Hepa filters are very common in vacuum cleaners and some air purifying systems. HEPA is actually an acronym, which stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters. In essence, what this means is that the air filter is specially designed to weed out particulate matter--or small, airborne particles of various substances--from the air we breathe. When it comes to filters for particulate matter, few are more effective than the Hepa filter.

Why is removal of particulate matter important? For one thing, keeping our respiratory systems free of foreign matter is key to our well being. People with allergies know the importance of this first-hand. When we take in too many particulates, our bodies react. These reactions can include any of all of the following: stuffy noses, swollen and red eyes, sneezing, coughing, sore throats, fatigue, headaches, even body aches.

Hepa Filters to the Rescue!

People with bad allergies, when exposed to too many airborne contaminants, can feel as ill as if they have the flu. That's why Hepa filters were eventually designed after years of research and development in the field of air filter technology. The reason they're so popular with vacuum cleaners is that vacuum cleaners, by their very nature, stir up a lot of dirt and tiny particles.

A short list of these tiny particles, which become airborne particulates unless trapped by a filter, are dust, mold, microscopic insect parts, animal dander, pollen, ashes, and even hair and dead skin. If I've grossed you out, then I've done my job in getting you to think about the amazing work that Hepa filters do. They keep these unhealthy (and unappetizing) substances out of the air...and thus out of your lungs.