What is a HEPA filter? (And why it is crucial for allergy sufferers)

Clean air in the workplace is much more than just a ‘nice-to-have’. While we often think about ergonomic chairs or the right lighting, one crucial factor usually remains invisible: air quality. For allergy sufferers in particular, the quality of the vacuum cleaner filter determines whether they can breathe freely or struggle with irritated eyes and sneezing attacks.

In this article, we answer the question: HEPA filters – what exactly are they? And why is this special heavy-duty particulate filter a game changer for professional cleaning?

💡 HEPA filters: what exactly are they?

The abbreviation HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. In German, it is often simply referred to as a particulate filter. It is a standard for filters that are capable of removing even the smallest particles from the air that are not visible to the naked eye.

A genuine HEPA filter consists of a dense, irregular mesh of glass fibres. Unlike a simple sieve, it uses various physical effects (such as the barrier effect or diffusion) to trap particles.

The performance classes of HEPA filters 📈

Not every filter can be called HEPA. In Europe, they must comply with the EN 1822 standard. Classes H13 and H14 are particularly relevant for allergy sufferers, as they remove over 99.9% of particles from the air.

Why allergy sufferers benefit from HEPA filters in the office

Not all dust is the same. As we explain in more detail in our article How is dust created?, the dirt in the office consists of textile fibres, skin flakes, pollen and even mite faeces.

Without a high-quality HEPA filter, the following happens with conventional vacuum cleaners: the coarse dirt ends up in the bag, but the tiny, allergy-triggering particles are blown back into the room air unfiltered.

The advantages of a HEPA system:

• Pollen stop: Especially in spring, pollen enters the office through ventilation. A HEPA filter reliably traps it.
• Fine dust reduction: Toner dust from printers or abrasion from carpets is safely enclosed in the device.
• Better indoor climate: The exhaust air from the vacuum cleaner is often cleaner than the actual room air.

Professional technology in use: the Nexaro dirt container

A HEPA filter works best when the entire system is perfectly coordinated. In the Nexaro NR 1700, the filter is integrated directly into the generous 1.4-litre dirt container.

What makes the Nexaro filter special:

• H13 certification: It stops 99.95% of all airborne particles, ensuring noticeably cleaner exhaust air.
• Washable & durable: Unlike many disposable solutions, Nexaro HEPA filters are easy to clean. This protects the environment and ensures high suction power over the long term.
• Hygienic design: The container can be emptied in just a few simple steps without the user coming into direct contact with the filtered fine dust – a blessing for allergy sufferers.

HEPA filters are a must for modern working environments

A HEPA filter is not a marketing gimmick, but an essential technology for healthy living – and productivity in the office. Those who rely on modern solutions such as the Nexaro NR 1700 are investing directly in the well-being of their teams.

Would you like to learn more about how you can increase cleaning efficiency in your company? Take a look at our solutions for the public sector.