What Is A HEPA Canister Vacuum Cleaner?

The vast majority of canister vacuum cleaners sold today come with a HEPA filter, but what exactly does this do? This is probably something that many people have wondered and is something we hope to clear up here. For starters, most people know that a HEPA filtration system is a good thing to have which is why most vacuums do come with it but it hasn't always been that way.

These types of filters are built of a mat of randomly arranged fiberglass fibers between 0.5 and 2.0 micrometers in diameter. The diameter, thickness, and face velocity are the main factors in determining how effective it is at trapping those microscopic organisms that would otherwise pass right through and back into your home. To be considered a true HEPA filter it must be rated to remove at least 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size. These are very difficult for traditional filtration systems to capture, and are also the ones that can cause problems with those who have allergies or asthma. HEPA filters target these small particles specifically and will trap them via these three mechanisms:

Interception
The process where the dust and dirt particles following a line of air flow pass near a fiber and stick to it.

Impaction
Where larger particles cannot avoid the fibers as they flow along the air stream and become embedded directly into them. The amount is affected by the air flow velocity and amount of fiber separation.

Diffusion
This is the result of the smallest particles colliding with gas molecules in the air to slow their path through the filter. The increases the probability that the particle will be captured by one of the two processes listed above.

The Best HEPA Canister Vacuums

Now that you know a little bit about how these filters work, you likely want to buy a canister vacuum that is equipped with it. While most of the reviews we have on this site are for models that are equipped with HEPA there are some standouts in terms of filtration, suction, and overall performance.

Miele Sets The Bar High

Miele canister vacuums are among the highest rated cleaners you can find today. Their filtration is among the best in the industry at removing allergens like pet dander, mold spores, and dust mites. The combination of their Air Clean™ filters as well as their HEPA filter means the air in your home is much cleaner than before you started vacuuming. Their dustbag also automatically closes upon removal so you do not get any escape of dirt like you will when you use bagless models.

Dyson's Suction Is Second To None

Dyson canisters have tremendous suction due to their unique design. Their Root Cyclone™ technology keeps the air flowing through without any chance of clogging which greatly increases their efficiency at capturing the smallest of particles. One of the biggest problems vacuums face today is a loss of suction due to dust settling inside the pathways. Anyone who has used a Dyson knows just how much power they really retain.

SEBO Air Belt Really Works

SEBO canister vacuum cleaners are not designed like your typical model at all. They have an Air Belt design where the belt not only provides a soft bumper for protecting your walls against damage but also to rotate air around the vacuum during use. Their microfilters combined with a fully sealed design and HEPA filtration system keep suction at a maximum while capturing virtually all of the microscopic particles from the air. They are highly recommended for those with allergies or asthma.

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