A medical-grade air purifier uses 10-30 watts of electricity, similar to a non-H13 air purifier. The higher the airflow output, the higher the energy usage. For the monthly electrical bill, anticipate a meager $2-4 increase based on $0.15 per kilowatt-hour.

How To Use An H13 Air Purifier Effectively?

Many people own medical-grade air purifiers, yet only a few know how to utilize them properly. If you are one of the proud owners of an H13 air purifier, here's how you can ensure your device runs at its peak.

  • Leave the air purifier on 24x7 - Doing so will prevent airborne pollutants from returning, and your indoor air remains as clean as you have left. That's how an air purifier should work.
  • Replace the filters - HEPA and carbon filters are disposable and typically need change for 6-12 months. Air purifier performance will be greatly affected if it is not replaced in time.
  • Leave 2-4 feet of space - A simple step that can make a big difference. It will prevent any airflow disruption where dirty particles will be drawn uninterruptedly to the air inlet. For the best result, place an air purifier next to a doorway.
  • Close all windows/ doors - A fundamental rule of using an air purifier. It stops clean air from escaping and outside air from leaking it.

How Long Do Medical-grade Air Purifiers Last?

Highly dependant on the brand. In general, a well-maintained H13 air purifier will have no issue lasting 5-10 years. The H13 True HEPA air filter will last 12 months before the need for change. For various reasons, most people tend to replace their air purifiers prior to the device breaking down.

The Pros And Cons of HEPA H13 Air Purifiers

There are many advantages of choosing a medical-grade air purifier over the other types. However, it is not for everyone. To give a more balanced perspective, here are the pros and cons of getting an air cleaner with a HEPA H13 filter.

Pros

  • Stop airborne allergens - HEPA H13 air purifiers are very effective in capturing bacteria, viruses, and other harmful irritants. You will be protected from airborne germs and less likely to suffer from illnesses.
  • Healthy indoor air - The good thing about a medical-grade air purifier is it can maintain indoor air quality at an excellent level. With cleaner air, everyone in the household will enjoy the best good health for years to come.
  • Best performance - Some of the best air purifiers uses HEPA H13 filters exclusively. It is the best type of filtration for air cleaning.
  • Zero ozone emission - A medical-grade air purifier does not emit ozone or other toxic byproducts. It is safe even for newborn use.
  • Whisper quiet operation - Unlike a large air purifier, some medical-grade air cleaners run silently, even at high speed. You just have to pick the right model.
  • Energy-efficient - HEPA H13 air purifiers use less energy than your typical home appliances, between 30 to 80 watts. It is meant for all-day operation.

Cons

  • Expensive - Medical grade air purifiers can be very expensive, especially for a higher-end model. The more features the model has, the higher the premium price tag will be.
  • Recurring filter cost - HEPA 13 filters are more costly to replace than a standard HEPA filter. You will also need to account for the activated carbon filter replacement cost as well. The bigger the filter, the costlier to replace.

Compare Best Medical Grade H13 Air Purifiers

NoImageAir PurifierOnline Price (Amazon)ScoreFiltrationCoverageFan
Speed
DimensionWeightDust CADRPollen CADRSmoke CADRPre-filterHEPA filterCarbon filterIonizerUV lightOther filterAll-in-one filterNoise levelPower outputTimer/ SchedulerSensorsWarrantyAuto modeRemote controlChild lockENERGY STARWi-Fi/ BTBluetoothAQIFilter indicator
1Levoit Core 300 True HEPA Air Purifier ReviewLEVOIT Core 300 Air Purifier

$$

CHECK PRICE
4.33-stage219 sq. ft. (20 m2)3
8.7 x 14.2 x 8.7 in
(22.1 x 36.1 x 22.1 cm)
8.8 lb (4 kg)140 cfm (238 m3/h)145 cfm (246 m3/h)141 cfm (240 m3/h)
Pre-Filter
Washable
H13 True HEPA filter
6 - 8 months
High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter
6 - 8 months
-
-
LEVOIT Core 300-RF 3-in-1 Replacement Filter
6-8 months
+- 19.99
24–50 dB45 W2/ 4/ 6/ 8 hours2 years
2Alen BreatheSmart 45i Air Purifier ReviewAlen BreatheSmart 45i Air Purifier

$$$$$

CHECK PRICE
4.23-stage800 sq. ft. (74 m2)4
15 x 25 x 8.5 in
(38.1 x 63.5 x 21.6 cm)
15 lb (6.8 kg)245 cfm (416 m3/h)245 cfm (416 m3/h)245 cfm (416 m3/h)
Washable Pre-filter (with HEPA filter)
6 - 18 months
HEPA-Pure Filter FL40
6 - 18 months
+- 59
Ionizer
-
-
-
23-49 dBA50 W2, 4, 12 hoursIntelligent sensorLifetime Limited Warranty
3Medify Air MA-40 Air Purifier ReviewMedify Air MA-40 Air Purifier

$$$$

CHECK PRICE
4.54-stage840 sq. ft. (78 m2)3
9.9 x 22 x 10.9 in
(25.1 x 55.9 x 27.7 cm)
15.6 lb (7.1 kg)223 cfm (380 m3/h)223 cfm (380 m3/h)223 cfm (380 m3/h)
2x Pre-filter
6 months
2x H13 True HEPA filter
6 months
2x Activated Carbon composite filter
6 months
Ionizer
-
-
Medify MA-40 Replacement Filter (ME-40)
6 months
+- 59.99
46-66 dBA54 W1, 2, 4, 8 hoursLifetime
4Medify Air MA-15 Air Purifier ReviewMedify Air MA-15 Air Purifier

$$$

CHECK PRICE
3.94-stage330 sq. ft. (31 m2)3
9.7 x 15.5 x 9.7 in
(24.6 x 39.4 x 24.6 cm)
6.6 lb (3 kg)88 cfm (150 m3/h)88 cfm (150 m3/h)88 cfm (150 m3/h)
2x Pre-Filters
3 - 4 months
2x HEPA H13 filters
3 - 4 months
2x Activated Carbon Filters
3 - 4 months
Anion generator
-
-
MA-15 Replacement Filter Set
3 - 4 months
+- 39.99
35-51 dBA18 W0-8 hoursLifetime
5Okaysou AirMax8L H13 True HEPA Air Purifier ReviewOkaysou AirMax8L Air Purifier

$$$

CHECK PRICE
55-stage320 sq. ft. (30 m2)3
12.9 x 19.4 x 7.1 in
(32.8 x 49.3 x 18 cm)
13.7 lb (6.2 kg)210 cfm (357 m3/h)210 cfm (357 m3/h)210 cfm (357 m3/h)
Pre-filter
>6 months
H13 True HEPA filter
6 months
Active carbon filter
6 months
-
Antibacterial filter
6 months
Cold catalyst filter
6 months
"
Blue Ultra-Filter
6 months+- 19
Ultra-Duo Filter
6 months+- 19
22-51 dBA50 W5 years
6IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier ReviewIQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier

$$$$$$$

CHECK PRICE
4.84-stage1,098 sq. ft. (102 m2)6
15 x 28 x 16 in
(38.1 x 71.1 x 40.6 cm)
35.3 lb (16 kg)N/AN/AN/A
PreMax Filter F8 (S)
18 months
+- 79
HyperHEPA Filter H12/13 (L)
4 years
+- 199
V5-Cell Gas & Odor Filter MG
2 years
+- 100
-
-
-
25 - 59 dB27-135 WSchedule (Time x Day x Speed)3 years
Scroll compare air purifiers table