What type of Blueair filter do I need?

Choose a filter type based on the kinds of pollutants (particles and gases) that may be present in your particular environment. Blueair's standard HEPASilent™ filter provides efficient filtration for environments where particles are the primary concern and gases are secondary. For any environment in which removing gaseous pollutants (including tobacco smoke) is a priority, we recommend the optional SmokeStop filter.

All Blueair systems incorporate patented HEPASilent™ technology, the same system that earned Blueair 501 units the top two rankings in independent testing of Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), a measure of overall system performance. HEPASilent™ technology combines mechanical and electrostatic filtration methods to capture 99.97% of the tiniest 0.1 micron particles and gases.

Blueair systems remove more of the smallest particles, compared to the HEPA systems of other manufacturers. They remove more dust than competitive units. Our standard filters are suitable not only for average homes with family members in good overall health, but also for families who need an extra level of protection for the elderly, small children or those with respiratory or cardiovascular illness.

Blueair's optional SmokeStop filter adds more gas adsorption capability and is recommended for removal of tobacco smoke, and for environments like workshops or workplaces where chemical fumes and gases are present.

For people with chemical sensitivities, and those whose asthma or allergies are provoked by strong odors and fumes, the SmokeStop filter provides an even higher level of protection.

Blueair units are also helpful in fighting the effects of smoke from forest fires.

What are Blueair filters made of?

Standard HEPASilent™ filters incorporate non-toxic polypropylene filter media to trap particles and activated carbon filter media to remove gases. The optional SmokeStop filter adds more carbon for enhanced gas adsorption. The two filter options are otherwise identical in terms of particle filtering ability, filter life and size. Both polypropylene and carbon are recyclable. Polypropylene is a nontoxic fiber with ideal properties for use as a filter media.

Polypropylene is central to the electrostatic filtration component of the Blueair system. Polypropylene molecules readily orient to an electric field. That is, the molecules "feel" a charged particle enter the filter media and turn toward it. This creates a high attraction force, which acts in turn to draw the particle toward the polypropylene fiber where it can be captured.

When compared to standard filter media made of triclosan-coated paper or glass fibers, polypropylene is an ideal material. Because polypropylene is waterproof, Blueair systems need no chemical-based bacteriostats or mold inhibitors. Instead of absorbing the moisture in which bacteria thrive, polypropylene repels water and prevents bacteria, mold and mildew from reproducing inside the filter. Thus, your family can avoid the potential adverse health effects of chemical additives.

Activated carbon adsorbs odors, fumes and other gaseous pollutants implicated in a host of illnesses related to indoor air pollution. Both standard Blueair system filters and advanced SmokeStop filters use activated carbon media; the optional SmokeStop filter has a higher carbon weight that enables it to absorb significantly more gases and odors.